S-3
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
December 8, 2006
Registration Statement
No. 333-
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
20549
Form S-3
REGISTRATION
STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933
LEAR CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as
specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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13-3386776
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(State or other jurisdiction
of
incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
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21557 Telegraph Road
Southfield, Michigan 48033
(248) 447-1500
(Address, including zip code,
and telephone number, including area code, of registrants
principal executive offices)
Daniel A. Ninivaggi
Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
Lear Corporation
21557 Telegraph Road
Southfield, Michigan 48033
(248) 447-1500
(Name, address, including zip
code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for
service)
Copies to:
Bruce A. Toth, Esq.
Brian M. Schafer, Esq.
Winston & Strawn LLP
35 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 558-5600
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the
public: From time to time after the effective
date of this Registration Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being
offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans,
please check the following
box. o
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are being
offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to
Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
Securities Act), other than securities offered only
in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans,
check the following box. þ
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an
offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act,
please check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same
offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to
Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of
the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General
Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that
shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant
to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the
following box. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration
statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to
register additional securities or additional classes of
securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities
Act, check the following box. o
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to
Rule 434, please check the following
box. o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Proposed Maximum
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Proposed Maximum
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Amount of
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Title of Each Class of
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Amount to be
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Offering
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Aggregate
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Registration
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Securities to be Registered
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Registered(1)
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Price per Security(2)
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Offering Price
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Fee
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Common Stock, $.01 per share
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11,994,944 shares
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$29.80
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$357,449,332
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$38,248
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(1)
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Pursuant to Rule 416 of the
Securities Act, such number of shares of common stock registered
hereby shall include an indeterminate number of shares of common
stock that may be issued in connection with a stock split, stock
dividend, recapitalization or similar event.
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(2)
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Estimated solely for the purpose of
calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c)
under the Securities Act, based on the average of the high and
low prices of the registrants common stock of the
registrant as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on
December 5, 2006.
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The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on
such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective
date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which
specifically states that this Registration Statement shall
thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a)
of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this Registration
Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission,
acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The
information in this prospectus is not complete and may be
changed. The selling stockholders may not sell these securities
until the registration statement relating to these securities
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective.
This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it
is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any
jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
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SUBJECT
TO COMPLETION, DATED DECEMBER 8, 2006
PROSPECTUS
11,994,944 Shares of
Common Stock
We issued 8,695,653 shares of our common stock offered by
this prospectus in a private placement in November 2006 at a
price of $23.00 per share. The remaining
3,299,291 shares of our common stock offered by this
prospectus were acquired by the selling stockholders through
open market purchases. The selling stockholders may use this
prospectus to resell from time to time the shares of our common
stock offered hereby.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol LEA. On December 5, 2006, the last
reported sale price for our common stock was $30.47 per
share.
Investing in our common stock involves risks. See Risk
Factors beginning on page 4 of this prospectus.
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the
shares of our common stock by any of the selling stockholders.
The shares of our common stock or interests therein may be
offered and sold from time to time directly by the selling
stockholders or alternatively through underwriters or
broker-dealers or agents. The shares of our common stock or
interests therein may be sold by the selling stockholders in one
or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market
prices at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at the
time of sale or at negotiated prices.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state
securities commission nor any other United States regulatory
authority has approved or disapproved of these securities or
determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus
is ,
2006.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
You should rely only on the information contained in this
prospectus or to which we have referred you. We have not
authorized anyone to provide you with information that is
different. This prospectus may only be used where it is legal to
sell these securities.
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DISCLOSURE
REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains and incorporates by reference
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
Securities Act), and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange
Act). The words will, may,
designed to, outlook,
believes, should,
anticipates, plans, expects,
intends, estimates and similar
expressions identify these forward-looking statements. Any
statements contained or incorporated in this prospectus which
address operating or financial performance, events or
developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the
future, including statements related to business opportunities,
awarded sales contracts, sales backlog and net income per share
growth or statements expressing views about future operating and
financial results, are forward-looking statements. Because these
forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from the
expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements.
Important factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual
results to differ from those expressed in our forward-looking
statements include, but are not limited to:
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general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate,
including changes in interest rates or currency exchange rates;
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the financial condition of our customers and suppliers;
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fluctuations in the production of vehicles for which we are a
supplier;
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disruptions in the relationships with our suppliers;
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labor disputes involving us or our significant customers or
suppliers or that otherwise affect us;
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our ability to achieve cost reductions that offset or exceed
customer-mandated selling price reductions;
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the outcome of customer productivity negotiations;
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the impact and timing of program launch costs;
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the costs and timing of facility closures, business realignment
or similar actions;
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increases in our warranty or product liability costs;
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risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries;
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competitive conditions impacting our key customers and suppliers;
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raw material costs and availability;
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our ability to mitigate the significant impact of increases in
raw material, energy and commodity costs;
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the outcome of legal or regulatory proceedings to which we are
or may become a party;
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unanticipated changes in cash flow, including our ability to
align our vendor payment terms with those of our customers;
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the finalization of our restructuring strategy; and
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other risks described in Risk Factors and the risks
and information provided from time to time in our Securities and
Exchange Commission filings.
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Finally, our agreement to transfer substantially all of our
North American interior business to IAC North America is subject
to various conditions, including the receipt of required
third-party consents, as well as other closing conditions
customary for transactions of this type. No assurances can be
given that the proposed transaction will be consummated on the
terms contemplated or at all.
All forward-looking statements included or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus are made as of the date of this
prospectus, and we do not assume any obligation to update, amend
or clarify them to reflect events, new information or
circumstances occurring after the date hereof.
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SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information contained
elsewhere, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus. It
does not contain all of the information you need to consider
before investing in our common stock. We contributed
substantially all of our European interior business to a joint
venture in October 2006, and on November 30, 2006, we
entered into a definitive agreement to transfer substantially
all of our North American interior business to a joint venture.
