PROSPECTUS
FILED PURSUANT TO
RULE 424(B)(4)
REGISTRATION NO: 333-83390
[LOGO] The Colonial BancGroup, Inc.
4,000,000 Preferred Securities
Colonial Capital Trust III
8.32% Preferred Securities
(liquidation amount $25 per preferred security)
fully and unconditionally guaranteed by
The Colonial BancGroup, Inc.
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The Trust
Colonial Capital Trust III is a Delaware business trust. The trust will:
.. sell 8.32% Preferred Securities representing undivided beneficial interests
in the assets of the trust to the public;
.. sell common securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the
assets of the trust to Colonial BancGroup;
.. use the proceeds from these sales to buy an equal principal amount of junior
subordinated debentures due April 1, 2032 of Colonial BancGroup;
.. distribute the cash payments it receives on the junior subordinated
debentures it owns to the holders of the preferred and common securities; and
.. redeem the preferred securities on April 1, 2032 or earlier at the option of
the Colonial BancGroup as described in this prospectus, subject to any
required prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board.
Quarterly Distributions
.. For each preferred security that you own, you will receive cumulative cash
distributions at an annual rate equal to 8.32% on the liquidation amount of
$25 per preferred security on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of
each year, beginning July 1, 2002.
.. Colonial BancGroup can defer interest payments on the junior subordinated
debentures at any time for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods. If
Colonial BancGroup does defer interest payments, the trust will also defer
payment of distributions on the preferred and common securities. However,
deferred distributions will themselves accrue interest at an annual rate
equal to 8.32%, compounded quarterly, to the extent permitted by law.
The Colonial BancGroup, Inc.
Colonial BancGroup, Inc. will:
.. issue junior subordinated debentures to the trust; and
.. fully and unconditionally guarantee the payments by the trust in respect of
the preferred securities based on obligations discussed in this prospectus.
The preferred securities have been approved for listing on the New York Stock
Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance, under the symbol "CNB PrA."
Trading of the preferred securities is expected to commence within 30 days
after the preferred securities are first issued.
Investing in the preferred securities involves risks which are described in the
"Risk Factors" section beginning on page 8.
None of the securities offered hereby are deposits or insured or guaranteed by
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.
Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved
of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete.
Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Per Preferred Security Total
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Public offering price(1)................................. $ 25.00 $100,000,000
Underwriting commission to be paid by Colonial BancGroup. $.7875 $3,150,000
Proceeds to the trust.................................... $ 25.00 $100,000,000
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(1)Plus accumulated distributions from March 21, 2002, if settlement occurs
after that date.
The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional 600,000 preferred
securities at the public offering price within 30 days from the date of this
prospectus to cover over-allotments.
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The preferred securities will be ready for delivery in book-entry only form
through The Depository Trust Company on or about March 21, 2002.
LEHMAN BROTHERS STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY
INCORPORATED
MORGAN KEEGAN & COMPANY, INC.
SANDLER O'NEILL & PARTNERS, L.P.
STERNE, AGEE AND LEACH, INC.
The date of this prospectus is March 14, 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
Where You Can Find More Information..... 1
A Warning About Forward-looking
Statements............................ 3
Summary Information--Q&A................ 4
Risk Factors............................ 8
The Colonial BancGroup, Inc............. 11
Colonial Capital Trust III.............. 12
Use of Proceeds......................... 13
Accounting Treatment.................... 13
Regulation and Supervision.............. 13
Consolidated Ratios of Earnings to Fixed
Charges............................... 14
Capitalization.......................... 15
The Colonial BancGroup, Inc. Selected
Consolidated Financial Data........... 16
Page
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Description of the Preferred Securities... 18
Description of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures.............................. 29
Description of the Preferred Securities
Guarantee............................... 38
Effect of Obligations under the Preferred
Securities, the Guarantee and the Junior
Subordinated Debentures................. 40
United States Federal Income Taxation..... 41
ERISA Considerations...................... 46
Underwriting.............................. 48
Legal Matters............................. 50
Experts................................... 50
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this document or that Colonial BancGroup or the trust has referred
you to. Neither Colonial BancGroup nor the trust has authorized anyone to
provide you with different or additional information. If anyone does provide
you with different or additional information, you should not rely on it.
The trust may sell the 8.32% Preferred Securities, the "preferred
securities," after the date of this prospectus, and this prospectus may be
delivered to you after the date of this prospectus. However, you should realize
that the business, prospects, condition and operations of Colonial BancGroup
and/or the trust may have changed since the date of this prospectus. This
prospectus will not reflect those changes.
You should not consider this prospectus to be an offer or solicitation
relating to the preferred securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer
or solicitation is not authorized. Furthermore, you should not consider this
prospectus to be an offer or solicitation relating to the preferred securities
if the person making the offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or if
it is unlawful for you to receive such an offer or solicitation.
Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all
references in this prospectus to "Colonial BancGroup," "we," "us," "our" or
similar references mean The Colonial BancGroup, Inc. and its subsidiaries and
references to "Colonial Capital Trust III" and the "trust" are to Colonial
Capital Trust III.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the "SEC," a
registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 that registers the
offer and sale of the securities offered by this prospectus. The registration
statement, including the attached exhibits and schedules, contains additional
relevant information about us. The rules and regulations of the SEC allow us to
omit certain information included in the registration statement from this
prospectus.
In addition, we file reports, proxy statements and other information with
the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You may read and copy this
information at the following locations of the SEC:
Public Reference Room
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Room 1024
Washington, D.C. 20549
Northeast Regional Office
233 Broadway
New York, New York 10007
Midwest Regional Office
500 West Madison Street
Suite 1400
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511
You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by
calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
The SEC also maintains an internet world wide web site that contains
reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like us, who
file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is
http://www.sec.gov.
You can also inspect reports, proxy statements and other information about
us at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the "NYSE," 20 Broad Street,
New York, New York 10005.
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we file
with the SEC into this prospectus. This means that we can disclose important
information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with
the SEC prior to the completion of the offering of securities described in this
prospectus. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a
part of this prospectus. Any information that is included directly in this
prospectus or in a document incorporated into this prospectus by reference that
is modified or superseded by information that is included directly in this
prospectus or in a more recent incorporated document shall not be considered to
be a part of this prospectus except as so modified or superseded.
We incorporate by reference into this prospectus our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 that we filed with the SEC on March
11, 2002.
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We also incorporate by reference into this prospectus future documents we
file with the SEC prior to the completion of the offering of securities
described in this prospectus. These documents include periodic reports, such as
Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports
on Form 8-K, as well as proxy statements, required to be filed under Section
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
We have not included separate financial statements of Colonial Capital Trust
III in this prospectus. Colonial BancGroup does not believe that holders of the
preferred securities would find these financial statements helpful for the
following reasons:
. all of the voting securities of the trust will be owned, directly or
indirectly, by Colonial BancGroup, a reporting company under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
. Colonial Capital Trust III has no independent assets, operations,
revenues or cash flows and exists for the sole purpose of issuing the
preferred and common securities, investing the proceeds in junior
subordinated debentures issued by Colonial BancGroup, distributing the
cash payments received on the junior subordinated debentures to the
holders of the preferred and common securities, and engaging in other
activities necessary or incidental to these activities;
. Colonial BancGroup's obligations described in this prospectus constitute
a full and unconditional guarantee of payments due on the preferred
securities; and
. Colonial Capital Trust III does not and will not file reports with the
SEC.
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A WARNING ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We make forward-looking statements in this prospectus and in our documents
incorporated by reference into this prospectus. When we use words such as
"anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect," "will,"
"should," "seeks" or other similar expressions we refer to events or conditions
subject to risks and uncertainties. When considering those forward-looking
statements, you should keep in mind the risks, uncertainties and other
cautionary statements made or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You
should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, which speaks
only as of the date made. In addition to the risks identified below, you should
refer to our public incorporated documents for specific risks which could cause
actual results to be significantly different from those expressed or implied by
those forward-looking statements. Some factors which may affect the accuracy of
the forward-looking statements apply generally to the financial services or
real estate industries, while other factors apply directly to us. Any number of
important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from
those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
. deposit attrition, customer loss, or revenue loss in the ordinary course
of business;
. increases in competitive pressure in the banking industry;
. changes in the interest rate environment which reduce margins;
. general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, that are
less favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a
deterioration in credit quality;
. changes which may occur in the regulatory environment;
. a significant rate of inflation or deflation;
. acts of terrorism, such as the events of September 11, 2001, and war; or
. changes in the capital markets.
Many of these factors are beyond our control. For a discussion of factors that
could cause our actual results to differ, please see the discussions in the
sections entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2001 filed on March 11, 2002.
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SUMMARY INFORMATION--Q&A
The following information supplements, and should be read together with, the
information contained in other parts of this prospectus. This summary
highlights selected information from this prospectus to help you understand the
preferred securities. You should carefully read this prospectus to understand
fully the terms of the preferred securities, as well as the tax and other
considerations that are important to you in making a decision about whether to
invest in the preferred securities. You should pay special attention to the
"Risk Factors" section beginning on page 8 to determine whether an investment
in the preferred securities is appropriate for you.
For your convenience, we make reference to specific page numbers in this
prospectus for more detailed information on some of the terms and concepts used
throughout this prospectus.
What are the preferred securities?
Each preferred security represents an undivided beneficial interest in the
assets of Colonial Capital Trust III. Each preferred security will entitle the
holder to receive quarterly cash distributions as described in this prospectus.
The underwriters are offering preferred securities at a price of $25 for each
preferred security.
Who is Colonial Capital Trust III?
Colonial Capital Trust III is a Delaware business trust. Colonial Capital
Trust III will sell its preferred securities to the public and its common
securities to Colonial BancGroup. The preferred securities and the common
securities together are referred to in this prospectus as the "trust
securities." Colonial Capital Trust III will use the proceeds from these sales
to buy a series of junior subordinated debentures, the "junior subordinated
debentures," from Colonial BancGroup with financial terms that match the terms
of the trust securities. Colonial BancGroup will, on a subordinated basis,
fully and unconditionally guarantee the payment by Colonial Capital Trust III
in respect of the preferred securities.
There are five trustees of Colonial Capital Trust III.
Three of the Colonial Capital Trust III trustees are officers of Colonial
BancGroup, the "regular trustees." The Bank of New York will act as the
institutional trustee of Colonial Capital Trust III and one of its affiliates
will act as the Delaware trustee.
Who is Colonial BancGroup?
Colonial BancGroup is a financial holding company whose wholly-owned
subsidiary, Colonial Bank, provides corporate and retail banking services and
products in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas and Nevada. As of
December 31, 2001, Colonial BancGroup's total assets were approximately $13.2
billion, total loans were approximately $10.4 billion, total deposits were
approximately $8.3 billion and total shareholders' equity was approximately
$865 million.
Colonial BancGroup's principal office is located at One Commerce Street,
Montgomery, Alabama 36104, telephone number (334) 240-5000.
When will you receive quarterly distributions?
If you purchase the preferred securities, you are entitled to receive
cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate of 8.32% of the liquidation
amount of $25 per preferred security. Distributions will accumulate from the
date Colonial Capital Trust III issues the preferred securities and will be
paid quarterly in arrears on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each
year, beginning July 1, 2002, unless they are deferred as described below.
When can payment of your distributions be deferred?
Colonial BancGroup is permitted, on one or more occasions, to defer interest
payments on the junior subordinated debentures for a period, an "extension
period," up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods unless an
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event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing (see page
30). A deferral of interest payments cannot extend, however, beyond the "stated
maturity date" of the junior subordinated debentures, which is April 1, 2032,
or any earlier redemption date.
If Colonial BancGroup defers interest payments on the junior subordinated
debentures, Colonial Capital Trust III will also defer distributions on the
preferred securities. During this deferral period, distributions will continue
to accrue on the preferred securities at an annual rate of 8.32% of the
liquidation amount of $25 per preferred security. Also, the deferred
distributions will themselves accrue interest (to the extent permitted by law)
at an annual rate of 8.32%, compounded quarterly. Once Colonial BancGroup makes
all interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures, with accrued
interest, it can again postpone interest payments on the junior subordinated
debentures for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods if no event of default
under the indenture has occurred and is continuing.
During any period in which Colonial BancGroup defers interest payments on
the junior subordinated debentures, Colonial BancGroup will not be permitted to:
. declare or pay a dividend or make any other payment or distribution on its
capital stock;
. redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment on any of its
capital stock;
. make an interest, principal or premium payment on, or repurchase, repay or
redeem, any of its debt securities that rank equally with or junior to the
junior subordinated debentures; or
. make any guarantee payments relating to any of the above (other than the
guarantee).
There are limited exceptions to these restrictions which are described
beginning on page 19.
If Colonial BancGroup defers the payment of interest on the junior
subordinated debentures, the preferred securities will be treated as being
issued with an original issue discount for United States federal income tax
purposes. This means that, beginning at the time of deferral, you will be
required to recognize interest income with respect to distributions (including
deferred distributions) and to include those amounts in your gross income for
United States federal income tax purposes before you receive any cash
distributions relating to those interest payments. See "United States Federal
Income Taxation" beginning on page 41.
When can Colonial Capital Trust III redeem the preferred securities?
Colonial Capital Trust III will redeem all of the outstanding preferred
securities when the junior subordinated debentures are paid at maturity on
April 1, 2032. In addition, if Colonial BancGroup redeems any junior
subordinated debentures before their maturity, Colonial Capital Trust III will
redeem, on a pro rata basis, preferred and common securities having an
aggregate liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the
junior subordinated debentures so redeemed. The redemption price for each
preferred security will be $25 plus unpaid distributions accrued to the date of
redemption.
Colonial BancGroup is permitted to redeem some or all of the junior
subordinated debentures before their maturity at 100% of their principal amount
plus unpaid interest accrued to the date of redemption:
. in whole or in part, on one or more occasions any time on or after April
1, 2007; and
. in whole any time before April 1, 2007, if specified changes in bank
regulatory, investment company or tax laws occur or will occur within 90
days (each of which is a special event, as defined under "Description of
the Junior Subordinated Debentures--Optional Redemption" beginning on page
33, and each of which is more fully described beginning on page 20).
Any redemption of the junior subordinated debentures by Colonial BancGroup
may require approval of the Federal Reserve Board.
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What is Colonial BancGroup's guarantee of the preferred securities?
Colonial BancGroup will fully and unconditionally guarantee the preferred
securities based on:
. its obligations under the guarantee, the "guarantee," which covers
payments made by Colonial BancGroup to the institutional trustee;
. its obligations under the declaration of trust which governs the terms of
the preferred securities; and
. its obligations under the indenture which governs the terms of the junior
subordinated debentures.
If Colonial BancGroup does not make a payment on the junior subordinated
debentures, Colonial Capital Trust III will not have sufficient funds to make
the related payments on the preferred securities. The guarantee does not cover
payments when Colonial Capital Trust III does not have sufficient funds to make
payments on the preferred securities. See "Risk Factors--Colonial BancGroup's
obligations under the junior subordinated debentures and the guarantee are
subordinated" on page 8 for a discussion of the ranking of Colonial BancGroup's
obligations referred to above.
When could the junior subordinated debentures be distributed to you?
Colonial BancGroup has the right to dissolve Colonial Capital Trust III at
any time if it receives an opinion of counsel that the resulting liquidation
and distribution of the junior subordinated debentures would not result in a
taxable event to holders of the preferred securities. If Colonial BancGroup
decides to exercise its right to dissolve Colonial Capital Trust III, Colonial
Capital Trust III will redeem the preferred securities by distributing the
junior subordinated debentures to holders of the preferred and common
securities on a pro rata basis.
Any distribution of the junior subordinated debentures may require approval
of the Federal Reserve Board.
What happens if Colonial Capital Trust III is dissolved and the junior
subordinated debentures are not distributed?
Colonial Capital Trust III may also be dissolved in circumstances where the
junior subordinated debentures are not distributed. In those situations,
Colonial Capital Trust III will pay the liquidation amount of $25 for each
preferred security plus unpaid distributions accrued to the date the payment is
made. Colonial Capital Trust III will be able to make this distribution of cash
only if the junior subordinated debentures are redeemed by Colonial BancGroup.
Will the preferred securities be listed on a stock exchange?
The preferred securities have been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject
to official notice of issuance under the symbol "CNB PrA." Trading is expected
to commence within 30 days after the preferred securities are first issued. You
should be aware that the listing of the preferred securities will not
necessarily ensure that a trading market for the preferred securities will
develop or be maintained or that a liquid trading market will be available for
the preferred securities at the time you may wish to sell your preferred
securities, or at all. If Colonial Capital Trust III distributes the junior
subordinated debentures, Colonial BancGroup will use its best efforts to list
the junior subordinated debentures on the NYSE or any other exchange or other
organization on which the preferred securities are then listed.
6
In what form will the preferred securities be issued?
The preferred securities will be represented by one or more global
certificates that will be deposited with, and registered in the name of, The
Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, "DTC," or its nominee. This means
that generally you will not receive a certificate for your preferred securities
and preferred securities will not be registered in your name. See "Description
of the Preferred Securities--Book-Entry Only Issuance--The Depository Trust
Company" beginning on page 26. Colonial Capital Trust III expects that the
preferred securities will be ready for delivery in book-entry only form through
DTC on or about March 21, 2002.
