S-3ASR
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 12, 2014

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

 

 

Premier, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   35-2477140

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

13034 Ballantyne Corporate Place

Charlotte, North Carolina 28277

(704) 357-0222

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of the registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Jeffrey W. Lemkin

General Counsel

Premier, Inc.

13034 Ballantyne Corporate Place

Charlotte, NC 28277

(704) 357-0022

(Name, Address, including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, including Area Code, of Agent for Service)

 

 

Copy to:

 

Andrew A. Gerber

Vice President, Legal—Corporate & Securities

Premier, Inc.

13034 Ballantyne Corporate Place

Charlotte, NC 28277

Telephone and Facsimile: (704) 816-5556

 

David L. Klatsky

Amy F. Ferrer

McDermott Will & Emery LLP

2049 Century Park East, 38th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Telephone: (310) 277-4110

Facsimile: (310) 277-4730

 

 

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.  ¨

If any of the Securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, other than securities offering only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.  x

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(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.  ¨

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.  x

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.  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   x    Smaller reporting company   ¨

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

  Amount to be
Registered (1)
  Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price
Per Security (1)
 

Proposed
Maximum Aggregate

Offering Price (1)

 

Amount of

Registration Fee

Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

  (2)   (2)   (2)   (3)

Preferred Stock, par value $0.000001 per share

  (2)   (2)   (2)   (3)

Debt Securities (4)

  (2)   (2)   (2)   (3)

 

 

 

(1) There is being registered hereunder an unspecified amount of the securities of each identified class as may from time to time be offered at indeterminate prices, and as may be issuable upon conversion, redemption, exchange, exercise or settlement of any securities registered hereunder, for which separate consideration may or may not be received. Pursuant to Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, there is also being registered such indeterminate number of shares of common stock as may be issued from time to time with respect to shares being registered hereunder as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.
(2) Omitted pursuant to General Instruction II.E. of the Form S-3.
(3) In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act, the Registrant is deferring payment of all registration fees.
(4) If any debt securities are issued at an original issue discount, then the offering price shall be in such greater principal amount as may be sold for an aggregate initial offering price of up to the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.

 

 

 


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PROSPECTUS

 

LOGO

PREMIER, INC.

CLASS A COMMON STOCK

PREFERRED STOCK

DEBT SECURITIES

 

 

We may offer and sell from time to time, together or separately, Class A common stock, preferred stock or debt securities. This prospectus describes some of the general terms that apply to the securities. Each time we offer our securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement containing more specific information about the particular offering. We also may authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you in connection with the offering. The prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus may also add, update or change information contained or incorporated in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus, together with the documents we incorporate by reference, before you invest in our securities. This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus.

The securities offered pursuant to this prospectus may be sold at prevailing market prices or at prices different than prevailing market prices. We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, or directly to purchasers, on a delayed or continuous basis. The prospectus supplement for each offering will describe the plan of distribution for that offering. For general information about the distribution of securities offered, see “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus. The prospectus supplement also will set forth the price to the public of the securities and the net proceeds that we expect to receive from the sale of such securities.

Our Class A common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, or NASDAQ, under the symbol “PINC.” On November 11, 2014, the last reported sales price of our common stock on NASDAQ was $31.25 per share.

 

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we are an “emerging growth company” under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012. Investing in our securities involves risks. You should read carefully and consider “Risk Factors” included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference herein, as may be updated by our periodic and current reports, and on page 5 of this prospectus before investing in our securities.

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission 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.

 

 

The date of this prospectus is November 12, 2014


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

     1   

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

     1   

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     2   

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     2   

OUR COMPANY

     4   

RISK FACTORS

     5   

USE OF PROCEEDS

     5   

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

     5   

DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

     6   

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     6   

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

     10   

CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS

     22   

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     28   

LEGAL MATTERS

     31   

EXPERTS

     31   

 

 


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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may, at any time and from time to time, offer and sell the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time securities are offered, we will provide a prospectus supplement. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you in connection with the offering. The prospectus supplement and/or free writing prospectus will contain more specific information about the offering. The prospectus supplement and free writing prospectus may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Any statement that we make in this prospectus will be modified or superseded by any inconsistent statement made by us in a prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement together with the additional information described below under the heading “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.”

We have filed or incorporated by reference exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The exhibits to our registration statement contain the full text of certain contracts, agreements and other important documents we have summarized in this prospectus. Since these summaries may not contain all the information that you may find important in deciding whether to purchase the securities we may offer, you should review the full text of these documents. You may obtain a copy of any document summarized in this prospectus at no cost by writing to or telephoning us at the address and telephone number given below. Each statement regarding a contract, agreement or other document is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual document. See “Where You Can Find More Information” below.