This summary focuses on our core businesses, although there is
no assurance that the divestiture of our North American interior
business will be completed. To understand all of the terms of
this offering and for a more complete understanding of our
business, including our interior segment, you should read
carefully this entire document and the documents incorporated by
reference in this document. When we use the terms
Lear, we, us the
Company and our, unless otherwise indicated or
the context otherwise requires, we are referring to Lear
Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. Our fiscal year
ends on December 31 and each of our fiscal quarters
consists of thirteen weeks.
Lear
Corporation
Our company was founded in 1917 as American Metal Products
Corporation. Through a management-led buyout in 1988, Lear
established itself as a private seat assembly operation for the
North American automobile market with annual sales of
approximately $900 million. We completed our initial public
offering in 1994, at a time when customers increasingly were
seeking suppliers that could provide complete automotive
interior systems on a global basis. Between 1993 and 2000, there
was rapid consolidation in the automotive supplier industry, and
during that time, we made 17 strategic acquisitions. These
acquisitions assisted in transforming Lear from primarily a
North American automotive seat assembly operation into a global
tier 1 supplier of complete automotive interior systems,
with capacity for full design, engineering, manufacture and
delivery of the automotive interior.
Today, we have operations in 34 countries and rank #127
among the Fortune 500 list of publicly traded
U.S. companies. We are a leading global automotive supplier
with 2005 net sales of $17.1 billion. Our business is
focused on providing complete seat systems, electrical
distribution systems and various electronic products, and we
supply every major automotive manufacturer in the world. In seat
systems, we believe we hold a #2 position globally based on
seat units sold, in a market we estimate at $45 to
$50 billion. In electrical distribution systems, we believe
we hold a #3 position in North America and a #4 position in
Europe based on units sold, in a global market we estimate at
$15 to $20 billion.
We have a history of growth and strong cash flow generation. Our
last major acquisition, UT Automotive, Inc., provided us with
the advantage of being able to integrate electrical distribution
systems throughout the automotive interior and was completed in
1999. Between 2000 and 2004, we focused on strengthening our
balance sheet and leveraging our total interior capabilities.
During this period, we reduced net debt by $1.4 billion and
were awarded the industrys first ever total interior
integrator program by General Motors for the 2006 Cadillac DTS
and Buick Lucerne models.
We have pursued a global strategy, aggressively expanding our
operations in Europe, Central America, Africa and Asia. Since
2000, we have realized an 11% compound annual growth rate in net
sales outside of North America, with 46% of our 2005 sales
coming from outside of North America. Our Asian-related sales
(on an aggregate basis, including both consolidated and
unconsolidated sales) have grown from $800 million in 2002
to an estimated $2.5 billion in 2006. We expect additional
Asian-related sales growth in 2007, led by expanding
relationships with Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota.
Our platform mix is well diversified. In 2005, our sales were
comprised of the following vehicle categories: 54% cars,
including 23% mid-size, 15% compact, 14% luxury/sport and 2%
full-size, and 46% light truck, including 25% sport utility and
21% pickup and other light truck. We have expertise in all
platform segments of the automotive market and expect to
continue to win new business in line with the market trends. As
an example, in North America, our revenues in the fast growing
crossover segment, as a percentage of our total revenues, are
in-line with the crossovers total share of the market.
Since early 2005, the North American automotive market has
become increasingly challenging. Higher fuel prices have led to
a shift in consumer preferences away from SUVs, and our North
American customers have faced
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increasing competition from foreign competitors. In addition,
higher commodity costs (principally, steel, copper, resins and
other oil-based commodities) have caused margin pressure in the
sector. In response, our North American customers have reduced
production levels on several of our key platforms and have taken
aggressive actions to reduce costs. As a result, we experienced
a significant decrease in our operating earnings in 2005 in each
of our product segments. Although production volumes remain
lower in 2006 on many of our key platforms, production schedules
are less volatile. Our seating business has demonstrated
improved operating performance in 2006.
The negative impact of the recent industry environment has been
more pronounced in our interior business. This business, which
includes instrument panels and cockpit systems, headliners and
overhead systems, door panels, flooring and acoustic systems and
interior trim, represented $3.1 billion of net sales in
2005. The interior segment is more capital intensive and
sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices, particularly
resins. It is also characterized by overcapacity and a
relatively fragmented supplier base. Further consolidation and
restructuring is required to return this market segment to an
appropriate profit level. When our major customers indicated an
intent to focus on interior component purchases rather than
total interior integration, we decided to exit this segment of
the interior market and focus on the product lines for which we
can provide more value. In October 2006, we completed the
contribution of substantially all of our European interior
business to International Automotive Components Group, LLC
(IAC), a joint venture with WL Ross & Co.
LLC (WL Ross) and Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC
(Franklin), in exchange for a one-third equity
interest in IAC. In addition, on November 30, 2006, we
entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with International
Automotive Components Group North America, Inc. and
International Automotive Components Group North America, LLC
(together, IAC North America), WL Ross and Franklin
under which we agreed to transfer substantially all of the
assets of our North American interior business segment (as well
as our interests in two China joint ventures) and
$25 million of cash to IAC North America. Under the terms
of the agreement, we will receive a 25% equity interest in the
IAC North America joint venture and warrants to purchase an
additional 7% equity interest. See Recent
Developments. We believe that with a global footprint, IAC
and IAC North America will be well positioned to participate in
a consolidation of this market segment and become a strong
interior supplier.
Within our core product segments, seating and electronic and
electrical, we believe we can provide more value for our
customers and that there is significant opportunity for
continued growth. We are pursuing a more product line focused
strategy, investing in consumer driven products and selective
vertical integration. In 2005, we initiated a comprehensive
restructuring strategy to align capacity with our customers as
they rationalize their operations and to more aggressively
expand our low cost country manufacturing and purchasing
initiatives to improve our overall cost structure. We believe
our commitment to customer service and quality will result in a
global leadership position in each of our core product segments.