7
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in the preferred securities will involve some risks. You
should carefully consider the following discussion of risks, and the other
information in this prospectus, before deciding whether an investment in the
preferred securities is suitable for you.
Colonial BancGroup's obligations under the junior subordinated debentures and
the guarantee are subordinated
Colonial BancGroup's obligations under the junior subordinated debentures
are unsecured and rank:
. junior to all "senior indebtedness," as defined under "Description of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures--Subordination" on page 32;
. equally with any other subordinated debt securities issued in the future
with respect to securities of other trusts sponsored by Colonial
BancGroup; and
. senior to Colonial BancGroup's capital stock.
Colonial BancGroup cannot make any payments of principal, including
redemption payments, or interest on the junior subordinated debentures if it is
in default on its senior indebtedness. In addition, if the maturity of the
junior subordinated debentures is accelerated, Colonial BancGroup cannot make
any payments under the junior subordinated debentures or the guarantee until
all of the senior indebtedness is paid in full. Finally, upon the bankruptcy,
liquidation or reorganization of Colonial BancGroup, its assets would be
available to pay obligations under the junior subordinated debentures only
after all payments have been made on its senior indebtedness.
As of December 31, 2001, senior indebtedness of Colonial BancGroup (holding
company only) aggregated approximately $12.2 million. In addition, because
Colonial BancGroup is a financial holding company, the junior subordinated
debentures are effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities
of Colonial BancGroup's subsidiaries, including depositors, which, as of
December 31, 2001, aggregated approximately $12.2 billion.
Colonial BancGroup's obligations under the guarantee are unsecured and rank:
. junior to all of Colonial BancGroup's other liabilities, except those
liabilities made equal with or junior to the guarantee by their terms;
. equally with all of Colonial BancGroup's senior most preferred and
preference stock now or in the future issued by it, and with any guarantee
now or in the future issued by it in respect of any preferred or
preference stock of any of its affiliates; and
. senior to Colonial BancGroup's common stock.
This means that Colonial BancGroup cannot make any payments on the guarantee
if it defaults on a payment of any of its other liabilities, except those
liabilities made equal with or junior to the guarantee by their terms. In
addition, upon the bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of Colonial
BancGroup, its assets would be available to pay obligations under the guarantee
only after all payments had been made on its other liabilities, except those
liabilities made equal with or junior to the guarantee by their terms.
The preferred securities, the guarantee and the junior subordinated
debentures do not limit the ability of Colonial BancGroup or its subsidiaries
to incur additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness and other
indebtedness that ranks senior in priority of payment to the junior
subordinated debentures and the guarantee.
For more information please refer to "Description of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures--Subordination" beginning on page 31 and "Description of the
Preferred Securities Guarantee" beginning on page 38.
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Because Colonial BancGroup is a bank holding company, it may have limited
sources of funds
Because Colonial BancGroup is a bank holding company, its operations are
conducted by its subsidiaries, primarily Colonial Bank, which is subject to
significant Federal and state regulation. As a result, Colonial BancGroup's
ability to receive dividends and loans from its subsidiaries is restricted. At
December 31, 2001, $150 million of the retained earnings of Colonial Bank were
available to pay dividends to Colonial BancGroup, without regulatory approval.
Dividend payments by Colonial Bank to Colonial BancGroup in the future will
require generation of future earnings by Colonial Bank and may require
regulatory approval.
If Colonial BancGroup does not receive sufficient cash dividends or
borrowings from its subsidiaries, it is unlikely Colonial BancGroup will have
sufficient funds to make payments on the junior subordinated debentures and the
guarantee, thereby leaving insufficient funds for the trust to make payments to
holders of the preferred securities.
Colonial BancGroup's right to participate in the assets of any bank
subsidiary upon its liquidation, reorganization or otherwise, and the resulting
ability of the holders of the preferred securities to benefit indirectly from
any participation, will be subject to the claims of the bank subsidiary's
creditors, which will take priority except to the extent to which Colonial
BancGroup is recognized as a creditor with a reorganized claim. Accordingly,
the junior subordinated debentures will be subordinated to all existing and
future liabilities of our subsidiaries, including the deposit liabilities of
Colonial Bank, and you should look only to Colonial BancGroup's assets for
payments on the junior subordinated debentures. As of December 31, 2001,
Colonial BancGroup's subsidiaries had deposits and other liabilities of
approximately $12.2 billion.
If Colonial BancGroup does not make payments on the junior subordinated
debentures, Colonial Capital Trust III will not have cash available to make the
related payments on the preferred securities
The ability of Colonial Capital Trust III to pay distributions on the
preferred securities, the redemption price of the preferred securities and the
liquidation amount of the preferred securities is solely dependent upon
Colonial BancGroup making the related payments on the junior subordinated
debentures when due.
If Colonial BancGroup defaults on its obligation to pay principal of or
interest on the junior subordinated debentures, Colonial Capital Trust III will
not have sufficient funds to pay distributions, the redemption price or the
liquidation amount of each preferred security. In those circumstances, you will
not be able to rely upon the guarantee for payment of these amounts because the
guarantee applies only if Colonial Capital Trust III has sufficient funds to
make such payments.
Instead, you:
. may directly sue Colonial BancGroup or seek other remedies to collect
your pro rata share of payments owed; or
. rely on the institutional trustee to enforce Colonial Capital Trust
III's rights under the junior subordinated debentures.
Colonial Capital Trust III can defer distributions on the preferred securities
which will cause cash payments to cease and have federal income tax
consequences for you and may adversely affect the trading price of the
preferred securities
If no event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing,
Colonial BancGroup is permitted, on one or more occasions, to defer interest
payments on the junior subordinated debentures for up to 20 consecutive
quarterly periods. If Colonial BancGroup defers interest payments on the junior
subordinated debentures, Colonial Capital Trust III will defer distributions on
the preferred securities during any extension period. However, distributions
would still accumulate and those deferred distributions will themselves accrue
interest at an annual rate of 8.32%, compounded quarterly, to the extent
permitted by law.
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If Colonial BancGroup defers the payment of interest on the junior
subordinated debentures, you will be required to recognize interest income for
United States federal income tax purposes in respect of your pro rata share of
the interest on the junior subordinated debentures held by Colonial Capital
Trust III before you receive any cash distributions relating to those interest
payments. In addition, if you sell the preferred securities before the end of
any deferral period or before the record date relating to distributions which
are paid, you will not receive the cash distributions relating to any accrued
and unpaid interest even though you will be required to recognize that interest
in income for United States federal income tax purposes.
Colonial BancGroup has no current intention of deferring interest payments
on the junior subordinated debentures. However, if Colonial BancGroup exercises
its right in the future, the preferred securities may trade at a price that
does not fully reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest on the junior
subordinated debentures. If you sell the preferred securities during any
extension period, you may not receive the same return on your investment as
someone who continues to hold the preferred securities. In addition, the
existence of Colonial BancGroup's right to defer payments of interest on the
junior subordinated debentures may mean that the market price for the preferred
securities, which represent an undivided beneficial interest in the junior
subordinated debentures, may be more volatile than other securities that do not
have these rights.
See "United States Federal Income Taxation" beginning on page 41 for more
information regarding the United States federal income tax consequences of
purchasing, holding and selling the preferred securities.
Preferred securities may be redeemed before April 1, 2007 if a special event
occurs or on and after that date at the option of Colonial BancGroup
If a special event occurs and is continuing before April 1, 2007, Colonial
BancGroup has the right to redeem all of the junior subordinated debentures.
Even if a special event does not occur before April 1, 2007, Colonial BancGroup
has the right to redeem the junior subordinated debentures in whole or in part
on or after April 1, 2007. If any such redemption occurs or Colonial BancGroup
pays amounts due and owing on the junior subordinated debentures at maturity on
April 1, 2032, Colonial Capital Trust III will use the cash it receives on the
redemption of the junior subordinated debentures to redeem the preferred and
common securities (on a pro rata basis if Colonial Capital Trust III does not
receive enough cash to redeem all of the preferred and common securities). The
redemption price would be $25 per preferred security plus unpaid distributions
to the date of redemption. The redemption of the preferred securities will be a
taxable event to you for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Please see "Description of the Preferred Securities--Redemption" beginning
on page 20 and "Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures--Optional
Redemption" beginning on page 33 for more information.
Distribution of junior subordinated debentures may have a negative effect on
trading price
Colonial BancGroup has the right to dissolve Colonial Capital Trust III at
any time if it receives an opinion of counsel that the resulting liquidation
and distribution of the junior subordinated debentures would not result in a
taxable event to holders of the preferred securities. If Colonial BancGroup
decides to exercise its right to dissolve Colonial Capital Trust III, Colonial
Capital Trust III will redeem the preferred and common securities by
distributing the junior subordinated debentures to holders of the preferred and
common securities on a pro rata basis. Any distribution of the junior
subordinated debentures may require approval of the Federal Reserve Board.
If, despite the delivery of an opinion of counsel that the dissolution,
resulting liquidation and distribution of junior subordinated debentures would
not result in a taxable event to holders of the preferred securities, Colonial
Capital Trust III is ultimately characterized for United States federal income
tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation at the time of its
dissolution and liquidation, the distribution of junior subordinated debentures
would be a taxable event to holders of the preferred securities.
Colonial BancGroup has no current intention of causing the dissolution of
Colonial Capital Trust III and the distribution of the junior subordinated
debentures. Colonial BancGroup anticipates that it would consider exercising
this right in the event that expenses associated with maintaining Colonial
Capital Trust III were substantially greater than currently expected, such as
if a special event occurred. Colonial BancGroup cannot predict the other
circumstances under which this right would be exercised.
10
Colonial BancGroup cannot predict the market prices for the junior
subordinated debentures that may be distributed. Accordingly, the junior
subordinated debentures that you receive on a distribution, or the preferred
securities you hold pending such a distribution, may trade at a discount to the
price that you paid to purchase the preferred securities.
Because you may receive junior subordinated debentures, you should make an
investment decision with regard to the junior subordinated debentures, as well
as the preferred securities. You should carefully review all the information
regarding the junior subordinated debentures contained in this prospectus.
You will have limited voting rights as a holder of preferred securities
You will have limited voting rights. In particular, you may not elect or
remove any trustees, except when there is an event of default under the
indenture. If such an event of default occurs, a majority in liquidation amount
of the holders of the preferred securities will be entitled to remove and
appoint the institutional trustee and the Delaware trustee.
See "Colonial Capital Trust III" on page 12 and "Description of the
Preferred Securities--Voting Rights" beginning on page 23.
Trading price of the preferred securities may not reflect the value of accrued
but unpaid interest
If you use the accrual method of accounting for tax purposes and dispose of
your preferred securities between quarterly distributions, you will be required
to:
. include accrued but unpaid interest as ordinary income for United States
federal tax purposes; and
. add the accrued but unpaid income to your adjusted tax basis in the
preferred securities disposed of.
If you sell the preferred securities for less than your adjusted tax basis
in the preferred securities, you will recognize a capital loss which generally
may not be used to offset ordinary income for United States federal income tax
purposes. See "United States Federal Income Taxation" beginning on page 41.
There is not an established trading market for the preferred securities
The preferred securities are a new issue of securities. As a result, prior
to this offering, there was no public market for the preferred securities. The
preferred securities have been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to
official notice of issuance. Trading of the preferred securities on the NYSE is
expected to commence within a 30-day period after the initial delivery of the
preferred securities. In addition, the underwriters have advised Colonial
BancGroup and Colonial Capital Trust III that they intend to make a market in
the preferred securities prior to commencement of trading on the NYSE, but are
not obligated to do so and may discontinue market making at any time without
notice. No assurance can be given as to the existence or liquidity of any
trading market for the preferred securities.
No protection in highly leveraged transactions
Under the indenture which governs the terms of the junior subordinated
debentures, you will not be protected from a highly leveraged transaction,
including a change of control involving Colonial BancGroup, or other similar
transaction. Such a transaction may materially and adversely affect Colonial
BancGroup's creditors, including holders of the preferred securities indirectly.
THE COLONIAL BANCGROUP, INC.
The Colonial BancGroup, Inc. is an Alabama based bank holding company and
financial holding company through which Colonial Bank, our wholly-owned banking
subsidiary, we conduct a general commercial banking business through 261
branches in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Tennessee and Texas. We provide
corporate and retail banking products and services, including cash management,
electronic banking, credit card, merchant, and wealth management services. We
also offer retail and discount brokerage services through our broker-dealer,
Colonial Brokerage Inc. At December 31, 2001 we had total assets of $13.2
billion, total loans of $10.4 billion, total deposits of $8.3 billion and total
stockholders' equity of $865 million.
11
COLONIAL CAPITAL TRUST III
Colonial Capital Trust III is a statutory business trust created under
Delaware law pursuant to:
. a declaration of trust, dated as of February 22, 2002, executed by
Colonial BancGroup, as sponsor, and certain of the trustees of Colonial
Capital Trust III; and
. the filing of a certificate of trust with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware on February 22, 2002.
The declaration will be amended and restated in its entirety, as so amended
and restated, the "declaration," substantially in the form filed as an exhibit
to the registration statement which contains this prospectus. The declaration
will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the "Trust Indenture Act."
Colonial Capital Trust III exists for the exclusive purposes of:
(1) issuing and selling the trust securities representing undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of Colonial Capital Trust III;
(2) investing the gross proceeds of the trust securities in the junior
subordinated debentures; and
(3) engaging only in other necessary or incidental activities.
Prior to the issuance of the preferred securities, Colonial BancGroup will
directly or indirectly acquire common securities in an aggregate liquidation
amount equal to at least 3% of the total capital of Colonial Capital Trust III.
Upon issuance of the preferred securities, the purchasers will own all of the
preferred securities.
Pursuant to the declaration, the number of Colonial Capital Trust III
trustees will initially be five. Colonial BancGroup, as the direct or indirect
holder of all the common securities, will have the right to appoint, remove or
replace any Colonial Capital Trust III trustee and to increase or decrease the
number of Colonial Capital Trust III trustees, unless an event of default under
the indenture occurs. In that case, the holders of a majority in liquidation
amount of the preferred securities will have the right to remove and appoint
the institutional trustee and the Delaware trustee. There will be three regular
trustees of Colonial Capital Trust III, each of whom will be an employee or
officer of, or who is affiliated with, Colonial BancGroup. The fourth trustee
will be a financial institution that is unaffiliated with Colonial BancGroup
which will serve as institutional trustee under the declaration for the
purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, the
"institutional trustee." Initially, The Bank of New York will be the
institutional trustee until removed or replaced by the holder of the common
securities. For purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust
Indenture Act, The Bank of New York will act as trustee under the guarantee,
the "guarantee trustee," and as trustee under the indenture which governs the
junior subordinated debentures, the "debt trustee." The fifth trustee will be
an entity that maintains its principal place of business in the state of
Delaware. Initially, The Bank of New York (Delaware), an affiliate of the
institutional trustee, will act as "Delaware trustee."
The institutional trustee will hold title to the junior subordinated
debentures for the benefit of the holders of the trust securities and will have
the power to exercise all rights, powers and privileges under the indenture as
the holder of the junior subordinated debentures. In addition, the
institutional trustee will maintain exclusive control of a segregated
non-interest bearing bank account to hold all payments made in respect of the
junior subordinated debentures for the benefit of the holders of the trust
securities. The institutional trustee will make payments of distributions and
payments on liquidation, redemption and otherwise to the holders of the trust
securities out of funds from that account.
The guarantee trustee will hold the guarantee for the benefit of the holders
of the preferred securities.
Colonial BancGroup will pay all fees and expenses related to Colonial
Capital Trust III and the offering of the trust securities, other than the
trust securities themselves. See "Description of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures--Miscellaneous" on page 38.
12
USE OF PROCEEDS
Colonial Capital Trust III will use the proceeds of the issuance and sale of
the trust securities to acquire junior subordinated debentures from Colonial
BancGroup. Colonial BancGroup intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of
the junior subordinated debentures, which are estimated to be $96,525,520,
after payment by Colonial BancGroup of the underwriting commissions and
expenses relating to the offering, for general corporate purposes, including
the possible financing of one or more business acquisitions.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The financial statements of Colonial Capital Trust III will be consolidated
into Colonial BancGroup's consolidated financial statements, with the preferred
securities classified as a component of long-term debt of Colonial BancGroup.
The financial statement footnotes of Colonial BancGroup will include
appropriate disclosures about the preferred securities, the guarantee and the
junior subordinated debentures. Colonial BancGroup will record distributions
that Colonial Capital Trust III pays on the preferred securities as interest
expense in Colonial BancGroup's consolidated statement of income.
REGULATION AND SUPERVISION
As a financial holding company, Colonial BancGroup is subject to inspection,
examination and supervision by the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the "GLB Act"),
which is discussed below under "The GLB Act." Our banking subsidiary, Colonial
Bank, is subject to extensive supervision, examination and regulation by the
Federal Reserve Board and the Alabama State Banking Department. Because we are
a holding company, our rights and the rights of our creditors, including the
holders of our debt securities, to participate in the assets of any of our
subsidiaries upon the subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization will be
subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors except to the extent
that we may ourselves be a creditor with recognized claims against the
subsidiary. In addition, there are various statutory and regulatory limitations
on the extent to which Colonial Bank can finance or otherwise transfer funds to
us or to our nonbanking subsidiaries, whether in the form of loans, extensions
of credit, investments or asset purchases. These restrictions prevent
affiliates of the bank, including us, from borrowing from the bank, unless
various types of collateral with prescribed market values secure the loan.