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement, any free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, free writing prospectus or incorporated by reference herein. This prospectus may be used only where it is legal to sell these securities. This prospectus is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, in any state where the offer or sale is prohibited. The information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any document incorporated herein or therein by reference is accurate as of the date contained on the cover of such documents. Neither the delivery of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, nor any sale made under this prospectus or any prospectus supplement will, under any circumstances, imply that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is correct as of any date after the date of this prospectus or any such prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The documents or portions thereof listed below have been filed by us under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, with the SEC and are incorporated by reference in this prospectus:

 

    our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2014;

 

    the information specifically incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2014 from our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated October 22, 2014;

 

    our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014;

 

    our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 5 (solely with respect to Item 1.01 and Exhibit 2.1 of Item 9.01 thereof), August 28 (solely with respect to Item 8.01 thereof) and November 3, 2014; and

 

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    the description of our Class A common stock in our registration statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on September 25, 2013, including any amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.

All documents that we file (but not those that we furnish) with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of any securities covered by this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and will automatically update and supersede the information in this prospectus and any previously filed documents.

This means that important information about us appears or will appear in these documents and will be regarded as appearing in this prospectus. To the extent that information appearing in a document filed later is inconsistent with prior information, the later statement will control and the prior information, except as modified or superseded, will no longer be a part of this prospectus.

Copies of all documents which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus (not including the exhibits to such information, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference) will be provided without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner of the securities offered by this prospectus, to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request. Requests should be directed to our Corporate Secretary, 13034 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Charlotte, NC 28277, telephone number: (704) 357-0022. You also may obtain copies of these filings, at no cost, by accessing our website at www.premierinc.com. However, the information located on, or accessible from, our website is not, and should not be deemed to be, part of this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus or incorporated into any other filing that we submit to the SEC.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. Our SEC filing number is 001-36092. You also may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. You also may obtain copies of our SEC filings by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Please call l-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operations at the public reference room.

Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of that contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, each such statement being qualified in all respects by that reference and the exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information about us and the securities offered by this prospectus, you should refer to the registration statement and such exhibits and schedules which may be obtained from the SEC at its principal office in Washington, DC in the manner described above upon payment of any fees prescribed by the SEC.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements made in this prospectus that are not statements of historical or current facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from historical results or from any future results or projections expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements that explicitly describe such risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements in conditional or future tenses or

 

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that include terms such as “believes,” “belief,” “expects,” “estimates,” “intends,” “anticipates” or “plans” to be uncertain and forward-looking. Forward-looking statements may include comments as to our beliefs and expectations regarding future events and trends affecting our business and are necessarily subject to uncertainties, many of which are outside our control. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to: competition which could limit our ability to maintain or expand market share within our industry, consolidation in the healthcare industry, potential delays in generating or an inability to generate revenues if the sales cycle takes longer than expected, the terminability of member participation in our group purchasing organization, or GPO, programs with limited or no notice, the impact of our business strategy that involves reducing the prices for products and services in our supply chain services segment, the rate at which the markets for our non-GPO services and products develop, the dependency of our members on payments from third-party payers, our reliance on administrative fees which we receive from GPO suppliers, our ability to maintain third-party provider and strategic alliances or enter into new alliances, our ability to offer new and innovative products and services, the portion of revenues we receive from our largest members, risks and expenses related to future acquisition opportunities and integration of acquisitions, potential litigation, our reliance on Internet infrastructure, bandwidth providers, data center providers, other third parties and our own systems for providing services to our users, data loss or corruption due to failures or errors in our systems and service disruptions at our data centers, breaches or failures of our security measures, the consequences of cyber-attacks or other data security breaches that disrupt our operations or result in the dissemination of proprietary or confidential information about us or our members or other third parties, our ability to use, disclose, de-identify or license data and to integrate third-party technologies, our reliance on partners and other third parties, our use of “open source” software, changes in industry pricing benchmarks, any increase in the safety risk profiles of prescription drugs or the withdrawal of prescription drugs from the market, our ability to maintain and expand our existing base of drugs in our specialty pharmacy, our dependency on contract manufacturing facilities located in various parts of the world, our ability to attract, hire, integrate and retain key personnel, adequate protection of our intellectual property, any alleged infringement, misappropriation or violation of third-party proprietary rights, potential sales and use tax liability in certain jurisdictions, our future indebtedness and our ability to obtain additional financing, fluctuation of our cash flows, quarterly revenues and results of operations, changes in the political, economic or regulatory healthcare environment, our compliance with federal and state laws governing financial relationships among healthcare providers and the submission of false or fraudulent healthcare claims, interpretation and enforcement of current or future antitrust laws and regulations, potential healthcare reform and new regulatory requirements placed on our software, services and content, compliance with federal and state privacy, security and breach notification laws, product safety concerns and regulation, our holding company structure, different interests among our member owners or between us and our member owners, our ability to effectively deploy the net proceeds from future issuances of our equity or debt securities, the ability of our member owners to exercise significant control over us, including through the election of all of our directors, our status as a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ rules, the terms of agreements between us and our member owners, payments made under the tax receivable agreements to Premier LP’s limited partners, our ability to realize all or a portion of the tax benefits that are expected to result from the acquisition of Class B common units from the limited partners, changes to Premier LP’s allocation methods that may increase a tax-exempt limited partner’s risk that some allocated income is unrelated business taxable income, the dilutive effect of Premier LP’s issuance of additional units or future issuances of our common stock and/or preferred stock, provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Premier LP’s limited partnership agreement and provisions of Delaware law that discourage or prevent strategic transactions, including a takeover of our company, any determination that we are an investment company, the requirements of being a newly public company, our inexperience and limited operating history as a publicly-traded company, failure to establish and maintain an effective system of internal controls, the impact of reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies, our smaller public float, any downgrade in securities or industry analysts’ recommendations about our business or securities, the volatility of our Class A common stock price, the number of shares of Class A common stock that will be eligible for sale or exchange in the near future and the dilutive effect of such issuances, our intention not to pay cash dividends on our Class A common stock, possible future issuances of equity or debt securities and the risk factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any document incorporated herein or therein.