We are targeting 5% annual growth in global sales, while growing
our annual sales in Asia and with Asian customers by 25%. We
believe these recent business improvements and initiatives,
coupled with our strong platform for growth in our core seating
and electronic and electrical businesses, will drive our profit
margins back to historical levels.
Recent
Developments
European Interior Business. On
October 16, 2006, we completed the contribution of
substantially all of our European interior business to IAC, our
joint venture with WL Ross and Franklin, in exchange for a
one-third equity interest in IAC. In connection with the
transaction, we entered into various ancillary agreements
providing us with customary minority shareholder rights and
registration rights with respect to our equity interest in IAC.
Our European interior business included substantially all of our
interior components business in Europe (other than Italy and one
facility in France), consisting of nine manufacturing facilities
in five countries supplying door panels, overhead systems,
instrument panels, cockpits and interior trim to various
original equipment manufacturers. IAC also owns the European
interior business formerly held by Collins & Aikman
Corporation. In connection with the transaction, we recognized a
loss on the divestiture of approximately $29 million in the
third quarter of 2006. For pro forma unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements which take into account the
effect of this transaction, among other things, please see our
Current Report on
Form 8-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
December 8, 2006.
North American Interior Business. On
November 30, 2006, we entered into an Asset Purchase
Agreement with IAC North America, WL Ross and Franklin under
which we agreed to transfer substantially all of the assets of
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our North American interior business segment (as well as our
interests in two China joint ventures) and $25 million of
cash to IAC North America. Under the terms of the agreement, we
will receive a 25% equity interest in the IAC North America
joint venture and warrants to purchase an additional 7% equity
interest. WL Ross and Franklin will make aggregate cash
contributions of $75 million to the joint venture in
exchange for the remaining equity and extend a $50 million
term loan to IAC North America. IAC North America will assume
the ordinary course liabilities of our North American interior
business and we will retain certain pre-closing liabilities,
including pension and post-retirement healthcare liabilities
incurred through the closing date of the transaction. We will
fund up to an additional $40 million, and WL Ross and
Franklin will contribute up to an additional $45 million,
in the event that IAC North America does not meet certain
financial targets in 2007. In connection with the transaction,
we have entered into various ancillary agreements providing for
customary minority shareholder rights and registration rights
with respect to our equity interest in the joint venture.
The closing of the transaction for our North American interior
business is subject to various conditions, including the receipt
of required third-party consents, as well as other closing
conditions customary for transactions of this type. In
connection with the transaction, we expect to recognize a
pre-tax loss on divestiture of approximately $675 million
in the fourth quarter of 2006. We expect the transaction to
close in the first quarter of 2007, although no assurances can
be given that the IAC North America transaction will be
consummated on the terms contemplated or at all. For pro forma
unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements which take
into account the effect of this transaction, among other things,
please see our Current Report on
Form 8-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
December 8, 2006.
Our principal executive offices are located at 21557 Telegraph
Road, Southfield, Michigan 48033. Our telephone number at that
location is
(248) 447-1500.
Our website address is http://www.lear.com. Information on our
website does not constitute part of this prospectus.
The
Offering
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Common stock offered by the selling stockholders: |
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11,994,944 shares |
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Use of proceeds: |
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We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by the
selling stockholders of the shares of our common stock covered
by this prospectus. |
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Use of proceeds: |
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Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol LEA. |
3
RISK
FACTORS
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk.
You should carefully consider the following risk factors and all
other information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus, including the section entitled Disclosure
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements before investing in
the common stock. The risks described below are not the only
risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not
currently known to us or those we currently view to be
immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our
business, financial condition or results of operations. If any
of the following risks materialize, our business, financial
condition or results of operations could be materially and
adversely affected. In that case, you may lose some or all of
your investment.
Risks
Related to Our Business
Please see the information provided under the heading
Risks Related to our Business on Exhibit 99.2
of our Current Report on
Form 8-K
filed on November 20, 2006, which is incorporated by
reference herein.
USE OF
PROCEEDS
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by the
selling stockholders of the shares of our common stock covered
by this prospectus.
DESCRIPTION
OF CAPITAL STOCK
Our authorized capital stock consists of 165,000,000 shares
of stock, including:
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150,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value
per share, of which 73,283,253 shares were issued as of
September 30, 2006; and
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15,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value
per share, of which no shares are currently issued or
outstanding.
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Common
Stock
This section describes the general terms of our common stock.
For more detailed information, you should refer to our Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and amended and restated bylaws,
copies of which have been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. These documents are also incorporated by reference
into this prospectus.
Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share
with respect to each matter submitted to a vote of our
stockholders, subject to voting rights that may be established
for shares of our preferred stock, if any. Except as may be
provided in connection with our preferred stock or as otherwise
may be required by law or our Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, our common stock is the only capital stock
entitled to vote in the election of directors. Our common stock
does not have cumulative voting rights.
Subject to the rights of holders of our preferred stock, if any,
holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends
and distributions lawfully declared by our board of directors.
We are currently restricted under the terms of our primary
credit facilities from paying dividends above certain limited
amounts to holders of our common stock. If we liquidate,
dissolve, or wind up our business, whether voluntarily or
involuntarily, holders of our common stock will be entitled to
receive any assets available for distribution to our
stockholders after we have paid or set apart for payment the
amounts necessary to satisfy any preferential or participating
rights to which the holders of each outstanding series of
preferred stock are entitled by the express terms of such series
of preferred stock.
The outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and
nonassessable. Our common stock does not have any preemptive,
subscription or conversion rights. We may issue additional
shares of our authorized common stock as it is authorized by our
board of directors from time to time, without stockholder
approval, except as may be required by applicable stock exchange
requirements.