Federal law limits the aggregate amount of the bank's loans to and investments
in any one of its affiliates to 10% of the bank's capital stock and surplus and
also limits the aggregate amount of the bank's loans to and investments in all
of its affiliates to 20% of the bank's capital stock and surplus. Furthermore,
loans and extensions of credit are required to be on terms and conditions
consistent with safe and sound banking practices.
In addition, there are regulatory limitations on the payment of dividends
directly or indirectly to us from Colonial Bank. Dividends from Colonial Bank
are the principal source of our cash funds and there are certain legal
restrictions under federal and state law on the payment of dividends by banks.
The relevant regulatory agencies also have authority to prohibit Colonial Bank
from engaging in what, in the opinion of such regulatory body, constitutes an
unsafe or unsound banking practice. The payment of dividends could, depending
upon the financial condition of Colonial Bank, be deemed to constitute such an
unsafe or unsound practice.
Under the policy of the Federal Reserve Board, we are expected to act as a
source of financial strength to our subsidiary bank and to commit resources to
support such subsidiary bank in circumstances where we might not do so absent
such policy. In addition, any subordinated loans by us to Colonial Bank would
also be subordinate in right of payment to depositors and obligations to other
creditors of Colonial Bank. Further, the Crime Control Act of 1990 amended the
federal bankruptcy laws to provide that, in the event of our bankruptcy, any
commitment by us to our regulators to maintain the capital of a banking
subsidiary will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority
of payment.
13
For a discussion of the material elements of the regulatory framework
applicable to financial holding companies, bank holding companies and their
subsidiaries, and specific information relevant to us, refer to our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and any other
subsequent reports filed by us with the SEC, which are incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. This regulatory framework is intended primarily
for the protection of depositors and the deposit insurance funds that insure
deposits of banks, rather than for the protection of security holders. A change
in the statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to us or our
subsidiaries may have a material effect on our business.
The GLB Act
The GLB Act, enacted in 1999, eliminates many of the restrictions placed on
the activities of certain qualified bank holding companies. A bank holding
company that qualifies as a "financial holding company" can expand into a wide
variety of financial services, including securities activities, insurance, and
merchant banking without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board. Our
election to become a "financial holding company," which we filed with the
Federal Reserve Board, became effective on May 12, 2000.
Banks are also authorized by the GLB Act to engage, through "financial
subsidiaries," in certain activities that are permissible for a financial
holding company and other activities that its applicable regulators deem to be
financial in nature or incidental to any such financial activity. The authority
of a bank to invest in a financial subsidiary is subject to a number of
conditions.
The GLB Act also contains a number of other provisions that will affect our
operations and the operations of all financial institutions. At this time, we
do not believe that the GLB Act will have a material adverse impact upon our or
our subsidiaries' financial condition or results of operations.
Future Legislation
Changes to the laws and regulations in the states where we and our
subsidiaries do business can affect the operating environment of financial
holding companies and their subsidiaries in substantial and unpredictable ways.
We cannot accurately predict whether those changes in laws and regulations will
occur, and, if those changes occur, the ultimate effect they would have upon
our or our subsidiaries' financial condition or results of operations.
CONSOLIDATED RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth Colonial BancGroup's consolidated ratio of
earnings to fixed charges, calculated excluding and including interest on
deposits. The following ratios should be read in conjunction with Colonial
BancGroup's consolidated financial statements, the notes thereto and other
financial information included elsewhere or incorporated by reference herein.
For the purpose of computing the consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed
charges, earnings represent consolidated income before income taxes plus fixed
charges. Fixed charges excluding interest on deposits consist of interest on
long-term debt and short-term borrowings and one-third of rental expense (which
is deemed representative of the interest factor). Fixed charges including
interest on deposits consist of the foregoing items plus interest on deposits.
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Excluding interest on deposits 2.18 2.16 2.69 2.25 3.28
Including interest on deposits 1.39 1.36 1.48 1.31 1.44
14
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth Colonial BancGroup's capitalization on an
actual basis at December 31, 2001 and on an adjusted basis to reflect the
application by Colonial BancGroup of the net proceeds expected to be received
from the offering of the securities described in this prospectus. You should
read the information in the following table in conjunction with Colonial
BancGroup's consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto
contained in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2001.
As of December 31, 2001
----------------------
Actual As adjusted
---------- -----------
(in thousands)
Subordinated debt...................................................................... $ 265,550 $ 265,550
Trust preferred securities............................................................. 70,000 170,000
FHLB advances.......................................................................... 1,361,938 1,361,938
Repurchase agreements (wholesale)...................................................... 88,064 88,064
Other long-term debt................................................................... 588 588
---------- ----------
Total long-term debt................................................................ 1,786,140 1,886,140
---------- ----------
Common Stock, $2.50 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized and 115,244,185
outstanding.......................................................................... $ 288,110 $ 288,110
Additional paid in capital............................................................. 102,980 102,980
Retained earnings...................................................................... 467,163 467,163
Unearned compensation.................................................................. (3,159) (3,159)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes................................... 9,680 9,680
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity.......................................................... 864,774 864,774
---------- ----------
Total capitalization................................................................ $2,650,914 $2,750,914
========== ==========
The capital ratios as of December 31, 2001, on a historical basis and as adjusted
for the offering of securities described in this prospectus, were as follows (1):
Tier I leverage........................................................................ 6.24% 6.97%
Tier I capital (2)..................................................................... 7.39% 8.29%
Total capital (2)...................................................................... 10.91% 11.81%
(1) Colonial BancGroup's "Tier 1 leverage ratio" is the ratio of Tier 1
capital to average total consolidated assets. "Tier 1 capital" is shareholders'
equity, excluding unrealized gain or loss on securities available for sale,
less intangibles, plus trust preferred securities. Average total consolidated
assets are the quarterly average total assets (net of the allowance for loan
and lease losses) reported on Colonial BancGroup's consolidated financial
statement (FR Y-9C Report), subject to certain adjustments set forth in FRB
guidelines. The "Tier 1 capital ratio" is the ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk
adjusted assets, which are total risk-weighted assets as calculated in
accordance with FRB guidelines. The "Total capital ratio" is the ratio of total
capital (Tier 1 capital plus allowable loan loss reserve, allowable
subordinated debt and 45% of net unrealized gains on available for sale equity
securities) to risk adjusted assets.
(2) This table is based on shares outstanding at December 31, 2001 and does
not include (i) 3,567,421 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of
outstanding options, (ii) 399,000 shares of common stock issuable upon
conversion of Colonial BancGroup's outstanding 7.5% Convertible Subordinated
Debentures due 2011 which are convertible at $7.00 per share and (iii) 96,000
shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Colonial BancGroup's
outstanding 7.0% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004 which are
convertible at $7.58 per share.
15
THE COLONIAL BANCGROUP, INC.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table presents certain consolidated financial data for
Colonial BancGroup for the last five years. The financial data have been
derived from Colonial BancGroup's audited consolidated financial statements.
Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current
year presentation. The consolidated financial data for the year ended December
31, 2001 is not necessarily indicative of Colonial BancGroup's operating
results or financial condition to be expected for any future period. You should
read the selected consolidated financial data in conjunction with Colonial
BancGroup's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto incorporated by
reference in this prospectus.
As of December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------
Statement of Condition Summary 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
------------------------------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Total assets............. $13,185 $12,000 $11,098 $10,621 $8,201
Loans.................... 10,368 9,643 8,419 7,235 6,041
Deposits................. 8,323 8,356 8,173 7,586 6,450
Long-term debt........... 1,786 862 911 746 315
Shareholders' equity..... 865 775 712 654 603
Book value per share..... 7.50 6.93 6.26 5.82 5.59
Year ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------------
Earnings Summary 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(Dollars in thousands)
Net interest income......................... $421,929 $400,322 $381,147 $336,691 $296,906
Provision for loan losses................... 39,573 29,775 29,177 27,511 16,786
Noninterest income.......................... 93,709 77,885 75,341 60,243 50,291
Noninterest expense......................... 284,168 258,691 239,915 264,057 204,799
Income from continuing operations before tax 191,897 189,741 187,396 105,366 125,612
Income tax.................................. 69,181 69,556 69,360 38,527 45,300
Income from continuing operations........... 122,716 120,185 118,036 66,839 80,312
Discontinued operations, net of tax......... (613) (5,065) 3,527 (10,448) 11,138
Net income.................................. 122,103 115,120 121,563 56,391 91,450
16
Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
-------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Earnings Per Share:
Income from Continuing Operations
Basic.......................................... $ 1.07 1.05 1.02 0.59 0.74
Diluted........................................ 1.06 1.04 1.01 0.58 0.72
Net Income
Basic.......................................... 1.06 1.00 1.05 0.50 0.85
Diluted........................................ 1.06 1.00 1.04 0.49 0.82
Average shares outstanding........................ 114,811 114,760 115,579 113,905 108,189
Average diluted shares outstanding................ 115,881 115,653 117,393 116,547 111,575
Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
-------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Nonperforming Assets
Total non-performing assets ratio.............. 0.64% 0.53% 0.54% 0.59% 0.73%
Allowance as a percent of non-performing loans. 239% 258% 275% 248% 250%
Net charge-offs ratio.......................... 0.28% 0.21% 0.22% 0.26% 0.23%
17
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES
Colonial Capital Trust III will issue the preferred securities pursuant to
the terms of the declaration. The declaration has been qualified as an
indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The institutional trustee, The Bank of
New York, will act as trustee for the preferred securities under the
declaration for purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust
Indenture Act. The terms of the preferred securities will include those stated
in the declaration and those made part of the declaration by the Trust
Indenture Act.
Set forth below is a summary of the material terms and provisions of the
preferred securities. This summary is not intended to be complete and is
qualified by the declaration, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement which contains this prospectus, by the Delaware Business
Trust Act and by the Trust Indenture Act.
General
The declaration authorizes Colonial Capital Trust III to issue the trust
securities. The trust securities represent undivided beneficial interests in
the assets of Colonial Capital Trust III. All of the common securities will be
owned, directly or indirectly, by Colonial BancGroup. The common securities
rank equally, and payments will be made on a pro rata basis, with the preferred
securities. However, if a declaration event of default, as defined under
"--Declaration Events of Default" beginning on page 22, occurs and is
continuing, the rights of the holders of the common securities to receive
payments will be subordinated to the rights of the holders of the preferred
securities.
The declaration does not permit Colonial Capital Trust III to issue any
securities other than the trust securities or to incur any indebtedness. Under
the declaration, the institutional trustee will own the junior subordinated
debentures purchased by Colonial Capital Trust III for the benefit of the
holders of the trust securities.
The ability of Colonial Capital Trust III to pay distributions on the
distributions, the redemption price of the preferred securities and the
liquidation amount of the preferred securities is solely dependent upon
Colonial BancGroup making the related payments on the junior subordinated
debentures when due. Accordingly, if Colonial BancGroup does not make its
required payments on the junior subordinated debentures, Colonial Capital Trust
III will not have sufficient funds to make the related payments on the
preferred securities. In addition, the guarantee does not cover payment of
distributions or payments upon redemption of the preferred securities or
liquidation of Colonial Capital Trust III when Colonial Capital Trust III does
not have sufficient available funds to make those distributions or payments. In
that event, the remedy of a holder of preferred securities is to vote to direct
the institutional trustee to enforce the institutional trustee's rights under
the junior subordinated debentures or, if there is a payment default, the
holder may institute a direct action, as defined on page 23, against Colonial
BancGroup. See "--Declaration Events of Default" beginning on page 22 and
"--Voting Rights" beginning on page 23.
Distributions
Distributions on the preferred securities will be fixed at an annual rate
equal to 8.32% on the liquidation amount of $25 per preferred security.
Distributions unpaid beyond the applicable payment date will accumulate
additional distributions at that same rate, compounded quarterly. The term
"distributions," as used in this prospectus, includes any interest payable on
unpaid distributions unless otherwise stated.
The amount of distributions payable for any period will be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The amount of distributions
payable for any period shorter than a full quarterly period will be computed on
the basis of the actual number of days elapsed in a 30-day month. If any
distributions payment date is not a business day, then the related
distributions will be made on the next business day and without any interest or
other payment in respect of the delay. However, if the next business day falls
in the next calendar year, the payment will be made on the preceding business
day. A "business day" is any day other than Saturday, Sunday or any other day
on which commercial banking institutions in The City of New York are permitted
or required by any applicable law, regulation or executive order to close.
18
Distributions on the preferred securities:
1. will be cumulative;
2. will accrue from March 21, 2002; and
3. except as otherwise described below, will be payable quarterly in
arrears on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year,
commencing July 1, 2002.
So long as no event of default under the indenture has occurred and is
continuing, Colonial BancGroup is permitted to defer payments of interest on
the junior subordinated debentures by extending the interest payment period
from time to time on the junior subordinated debentures. If Colonial BancGroup
exercises this extension option, quarterly distributions on the preferred
securities would also be deferred during any such extension period. Because
interest would continue to accrue on the junior subordinated debentures, any
deferred distributions would also continue to accrue with interest (to the
extent lawful) at an annual rate equal to 8.32%, compounded quarterly. This
right to extend the interest payment period for the junior subordinated
debentures is limited to a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters, and
may not extend beyond the stated maturity date or any earlier redemption date.
Upon the termination of any extension period and the payment of all amounts
then due, Colonial BancGroup may select a new extension period, subject to the
above requirements. See "Description of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures--Interest" on page 30 and "--Option to Extend Interest Payment
Period" beginning on page 30.
If Colonial BancGroup exercises this deferral right, then during any
extension period:
1. Colonial BancGroup will not declare or pay any dividend on, make any
distributions or other payment with respect to, or redeem, purchase,
acquire, or make a liquidation payment relating to, any of its capital
stock other than:
. repurchases, redemptions or other acquisitions of shares of capital
stock of Colonial BancGroup in connection with any employee benefit
plans;
. as a result of an exchange or conversion of any class or series of
Colonial BancGroup's capital stock for any other class or series of
Colonial BancGroup's capital stock; or
. the purchase of fractional interests in shares of Colonial BancGroup's
capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of
that capital stock or the security being converted or exchanged;
2. Colonial BancGroup will not make any payment of interest, principal or
premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities
issued by Colonial BancGroup which rank equally with or junior to the
junior subordinated debentures; and
3. Colonial BancGroup will not make any guarantee payments with respect to
the foregoing, other than the guarantee.
If distributions are deferred, the deferred distributions and accumulated
but unpaid distributions will be paid to holders of the preferred securities as
they appear on the books and records of Colonial Capital Trust III on the
record date following the termination of that extension period.
Payment and Record Dates
Colonial Capital Trust III will pay distributions to the holders of the
preferred securities as they appear on the books and records of Colonial
Capital Trust III on the relevant record dates. As long as the preferred
securities are in book-entry form, the record date will be the close of
business on the business day prior to the relevant distributions payment date.
If the preferred securities are not in book-entry form, the record date will be
the fifteenth calendar day prior to the relevant distributions payment date.
The record dates and distributions payment dates for the preferred securities
are the same as the record dates and interest payment dates for the junior
subordinated debentures.
19
If Colonial Capital Trust III does not pay a distribution because Colonial
BancGroup fails to make the corresponding interest payment on the junior
subordinated debentures, that defaulted distribution will be payable to the
person in whose name the preferred security is registered on the special record
date established by the regular trustees. This record date will correspond to
the special record date or other specified date determined in accordance with
the indenture. This means that the defaulted distribution may not be paid to
the person in whose name the preferred security is registered on the original
record date. However, distributions will not be considered payable on any
distributions payment date falling within an extension period unless Colonial
BancGroup has elected to make a full or partial payment of interest accrued on
the junior subordinated debentures on that distributions payment date.
Colonial Capital Trust III will pay distributions on the preferred
securities through the institutional trustee, who will hold amounts received on
the junior subordinated debentures for the benefit of the holders of the trust
securities. Subject to any applicable laws and regulations and the provisions
of the declaration, each payment of distributions will be made as described
under "--Book-Entry Only Issuance--The Depository Trust Company" beginning on
page 26.
Redemption
The junior subordinated debentures will be redeemable prior to the stated
maturity date at the option of Colonial BancGroup at a redemption price equal
to 100% of the principal amount, plus unpaid interest accrued to the date of
redemption:
1. in whole or in part, from time to time, on or after April 1, 2007; or
2. at any time prior to April 1, 2007, in whole but not in part, upon the
occurrence and continuation of a special event.
Colonial Capital Trust III will use the proceeds from any repayment of the
junior subordinated debentures on the stated maturity date of April 1, 2032 or
earlier redemption to simultaneously redeem trust securities having an
aggregate liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the
junior subordinated debentures so repaid or redeemed. The "redemption price"
will be $25 per trust security plus unpaid distributions to the date of
redemption.