 

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More information on potential factors that could affect our financial results is included from time to time in the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of our periodic and current filings with the SEC and which are available on our website at http://investors.Premierinc.com/. You should not place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Furthermore, we cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

OUR COMPANY

This summary only highlights the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. It may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should carefully read the entire prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus before deciding whether to invest in our securities. Unless otherwise indicated or the context requires otherwise, in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement hereto, references to “Premier,” “our company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Premier, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Premier Healthcare Alliance, L.P., a California limited partnership, which we refer to in this prospectus as Premier LP.

We are a leading healthcare improvement company, uniting an alliance of approximately 3,400 U.S. hospitals and 110,000 other providers, as of September 30, 2014, to transform healthcare. With integrated data and analytics, collaboratives, supply chain solutions, and advisory and other services, we enable better care and outcomes at a lower cost. We believe that we play a critical role in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry, collaborating with members to co-develop long-term innovations that reinvent and improve the way care is delivered to patients. We deliver value through a comprehensive technology-enabled platform that offers critical supply chain services, clinical, financial, operational and population health software-as-a-service, or SaaS, informatics products, advisory services and performance improvement collaborative programs.

As of September 30, 2014, we were controlled by 177 U.S. hospitals, health systems and other healthcare organizations, which we refer to as our member owners, that represent approximately 1,300 owned, leased and managed acute care facilities and other non-acute care organizations. Our current membership base includes many of the country’s most progressive and forward-thinking healthcare organizations and we continually seek to add new members that are at the forefront of innovation in the healthcare industry. Our Class A common stock is generally held by the public and our Class B common stock is held by the limited partners of Premier LP (also referred to as our member owners).

As a member-controlled healthcare alliance, our mission, products and services, and long-term strategy have been developed in partnership with our member hospitals, health systems and other healthcare organizations. We believe that this partnership-driven business model creates a relationship between our members and us that is characterized by aligned incentives and mutually beneficial collaboration. This relationship affords us access to critical proprietary data and encourages member participation in the development and introduction of new Premier products and services. Our interaction with our members provides us with a window into the latest challenges confronting the industry we serve and innovative best practices that we can share broadly within the healthcare industry, including throughout our membership. This model has enabled us to develop size and scale, data and analytics assets, expertise and customer engagement required to accelerate innovation, provide differentiated solutions and facilitate growth.

We were incorporated on May 14, 2013 under the laws of the State of Delaware. We own substantially all of our assets and conduct substantially all of our business through Premier LP, our operating partnership. As of September 30, 2014, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Premier Services, LLC, or Premier GP, we held an approximately 22% controlling general partner interest in Premier LP and our member owners held an approximately 78% limited partner interest in Premier LP.