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Preferred
Stock
This section describes the general terms and provisions of our
preferred stock. We will file a copy of the certificate of
designation that contains the terms of each series of preferred
stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission each time we
issue a series of preferred stock. Each certificate of
designation will establish the number of shares included in a
designated series and fix the designation, powers, privileges,
preferences and rights of the shares of each series as well as
any applicable qualifications, limitations or restrictions.
Our board of directors has been authorized to provide for the
issuance of shares of our preferred stock in multiple series
without the approval of stockholders. With respect to each
series of our preferred stock, our board of directors has the
authority to fix the following terms:
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the designation of the series;
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the number of shares within the series;
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whether dividends are cumulative and, if cumulative, the dates
from which dividends are cumulative;
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the rate of any dividends, any conditions upon which dividends
are payable, and the dates of payment of dividends;
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whether the shares are redeemable, the redemption price and the
terms of redemption;
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the amount payable to you for each share you own if we dissolve
or liquidate;
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whether the shares are convertible or exchangeable, the price or
rate of conversion or exchange, and the applicable terms and
conditions;
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voting rights applicable to the series of preferred
stock; and
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any other rights, preferences or limitations of such series.
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Our ability to issue preferred stock, or rights to purchase such
shares, could discourage an unsolicited acquisition proposal.
For example, we could impede a business combination by issuing a
series of preferred stock containing class voting rights that
would enable the holders of such preferred stock to block a
business combination transaction. Alternatively, we could
facilitate a business combination transaction by issuing a
series of preferred stock having sufficient voting rights to
provide a required percentage vote of the stockholders.
Additionally, under certain circumstances, our issuance of
preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of the
holders of our common stock. Although our board of directors is
required to make any determination to issue any preferred stock
based on its judgment as to the best interests of our
stockholders, our board of directors could act in a manner that
would discourage an acquisition attempt or other transaction
that some, or a majority, of our stockholders might believe to
be in their best interests or in which stockholders might
receive a premium for their stock over prevailing market prices
of such stock. Our board of directors does not at present intend
to seek stockholder approval prior to any issuance of currently
authorized stock, unless otherwise required by law or applicable
stock exchange requirements.
Limitation
on Directors Liability
Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides, as
authorized by Section 102(b)(7)of the Delaware General
Corporation Law, that our directors will not be personally
liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach
of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability:
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for any breach of the directors duty of loyalty to us or
our stockholders;
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for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
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for unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases
or redemptions as provided in Section 174 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law; or
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for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit.
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The inclusion of this provision in our Restated Certificate of
Incorporation may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of
derivative litigation against directors, and may discourage or
deter stockholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against
directors for breach of their duty of care, even though such an
action, if successful, might otherwise have benefited us and our
stockholders.
Section 203
of the Delaware General Corporation Law
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
prohibits a defined set of transactions between a Delaware
corporation, such as us, and an interested
stockholder. An interested stockholder is defined as a
person who, together with any affiliates or associates of such
person, beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 15% or more
of the outstanding voting shares of a Delaware corporation. This
provision may prohibit business combinations between an
interested stockholder and a corporation for a period of three
years after the date the interested stockholder becomes an
interested stockholder. The term business
combination is broadly defined to include mergers,
consolidations, sales or other dispositions of assets having a
total value in excess of 10% of the consolidated assets of the
corporation, and some other transactions that would increase the
interested stockholders proportionate share ownership in
the corporation.
This prohibition is effective unless:
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the business combination is approved by the corporations
board of directors prior to the time the interested stockholder
becomes an interested stockholder;
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the interested stockholder acquired at least 85% of the voting
stock of the corporation, other than stock held by directors who
are also officers or by qualified employee stock plans, in the
transaction in which it becomes an interested
stockholder; or
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the business combination is approved by a majority of the board
of directors and by the affirmative vote of
662/3%
of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the
interested stockholder.
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In general, the prohibitions do not apply to business
combinations with persons who were stockholders before we became
subject to Section 203. Additionally, our board of
directors has taken appropriate corporate action to cause the
selling stockholders, under certain circumstances, to not be
deemed interested stockholders for purposes of Section 203.
This corporate action with respect to the selling stockholders
will no longer be effective in the event the beneficial
ownership of the selling stockholders of our common stock
exceeds 24% of our issued and outstanding stock. In such case,
the selling stockholders shall be deemed to be interested
stockholders for purposes of Section 203 as though the
transaction that results in such excess share ownership had
caused the selling stockholders to become interested
stockholders under Section 203.
Charter
and Bylaw Provisions
Our bylaws, as amended, contain provisions requiring that
advance notice be delivered to us of any business to be brought
by a stockholder before an annual meeting of stockholders and
providing for certain procedures to be followed by stockholders
in nominating persons for election to our board of directors.
Generally, such advance notice provisions provide that the
stockholder must give written notice to our secretary
(i) not less than 120 days nor more than 150 days
prior to the first anniversary of the date of our consent
solicitation or proxy statement released to stockholders in
connection with our previous years annual meeting to bring
business before an annual meeting of stockholders and
(ii) not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days
before the scheduled date of the annual meeting of stockholders
to nominate persons for election to our board of directors. The
notice must set forth specific information regarding such
stockholder and such business or director nominee, as described
in the bylaws. Such requirement is in addition to those set
forth in the regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Exchange Act. Our Restated Certificate of
Incorporation provides that, subject to any rights of holders of
preferred stock to elect one or more directors, the number of
directors shall not be fewer than one nor more than fourteen and
provides for a classified board of directors, consisting of
three classes as nearly equal in size as practicable. Each class
holds office until the third annual stockholders meeting
for election of directors following the most recent election of
such class. Our directors may be removed only for cause.
6
The bylaws provide that stockholders may not act by written
consent in lieu of a meeting, unless such written consent is
signed by a sufficient amount of stockholders required to take
such action. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called
by the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Secretary
of Lear at the written request of a majority of the board of
directors, but may not be called by stockholders. The bylaws may
be amended by a majority (and in certain cases,
662/3%)
of the board of directors or by the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least a majority of the aggregate voting power of
our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote thereon.