Colonial Capital Trust III must give holders of trust securities not less
than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior written notice of any redemption prior to
the stated maturity date. See "Description of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures-- Optional Redemption" beginning on page 33. If fewer than all of
the outstanding preferred securities are to be redeemed, Colonial Capital Trust
III will redeem the preferred securities in the manner as described under
"--Book-Entry Only Issuance--The Depository Trust Company" beginning on page
26. Any redemption of the junior subordinated debentures by Colonial BancGroup
prior to the stated maturity date may require prior approval of the Federal
Reserve Board if approval is then required under applicable law, rules,
guidelines or policies.
Redemption Procedures
Colonial Capital Trust III may not redeem fewer than all of the outstanding
preferred securities unless it has paid all accrued and unpaid distributions on
all preferred securities for all quarterly distribution periods terminating on
or prior to the date of redemption.
If Colonial Capital Trust III gives a notice of redemption of the preferred
securities and Colonial BancGroup has paid to Colonial Capital Trust III a
sufficient amount of cash in connection with the related redemption or maturity
of the junior subordinated debentures, then on the redemption date:
1. distributions will cease to accrue on the preferred securities called
for redemption;
2. the preferred securities called for redemption will no longer be deemed
to be outstanding; and
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3. all rights of holders of the preferred securities called for redemption
will cease, except the right of the holders of those preferred
securities to receive the redemption price, but without interest.
Any notice of redemption will be irrevocable. If any date fixed for
redemption of preferred securities is not a business day in The City of New
York, then payment of the redemption price will be made on the next business
day and without any interest or other payment because of the delay. However, if
the next business day falls in the next calendar year, the payment will be made
on the preceding business day.
If Colonial BancGroup fails to repay junior subordinated debentures on the
stated maturity date or on any earlier redemption date or if payment of the
redemption price is improperly withheld or refused and not paid by Colonial
Capital Trust III or by Colonial BancGroup under its guarantee, distributions
on those preferred securities will continue to accrue to the date of payment.
In that case, the actual payment date will be considered the redemption date
for purposes of calculating the redemption price.
Colonial Capital Trust III will not be required to:
1. issue, or register the transfer or exchange of, any trust securities
during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the
mailing of a notice of redemption of trust securities and ending at the
close of business on the day of the mailing of the relevant notice of
redemption; and
2. register the transfer or exchange of any trust securities so selected
for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of
any trust securities being redeemed in part.
Subject to the foregoing and applicable law, including, without limitation,
United States federal securities laws and the regulations of the Federal
Reserve Board, Colonial BancGroup or its subsidiaries may at any time, and from
time to time, purchase outstanding preferred securities by tender, in the open
market or by private agreement.
Distribution of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
Colonial BancGroup will have the right at any time to dissolve Colonial
Capital Trust III and cause the junior subordinated debentures to be
distributed to the holders of the trust securities. The exercise of this right
is subject to the requirement that Colonial BancGroup receive an opinion of
counsel that the dissolution and resulting liquidation of Colonial Capital
Trust III and distribution of the junior subordinated debentures not result in
a taxable event to the holders of the preferred securities. The exercise of
this right may also require the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board if
approval is then required under applicable law, rules, guidelines or policies.
If the junior subordinated debentures are distributed to the holders of the
preferred securities, Colonial BancGroup will use its best efforts to cause the
junior subordinated debentures to be listed on any exchange on which the
preferred securities are then listed.
On the date for any distribution of junior subordinated debentures upon the
dissolution and resulting liquidation of Colonial Capital Trust III:
1. the trust securities will no longer be deemed to be outstanding;
2. DTC or its nominee, if then the record holder of any preferred
securities, will receive a global certificate or certificates
representing the junior subordinated debentures registered in its name;
and
3. any certificates representing trust securities not held by DTC or its
nominee, until those certificates are presented in exchange for the
junior subordinated debentures, will be deemed to represent junior
subordinated debentures having:
. an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation
amount of the trust securities;
. accrued and unpaid interest equal to accrued and unpaid distributions
on, the trust securities; and
. terms that match.
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Colonial BancGroup and Colonial Capital Trust III cannot assure you as to
the market prices for either the preferred securities or the junior
subordinated debentures that may be distributed in exchange for the preferred
securities if Colonial Capital Trust III were to dissolve. Accordingly, the
preferred securities or the junior subordinated debentures may trade at a
discount to the price paid to purchase the preferred securities offered by this
prospectus.
Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution
If Colonial Capital Trust III dissolves for any of the reasons specified
below other than clause 8, the trustees will liquidate Colonial Capital Trust
III as quickly as they determine to be possible by distributing to holders of
the preferred and common securities, after satisfying the liabilities owed to
Colonial Capital Trust III's creditors, junior subordinated debentures having a
principal amount equal to the liquidation amount of the preferred and common
securities, unless the institutional trustee determines that this distribution
is not practicable. If the institutional trustee determines that this
distribution is not practicable, holders of the preferred securities will be
entitled to receive out of the assets of Colonial Capital Trust III, after
satisfying the liabilities owed to Colonial Capital Trust III's creditors, cash
distributions in an amount equal to the liquidation amount of $25 per preferred
security plus unpaid distributions accrued to the date of payment, the
"liquidation distribution."
If, upon any dissolution and subsequent liquidation, the liquidation
distribution can be paid only in part because Colonial Capital Trust III does
not have sufficient assets to pay in full the entire liquidation distribution,
then the amounts payable directly by Colonial Capital Trust III on the
preferred securities will be paid on a pro rata basis.
The holders of the common securities will be entitled to receive
distributions upon any dissolution and subsequent liquidation pro rata with the
holders of the preferred securities. However, if a declaration event of default
has occurred and is continuing, the preferred securities will have a preference
over the common securities with regard to those distributions.
Pursuant to the declaration, Colonial Capital Trust III will dissolve:
1. on October 1, 2032, the expiration of the term of Colonial Capital Trust
III;
2. upon the bankruptcy, insolvency or liquidation of Colonial BancGroup or
Colonial Capital Trust III;
3. upon the entry of a decree of a judicial dissolution of Colonial
BancGroup or Colonial Capital Trust III;
4. upon the filing of a certificate of dissolution or its equivalent with
respect to Colonial BancGroup;
5. upon the consent of the holders of a majority in liquidation amount of
the trust securities, voting together as a single class, to dissolve
Colonial Capital Trust III;
6. upon the revocation of Colonial BancGroup's charter and the expiration
of 90 days after the date of revocation without the charter being
reinstated;
7. upon the distribution of junior subordinated debentures to the holders
of the trust securities in accordance with the requirements described in
this prospectus; or
8. upon the redemption of all the trust securities.
Declaration Events of Default
An "indenture event of default" is an event of default under the indenture
and also constitutes a "declaration event of default," which is an event of
default under the declaration relating to the trust securities. See
"Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures--Indenture Events of
Default" beginning on page 35 for a description of indenture events of default.
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Under the declaration, the holder of the common securities will be deemed to
have waived any declaration event of default relating to the common securities
until all declaration events of default relating to the preferred securities
have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated. Until all declaration events
of default relating to the preferred securities have been cured, waived or
otherwise eliminated, the institutional trustee will be acting solely on behalf
of the holders of the preferred securities. Only the holders of the preferred
securities will have the right to direct the institutional trustee with respect
to certain matters under the declaration, and therefore the indenture. If a
declaration event of default relating to the preferred securities is waived by
the holders of the preferred securities, the holders of the common securities
have agreed that the waiver also constitutes a waiver of the declaration event
of default relating to the common securities for all purposes under the
declaration without any further act, vote or consent of the holders of the
common securities.
If the institutional trustee fails to enforce its rights under the junior
subordinated debentures after a holder of preferred securities has made a
written request, the holder of preferred securities may, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, directly institute a legal proceeding against Colonial
BancGroup to enforce those rights without first suing the institutional trustee
or any other person or entity. If a declaration event of default has occurred
and is continuing and the event is attributable to the failure of Colonial
BancGroup to pay interest on or principal of the junior subordinated debentures
on the date the interest or principal is otherwise payable, or in the case of
redemption, the redemption date, then a holder of preferred securities may also
bring a "direct action." This means that a holder may directly sue Colonial
BancGroup to enforce payment of the principal of or interest on the junior
subordinated debentures having a principal amount equal to the aggregate
liquidation amount of the preferred securities of the holder on or after the
respective due date specified in the junior subordinated debentures. The holder
need not first (1) direct the institutional trustee to enforce the terms of the
junior subordinated debentures or (2) sue Colonial BancGroup to enforce the
institutional trustee's rights under the junior subordinated debentures.
In connection with the direct action, Colonial BancGroup, as holder of the
common securities, will be subrogated to the rights of the holder of preferred
securities under the declaration to the extent of any payment made by Colonial
BancGroup to that holder of preferred securities in the direct action, but only
after that holder has received full payment in respect of its preferred
securities.
Upon the occurrence of an indenture event of default, the institutional
trustee, as the sole holder of the junior subordinated debentures, will have
the right to take certain actions under the indenture. See "Description of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures--Indenture Events of Default" beginning on page
35. Colonial BancGroup and Colonial Capital Trust III are each required to file
annually with the institutional trustee an officer's certificate as to its
compliance with all conditions and covenants under the declaration.
Voting Rights
Except as described below and under "--Modification of the Declaration" on
page 25, "--Mergers, Consolidations or Amalgamations" beginning on page 25,
"Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee--Modification; Assignment"
on page 39, and as otherwise required by law and the declaration, the holders
of the preferred securities will have no voting rights.
The holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred
securities have the right to direct any proceeding for any remedy available to
the institutional trustee. These holders also have the right to direct the
institutional trustee under the declaration to:
(1) direct any proceeding for any remedy available to the debt trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred on the debt trustee;
(2) waive any past indenture event of default that is waivable under the
indenture;
(3) exercise any right to rescind or annul an acceleration of the maturity
of the junior subordinated debentures; or
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(4)consent to any amendment, modification or termination where that consent
is required.
A waiver of an indenture event of default by the institutional trustee at
the direction of the holders of the preferred securities will constitute a
waiver of the corresponding declaration event of default.
Where a consent or action under the indenture would require the consent or
act of holders of more than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
junior subordinated debentures, or a "super majority," then only a super
majority may direct the institutional trustee to give that consent or take that
action. Where a consent or action under the indenture would require the consent
or act of individual holders of the junior subordinated debentures, then only
those individual holders may direct the institutional trustee to give that
consent or take that action.
The institutional trustee is required to notify all holders of the preferred
securities of any notice of default received from the debt trustee. The notice
is required to state that the indenture event of default also constitutes a
declaration event of default. Except for directing the time, method and place
of conducting a proceeding for any remedy available to the institutional
trustee, the institutional trustee will not take any of the actions described
in clauses (1), (2), (3) or (4) of the third preceding paragraph unless the
institutional trustee receives an opinion of a nationally recognized
independent tax counsel. The opinion must state that, taking that action into
account, the trust will continue to be classified as a grantor trust for United
States federal income tax purposes.
If the consent of the institutional trustee is required under the indenture
for any amendment, modification or termination of the indenture, the
institutional trustee is required to request the written direction of the
holders of the trust securities. In that case, the institutional trustee will
vote as directed by a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the trust
securities voting together as a single class. Where any amendment, modification
or termination under the indenture would require the consent of a super
majority or an individual holder, however, the institutional trustee may only
give that consent at the direction of the holders of the same super majority of
the holders of the trust securities or that individual holder, as applicable.
Holders of the preferred securities may give any required approval or
direction at a separate meeting of holders of preferred securities convened for
that purpose, at a meeting of all of the holders of trust securities or by
written consent. The regular trustees will mail to each holder of record of
preferred securities a notice of any meeting at which those holders are
entitled to vote. Each such notice will include a statement setting forth the
following information:
. the date of the meeting;
. a description of any resolution proposed for adoption at the meeting on
which those holders are entitled to vote; and
. instructions for the delivery of proxies.
No vote or consent of the holders of preferred securities will be required
for Colonial Capital Trust III to redeem and cancel preferred securities or
distribute junior subordinated debentures in accordance with the declaration.
Despite the fact that holders of preferred securities are entitled to vote
or consent under the circumstances described above, holders of any of the
preferred securities that are owned at the time by Colonial BancGroup or any
entity directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or
indirect common control with, Colonial BancGroup, will not be entitled to vote
or consent. Instead, these preferred securities will be treated as if they were
not outstanding.
Holders of the preferred securities will have no rights to appoint or remove
the trustees unless there is an indenture event of default, in which case
holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the preferred securities will
have the right to remove and appoint the institutional trustee and the Delaware
trustee. Otherwise, the trustees may be appointed, removed or replaced solely
by Colonial BancGroup as the indirect or direct holder of all of the common
securities.
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Modification of the Declaration
The declaration may be modified and amended if approved by the regular
trustees, and in certain circumstances, the institutional trustee and the
Delaware Trustee. However, if any proposed amendment provides for, or the
regular trustees otherwise propose to effect:
1. any action that would adversely affect the powers, preferences or
special rights of the trust securities, whether by way of amendment to
the declaration or otherwise; or
2. the liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or termination of Colonial
Capital Trust III other than pursuant to the terms of the declaration,
then the holders of the trust securities voting together as a single class will
be entitled to vote on the amendment or proposal. That amendment or proposal
will not be effective except with the approval of a majority in aggregate
liquidation amount of the trust securities affected thereby. If, however, any
amendment or proposal referred to in clause (1) above would adversely affect
only the preferred securities or the common securities, then only holders of
the affected class will be entitled to vote on the amendment or proposal. The
amendment or proposal will not be effective except with the approval of a
majority in aggregate liquidation amount of that class of trust securities.
Despite the foregoing, no amendment or modification may be made to the
declaration if the amendment or modification would:
1. cause Colonial Capital Trust III not to be classified for United States
federal income taxation purposes as a grantor trust;
2. reduce or otherwise adversely affect the powers of the institutional
trustee; or
3. cause Colonial Capital Trust III to be deemed an "investment company"
required to be registered under the Investment Company Act.
Mergers, Consolidations or Amalgamations
Colonial Capital Trust III may not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or
into, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, to any corporation or other
entity, except as described below or as described in "Description of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures" beginning on page 29. Colonial Capital Trust III may,
with the consent of the regular trustees and without the consent of the holders
of the trust securities, the institutional trustee or the Delaware trustee,
consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by a trust
organized as such under the laws of any State of the United States; provided,
that:
(1) if Colonial Capital Trust III is not the survivor, the successor entity
either:
(a) expressly assumes all of the obligations of Colonial Capital Trust
III under the trust securities; or
(b) substitutes for the trust securities other securities having
substantially the same terms as the trust securities, so long as the
successor securities rank the same as the trust securities rank
regarding distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and
otherwise;
(2) Colonial BancGroup expressly acknowledges a trustee of the successor
entity possessing the same powers and duties as the institutional
trustee, in its capacity as the holder of the junior subordinated
debentures;
(3) the preferred securities or any successor securities are listed, or any
successor securities will be listed upon notification of issuance, on
any national securities exchange and each other organization, if any, on
which the preferred securities are then listed or quoted;
25
(4) the merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not cause
the rating of the preferred securities or any successor securities to be
downgraded or withdrawn by any nationally recognized statistical rating
organization;
(5) the merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not
adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders
of the trust securities or any successor securities in any material
respect, other than with respect to any dilution of the holders'
interest in the new successor entity;
(6) the successor entity has a purpose substantially identical to that of
Colonial Capital Trust III;
(7) after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default and no event
which, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an event of
default, has occurred and is continuing under the indenture;
(8) prior to the merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement,
Colonial Capital Trust III has received an opinion of a nationally
recognized independent counsel to Colonial Capital Trust III experienced
in those matters that:
(a) the merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not
adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the
holders of the trust securities or any successor securities in any
material respect, other than with respect to any dilution of the
holders' interest in the new successor entity;
(b) following the merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement,
neither Colonial Capital Trust III nor the successor entity will be
required to register as an investment company under the Investment
Company Act; and
(c) following the merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement,
Colonial Capital Trust III or, if applicable, the successor entity
will be treated as a grantor trust for United States federal income
tax purposes; and
(9) Colonial BancGroup guarantees the obligations of the successor entity
under the successor securities at least to the extent provided by the
guarantee.
Despite the foregoing, Colonial Capital Trust III will not, except with the
consent of holders of 100% in aggregate liquidation amount of the trust
securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by, any
other entity or permit any other entity to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with
or into, or replace it, if the consolidation, amalgamation, merger or
replacement would cause Colonial Capital Trust III or, if applicable, the
successor entity not to be classified as a grantor trust for United States
federal income tax purposes.
Book-Entry Only Issuance--The Depository Trust Company
Upon issuance, all preferred securities, "book-entry securities," will be
represented by one or more fully registered global certificates, "global
securities." Each global security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC
and will be registered in the name of DTC or a nominee of DTC. DTC will thus be
the only registered holder of the preferred securities and will be considered
the sole owner of the preferred securities for purposes of the declaration.
Purchasers of book-entry securities may only hold interests in the global
securities through DTC if they are a participant in the DTC system. Purchasers
may also hold interests through a securities intermediary--banks, brokerage
houses and other institutions that maintain securities accounts for
customers--that has an account with DTC or its nominee. DTC will maintain
accounts showing the preferred security holdings of its participants, and these
participants will in turn maintain accounts showing the preferred security
holdings of their customers. Some of these customers may themselves be
securities intermediaries holding preferred securities for their customers.