 

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Our principal executive offices are located at 13034 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Charlotte, North Carolina 28277, and our telephone number is (704) 357-0222. Our website is www.premierinc.com. However, the information located on, or accessible from, our website is not, and should not be deemed to be, part of this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus or incorporated into any other filing that we submit to the SEC.

RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves risks. Before investing in the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus, you should consider carefully the risk factors incorporated by reference in this prospectus from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2014 filed with the SEC, as well as the risks, uncertainties and additional information (i) discussed below, (ii) set forth from time to time in our SEC reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and in the other documents that we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and which are deemed incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and (iii) contained in any applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus. For a description of these reports and documents, and information about where you can find them, see “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” and “Where You Can Find More Information.” The risks and uncertainties we discuss in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus are those that we currently believe may materially affect our company and your investment in our securities. Additional risks not presently known, or currently deemed immaterial, also could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, business and prospects.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we expect to contribute any net proceeds from the sale of offered securities to Premier LP. We expect Premier LP to use such contributed net proceeds:

 

    to finance future acquisitions of other entities or their assets; and

 

    for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of indebtedness.

Any specific allocation of the net proceeds of an offering of securities will be determined at the time of such offering and will be described in the accompanying prospectus supplement. In the event that any net proceeds are not immediately applied, we or Premier LP may temporarily hold them as cash, deposit them in banks, or invest them in cash equivalents or securities that our investment policies permit us to invest in from time to time.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table contains our consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated. You should read these ratios in connection with our consolidated financial statements, including the notes to those financial statements, incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

     For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
     For the Year Ended June 30,  
     2014      2013      2014      2013      2012      2011  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     71.1x         141.2x         106.1x         131.6x         127.8x         104.3x   

We have computed the ratio of earnings to fixed charges by dividing earnings by fixed charges. For the purposes of computing these ratios, “earnings” have been calculated by adding fixed charges to the sum of pre-tax income before adjustment for income from equity investees and distributed income of equity investees and “fixed charges” have been calculated as the sum of interest on debt and capitalized leases, amortization of debt discount and expense, and an imputed interest factor included in rentals.

We had no shares of preferred stock outstanding for any period presented, and accordingly, the ratio of combined fixed charges and preference dividends to earnings is the same as the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

This prospectus contains summary descriptions of our Class A common stock, preferred stock and debt securities that we may offer from time to time. As further described in this prospectus, these summary descriptions are not meant to be complete descriptions of each security. The particular terms of any security will be described in the accompanying prospectus supplement and other offering material. The accompanying prospectus supplement may add, update or change the terms and conditions of the securities as described in this prospectus.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following summary of the material terms of our capital stock does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to Delaware law and to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

General

Our authorized capital stock consists of 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 500,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 600,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.000001 per share. To date we have issued, and unless our board of directors determines otherwise, we expect to continue to issue all shares of our capital stock in uncertificated form.

Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Holders of our Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.

Holders of our Class A common stock are entitled to receive dividends, when and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor, subject to any statutory or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and to any restrictions on the payment of dividends imposed by the terms of any outstanding preferred stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over or the right to participate with the Class A common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or other distributions.

Upon our dissolution or liquidation, after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of preferred stock having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of shares of our Class A common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata, based on the number of shares of Class A common stock held, our remaining assets available for distribution.

The holders of our Class A common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our Class A common stock.

Class B Common Stock

Holders of our Class B common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.

Generally, all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by all shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock present in person or represented by proxy, voting together as a single class. Except as otherwise provided by law, amendments to our certificate of

 

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incorporation or bylaws must be approved by 662/3% of the combined voting power of all shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, voting together as a single class. The holders of our Class B common stock have entered into a Voting Trust Agreement, or the Class B VTA, by which a trustee acts on behalf of such holders for purposes of voting their shares. See “Contractual Arrangements with Certain Stockholders—Voting Trust Agreement.”

Other than dividends payable in shares of our common stock, holders of shares of our Class B common stock are not entitled to receive dividends or to receive a distribution upon our dissolution or liquidation.

The holders of our Class B common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our Class B common stock.

Our Class B common stock is not listed on any exchange and, except in connection with any permitted sale or transfer of Class B common units of Premier LP, cannot be sold or transferred. See “Contractual Agreements with Certain Stockholders—Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Premier LP.”