The foregoing provisions of the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and the amended and restated bylaws, together with
the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law, could have the effect of delaying, deferring or
preventing a change in control or the removal of existing
management, of deterring potential acquirors from making an
offer to our stockholders and of limiting any opportunity to
realize premiums over prevailing market prices for our common
stock in connection therewith. This could be the case
notwithstanding that a majority of our stockholders might
benefit from such a change in control or offer.
Transfer
Agent and Registrar
The Bank of New York serves as the registrar and transfer agent
for our common stock.
Stock
Exchange Listing
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The
trading symbol for our common stock on this exchange is
LEA.
SELLING
STOCKHOLDERS
We issued 8,695,653 shares of our common stock offered by
this prospectus in a private placement in November 2006 at a
price of $23.00 per share. The remaining
3,299,291 shares of our common stock offered by this
prospectus were acquired by the selling stockholders through
open market purchases. We are registering the shares of our
common stock offered by this prospectus on behalf of the selling
stockholders named in the table below.
The following table sets forth certain information known to us
regarding the ownership of our common stock by the selling
stockholders as of December 5, 2006. Unless set forth
below, to the best of our knowledge, none of the selling
stockholders has, or within the past three years has had, any
material relationship with us or any of our predecessors or
affiliates. We prepared this table based on the information
supplied to us by the selling stockholders named in the table.
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Shares Beneficially
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Number of Shares
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Name and Address
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Owned Before
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Number of Shares
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Owned After the
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of Beneficial Owner
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Offering
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Offered
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Offering(1)
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Icahn Partners LP(2)
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4,069,718
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4,069,718
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0
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White Plains Plaza
445 Hamilton Avenue Suite 1210
White Plains, NY 10601
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Icahn Partners Master
Fund LP(2)
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5,526,235
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5,526,235
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0
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c/o Walkers SPV Limited
P.O. Box 908GT
87 Mary Street
George Town, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
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Koala Holding LLC(2)
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1,739,131
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1,739,131
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0
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White Plains Plaza
445 Hamilton Avenue Suite 1210
White Plains, NY 10601
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High River Limited Partnership(2)
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659,860
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659,860
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0
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White Plains Plaza
445 Hamilton Avenue Suite 1210
White Plains, NY 10601
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7
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(1) |
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Assumes that all shares registered pursuant to this registration
statement are sold. The selling stockholders may sell all, some
or none of their shares pursuant to this registration statement.
The registration statement is being filed to register the shares
purchased by the selling stockholders. None of the selling
stockholders has informed us of their intent to sell their
shares. |
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(2) |
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Icahn Partners LP (Icahn Partners) is a Delaware
limited partnership, the general partner of which is Icahn
Onshore LP (Icahn Onshore), a Delaware limited
partnership. The general partner of Icahn Onshore is CCI Onshore
Corp. (CCI Onshore), a Delaware corporation. Icahn
Partners Master Fund LP (Icahn Master) is a
Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, the general partner
of which is Icahn Offshore LP (Icahn Offshore), a
Delaware limited partnership. The general partner of Icahn
Offshore is CCI Offshore Corp. (CCI Offshore), a
Delaware corporation. High River Limited Partnership (High
River) is a Delaware limited partnership, the general
partner of which is Hopper Investments LLC (Hopper),
a Delaware limited liability company. The sole member of Hopper
is Barberry Corp. (Barberry), a Delaware
corporation. Koala Holding LLC (Koala) is a Delaware
limited liability company, the sole member of which is Barberry.
Each of CCI Onshore, CCI Offshore and Barberry is
100 percent owned by Carl C. Icahn, a citizen of the United
States of America. Vincent Intrieri, a member of our board of
directors, is an officer of each of Icahn Partners, Icahn
Master, Koala and High River. |
PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION
The selling stockholders will be offering and selling the shares
of our common stock offered and sold under this prospectus. We
will not receive any of the proceeds from the offering of the
shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders. Pursuant
to a Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 17,
2006, among us and certain of the selling stockholders (the
Stock Purchase Agreement), we have agreed, among
other things, to bear substantially all of the expenses,
excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection
with the registration and sale of the shares of our common stock.
We are registering the shares of our common stock covered by
this prospectus to permit holders to conduct public secondary
trading of the shares of our common stock from time to time
after the date of this prospectus. We have been advised by the
selling stockholders that they may sell all or a portion of the
shares of our common stock beneficially owned by them and
offered hereby from time to time:
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directly; or
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through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, who may receive
compensation in the form of underwriting discounts or
commissions or agents commissions from the selling
stockholders or from the purchasers of the common stock for whom
they act as agent.
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The shares of our common stock being offered by this prospectus
may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions at:
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fixed prices;
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prevailing market prices at the time of sale;
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varying prices determined at the time of sale; or
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negotiated prices.
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These prices will be determined by the holders of the shares of
our common stock by agreement between these holders and
underwriters or dealers who may receive commissions in
connection with the sale. The aggregate proceeds to the selling
stockholders from the sale of shares of our common stock offered
by them hereby will be the purchase price of the shares of our
common stock less discounts and commissions, if any.
The sales described in the preceding paragraph may be effected
in transactions:
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on any national securities exchange or quotation service on
which our common stock may be listed or quoted at the time of
sale, including the New York Stock Exchange;
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8
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in the
over-the-counter
market;
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in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or
in the
over-the-counter
market;
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through the writing of options, whether such options are listed
on an options exchange or otherwise;
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ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the
broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
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block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the
shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the
block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
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cross transactions, in which the same broker acts as an agent on
both sides of the trade;
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purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the
broker-dealer for its account;
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an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the
applicable exchange;
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privately negotiated transactions;
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short sales;
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under which broker-dealers agree with the selling stockholders
to sell a specified number of shares at a stipulated price per
share;
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a combination of any such methods of sale; and
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any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.