Thus, each beneficial owner of an interest in a global security will hold that
interest indirectly through a hierarchy of intermediaries, with DTC at the
"top" and the beneficial owner's own securities intermediary at the "bottom."
26
Each beneficial owner's interest in a global security will be evidenced
solely by entries on the books of the beneficial owner's securities
intermediary. The actual purchaser of the book-entry securities will generally
not be entitled to have the preferred securities represented by the global
securities registered in its name and will not be considered the owner under
the declaration. In most cases, a beneficial owner will also not be able to
obtain a paper certificate evidencing the holder's ownership of preferred
securities. The book-entry system for holding preferred securities eliminates
the need for physical movement of certificates. However, the laws of some
jurisdictions require some purchasers of securities to take physical delivery
of their securities in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability to
transfer book-entry securities.
A beneficial owner of an interest in a global security may exchange the
securities for definitive (paper) securities only if:
(1) DTC is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the global
preferred security and Colonial BancGroup is unable to find a qualified
replacement for DTC within 90 days;
(2) at any time DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
(3) Colonial BancGroup in its sole discretion decides to allow all
book-entry securities represented by global securities to be
exchangeable for definitive securities in registered form; or
(4) a declaration event of default has occurred and is continuing.
Any global security that is so exchangeable will be exchangeable for
definitive securities in registered form, with the same terms and of an equal
aggregate principal amount, in denominations of $25 and whole multiples of $25.
Definitive securities will be registered in the name or names of the person or
persons specified by DTC in a written instruction to the registrar of the
securities. DTC may base its written instruction upon directions it receives
from its participants.
In this prospectus, for book-entry securities, references to actions taken
by preferred security holders will mean actions taken by DTC upon instructions
from its participants, and references to payments and notices of redemption to
preferred security holders will mean payments and notices of redemption to DTC
as the registered holder of the preferred securities for distribution to
participants in accordance with DTC's procedures.
DTC has advised Colonial Capital Trust III and Colonial BancGroup that its
current practice, upon receipt of any payment on the preferred securities, is
to credit the accounts of the relevant participants with the payment on the
payment date, in amounts proportionate to their respective holdings in
liquidation amount of the preferred securities as shown on the records of DTC
unless DTC has reason to believe it will not receive payment on the payment
date. Payments by participants and indirect participants to the beneficial
owners of preferred securities will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices and will be the responsibility of participants or indirect
participants and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the institutional
trustee, Colonial Capital Trust III or Colonial BancGroup. None of Colonial
Capital Trust III, Colonial BancGroup or the institutional trustee will be
liable for any delay by DTC or any of its participants or indirect participants
in identifying the beneficial owners of the preferred securities, and Colonial
BancGroup, Colonial Capital Trust III and the institutional trustee may
conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on, instructions from
DTC or its nominee for all purposes.
If applicable, redemption notices shall be sent to Cede & Co. If less than
all of the book-entry securities are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to
determine by lot the amount of the interest of each direct participant in such
issue to be redeemed.
DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized
under the laws of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve
System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform
Commercial Code and a "clearing agency" registered under section 17A of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The rules applicable to DTC and its
participants are on file with the SEC.
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None of Colonial Capital Trust III, Colonial BancGroup or the institutional
trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records
relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in
the global securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records
relating to the beneficial ownership interests.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from sources that Colonial BancGroup, Colonial Capital Trust
III and the underwriters believe to be reliable, but none of Colonial
BancGroup, Colonial Capital Trust III or the underwriters take responsibility
for the accuracy of that information.
Payment
Payments on the preferred securities represented by the global certificates
will be made to DTC, which will credit the relevant accounts at DTC on the
applicable distributions payment dates. In the case of preferred securities in
definitive form, payments of interest will be made by check mailed to the
address of the holder as that address appears on the records of registrar and
transfer agent. However, payments on the stated maturity date or earlier
redemption date will be made in same-day funds against surrender of the related
preferred securities.
Registrar, Transfer Agent And Paying Agent
If the preferred securities do not remain in book-entry only form, the
following provisions will apply:
(1) the institutional trustee will act as paying agent and may designate an
additional or substitute paying agent at any time; and
(2) registration of transfers of preferred securities will be effected
without charge by or on behalf of Colonial Capital Trust III, but upon
payment, with the giving of such indemnity as Colonial Capital Trust III
or Colonial BancGroup may require, in respect of any tax or other
government charges that may be imposed in relation to it.
Information Concerning the Institutional Trustee
Prior to the occurrence of a default with respect to the trust securities
and after the curing of any defaults that may have occurred, the institutional
trustee is required to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth
in the declaration. After such a default, the institutional trustee is required
to exercise the same degree of care as a prudent individual would exercise in
the conduct of his or her own affairs. The institutional trustee is under no
obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the declaration at the
request of any holder of preferred securities, unless offered indemnity
reasonably satisfactory to it by the holder against the costs, expenses and
liabilities that the institutional trustee might incur by exercising those
powers. The holders of preferred securities will not be required to offer that
indemnity if the holders, by exercising their voting rights, direct the
institutional trustee to take any action following a declaration event of
default.
The institutional trustee also serves as trustee under the guarantee and the
indenture. Colonial BancGroup and certain of its subsidiaries conduct certain
banking transactions with the institutional trustee in the ordinary course of
their business.
Common Securities
In connection with the issuance of preferred securities, Colonial Capital
Trust III will issue common securities with terms, other than voting rights,
that are substantially identical to the terms of the preferred securities. The
common securities will rank equally, and payments will be made on the common
securities pro rata, with the preferred securities. However, upon the
occurrence of a declaration event of default, the rights of the holders of the
common securities to payment in respect of distributions and payments upon
liquidation, redemption and otherwise will be subordinated to the rights of the
holders of the preferred securities. Except in limited circumstances, the
common securities carry the right to vote to appoint, remove or replace any of
the trustees. All of the common securities will be directly or indirectly owned
by Colonial BancGroup.
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Miscellaneous
The regular trustees are authorized and directed to operate Colonial Capital
Trust III in such a way so that Colonial Capital Trust III will not be required
to register as an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act and
will be characterized as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax
purposes. Colonial BancGroup is authorized and directed to conduct its affairs
so that the junior subordinated debentures will be treated as indebtedness of
Colonial BancGroup for United States federal income tax purposes. In this
connection, Colonial BancGroup and the regular trustees are authorized to take
any action, not inconsistent with applicable law, the certificate of trust of
Colonial Capital Trust III or the charter of Colonial BancGroup, that each of
Colonial BancGroup and the regular trustees determine in their discretion to be
necessary or desirable to achieve that end, as long as that action does not
adversely affect the interests of the holders of the preferred securities or
vary the terms of the preferred securities.
Holders of the preferred securities have no preemptive or similar rights.
Governing Law
The declaration and the preferred securities will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware.
DESCRIPTION OF THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
Colonial BancGroup will issue junior subordinated debentures as a series of
debt securities under a base indenture, between Colonial BancGroup and The Bank
of New York, as trustee, the "debt trustee," as supplemented by a supplemental
indenture or a resolution of Colonial BancGroup's board of directors or a
special committee appointed by the board of directors. The base indenture, as
amended or supplemented from time to time is called the "indenture." The
indenture has been qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The
debt trustee, The Bank of New York, will act as trustee for the junior
subordinated debentures under the indenture for purposes of compliance with the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act. The terms of the junior subordinated
debentures will include those stated in the indenture and those made part of
the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act.
Set forth below is a summary of the material terms and provisions of the
junior subordinated debentures. This summary is not intended to be complete and
is qualified by the indenture, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement which contains this prospectus, and by the Trust
Indenture Act.
General
The junior subordinated debentures will initially be limited in aggregate
principal amount to approximately $103,092,800, or $118,556,725 if the
underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full. This amount is the
sum of the aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities.
The junior subordinated debentures are not subject to any sinking fund
provision. The entire principal amount of the junior subordinated debentures
will mature and become due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid
interest thereon, including compound interest, as defined on page 30 under
"--Option to Extend Interest Payment Period" and additional interest, as
defined on page 31 under "--Additional Interest," if any, on April 1, 2032,
unless redeemed prior to that date as described under "--Optional Redemption"
on page 33.
If junior subordinated debentures are distributed to holders of preferred
securities upon dissolution and subsequent liquidation of Colonial Capital
Trust III and those preferred securities are represented by global securities,
those junior subordinated debentures will initially be represented by one or
more global certificates. The depositary arrangements for such junior
subordinated debentures are expected to be substantially similar to those
currently in effect for the preferred securities. Payments on junior
subordinated debentures represented by one or more global certificates will be
made to DTC. If junior subordinated debentures are issued in definitive form,
those junior subordinated debentures will be in denominations of $25 and
integral multiples of $25 and may be transferred or exchanged at the offices
described below.
29
In the event junior subordinated debentures are issued in definitive form,
principal and interest will be payable, the transfer of the junior subordinated
debentures will be registrable and junior subordinated debentures will be
exchangeable for junior subordinated debentures of other denominations of a
like aggregate principal amount, at the corporate trust office of the debt
trustee in The City of New York. At its option, Colonial BancGroup may make
payment of interest by check mailed to the address of the holder entitled to
that payment. Colonial BancGroup is required to make payments due on the stated
maturity date or earlier redemption date in same-day funds against surrender of
the related junior subordinated debentures.
If any interest payment date or the stated maturity date or any earlier
redemption date is not a business day, then the required payment on such date
will be made on the next business day and without any interest or other payment
in respect of the delay. However, if the next business day is in the next
calendar year, the payment will be made on the preceding business day.
Colonial BancGroup does not intend to issue and sell the junior subordinated
debt securities to any purchasers other than Colonial Capital Trust III.
There are no covenants or provisions in the indenture that would afford the
holders of the junior subordinated debentures protection in the event of a
highly leveraged or other similar transaction involving Colonial BancGroup that
may materially and adversely affect those holders.
Interest
The junior subordinated debentures will bear interest at an annual rate of
8.32% from the original date of issuance, payable quarterly in arrears on
January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing July 1, 2002.
Each date on which interest is payable is called an "interest payment date."
Interest will be paid to the person in whose name the junior subordinated
debenture is registered on the relevant record date. While the record dates for
the junior subordinated debentures represented by one or more global
certificates will be the close of business on the business day prior to the
relevant interest payment date. The record dates for the junior subordinated
debentures in definitive form will be the fifteenth calendar day prior to the
relevant interest payment date.
The period beginning on and including March 21, 2002 and ending on but
excluding the first interest payment date and each successive period beginning
on and including an interest payment date and ending on but excluding the next
succeeding interest payment date is called an "interest period."
The amount of interest payable for any interest period will be computed on
the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The amount of interest
payable for any period shorter than a full quarterly period will be computed on
the basis of the actual number of days elapsed in a 30-day month.
Option to Extend Interest Payment Period
So long as no indenture event of default has occurred and is continuing,
Colonial BancGroup is permitted to defer interest payments by extending the
interest payment period for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarterly
periods. However, no extension period may extend beyond the stated maturity
date of the junior subordinated debentures or any earlier redemption date. If
Colonial BancGroup exercises this extension option, interest would continue to
accrue on the junior subordinated debentures (to the extent lawful) at an
annual rate equal to 8.32%, compounded quarterly. At the end of an extension
period, Colonial BancGroup will pay all interest then accrued and unpaid,
including any additional interest as described under "-- Additional Interest"
below, together with interest thereon compounded at the rate specified for the
junior subordinated debentures to the extent permitted by applicable law,
"compound interest."
Prior to the termination of any extension period, Colonial BancGroup may
further defer payments of interest by extending that extension period. However,
the extension period, including all such previous and further extensions, may
not exceed 20 consecutive quarters by periods and may not extend beyond the
stated maturity date or an earlier redemption date. Upon the termination of any
extension period and the payment of all amounts then due, Colonial BancGroup
may commence a new extension period, subject to the terms set forth in this
section. No interest during an extension period, except at the end of that
extension period, will be due and payable.
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Colonial BancGroup has no present intention of exercising its right to defer
payments of interest by extending the interest payment period on the junior
subordinated debentures. If the institutional trustee is the sole holder of the
junior subordinated debentures, Colonial BancGroup will give the regular
trustees, the institutional trustee and the debt trustee notice of its
selection of the extension period one business day prior to the earlier of:
(1) the date distributions on the preferred securities are payable; or
(2) the date the regular trustees are required to give notice to the NYSE or
any other applicable self-regulatory organization or to holders of the
preferred securities of the record date or the date the distributions
are payable.
The institutional trustee will give notice of Colonial BancGroup's selection
of the extension period to the holders of the preferred securities. If the
institutional trustee is not the sole holder of the junior subordinated
debentures, Colonial BancGroup will give the holders of the junior subordinated
debentures notice of its selection of the extension period at least ten
business days prior to the earlier of:
(1) the interest payment date; or
(2) if the junior subordinated debentures are then listed or quoted, the
date upon which Colonial BancGroup is required to give notice to any
applicable self-regulatory organization or to holders of the junior
subordinated debentures of the record date or the interest payment date.
Additional Interest
If Colonial Capital Trust III or the institutional trustee is required to
pay any taxes, duties, assessments or other governmental charges of whatever
nature, other than withholding taxes, imposed by the United States, or any
other taxing authority, then Colonial BancGroup will be required to pay
additional interest on the junior subordinated debentures. "Additional
interest" will be an amount sufficient so that the net amounts received and
retained by Colonial Capital Trust III and by the institutional trustee after
paying any such taxes, duties, assessments or other governmental charges will
be equal to the amounts Colonial Capital Trust III and the institutional
trustee would have received had no such taxes, duties, assessments or other
governmental charges been imposed. This means that Colonial Capital Trust III
will be in the same position it would have been if it did not have to pay such
taxes, duties, assessments or other governmental charges.
Subordination
Colonial BancGroup has agreed that any of the junior subordinated debentures
issued under the indenture will rank junior to all of the senior indebtedness
to the extent provided in the indenture. Upon any payment or distribution of
Colonial BancGroup's assets to creditors upon Colonial BancGroup's liquidation,
dissolution, winding up, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of
creditors, marshaling of assets or any bankruptcy, insolvency, debt
restructuring or similar proceedings in connection with any insolvency or
bankruptcy proceeding involving Colonial BancGroup, the allocable amounts, as
defined below, in respect of the senior indebtedness must be paid in full
before the holders of the junior subordinated debentures will be entitled to
receive or retain any payment in respect thereof.
If the maturity of junior subordinated debentures is accelerated, the
holders of all senior indebtedness outstanding at such time will first be
entitled to receive payment in full of the allocable amounts in respect of such
senior indebtedness before the holders of junior subordinated debentures will
be entitled to receive or retain any payment in respect of the principal of or
interest on the junior subordinated debentures.
No payments on account of principal or interest in respect of the junior
subordinated debentures may be made if there is a default in any payment with
respect to senior indebtedness, or an event of default exists with respect to
any senior indebtedness that accelerates the maturity of the senior
indebtedness, or if any judicial proceeding shall be pending with respect to
the default.
31
"Allocable amounts," when used with respect to any senior indebtedness,
means all amounts due or to become due on such senior indebtedness less, if
applicable, any amount that would have been paid to, and retained by, the
holders of such senior indebtedness (whether as a result of the receipt of
payments by the holders of such senior indebtedness from Colonial BancGroup or
any other obligor thereon or from any holders of, or trustee in respect of,
other indebtedness that is subordinate and junior in right of payment to such
senior indebtedness pursuant to any provision of such indebtedness for the
payment over of amounts received on account of such indebtedness to the holders
of such senior indebtedness or otherwise) but for the fact that such senior
indebtedness is subordinate or junior in right of payment to (or subject to a
requirement that amounts received on such senior indebtedness be paid over to
obligees on) trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the
ordinary course of business.
"Indebtedness for money borrowed" means any of Colonial BancGroup's
obligations, or any obligation guaranteed by Colonial BancGroup, to repay
borrowed money, whether or not evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other
written instruments, except that indebtedness for money borrowed does not
include trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary
course of business.
"Indebtedness ranking on a parity with the junior subordinated debentures"
means:
. indebtedness for money borrowed, whether outstanding on the date the
indenture is executed or created, assumed or incurred after the date that
the indenture is executed, to the extent the indebtedness for money
borrowed by its terms ranks equal to and not prior or senior to the junior
subordinated debentures in the right of payment upon the happening of
Colonial BancGroup's dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or
reorganization;
. all other debt securities issued to any trust other than Colonial Capital
Trust III, or a trustee of such trust, partnership or other entity
affiliated with us, that is a financing vehicle of Colonial BancGroup, in
connection with the issuance by such vehicle of equity securities or other
securities that are similar to the preferred securities; and
. the securing of any indebtedness otherwise constituting indebtedness
ranking on a parity with the junior subordinated debentures shall not be
deemed to prevent such indebtedness from constituting indebtedness ranking
on a parity with the junior subordinated debentures.