Preferred Stock

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to establish, from time to time, one or more series of preferred stock and to determine or alter the designations, preferences, rights and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the shares of any such series thereof, including the liquidation preferences, dividend rights and voting rights. Unless required by law or by any stock exchange, the authorized shares of preferred stock will be available for issuance without further action by our stockholders. As of the date of this prospectus, there are no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

At the time our board of directors establishes a series of preferred stock, the terms and rights of such preferred stock may include:

 

    the designation of the series;

 

    the number of shares of the series, which number the board of directors may thereafter, except where otherwise provided in the applicable certificate of designation, increase or decrease, but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding;

 

    whether dividends, if any, will be cumulative or noncumulative, and, in the case of shares of any series having cumulative dividend rights, the date or dates or method of determining the date or dates from which dividends on the shares of such series shall be cumulative;

 

    the rate of any dividends or method of determining such dividends payable to the holders of the shares of such series, any conditions upon which such dividends will be paid and the date or dates or the method for determining the date or dates upon which such dividends will be payable;

 

    the redemption rights and prices, if any, for shares of the series;

 

    the terms and amounts of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series;

 

    the amounts payable on and the preferences, if any, of shares of the series in the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up;

 

    whether the shares of the series will be convertible or exchangeable into shares of any other class or series, or any other security, of us or any other entity, and, if so, the specification of such other class or series or such other security, the conversion or exchange price or prices or rate or rates, any adjustments thereof, the date or dates as of which such shares will be convertible or exchangeable and all other terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange may be made;

 

    restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or of any other series;

 

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    the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the shares of the series; and

 

    any other relative rights, preferences, and limitations of such series.

One of the effects of the board of directors’ right to designate and issue preferred stock without stockholder approval may be to enable the board of directors to discourage an attempt to obtain control of the company by means of a tender offer, proxy contest, merger or otherwise. Furthermore, the issuance of preferred stock may adversely affect the rights of our common stockholders by, among other things:

 

    restricting dividends on the common stock;

 

    diluting the voting power of the common stock;

 

    impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock; or

 

    delaying or preventing a change in control without further action by the stockholders.

Authorized but Unissued Capital Stock

Delaware law does not require stockholder approval for any issuance of authorized shares. However, the listing requirements of the NASDAQ, which will apply so long as the shares of Class A common stock remain listed on the NASDAQ, require stockholder approval of certain issuances of Class A common stock (including any securities convertible into Class A common stock) equal to or exceeding 20% of the then outstanding voting power or the then outstanding number of shares of Class A common stock. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings, to raise additional capital or to facilitate acquisitions.

One of the effects of the existence of unissued and unreserved common stock or preferred stock may be to enable our board of directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, which issuance could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of our company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby protect the continuity of our management and possibly deprive the stockholders of opportunities to sell their shares at prices higher than prevailing market prices.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law

We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or Section 203. In general, Section 203 prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

 

    prior to that date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder,

 

    upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares of voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers and by excluding employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer, or

 

    on or subsequent to that date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 662/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

 

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In general, Section 203 defines an “interested stockholder” as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation or any entity or person affiliated or associated with the corporation and beneficially owned 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to the date on which it is sought to be determined whether such entity or person is an interested stockholder. Section 203 defines “business combination” to include: (i) any merger or consolidation involving the corporation or a majority-owned subsidiary of the corporation and the interested stockholder, (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation or a majority-owned subsidiary of the corporation involving the interested stockholder, (iii) subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation or a majority-owned subsidiary of the corporation of any stock of the corporation or such subsidiary to the interested stockholder, (iv) any transaction involving the corporation or a majority-owned subsidiary of the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation or such subsidiary beneficially owned by the interested stockholder, or (v) the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation or a majority-owned subsidiary of the corporation.

A Delaware corporation may opt out of Section 203 either by an express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or in an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws approved by its stockholders. We have not opted out, and do not currently intend to opt out, of this provision. The provisions of Section 203 may encourage companies interested in acquiring our company to negotiate in advance of such acquisition with our board of directors because the stockholder approval requirement referenced above would be avoided if our board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction that results in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder. These provisions could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change of control attempts and may make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.