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In connection with sales of the shares of our common stock or
otherwise, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging
transactions whereby broker-dealers may engage in short sales of
the shares in the course of hedging the positions they assume
with the selling stockholders. The selling stockholders may also
sell shares short and redeliver the shares to close out such
short positions. The selling stockholders may enter into options
or other transactions with broker-dealers that require the
delivery to the broker-dealer of the shares. The broker-dealer
may then resell or otherwise transfer such shares pursuant to
this prospectus. The selling stockholders also may loan or
pledge the shares to a broker-dealer. The broker-dealer may sell
the shares so loaned, or upon default, the broker-dealer may
sell the pledged shares pursuant to this prospectus.
Broker-dealers or agents may receive compensation in the form of
commissions, discounts or concessions from a selling
stockholder. Broker-dealers or agents may also receive
compensation from the purchasers of the shares of our common
stock for whom they act as agents or to whom they sell as
principal, or both. Compensation as to a particular
broker-dealer might be in excess of customary commissions and
will be in amounts to be negotiated in connection with the sale.
Broker-dealers or agents and any other participating
broker-dealers or the selling stockholders may be deemed to be
underwriters within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the
Securities Act in connection with sales of the shares of our
common stock. Accordingly, any such commission, discount or
concession received by them and any profit on the resale of the
shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting
discounts or concessions under the Securities Act.
The selling stockholders and any broker-dealers, agents or
underwriters that participate with the selling stockholders in
the distribution of the shares of our common stock may be deemed
to be underwriters within the meaning of the
Securities Act, in which event any commissions received by these
broker-dealers, agents or underwriters and any profits realized
by the selling stockholders on the resales of the securities may
be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the
Securities Act. If the selling stockholders are deemed to be
underwriters, the selling stockholders may be subject to certain
statutory and regulatory liabilities, including liabilities
imposed pursuant to Sections 11, 12 and 17 of the
Securities Act and
Rule 10b-5
of the Exchange Act. In addition, the selling stockholders may
be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act, unless an exemption therefrom is available.
To our knowledge, there are currently no plans, arrangements or
understandings between any selling stockholders and any
underwriter, broker-dealer or agent regarding the sale of the
shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders. Selling
stockholders may not sell any, or may not sell all, of the
shares of our common stock offered by them pursuant to this
prospectus. In addition, we cannot assure you that the selling
stockholders
9
will not transfer, devise or gift the shares of our common stock
by other means not described in this prospectus. In addition,
any shares of our common stock covered by this prospectus which
qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A of
the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 or
Rule 144A rather than pursuant to this prospectus.
The outstanding shares of our common stock are listed for
trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
LEA.
The selling stockholders and any other person participating in a
distribution will be subject to the Exchange Act. The Exchange
Act rules include, without limitation, Regulation M, which
may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the shares
of our common stock by the selling stockholders and any such
other person. In addition, Regulation M of the Exchange Act
may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the
distribution of the shares of our common stock to engage in
market-marking activities with respect to the particular shares
of our common stock being distributed for a period of up to five
business days prior to the commencement of such distribution.
This may affect the marketability of the shares of our common
stock and the ability of any person or entity to engage in
market-making activities with respect to the shares of our
common stock.
Under the securities laws of some states, the shares of our
common stock may be sold in such states only through registered
or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states the
shares of our common stock may not be sold unless such common
stock has been registered or qualified for sale in such state or
an exemption from registration or qualification is available and
complied with.
The selling stockholders may pledge or grant a security interest
in some or all of the shares of our common stock owned by them
and, if they default in the performance of their secured
obligations, the pledges or secured parties may offer and sell
shares of our common stock from time to time pursuant to this
prospectus or any amendment to this prospectus under
Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the
Securities Act, amending, if necessary, the list of selling
stockholders in the table under the heading Selling
Stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other
successors in interest as selling stockholders under this
prospectus. The selling stockholders may transfer and donate the
shares of our common stock in other circumstances, in which case
the transferees, donees, pledges or other successors in interest
will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this
prospectus.
Under the Stock Purchase Agreement, we are obligated to use our
best efforts to keep the registration statement of which this
prospectus is a part effective until such time as the selling
stockholders receive an opinion acceptable to the selling
stockholders from our legal counsel to the effect that the
shares of our common stock may be resold in a transaction exempt
from the registration requirements of the Securities Act without
regard to any volume or other restrictions under the Securities
Act. We may delay the filing or effectiveness of a registration
statement or suspend the effectiveness of this registration
statement and the use of this prospectus for one time in any
12-month
period for up to a maximum of 75 days in specified
circumstances.
LEGAL
MATTERS
The validity of the shares of our common stock being offered
hereby is being passed upon by Winston & Strawn LLP.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Lear Corporation
appearing in our Annual Report
(Form 10-K)
for the year ended December 31, 2005 (including the
schedule appearing therein), and our managements
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 included
therein, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in
their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein
by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and
managements assessment are incorporated herein by
reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority
of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
10
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such reports, proxy
statements and other information can be inspected and copied at
the public reference facilities maintained by the Securities and
Exchange Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Securities
and Exchange Commissions regional offices at
233 Broadway, New York, New York 10279 and
175 W. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900, Chicago,
Illinois 60604. Information relating to the operation of the
public reference facility may be obtained by calling the
Securities and Exchange Commission at
1-800-SEC-0330.
The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains an Internet
site that contains reports, proxy and information statements,
and other information regarding issuers that file electronically
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The address of the
Securities and Exchange Commissions Internet site is
http://www.sec.gov.
Copies of such materials can be obtained by mail from the Public
Reference Branch of the Securities and Exchange Commission at
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at
prescribed rates.