"Indebtedness ranking junior to the junior subordinated debentures" means
any indebtedness for money borrowed, whether outstanding on the date the
indenture is executed or created, assumed or incurred after the date the
indenture is executed, to the extent the indebtedness for money borrowed by its
terms ranks junior to and not equal with or prior to the junior subordinated
debentures (and any other indebtedness ranking on a parity with the junior
subordinated debentures) in right of payment upon the happening of Colonial
BancGroup's dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization. The
securing of any indebtedness otherwise constituting indebtedness ranking junior
to the junior subordinated debentures shall not be deemed to prevent such
indebtedness for money borrowed from constituting indebtedness ranking junior
to the junior subordinated debentures.
"Senior indebtedness" means the principal of (and premium, if any) and
interest, if any, on all indebtedness for money borrowed, whether outstanding
on the date the indenture is executed or created, assumed or incurred after the
date the indenture is executed, except indebtedness ranking on a parity with
the junior subordinated debentures or indebtedness ranking junior to the junior
subordinated debentures, and any deferrals, renewals or extensions of the
senior indebtedness.
Upon satisfaction of all claims of all senior indebtedness, the holders of
the junior subordinated debentures will be subrogated to the rights of the
holders of senior indebtedness of Colonial BancGroup to receive payments or
distributions applicable to senior indebtedness until all amounts owing on the
junior subordinated debentures are paid in full. That senior indebtedness will
continue to be senior indebtedness and be entitled to the benefits of the
subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver
of any term of that senior indebtedness.
32
As of December 31, 2001, senior indebtedness of Colonial BancGroup
aggregated approximately $12.2 million (holding company only). In addition,
liabilities of Colonial BancGroup's subsidiaries, including depositors, as of
December 31, 2001, aggregated approximately $12.2 billion.
The indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of senior indebtedness or
other financial obligations, including secured indebtedness, that may be issued
or entered into by Colonial BancGroup and its subsidiaries.
Colonial BancGroup is a non-operating holding company and almost all of the
operating assets of Colonial BancGroup and its consolidated subsidiaries are
owned primarily by its subsidiary, Colonial Bank. Colonial BancGroup relies
primarily on dividends from Colonial Bank to meet its obligations. Colonial
BancGroup is a legal entity separate and distinct from its banking and
non-banking affiliates. The principal sources of Colonial BancGroup's income
are dividends, interest and fees from Colonial Bank, its banking subsidiary.
Colonial Bank is subject to certain restrictions imposed by Federal law on any
extensions of credit to, and certain other transactions with, Colonial
BancGroup and certain other affiliates, and on investments in stock or other
securities thereof. Such restrictions prevent Colonial BancGroup and such other
affiliates from borrowing from Colonial Bank unless the loans are secured by
various types of collateral. Further, secured loans, other transactions and
investments by Colonial Bank are generally limited in amount as to Colonial
BancGroup and as to each of such other affiliates to 10% of Colonial Bank's
capital and surplus and as to Colonial BancGroup and all of such other
affiliates to an aggregate of 20% of Colonial Bank's capital and surplus. In
addition, payment of dividends to Colonial BancGroup by Colonial Bank is
subject to ongoing review by banking regulators and is subject to various
statutory limitations and in certain circumstances requires approval by banking
regulatory authorities. Because Colonial BancGroup is a holding company, the
right of Colonial BancGroup to participate in any distribution of assets of any
subsidiary upon the subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization or otherwise, is
subject to the prior claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the
extent Colonial BancGroup may itself be recognized as a creditor of that
subsidiary. Accordingly, the junior subordinated debentures will be effectively
subordinated to all existing and future liabilities, including deposits, of all
of Colonial BancGroup's subsidiaries, including Colonial Bank, and holders of
the junior subordinated debentures should look only to the assets of Colonial
BancGroup for payments on the junior subordinated debentures.
Optional Redemption
Colonial BancGroup will have the right to redeem the junior subordinated
debentures prior to their stated maturity date:
(1) in whole or in part, from time to time, on or after April 1, 2007; or
(2) at any time prior to April 1, 2007, in whole but not in part, upon the
occurrence and continuation of a special event;
in either case, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice. The
redemption price will be equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed,
plus unpaid interest accrued to the date of redemption. The redemption may
require prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board if approval is then
required under applicable law, rules, guidelines or policies.
A "special event" means a tax event, regulatory capital event or an
investment company event, each as defined below.
A "tax event" means that Colonial Capital Trust III will have received an
opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in those
matters that, as a result of:
(1) any amendment to, or change, including any announced prospective change,
in, the laws or any regulations thereunder of the United States or any
political subdivision or taxing authority of or in the United States; or
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(2) any official administrative pronouncement or judicial decision
interpreting or applying those laws or regulations,
which amendment or change is effective or the pronouncement or decision is
announced on or after the date of original issuance of the junior subordinated
debentures, there is more than an insubstantial risk that:
(1) Colonial Capital Trust III is, or will be within 90 days of the date of
the opinion, subject to United States federal income tax with respect to
income received or accrued on the junior subordinated debentures;
(2) interest payable by Colonial BancGroup on the junior subordinated
debentures is not, or within 90 days of the date of the opinion will not
be, deductible by Colonial BancGroup, in whole or in part, for United
States federal income tax purposes; or
(3) Colonial Capital Trust III is, or will be within 90 days of the date of
the opinion, subject to more than a de minimis amount of other taxes,
duties or other governmental charges.
A "regulatory capital event" means that Colonial BancGroup will have
received an opinion of nationally recognized independent bank regulatory
counsel experienced in those matters that, as a result of:
(1) any amendment to or change, including any announced prospective change,
in the laws or any regulations thereunder of the United States or any
rules, guidelines or policies of the Federal Reserve Board; or
(2) any official administrative pronouncement or judicial decision
interpreting or applying the laws or regulations,
which amendment or change is effective or the pronouncement or decision is
announced on or after the date of original issuance of the junior subordinated
debentures, there is more than an insubstantial risk that:
(1) the preferred securities no longer constitute Tier 1 capital or its then
equivalent for regulatory capital purposes, or
(2) within 90 days of the date of either of those events, the preferred
securities will not constitute Tier 1 capital or its then equivalent for
regulatory capital purposes;
provided, however, that the distribution of the junior subordinated debentures
in connection with the dissolution of Colonial Capital Trust III by Colonial
BancGroup and the treatment of the junior subordinated debentures as other than
Tier 1 capital will not constitute a regulatory capital event.
An "investment company event" means the receipt by Colonial Capital Trust
III of an opinion of a nationally recognized independent counsel experienced in
those matters that, as a result of the occurrence of a change in law or
regulation or a change, including any announced prospective change, in
interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body,
court, governmental agency or regulatory authority, there is more than an
insubstantial risk that Colonial Capital Trust III is or will be considered an
"investment company" that is required to be registered under the Investment
Company Act, which change or prospective change becomes effective or would
become effective, as the case may be, on or after the date of original issuance
of the junior subordinated debentures.
Certain Covenants of Colonial BancGroup
If junior subordinated debentures are being held by the institutional
trustee for the benefit of holders of trust securities and:
. an indenture event of default, or an event that, with notice or the
lapse of time or both, would be an indenture event of default, has
occurred and is continuing;
. Colonial BancGroup is in default relating to its payment of any
obligations under the guarantee; or
34
. Colonial BancGroup has given notice of its election to defer payments of
interest on the junior subordinated debentures by extending the interest
payment period and that period, or any extension of that period, is
continuing,
then
. Colonial BancGroup will not declare or pay any dividend on, make any
distributions or other payments relating to, or redeem, purchase, acquire
or make a liquidation payment relating to, any of its capital stock other
than:
(1) repurchases, redemptions or other acquisitions of shares of capital
stock of Colonial BancGroup in connection with any employee benefit
plans;
(2) as a result of an exchange or conversion of any class or series of
Colonial BancGroup's capital stock for any other class or series of
Colonial BancGroup's capital stock; or
(3) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of Colonial BancGroup's
capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of
that capital stock or the security being converted or exchanged;
. Colonial BancGroup will not make any payment of interest, principal or
premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities
issued by Colonial BancGroup which rank equally with or junior to the
junior subordinated debentures; and
. Colonial BancGroup will not make any guarantee payments with respect to
the foregoing, other than pursuant to the guarantee.
So long as the trust securities remain outstanding, Colonial BancGroup will
covenant to:
. directly or indirectly maintain 100% ownership of the common securities of
the trust, unless a permitted successor of Colonial BancGroup succeeds to
its ownership of the common securities;
. use its best efforts to cause Colonial Capital Trust III to:
(1) remain a statutory business trust, except in connection with the
distribution of junior subordinated debentures to the holders of trust
securities in liquidation of the trust, the redemption of all of the
trust securities of the trust, or mergers, consolidations or
amalgamations, each as permitted by the declaration which established
Colonial Capital Trust III; and
(2) otherwise continue to be classified as a grantor trust for United
States federal income tax purposes;
. use its best efforts to cause each holder of trust securities to be
treated as owning an undivided beneficial interest in the junior
subordinated debentures; and
. not to cause, as sponsor of Colonial Capital Trust III, or permit, as
holder of the common securities, the liquidation of Colonial Capital Trust
III, except as permitted in the declaration.
Indenture Events of Default
The indenture provides that the following are indenture events of default
relating to the junior subordinated debentures:
. default in the payment of the principal of any junior subordinated
debenture when due, whether at maturity, earlier redemption or otherwise;
. default for 30 days in the payment of any installment of interest,
including additional interest and compound interest, on any junior
subordinated debenture (subject to an extension period permitted under the
indenture);
. default for 90 days after written notice in the performance of any other
covenant in respect of any junior subordinated debenture;
. certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, or court
appointment of a receiver, liquidator or trustee of Colonial BancGroup; and
. the dissolution, liquidation, winding-up or other termination of Colonial
Capital Trust III.
35
If an indenture event of default occurs and is continuing, either the debt
trustee or the holders of not less than 25 percent in aggregate principal
amount of the junior subordinated debentures then outstanding may declare the
principal of all junior subordinated debentures of that series to be due and
payable immediately. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of
junior subordinated debentures may annul the declaration and waive the default
if the default has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured
installments of interest and principal due other than by acceleration has been
deposited with the debt trustee. The majority holders may not waive a payment
default on the junior subordinated debentures which has become due solely by
acceleration.
Prior to any declaration accelerating the maturity of the junior
subordinated debentures, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the junior subordinated debentures may, on behalf of the holders of
all the junior subordinated debentures, waive any past default, except a
default in the payment of principal or interest, unless such default has been
cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and
principal due otherwise than by acceleration has been deposited with the debt
trustee, or a default in respect of a covenant or provision which under the
indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of
each outstanding junior subordinated debenture.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the junior
subordinated debentures will have the right to direct the time, method and
place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the debt trustee
under the indenture, so long as the holders of the junior subordinated
debentures have offered to the debt trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory
to it against expenses and liabilities.
The indenture requires the annual filing by Colonial BancGroup with the debt
trustee of a certificate as to the absence of certain defaults under the
indenture.
The debt trustee may withhold notice of any event of default from the
holders of the junior subordinated debentures, except in the payment of
principal or interest, if the debt trustee considers it in the interest of
those holders to do so.
If the institutional trustee fails to enforce its rights under the junior
subordinated debentures after a holder of the preferred securities has made a
written request, the holder of the preferred securities may, to the fullest
extent permitted by law, institute a legal proceeding directly against Colonial
BancGroup to enforce the institutional trustee's rights under the junior
subordinated debentures without first instituting any legal proceeding against
the institutional trustee or any other person or entity.
Despite the foregoing, if a declaration event of default has occurred and is
continuing and that event is attributable to the failure of Colonial BancGroup
to pay interest on or principal of the junior subordinated debentures when that
interest or principal is otherwise payable, Colonial BancGroup acknowledges
that, in that event, a holder of preferred securities may institute a direct
action against Colonial BancGroup for payment on or after the respective due
date specified in the junior subordinated debentures. Despite any payments made
to the holder of preferred securities by Colonial BancGroup in connection with
a direct action, Colonial BancGroup will remain obligated to pay the principal
of or interest on the junior subordinated debentures held by Colonial Capital
Trust III or the institutional trustee. In connection with the direct action,
Colonial BancGroup, as holder of the common securities, will be subrogated to
the rights of the holder of preferred securities under the declaration to the
extent of any payments made by Colonial BancGroup to that holder of preferred
securities in the direct action, but only after that holder has received full
payment in respect of its preferred securities.
Except as provided in the preceding paragraph and in the guarantee, the
holders of preferred securities will not be able to exercise directly any other
remedy available to the holders of the junior subordinated debentures unless a
declaration event of default exists.
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Modification of the Indenture
Modifications and amendments to the indenture may be made by Colonial
BancGroup and the debt trustee with the consent of the holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the junior subordinated debentures at the time
outstanding. However, no such modification or amendment may, without the
consent of the holder of each junior subordinated debenture affected:
. modify the payment terms of the junior subordinated debentures or the
ability of holders to institute legal action to recover payments due and
owing;
. reduce the percentage of holders of junior subordinated debentures
necessary to modify or amend the indenture, to waive compliance by
Colonial BancGroup with any covenant or to waive any past default; or
. make any change to the subordination provisions that would adversely
affect the interests of the holders of junior subordinated debentures.
Modifications and amendments to the indenture may be made by Colonial
BancGroup and the debt trustee without the consent of the holders of the junior
subordinated debentures for specified purposes, including curing ambiguities,
defects or inconsistencies that do not materially and adversely affect holders.
Consolidation, Merger, Sale of Assets and other Transactions
The indenture provides that Colonial BancGroup will not consolidate with or
merge into any other person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially
all of Colonial BancGroup's properties to any person, and no person shall
consolidate with or merge into Colonial BancGroup or convey, transfer or lease
all or substantially all of its properties to Colonial BancGroup, unless:
. if Colonial BancGroup consolidates with or merges into another person or
conveys or transfers all or substantially all of its properties to any
person, the successor is organized under the laws of the United States
or any state or the District of Columbia and, if Colonial BancGroup is
not the surviving corporation, the successor expressly assumes Colonial
BancGroup's obligations under the indenture and the guarantee with
respect to the junior subordinated debentures;
. immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no debenture event
of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both,
would become a debenture event of default, exists; and
. certain other conditions as prescribed in the indenture are met.
The general provisions of the indenture do not afford holders of the junior
subordinated debentures protection in the event of a highly leveraged or other
transaction that Colonial BancGroup may become involved in that may adversely
affect holders of the junior subordinated debentures.
Satisfaction and Discharge
The indenture provides that when, among other things:
. all junior subordinated debentures not previously delivered to the debt
trustee for cancellation have become due and payable or will become due
and payable at maturity or called for redemption within one year; and
. Colonial BancGroup deposits or causes to be deposited with the debt
trustee funds, in trust, for the purpose and in an amount sufficient to
pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the junior subordinated
debentures not previously delivered to the debt trustee for
cancellation, for the principal and interest to the date of the deposit
or to the stated maturity date, as the case may be, then the indenture
will cease to be of further effect (except as to Colonial BancGroup's
obligations to pay all other sums due pursuant to the indenture and to
provide the officers' certificates and opinions of counsel), and
Colonial BancGroup will be deemed to have satisfied and discharged the
indenture.
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Miscellaneous
The indenture provides that Colonial BancGroup will pay all fees and
expenses related to:
(1) the issuance and sale of the trust securities and the junior
subordinated debentures;
(2) the organization, maintenance and dissolution of Colonial Capital Trust
III;
(3) the retention of the regular trustees; and
(4) the enforcement by the institutional trustee of the rights of the
holders of the preferred securities.
Governing Law
The indenture and the junior subordinated debentures will be governed by,
and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE
Colonial BancGroup will issue the guarantee for the benefit of the holders
from time to time of preferred securities. The preferred securities guarantee
has been qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The guarantee
trustee, The Bank of New York, will act as trustee under the guarantee for
purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act. The
terms of the guarantee will include those set forth in the guarantee and those
made part of the guarantee by the Trust Indenture Act. The guarantee will be
held by the guarantee trustee for the benefit of the holders of the preferred
securities.
Set forth below is a summary of the material terms and provisions of the
guarantee. This summary is not intended to be complete and is qualified by the
guarantee, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement which contains this prospectus, and the Trust Indenture Act.
General
Pursuant to and to the extent set forth in the guarantee, Colonial BancGroup
will irrevocably and unconditionally agree to pay in full to the holders of the
preferred securities, except to the extent paid by Colonial Capital Trust III,
as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim
which Colonial Capital Trust III may have or assert, the following payments,
which are referred to as "guarantee payments," without duplication:
. any unpaid distributions that are required to be paid on the preferred
securities, to the extent Colonial Capital Trust III has funds available
for distributions;
. the redemption price, plus all unpaid distributions, to the extent
Colonial Capital Trust III has funds available for redemption, relating
to any preferred securities called for redemption by the trust; and
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. upon a dissolution of Colonial Capital Trust III, other than in
connection with the distribution of junior subordinated debentures to
the holders of preferred securities or the redemption of all of the
preferred securities, the lesser of:
(1) the aggregate of the liquidation amount and all unpaid distributions
on the preferred securities to the date of payment, to the extent
Colonial Capital Trust III has funds available therefor; or
(2) the amount of assets of the trust remaining for distribution to
holders of the preferred securities in liquidation of Colonial
Capital Trust III.
Colonial BancGroup's obligation to make a guarantee payment may be satisfied
by direct payment of the required amounts by Colonial BancGroup to the holders
of preferred securities or by causing Colonial Capital Trust III to pay those
amounts to those holders.
