What is the primary purpose of the Fourth Supplemental Indenture filed by HCA?

The primary purpose of the Fourth Supplemental Indenture is to amend the terms of HCA's existing Indenture, specifically for certain outstanding Medium Term Notes. It aims to reduce or eliminate restrictive covenants and events of default associated with these notes, and to modify merger and asset transfer covenants, in anticipation of a merger and tender offer.

When do the amendments introduced by the Supplemental Indenture become effective?

The amendments become effective upon signing by the parties but will only become operative concurrently with the merger contemplated by the July 24, 2006, Agreement and Plan of Merger, provided that all validly tendered securities are accepted for purchase pursuant to the related Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation.

HCA 8-K: Material Agreements

Q: Which specific HCA notes are affected by this Supplemental Indenture?

The Supplemental Indenture affects HCA's outstanding 8.850% Medium Term Notes due 2007, 7.000% Notes due 2007, 7.250% Notes due 2008, 5.250% Notes due 2008, and 5.500% Notes due 2009.

Q: Does this indenture amendment affect all of HCA's debt?

No, the Supplemental Indenture solely pertains to the specific series of notes mentioned (8.850% Notes due 2007, 7.000% Notes due 2007, 7.250% Notes due 2008, 5.250% Notes due 2008, and 5.500% Notes due 2009). It does not amend any terms of HCA's other securities or other debt instruments.

Summary

This 8-K filing by HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) on November 16, 2006, details the execution of a Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated November 14, 2006. This amendment to the existing Indenture primarily affects specific outstanding notes, namely the 8.850% Medium Term Notes due 2007, 7.000% Notes due 2007, 7.250% Notes due 2008, 5.250% Notes due 2008, and 5.500% Notes due 2009. For these particular notes, the Supplemental Indenture aims to eliminate most restrictive covenants and certain events of default. It also modifies the covenant related to mergers, consolidations, and asset transfers.

Key Highlights

1HCA Inc. entered into a Fourth Supplemental Indenture on November 14, 2006.
2The indenture amendment specifically impacts several series of HCA's outstanding Medium Term Notes due in 2007, 2008, and 2009.
3Key provisions being amended include the elimination of substantially all restrictive covenants for the affected notes.
4The amendment also removes certain events of default related to these notes.
5A modification is made to the covenant governing mergers, consolidations, and transfers of the Company's properties and assets.
6The amendments become operative concurrently with a contemplated merger and upon acceptance of validly tendered securities.
7The Supplemental Indenture does not affect HCA's other outstanding securities.

HCA Healthcare, Inc. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Nov 16, 2006)

Summary

Key Highlights

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