In addition, reports, proxy statements and other information
concerning us may also be inspected at the offices of the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New
York 10005.
Securities and Exchange Commission rules allow us to
incorporate by reference into this prospectus the
information we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
We incorporate by reference into this prospectus:
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our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on
March 27, 2006;
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our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005;
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our Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q
for the quarters ended April 1, 2006, July 1, 2006 and
September 30, 2006;
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our Current Reports on
Form 8-K
and 8-K/A
filed on January 11, 2006, January 12, 2006,
January 25, 2006, February 24, 2006, March 8,
2006, March 24, 2006, March 29, 2006, April 11,
2006, April 25, 2006, April 26, 2006, May 15,
2006, May 16, 2006, May 25, 2006, June 1, 2006,
June 14, 2006, July 21, 2006, July 28, 2006,
August 22, 2006, September 21, 2006, October 16,
2006, October 17, 2006, October 26, 2006,
November 14, 2006, November 20, 2006 (solely with
respect to Exhibit 99.2), November 21, 2006,
November 28, 2006, December 1, 2006 and
December 8, 2006; and
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any future filings which we make with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act, until the offering is complete.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless specifically stated to the
contrary, none of the information that we disclose under
Items 2.02 or 7.01 of any Current Report on
Form 8-K
that we may from time to time furnish to the Securities and
Exchange Commission will be incorporated by reference into, or
otherwise included in, this prospectus.
We will make available free of charge, upon request, copies of
this prospectus and any document incorporated by reference in
this prospectus, other than exhibits to these documents that are
not specifically incorporated by reference into those documents,
by writing or telephoning Lear Corporation, 21557 Telegraph
Road, P.O. Box 5008, Southfield, Michigan 48033, Attention:
Investor Relations, tel.
(248) 447-1500.
Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement
contained herein (or in any subsequently filed document which is
also incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference herein)
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified
or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or
superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.
11
PART II.
INFORMATION
NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
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Item 14.
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Other
Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
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The following table sets forth the approximate amount of fees
and expenses payable by the registrant in connection with this
offering. All of the amounts shown are estimates except the
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee.
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Securities and Exchange Commission
registration fee
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$
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38,248
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Legal fees and expenses
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$
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50,000
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Accounting fees and expenses
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$
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25,000
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Miscellaneous
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$
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25,000
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Total
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$
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138,248
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Item 15.
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Indemnification
of Directors and Officers.
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Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law permits
a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he
is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation or is or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in
connection with such action. In an action brought to obtain a
judgment in the corporations favor, whether by the
corporation itself or derivatively by a stockholder, the
corporation may only indemnify for expenses, including
attorneys fees, actually and reasonably incurred in
connection with the defense or settlement of such action, and
the corporation may not indemnify for amounts paid in
satisfaction of a judgment or in settlement of the claim. In any
such action, no such person adjudged liable to the corporation
shall be entitled to indemnification unless and only to the
extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such
action or suit was brought shall determine upon application,
that in view of the circumstances of the case, such person is
entitled to indemnity. In any type of proceeding, the
indemnification may extend to judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement, actually and reasonably incurred in connection
with such other proceeding, as well as to expenses.
The statute does not permit indemnification unless the person
seeking indemnification has acted in good faith and in a manner
reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best
interests of the corporation and, in the case of criminal
actions or proceedings, the person had no reasonable cause to
believe his conduct was unlawful. The statute contains
additional limitations applicable to criminal actions and to
actions brought by or in the name of the corporation. The
determination as to whether a person seeking indemnification has
met the required standard of conduct is to be made (1) by a
majority vote of a quorum of disinterested members of the board
of directors, (2) by independent legal counsel in a written
opinion, if such a quorum does not exist or if the disinterested
directors so direct, or (3) by the stockholders.
The registrants Restated Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws require the registrant to indemnify its directors to the
fullest extent permitted under Delaware law. Pursuant to
employment agreements entered into by the registrant with
certain of its executive officers and other key employees, the
registrant must indemnify such officers and employees in the
same manner and to the same extent that, the registrant is
required to indemnify its directors under the registrants
bylaws. Furthermore, the registrant has entered into
indemnification agreements with certain of its directors in
which the registrant agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the
director to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. The
registrants Restated Certificate of Incorporation limits
the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its
stockholders to damages for breach of the directors
fiduciary duty.
The registrant has purchased insurance on behalf of its
directors and officers against certain liabilities that may be
asserted against, or incurred by, such persons in their
capacities as directors or officers of the registrant or its
II-1
subsidiaries, or that may arise out of their status as directors
or officers of the registrant or its subsidiaries, including
liabilities under the federal and state securities laws.
The following is a list of exhibits filed herewith or
incorporated by reference herein.
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Exhibit
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Number
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Exhibit
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3
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.1
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Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrants Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 30, 1996).
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3
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.2
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Amended and Restated By-laws of
the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1
to the Registrants Current Report on
Form 8-K
dated August 16, 2001).
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5
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.1
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Opinion of Winston &
Strawn LLP.
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10
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.1
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Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as
of October 17, 2006, among the Registrant, Icahn Partners
LP, Icahn Partners Master Fund LP and Koala Holding
LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Registrants Current Report on
Form 8-K
dated October 17, 2006).
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23
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.1
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Consent of Ernst & Young
LLP.
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23
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.2
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Consent of Winston &
Strawn LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
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24
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.1
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Power of Attorney (included on the
signature page therewith).
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The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration
statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by
Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of the registration statement
(or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change
in the information set forth in the registration statement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in
volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered)
and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of
prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to
Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and
price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate
offering price set forth in the Calculation of
Registration Fee table in the effective registration
statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to
the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement;
Provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in
paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) above do
not apply if the registration statement is on
Form S-3
and the information required to be included in a post-effective
amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with
or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that
are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or
is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to
Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability
under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a
post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered
which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
II-2
(4) That, for purposes of determining liability under the
Securities Act, each filing of the registrants annual
report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plans annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that
in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant
will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in
the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
II-3
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe
that it meets all of the requirements for filing on
Form S-3
and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
City of Southfield, State of Michigan, on the 8th day of
December, 2006.