The guarantee will not apply to any payment of distributions except to the
extent Colonial Capital Trust III has funds available for those payments. If
Colonial BancGroup does not make interest payments on the junior subordinated
debentures, the trust will not have funds available for pay distributions on
the preferred securities.
The guarantee, when taken together with Colonial BancGroup's obligations
under the junior subordinated debentures, the indenture and the declaration,
including its obligations to pay costs, expenses, debts and liabilities of
Colonial Capital Trust III, other than those relating to trust securities, will
provide a full and unconditional guarantee on a subordinated basis by Colonial
BancGroup of payments due in respect of the preferred securities.
Colonial BancGroup has also agreed separately to irrevocably and
unconditionally guarantee the obligations of Colonial Capital Trust III with
respect to the common securities to the same extent as the guarantee covering
the preferred securities, except that upon an event of default under the
indenture, holders of preferred securities will have priority over holders of
common securities with respect to distributions and payments on liquidation,
redemption or otherwise.
Modification; Assignment
The guarantee may be amended only with the prior approval of the holders of
a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred securities. No vote
will be required, however, for any changes that do not adversely affect in any
material way the rights of holders of preferred securities. All guarantees and
agreements contained in the guarantee will bind the successors, assignees,
receivers, trustees and representatives of Colonial BancGroup and will be for
the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities then outstanding.
Termination
The guarantee will terminate upon full payment of the redemption price of
all preferred securities, upon distribution of the junior subordinated
debentures to the holders of the trust securities or upon full payment of the
amounts payable in accordance with the declaration upon liquidation of Colonial
Capital Trust III. The guarantee will continue to be effective or will be
reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of preferred
securities must restore payment of any sums paid under the preferred securities
or the related guarantee.
Events of Default
An event of default under the guarantee will occur upon the failure of
Colonial BancGroup to perform any of its payment or other obligations under the
guarantee.
The holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred
securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the guarantee trustee in respect of
the guarantee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon
the guarantee trustee under the guarantee. Any holder of preferred securities
may institute a legal proceeding directly against Colonial BancGroup to enforce
the guarantee trustee's rights and the obligations of Colonial BancGroup under
the guarantee, without first instituting a legal proceeding against Colonial
Capital Trust III, the guarantee trustee or any other person or entity.
39
Status
The guarantee will constitute unsecured obligations of Colonial BancGroup
and will rank:
(1) subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other liabilities of
Colonial BancGroup, except those made equally with or subordinate to the
guarantee by their terms;
(2) equally with the most senior preferred or preference stock now or
hereafter issued by Colonial BancGroup and with any guarantee now or
hereafter entered into by Colonial BancGroup in respect of any preferred
or preference stock of any affiliate of Colonial BancGroup; and
(3) senior to Colonial BancGroup common stock.
The terms of the preferred securities provide that each holder of preferred
securities by acceptance of those securities agrees to the subordination
provisions and other terms of the guarantee.
The guarantee will constitute a guarantee of payment and not of collection.
This means that the guaranteed party may sue the guarantor to enforce its
rights under the guarantee without suing any other person or entity.
Information Concerning the Guarantee Trustee
Prior to the occurrence of a default relating to the guarantee, the
guarantee trustee undertakes to perform only those duties as are specifically
set forth in the guarantee. After default, the guarantee trustee will exercise
the same degree of care as a prudent individual would exercise in the conduct
of his or her own affairs. Provided that the foregoing requirements have been
met, the guarantee trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers
vested in it by the guarantee at the request of any holder of preferred
securities, unless offered indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the
costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred thereby.
Colonial BancGroup or its affiliates maintain certain accounts and other
banking relationships with the guarantee trustee and its affiliates in the
ordinary course of business.
Governing Law
The guarantee will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the
laws of the State of New York.
EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE PREFERRED SECURITIES,
THE GUARANTEE AND THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
As set forth in the declaration, the sole purpose of Colonial Capital Trust
III is to issue and sell the trust securities and to invest the proceeds from
that issuance and sale in the junior subordinated debentures.
As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the
junior subordinated debentures, those payments will be sufficient to cover the
distributions and other payments due on the trust securities. This is due to
the following factors:
(1) the aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated debentures will be
equal to the sum of the aggregate liquidation amount of the trust
securities;
(2) the interest rate and the interest and other payment dates on the junior
subordinated debentures will match the distribution rate and
distributions and other payment dates for the trust securities;
(3) under the indenture, Colonial BancGroup will pay, and Colonial Capital
Trust III will not be obligated to pay, directly or indirectly, all
costs, expenses, debts and obligations of the trust, other than those
relating to the trust securities; and
40
(4) the declaration further provides that the Colonial BancGroup trustees
may not cause or permit Colonial Capital Trust III to engage in any
activity that is not consistent with its stated purposes.
The guarantee, when taken together with Colonial BancGroup's obligations
under the junior subordinated debentures, the indenture and the declaration,
will provide a full and unconditional guarantee on a subordinated basis of
distributions, redemption payments and liquidation payments on the preferred
securities. If Colonial BancGroup does not make payments on the junior
subordinated debentures, Colonial Capital Trust III will not have sufficient
funds to make the related payments, including distributions, on the preferred
securities. The guarantee does not apply to any payment unless Colonial Capital
Trust III has sufficient funds for that payment from Colonial BancGroup. See
"Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee" beginning on page 38.
The declaration allows the holders of the preferred securities to direct the
institutional trustee to enforce its rights under the junior subordinated
debentures. If the institutional trustee fails to enforce these rights, any
holder of preferred securities may, to the fullest extent permitted by law,
directly sue Colonial BancGroup to enforce these rights without first suing the
institutional trustee or any other person or entity. See "Description of the
Preferred Securities--Voting Rights" beginning on page 23 and "--Book-Entry
Only Issuance--The Depository Trust Company" beginning on page 26. Despite the
foregoing, a holder of preferred securities may institute a direct action
against Colonial BancGroup if a declaration event of default has occurred and
is continuing and that event is attributable to the failure of Colonial
BancGroup to pay interest on or principal of the junior subordinated debentures
on the date the interest or principal is otherwise payable. A direct action may
be brought against Colonial BancGroup without first (1) directing the
institutional trustee to enforce the terms of the junior subordinated
debentures or (2) suing Colonial BancGroup to enforce the institutional
trustee's rights under the junior subordinated debentures. In connection with
that direct action, Colonial BancGroup, as holder of the common securities,
will be subrogated to the rights of the holder of preferred securities under
the declaration to the extent of any payment made by Colonial BancGroup to that
holder of preferred securities but only after that holder has received full
payment in respect of its preferred securities.
Colonial BancGroup acknowledges that the guarantee trustee will enforce the
guarantee on behalf of the holders of the preferred securities. If Colonial
BancGroup fails to make payments under the guarantee, the guarantee allows the
holders of the preferred securities to direct the guarantee trustee to enforce
its rights thereunder. If the guarantee trustee fails to enforce the guarantee,
any holder of preferred securities may directly sue Colonial BancGroup to
enforce the guarantee trustee's rights under the guarantee. The holder need not
first sue Colonial Capital Trust III, the guarantee trustee, or any other
person or entity.
Colonial BancGroup and Colonial Capital Trust III believe that the above
mechanisms and obligations, taken together, are equivalent to a full and
unconditional guarantee by Colonial BancGroup of payments due in respect of the
preferred securities.
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
General
In the opinion of Miller, Hamilton, Snider & Odom, L.L.C., counsel to
Colonial BancGroup and Colonial Capital Trust III, "tax counsel," the following
is a summary of certain of the material United States federal income tax
consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of preferred securities
held as capital assets by a holder who purchases those preferred securities
upon initial issuance. It does not deal with special classes of holders such as
banks, thrifts, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies,
insurance companies, dealers in securities or currencies, tax-exempt investors,
United States Alien Holders (as defined below) to the extent that the ownership
of those preferred securities are held in connection with the conduct of a
trade or business in the United States or persons that will hold the preferred
securities as a position in a
41
"straddle," as part of a "synthetic security" or "hedge," as part of a
"conversion transaction" or other integrated investment or as other than a
capital asset. This summary also does not address the tax consequences to
persons that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar or the tax
consequences to shareholders, partners or beneficiaries of a holder of
preferred securities. Further, it does not include any description of any
alternative minimum tax consequences or the tax laws of any state or local
government or of any foreign government that may be applicable to the preferred
securities. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, the "Code," Treasury regulations under the Code, the "regulations,"
and administrative and judicial interpretations of the Code and the
regulations, as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to
change, possibly on a retroactive basis.
Classification of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
In connection with the issuance of the junior subordinated debentures, tax
counsel will render its opinion that, under current law and assuming full
compliance with the terms of the indenture and certain other documents, and
based on certain facts and assumptions contained in that opinion, the junior
subordinated debentures will be classified for United States federal income tax
purposes as indebtedness of Colonial BancGroup. In addition, by acceptance of a
preferred security, each holder agrees to treat the junior subordinated
debentures as indebtedness for all United States federal income tax purposes.
Classification of the Trust
In connection with the issuance of the preferred securities, tax counsel
will render its opinion that, under current law and assuming full compliance
with the terms of the declaration and the indenture and certain other
documents, and based on certain facts and assumptions contained in that
opinion, Colonial Capital Trust III will be classified for United States
federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust and not as an association
taxable as a corporation. Accordingly, for United States federal income tax
purposes, each holder of preferred securities generally will be considered the
owner of a pro rata undivided interest in the junior subordinated debentures,
and each holder will be required to include in its gross income any interest,
or original issue discount, "OID," paid or accrued with respect to its
allocable share of those junior subordinated debentures.
Interest Income and Original Issue Discount
Under regulations promulgated under the OID provisions of the Code, a
"remote" contingency that stated interest will not be timely paid will be
ignored in determining whether a debt instrument is issued with OID. Colonial
BancGroup believes that the likelihood of its exercising its option to defer
payments of interest on the junior subordinated debentures is "remote" since
exercising that option would prevent Colonial BancGroup from, among other
things, declaring dividends on any class of its equity securities. Accordingly,
Colonial BancGroup intends to take the position, based on the advice of tax
counsel, that the junior subordinated debentures will not be considered to be
issued with OID and, accordingly, stated interest on the junior subordinated
debentures generally will be taxable to a holder as ordinary income at the time
it is paid or accrued in accordance with the holder's regular method of
accounting for United States federal income tax purposes. However, the Internal
Revenue Service, the "IRS," could interpret the regulations with respect to OID
in a manner contrary to the position Colonial BancGroup intends to take. If the
IRS succeeded in asserting the contrary position, the OID rules would generally
require you to include interest on the junior subordinated debentures in your
taxable income as it accrues rather than when you receive payment, even though
you use the cash method of accounting for United States federal income tax
purposes.
Under the regulations, if Colonial BancGroup were to exercise its option to
defer payments of interest on the junior subordinated debentures, the junior
subordinated debentures would at that time be treated as having been reissued
with OID, and all stated interest on the junior subordinated debentures would
thereafter be treated as OID as long as the junior subordinated debentures
remain outstanding. In that event, all of a holder's taxable interest income
with respect to the junior subordinated debentures would thereafter be
accounted for on an economic accrual basis regardless of the holder's method of
tax accounting, and actual cash distributions of stated interest would not be
reported as taxable income. Consequently, a holder of preferred securities
would be
42
required to include in gross income OID even if Colonial BancGroup does not
make actual cash payments during an extension period. The amount of OID income
includible in your taxable income would be determined on the basis of a
constant yield method over the remaining term of the junior subordinated
debentures and the actual receipt of future payments of stated interest on the
junior subordinated debentures would no longer be separately reported as
taxable income. The total amount of OID that would accrue during the deferred
interest payment period would be approximately equal to the amount of the cash
payment due at the end of that period. Any OID included in income would
increase your adjusted tax basis in your preferred securities and junior
subordinated debentures, and your actual receipt of cash interest payments
would reduce that adjusted tax basis.
These regulations have not yet been addressed in any rulings or other
interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service, and it is possible that the
IRS could take a position contrary to tax counsel's interpretation.
Because income on the preferred securities will constitute interest or OID,
corporate holders of the preferred securities will not be entitled to a
dividends-received deduction with respect to any income recognized with respect
to the preferred securities.
Receipt of Junior Subordinated Debentures or Cash upon Liquidation of Colonial
Capital Trust III
Colonial BancGroup will have the right at any time to dissolve Colonial
Capital Trust III and cause the junior subordinated debentures to be
distributed to the holders of the trust securities, subject to Colonial
BancGroup's receipt of an opinion of counsel that the resulting liquidation and
distribution of the junior subordinated debentures would not result in a
taxable event to holders of the preferred securities. Under current law, such a
distribution, for United States federal income tax purposes, would be treated
as a nontaxable event to each holder, and each holder would receive an
aggregate tax basis in the junior subordinated debentures received equal to the
holder's aggregate tax basis in its preferred securities. A holder's holding
period in the junior subordinated debentures so received in dissolution of
Colonial Capital Trust III would include the period during which the preferred
securities were held by the holder. If, despite the delivery of an opinion of
counsel that the dissolution, resulting liquidation and distribution of junior
subordinated debentures would not result in a taxable event to holders of the
preferred securities, Colonial Capital Trust III is ultimately characterized
for United States federal income tax purposes as an association taxable as a
corporation at the time of its dissolution and liquidation, the distribution of
junior subordinated debentures would be a taxable event to holders of the
preferred securities.
If you receive junior subordinated debentures in exchange for your preferred
securities, you would continue to accrue interest, and OID if any, in respect
of those junior subordinated debentures in the manner described above. Under
certain circumstances described in this prospectus under "Description of the
Preferred Securities," the junior subordinated debentures may be redeemed for
cash and the proceeds of that redemption distributed to holders in redemption
of their preferred securities. Under current law, such a redemption would, for
United States federal income tax purposes, constitute a taxable disposition of
the redeemed preferred securities, and a holder could recognize gain or loss as
if it sold those redeemed preferred securities for cash. See "--Sales of
Preferred Securities" below.
Sales of Preferred Securities
A holder that sells preferred securities, including a redemption of the
preferred securities by Colonial Capital Trust III, will recognize gain or loss
equal to the difference between its adjusted tax basis in the preferred
securities and the amount realized on the sale of those preferred securities
(other than with respect to accrued and unpaid interest which has not yet been
included in income, which will be treated as ordinary income). A holder's
adjusted tax basis in the preferred securities generally will be its initial
purchase price increased by OID (if any) previously includable in the holder's
gross income to the date of disposition and decreased by payments received on
the preferred securities in respect of OID (if any). The gain or loss generally
will be a capital gain or loss and generally will be a long-term capital gain
or loss if the preferred securities have been held by that holder for more than
one year. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate holders are generally
subject to reduced capital gain rates.
43
The preferred securities may trade at a price that does not accurately
reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest with respect to the underlying
junior subordinated debentures. A holder who uses the accrual method of
accounting for tax purposes, and a cash method holder, if the junior
subordinated debentures are deemed to have been issued with OID, and who
disposes of his or her preferred securities between record dates for payments
of distributions thereon will be required to include accrued but unpaid
interest on the junior subordinated debentures through the date of disposition
in income as ordinary income (i.e., interest or, possibly, OID), and to add
that amount to his or her adjusted tax basis in his or her pro rata share of
the underlying junior subordinated debentures deemed disposed of. To the extent
the selling price is less than the holder's adjusted tax basis (which will
include all accrued but unpaid interest), a holder will recognize a capital
loss. Subject to certain limited exceptions, capital losses cannot be applied
to offset ordinary income for United States federal income tax purposes.
United States Alien Holders
For purposes of this discussion, a "United States Alien Holder" is any
corporation, individual, partnership, estate or trust that is not a U.S. Holder
for United States federal income tax purposes.
A "U.S. Holder" is a beneficial owner of preferred securities who or which
is:
(1) a citizen or individual resident (or is treated as a citizen or
individual resident) of the United States for federal income tax
purposes;
(2) a corporation or partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership
or corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created or
organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state of the
United States, including the District of Columbia;
(3) an estate the income of which is includable in its gross income for
federal income tax purposes without regard to its source; or
(4) a trust if, and only if, (a) a court within the United States is able to
exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and
one or more United States persons have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust or (b) the trust was in existence on
August 20, 1996 and is treated as a United States holder under
applicable regulations.