LEAR CORPORATION
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By:
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/s/ James
H. Vandenberghe
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James H. Vandenberghe
Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer
POWER OF
ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned
hereby appoints James H. Vandenberghe and Daniel A. Ninivaggi
and each of them (with full power to act alone) as the lawful
attorneys-in-fact
and agents for the undersigned, with full power of substitution
and re-substitution, with full power and authority to do any and
all acts and things and to execute any and all instruments which
said
attorneys-in-fact
and agents, or either one of them, determine may be necessary or
advisable or required to enable said corporation to comply with
the Securities Act of 1933 and any rules or regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in
connection with this registration statement. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing power and authority, the powers
granted include the power and authority to sign the names of the
undersigned officers and directors in the capacities indicated
below to this registration statement, to any and all amendments,
both pre-effective and post-effective, and supplements to this
registration statement and to any and all instruments or
documents filed as part of or in conjunction with this
registration statement or amendments or supplements thereto, and
each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that
said
attorneys-in-fact
and agents, or either one of them, shall do or cause to be done
by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons
in the capacities and as of the dates indicated.
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Signature
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Title
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Date
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/s/ Robert
E. Rossiter
Robert
E. Rossiter
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Chairman of the Board of
Directors, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
(principal executive officer)
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December 8, 2006
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/s/ James
H. Vandenberghe
James
H. Vandenberghe
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Vice Chairman and Chief Financial
Officer
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December 6, 2006
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/s/ Matthew
J. Simoncini
Matthew
J. Simoncini
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Senior Vice President, Finance
and
Chief Accounting Officer
(principal accounting officer)
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December 8, 2006
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/s/ Dr.
David E. Fry
Dr.
David E. Fry
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Director
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December 6, 2006
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/s/ Vincent
J. Intrieri
Vincent
J. Intrieri
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Director
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December 8, 2006
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II-4
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Signature
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Title
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Date
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/s/ Justice
Conrad L. Mallett
Justice
Conrad L. Mallett
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Director
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December 8, 2006
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/s/ Larry
W. McCurdy
Larry
W. McCurdy
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Director
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December 8, 2006
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/s/ Roy
E. Parrott
Roy
E. Parrott
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Director
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December 8, 2006
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/s/ David
P. Spalding
David
P. Spalding
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Director
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December 8, 2006
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/s/ James
A. Stern
James
A. Stern
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Director
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December 8, 2006
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/s/ Henry
D.G. Wallace
Henry
D.G. Wallace
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Director
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December 8, 2006
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/s/ Richard
F. Wallman
Richard
F. Wallman
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Director
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December 8, 2006
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II-5
EXHIBIT INDEX
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Exhibit
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Number
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Exhibit
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3
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.1
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Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrants Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 30, 1996).
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3
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.2
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Amended and Restated By-laws of
the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1
to the Registrants Current Report on
Form 8-K
dated August 16, 2001).
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5
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.1
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Opinion of Winston &
Strawn LLP.
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10
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.1
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Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as
of October 17, 2006, among the Registrant, Icahn Partners
LP, Icahn Partners Master Fund LP and Koala Holding
LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Registrants Current Report on
Form 8-K
dated October 17, 2006).
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23
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.1
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Consent of Ernst & Young
LLP.
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23
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.2
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Consent of Winston &
Strawn LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
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24
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.1
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Power of Attorney (included on the
signature page therewith).
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EX-5.1
Exhibit 5.1
[Letterhead of Winston & Strawn LLP]
December 8, 2006
Lear Corporation
21557 Telegraph Road
Southfield, MI 48034
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Re: |
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Form S-3 Registration Statement |
Ladies and Gentleman:
This opinion is being delivered by us, as counsel to Lear Corporation, a Delaware corporation
(the Company), in connection with the Companys Form S-3 Registration Statement to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) on December 8, 2006 (the Registration
Statement), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). The Registration
Statement relates to the registration of the offer and sale of up to 11,994,944 shares of the
Companys common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the Shares), which may be offered by the
selling stockholders (as defined in the Registration Statement) pursuant to the Registration
Statement. This opinion letter is being delivered in accordance with the requirements of Item
601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act.
In rendering the opinion set forth below, we examined and relied upon such certificates,
corporate records, agreements, instruments and other documents, and examined such matters of law,
that we considered necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinion. In our examination, we
have assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies and the
authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. As to any facts material to this opinion
that we did not independently establish or verify, we have relied upon oral or written statements
and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others.
Based upon the foregoing and subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set
forth herein, we are of the opinion that the Shares have been duly and validly authorized, and are
fully paid and nonassessable.
Lear Corporation
December 8, 2006
Page 2
The foregoing opinion is limited to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. We
express no opinion herein as to any other laws, statutes, regulations or ordinances. This opinion
is given as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update or supplement such opinion to
reflect any facts or circumstances that may hereafter come to our attention or any changes that may
hereafter occur. This opinion is being furnished solely for the Companys benefit in connection
with the issuance, offer and sale of the Shares and is not to be used, quoted or otherwise referred
to for any other purpose without our prior written consent.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement
and to the reference to our firm under the caption Legal Matters in the Prospectus included in
the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby concede that our firm is
within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or
the rules and regulations of the Commission.
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Very truly yours, |
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/s/ Winston & Strawn LLP |
EX-23.1
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption Experts in the Registration Statement
(Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Lear Corporation for the registration of 11,994,944 shares of
its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated March 6, 2006,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Lear Corporation, Lear Corporation
managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Lear Corporation, included in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2005 and the related financial statement
schedule of Lear Corporation included therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Troy, Michigan
December 6, 2006