Under present United States federal income tax law:
(1) payments by Colonial Capital Trust III or any of its paying agents to
any holder of a preferred security who or which is a United States Alien
Holder generally will not be subject to United States federal
withholding tax, so long as
(a) the beneficial owner of the preferred security does not actually or
constructively own 10 percent or more of the total combined voting
power of all classes of stock of Colonial BancGroup entitled to vote;
(b) the beneficial owner of the preferred security is not a controlled
foreign corporation that is related to Colonial BancGroup through
stock ownership;
(c) the beneficial owner of the preferred security is not a bank
receiving interest described in Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code; and
(d) either (A) the beneficial owner of the preferred security certifies
on a Form W-8BEN to Colonial Capital Trust III or its agent, under
penalties of perjury, that it is not a U.S. Holder and provides its
name and address, (B) a qualified securities clearing organization,
bank or other financial institution that holds customers' securities
in the ordinary course of its trade or business, a "financial
institution," and holds the preferred security in that capacity,
certifies to Colonial Capital Trust III or its agent, under penalties
of perjury, that the statement has been received from the beneficial
owner by it or by a financial institution between it and the
beneficial owner and
44
furnishes Colonial Capital Trust III or its agent with a copy of the
statement or (C) if the beneficial owner is neither an individual nor
a corporation for federal income tax purposes, certain other
reporting requirements are satisfied; and
(2) a United States Alien Holder of a preferred security generally will not
be subject to United States federal withholding tax on any gain realized
upon the sale or other disposition (including a redemption) of a
preferred security; and
(3) a United States Alien Holder whose income with respect to its investment
in a preferred security is effectively connected with the conduct of a
U.S. trade or business would generally not be subject to United States
federal withholding tax and would be taxed as if the holder was a U.S.
person provided the holder provides a properly executed Form W-8 ECI.
Proposed Legislation
On January 24, 2002, Representative Charles B. Rangel introduced legislation
in the U.S. House of Representatives which, if enacted in its current form,
would in some cases disallow interest deductions for U.S. federal income tax
purposes for interest paid on debentures with certain similarities to the
junior subordinated debentures. This legislation is proposed to be effective
for instruments issued on or after the date of enactment of such legislation.
Consequently, as drafted, this legislation would not affect the preferred
securities or the junior subordinated debentures or otherwise result in a tax
event as described under "Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures --
Optional Redemption" on page 33 of this prospectus. However, there can be no
assurance that the proposed legislation, final legislation or any other future
legislative proposals will not adversely affect Colonial BancGroup's ability to
deduct interest on the junior subordinated debentures or otherwise affect the
tax treatment of the transactions described in this prospectus. Such change
could, if applicable to the junior subordinated debentures or preferred
securities, give rise to a tax event, which would permit us to cause a
redemption of the preferred securities and create a taxable event for holders
of preferred securities.
Information Reporting to Holders
Generally, income on the preferred securities will be reported to holders on
Forms 1099, which forms should be mailed to holders of preferred securities by
January 31 following each calendar year.
Backup Withholding
Payments made on, and proceeds from the sale of, the preferred securities
may be subject to a "backup" withholding tax unless the holder complies with
certain identification requirements. Any withheld amounts will be allowed as a
credit against the holder's United States federal income tax, provided the
required information is provided to the IRS.
The United States federal income tax discussion set forth above is included
for general information only and may not be applicable depending upon a
holder's particular situation. Holders should consult their tax advisors with
respect to the tax consequences to them of the purchase, ownership and
disposition of the preferred securities, including the tax consequences under
federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax laws and the possible
effects of changes in United States federal or other tax laws.
45
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
Each fiduciary of a pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plan,
a "plan," subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, "ERISA," should consider the fiduciary standards of ERISA in the
context of the plan's particular circumstances before authorizing an investment
in the preferred securities. Accordingly, among other factors, the fiduciary
should consider whether the investment would satisfy the prudence and
diversification requirements of ERISA and would be consistent with the
documents and instruments governing the plan, and whether the investment would
involve a prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of
the Code.
Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code prohibit plans, as well as
individual retirement accounts and Keogh plans subject to Section 4975 of the
Code, also "plans," from engaging in certain transactions involving "plan
assets" with persons who are "parties in interest" under ERISA or "disqualified
persons" under the Code, "parties in interest," with respect to the plan or
account. A violation of these "prohibited transaction" rules may result in
civil penalty or other liabilities under ERISA and/or an excise tax under
Section 4975 of the Code for those persons, unless exemptive relief is
available under an applicable statutory, regulatory or administrative
exemption. Employee benefit plans that are governmental plans (as defined in
section 3(32) of ERISA), certain church plans (as defined in Section 3(33) of
ERISA) and foreign plans (as described in Section 4(b)(4) of ERISA) are not
subject to the requirements of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code. However,
governmental plans may be subject to similar provisions under applicable state
laws.
Under a regulation, the "Plan Assets Regulation," issued by the U.S.
Department of Labor, the assets of Colonial Capital Trust III would be deemed
to be "plan assets" of a plan for purposes of ERISA and Section 4975 of the
Code if a plan were to acquire an equity interest in Colonial Capital Trust III
and no exception was applicable under the Plan Assets Regulation. An "equity
interest" is defined under the Plan Assets Regulation as any interest in an
entity other than an instrument which is treated as indebtedness under
applicable law and which has no substantial equity features and specifically
includes a beneficial interest in a trust.
Pursuant to the Plan Assets Regulation, the assets of Colonial Capital Trust
III would not be deemed to be "plan assets" of investing plans if, among other
exceptions, at all times, less than 25% of the value of each class of equity
interests in Colonial Capital Trust III were held by plans, and entities
holding assets deemed to be "plan assets" of any plan, collectively, "benefit
plan investors," or if the preferred securities were "publicly-offered
securities" for purpose of the Plan Assets Regulation. No assurance can be
given that the preferred securities held by benefit plan investors will be less
than 25% of the total value of those preferred securities at the completion of
the initial offering or thereafter, and no monitoring or other measures will be
taken with respect to the satisfaction of the conditions to this exception. In
addition, no assurance can be given that the preferred securities would be
considered to be "publicly-offered securities" under the Plan Assets
Regulation. Accordingly, it is anticipated that investment in the preferred
securities by plans may cause the assets of Colonial Capital Trust III to be
"plan assets" of investing plans.
Colonial BancGroup, the obligor with respect to the junior subordinated
debentures held by Colonial Capital Trust III, and its affiliates and the
institutional trustee may be considered parties in interest with respect to
many plans and, as a result of this transaction, may become parties in interest
to plans that purchase the preferred securities. Accordingly, the purchase
and/or holding of preferred securities by a plan with respect to which Colonial
BancGroup, the institutional trustee or any affiliate is or becomes a party in
interest may constitute or result in a prohibited transaction under ERISA or
Section 4975 of the Code, unless those preferred securities are acquired
pursuant to and in accordance with an applicable exemption.
The Department of Labor has issued five prohibited transaction class
exemptions, "PTCEs," that may provide exemptive relief if required for direct
or indirect prohibited transactions that may arise from the purchase or holding
of the preferred securities. These exemptions are:
(1) PTCE 84-14, an exemption for certain transactions determined by
independent qualified professional asset managers;
46
(2) PTCE 90-1, an exemption for certain transactions involving insurance
company pooled separate accounts;
(3) PTCE 91-38, an exemption for certain transactions involving bank
collective investment funds;
(4) PTCE 95-60, an exemption for transactions involving certain insurance
company general accounts; or
(5) PTCE 96-23, an exemption for plan asset transactions managed by in-house
asset managers.
The preferred securities may not be purchased or held by (1) any plan, (2)
any entity whose underlying assets include "plan assets" by reason of any
plan's investment in the entity, a "plan asset entity," or (3) any person
investing "plan assets" of any plan, unless in each case the purchaser or
holder is eligible for the exemptive relief available under any of the PTCEs
listed above or another applicable similar exemption. Any purchaser or holder
of the preferred securities or any interest in the preferred securities will be
deemed to have represented by its purchase and holding of the preferred
securities that it either,
(1) is not a plan or a plan asset entity and is not purchasing those
securities on behalf of or with "plan assets" of any plan; or
(2) with respect to the purchase or holding, is eligible for the exemptive
relief available under any of the PTCEs listed above or another
applicable exemption with respect to the purchase or holding.
If a purchaser or holder of the preferred securities that is a plan or a
plan asset entity elects to rely on an exemption other than one of the PTCEs
listed above, Colonial BancGroup and Colonial Capital Trust III may require a
satisfactory opinion of counsel or other evidence with respect to the
availability of that exemption for the purchase and holding.
In addition, because the assets of Colonial Capital Trust III may be "plan
assets" for ERISA purposes, the institutional trustee, as well as any other
person exercising discretion with respect to the assets of Colonial Capital
Trust III, may become a fiduciary, party in interest or disqualified person
with respect to investing plans. To avoid certain prohibited transactions under
ERISA and the Code that could result, each investing plan, by its purchase of
preferred securities, will be deemed to have directed Colonial Capital Trust
III to invest in the junior subordinated debentures, and to have consented to
the appointment of the institutional trustee.
A plan fiduciary should consider whether the purchase of preferred
securities could result in a delegation of fiduciary authority to the
institutional trustee, and if so, whether this delegation is permissible under
the plan's governing documents.
Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed
upon persons involved in non-exempt transactions, it is important that
fiduciaries or other persons considering purchasing the preferred securities on
behalf of or with "plan assets" of any plan consult with its ERISA counsel
regarding the potential consequences if the assets of Colonial Capital Trust
III were deemed to be "plan assets" and the availability of exemptive relief
under any of the PTCEs listed above or any other applicable exemption.
The sale of preferred securities to a plan is not a representation by
Colonial Capital Trust III, Colonial BancGroup, any trustee, the underwriters
or any other person associated with the sale of the preferred securities that
those securities meet relevant legal requirements with respect to investments
by plans generally, or any particular plan.
47
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement,
Colonial Capital Trust III has agreed to sell to each of the underwriters named
below, and each of the underwriters, for whom Lehman Brothers Inc. and Stifel,
Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated are acting as representatives, has severally
agreed to purchase, the number of preferred securities set forth opposite its
name below. In the underwriting agreement, the several underwriters have
agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting
agreement, to purchase all the preferred securities offered hereby if any of
the preferred securities are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the
underwriting agreement provides that, in certain circumstances, the purchase
commitments of the non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the
underwriting agreement may be terminated.
Number of
Preferred
Name of Underwriter Securities
------------------- ----------
Lehman Brothers Inc........................................... 680,000
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated...................... 670,000
Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.................................. 670,000
Sandler O'Neill & Partners, L.P............................... 670,000
Sterne, Agee and Leach, Inc................................... 670,000
Advest, Inc................................................... 40,000
Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc....................................... 40,000
CIBC World Markets Corp....................................... 40,000
First Union Securities, Inc................................... 40,000
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.................................... 40,000
Legg Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated.......................... 40,000
Prudential Securities Incorporated............................ 40,000
RBC Dain Raucher Inc.......................................... 40,000
U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc................................ 40,000
BB&T Capital Markets, a division of Scott & Stringfellow, Inc. 20,000
C.L. King & Associates, Inc................................... 20,000
D.A. Davidson & Co............................................ 20,000
Ferris, Baker Watts, Incorporated............................. 20,000
Fahnestock & Co. Inc.......................................... 20,000
Gruntal & Co., L.L.C.......................................... 20,000
Howe Barnes Investments, Inc.................................. 20,000
J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, Inc.............................. 20,000
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC................................... 20,000
Mesirow Financial, Inc........................................ 20,000
Ryan, Beck & Co., LLC......................................... 20,000
Southwest Securities, Inc..................................... 20,000
SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc................................. 20,000
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC................................... 20,000
---------
Total.................................................. 4,000,000
=========
48
The underwriters propose to offer the preferred securities, in part,
directly to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the
cover page of this prospectus, and, in part, to selected securities dealers at
that price less a concession of $.50 per preferred security. The underwriters
may allow, and those dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of $.40
per preferred security to selected brokers and dealers. After the initial
public offering of the preferred securities, the initial public offering price
and other selling terms may be changed.
Colonial Capital Trust III has granted the underwriters an option
exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus to purchase up to an
aggregate of 600,000 additional preferred securities solely to cover
over-allotments, if any. If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment
option, the underwriters have severally agreed, subject to certain conditions,
to purchase approximately the same percentage thereof that the number of shares
of preferred securities to be purchased by each of them, as shown in the table
above, bears to the shares of preferred securities offered hereby.
In view of the fact that the proceeds of the sale of the preferred
securities will ultimately be used by Colonial Capital Trust III to purchase
the junior subordinated debentures of Colonial BancGroup, the underwriting
agreement provides that Colonial BancGroup will pay as compensation to the
underwriters arranging the investment therein of those proceeds, an amount in
immediately available funds of $.7875 per preferred security, or $3,150,000 in
the aggregate ($3,622,500 in the aggregate, if the underwriters exercise in
full their overallotment option), for the accounts of the several underwriters.
The following table shows the per preferred security and total public
offering price, underwriting commission to be paid by Colonial BancGroup and
the proceeds to Colonial Capital Trust III. This information is presented
assuming either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their
over-allotment option.
Per Preferred Without Option
Security Total With Option
------------- -------------- ------------
Public offering price(1)................................ $25.00 $100,000,000 $115,000,000
Underwriting commission to be paid by Colonial BancGroup $.7875 $3,150,000 $3,622,500
Proceeds to Colonial Capital Trust III.................. $25.00 $100,000,000 $115,000,000
--------
(1)Plus accumulated distributions from March 21, 2002, if settlement occurs
after that date.
During a period of 30 days from the date of the prospectus, neither Colonial
Capital Trust III nor Colonial BancGroup will, without the prior written
consent of the underwriters, directly or indirectly, sell, offer to sell, grant
any option for sale of, or otherwise dispose of, any preferred securities, any
security convertible into or exchangeable into or exercisable for preferred
securities or junior subordinated debentures or any debt securities
substantially similar to the junior subordinated debentures or equity
securities substantially similar to the preferred securities, except for the
securities offered by this prospectus.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the preferred
securities. The preferred securities have been approved for listing on the
NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance. Trading of the preferred
securities on the NYSE is expected to commence within 30 days after the initial
delivery of the preferred securities. The underwriters have advised Colonial
BancGroup and Colonial Capital Trust III that they intend to make a market in
the preferred securities prior to commencement of trading on the NYSE, but are
not obligated to do so and may discontinue market making at any time without
notice. No assurance can be given as to the existence or liquidity of any
trading market for the preferred securities.
In order to meet one of the requirements for listing the preferred
securities on the NYSE, the underwriters have undertaken to sell preferred
securities to a minimum of 400 beneficial owners.
Colonial Capital Trust III and Colonial BancGroup have agreed to indemnify
the underwriters against, or contribute to payments that the underwriters may
be required to make in respect of, certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933.
49
Until the distribution of the preferred securities is completed, rules of
the SEC may limit the ability of the underwriters and any selling group members
to bid for and purchase the preferred securities. As an exception to these
rules, the underwriters are permitted to engage in some transactions that
stabilize the price of the preferred securities. Those transactions consist of
bids or purchases for the purposes of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price
of the preferred securities.
If the underwriters create a short position in the preferred securities in
connection with the offering, i.e., if they sell more preferred securities than
are set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, the underwriters may reduce
the short position by purchasing preferred securities in the open market.
The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid on certain selling group
members. This means that if the underwriters purchase preferred securities in
the open market to reduce the underwriters' short position or to stabilize the
price of the preferred securities, they may reclaim the amount of the selling
concession from the selling group members who sold those preferred securities
as part of the offering.
In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to
reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than
it might be in the absence of those purchases. The imposition of a penalty bid
might also have an effect on the price of a security to the extent that it were
to discourage resales of the security.
None of Colonial BancGroup, Colonial Capital Trust III or any of the
underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or
magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the
price of the preferred securities. In addition, none of Colonial BancGroup,
Colonial Capital Trust III or any of the underwriters makes any representation
that the underwriters will engage in those transactions or that those
transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
It is expected that delivery of the preferred securities will be made
against payment for them on or about the date specified in the last paragraph
of the cover page of this prospectus, which is the fifth business day following
the date of pricing of the preferred securities (such settlement cycle being
referred to in this prospectus as "T+5"). The ability to settle secondary
market trades of the preferred securities effected on the date of pricing and
the succeeding business day may be affected by T+5 settlement.
In the ordinary course of their business, some of the underwriters or their
affiliates have engaged, and expect in the future to engage, in investment
banking, commercial banking, financial advisory and/or other transactions with
Colonial BancGroup and its subsidiaries, for which they have received, and may
in the future receive, customary fees and commissions.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain matters of Delaware law relating to the validity of the preferred
securities will be passed upon on behalf of Colonial Capital Trust III and
Colonial BancGroup by Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., Wilmington, Delaware,
special Delaware counsel to Colonial Capital Trust III. The validity of the
junior subordinated debentures and the guarantee and certain matters relating
thereto will be passed upon for Colonial BancGroup and certain United States
federal income taxation matters will be passed upon for Colonial BancGroup and
Colonial Capital Trust III by Miller, Hamilton, Snider & Odom, L.L.C.,
Montgomery, Alabama. Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP, New York, New York, will
pass upon certain legal matters for the underwriters.
EXPERTS
Colonial BancGroup's consolidated financial statements as of December 31,
2001 and 2000 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2001 incorporated in this prospectus by reference to Colonial BancGroup's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, have been so
incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
50
[MAP] MAP OF THE WORLD
[LOGO] The Colonial BancGroup, Inc.
4,000,000 Preferred Securities
Colonial Capital Trust III
8.32% Preferred Securities
(liquidation amount $25 per preferred security)
fully and unconditionally guaranteed by
The Colonial BancGroup, Inc.
-------------------
PROSPECTUS
March 14, 2002
-------------------
LEHMAN BROTHERS
STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY
INCORPORATED
MORGAN KEEGAN & COMPANY, INC.
SANDLER O'NEILL & PARTNERS, L.P.
STERNE, AGEE AND LEACH, INC.