Anti-takeover Effects of Our Organizational Documents

Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws may be considered to have an anti-takeover effect and may delay or prevent a tender offer or other corporate transaction that a stockholder might consider to be in its best interest, including those transactions that might result in payment of a premium over the market price for our shares of Class A common stock. These provisions are designed to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change of control of us without prior approval of our board of directors. These provisions are meant to encourage persons interested in acquiring control of us to first consult with our board of directors to negotiate terms of a potential business combination or offer. We believe that these provisions help protect us against an unsolicited proposal for a takeover of us that might affect the long-term value of our Class A common stock or that may not be otherwise in the best interests of our stockholders. For example, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws:

 

    divide our board of directors into three classes with staggered three-year terms, which may delay or prevent a change of our management or a change in control,

 

    authorize the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that could be issued by our board of directors to increase the number of outstanding shares of capital stock, making a takeover more difficult and expensive,

 

    do not permit cumulative voting in the election of directors, which would otherwise allow less than a majority of stockholders to elect director candidates,

 

    do not permit stockholders to take action by written consent other than during the period following our initial public offering in which we qualify as a “controlled company” within the meaning of NASDAQ rules,

 

    provide that special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by or at the direction of the board of directors, the chair of our board or the chief executive officer,

 

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    require advance notice be given by stockholders for any stockholder proposals or director nominations,

 

    require a super-majority vote of the stockholders to amend our certificate of incorporation, and

 

    allow our board of directors to make, alter or repeal our bylaws but only allow stockholders to amend our bylaws upon the approval of 662/3% or more of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for shares of our Class A common stock is Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

Listing

Our Class A common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, under the symbol “PINC.”

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

General

The Debt Securities offered by this prospectus will be our direct unsecured general obligations. This prospectus describes certain general terms of the Debt Securities offered through this prospectus. When we offer to sell a particular series of Debt Securities, we will describe the specific terms of that series in a prospectus supplement or a free writing prospectus. The Debt Securities will be issued under an open-ended Indenture (for Debt Securities) between us and a trustee to be elected by us at or about the time we offer our Debt Securities. The open-ended Indenture (for Debt Securities) is incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. In this prospectus we refer to the Indenture (for Debt Securities) as the “Debt Securities Indenture.” We refer to the trustee under any Debt Securities Indenture as the “Debt Securities Trustee.”

The prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus applicable to a particular series of Debt Securities may state that a particular series of Debt Securities will be our subordinated obligations. The form of Debt Securities Indenture referred to above includes optional provisions (designated by brackets (“[ ]”)) that we would expect to appear in a separate indenture for subordinated debt securities in the event we issue subordinated debt securities. In the following discussion, we refer to any subordinated obligations as the “Subordinated Debt Securities.” Unless the applicable prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus provides otherwise, we will use a separate Debt Securities Indenture for any Subordinated Debt Securities that we may issue. Our Debt Securities Indenture will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and you should refer to the Trust Indenture Act for the provisions that apply to the Debt Securities.

We have summarized selected provisions of the Debt Securities Indenture below. Each Debt Securities Indenture will be independent of any other Debt Securities Indenture unless otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus. The summary that follows is not complete and the summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture. You should consult the applicable Debt Securities, Debt Securities Indenture, any supplemental indentures, officers’ certificates and other related documents for more complete information on the Debt Securities. These documents appear as exhibits to, or are incorporated by reference into, the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will appear as exhibits to other documents that we will file with the SEC, which will be incorporated by reference into this prospectus. In the summary below, we have included references to applicable section numbers of the Debt Securities Indenture so that you can easily locate these provisions.

 

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Ranking

Our Debt Securities that are not designated Subordinated Debt Securities will be effectively subordinated to all secured indebtedness that we have outstanding from time to time to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such secured indebtedness. Our Debt Securities that are designated Subordinated Debt Securities will be subordinate to all outstanding secured indebtedness as well as Debt Securities that are not designated Subordinated Debt Securities. As of September 30, 2014, we had approximately $35.1 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured debt outstanding and no secured or subordinated indebtedness outstanding. The Debt Securities Indenture does not limit the amount of secured indebtedness that we may issue or incur.

We are a holding company and conduct substantially all of our operations through our subsidiaries. Substantially all of our operating cash flow is generated by our subsidiaries. Our ability to meet our financial obligations with respect to any future Debt Securities, and cash needs generally, is dependent on our operating cash flow, our ability to access various sources of short-and long-term liquidity, including our bank facilities, the capital markets and distributions from our subsidiaries. Holders of our Debt Securities will effectively have a junior position to claims of creditors of our subsidiaries, including trade creditors, debt holders, secured creditors, taxing authorities and guarantee holders.

Provisions of a Particular Series

The Debt Securities may from time to time be issued in one or more series. You should consult the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus relating to any particular series of Debt Securities for the following information:

 

    the title of the Debt Securities;

 

    any limit on aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities or the series of which they are a part;

 

    the person(s) to whom interest on Debt Securities of such series may be payable on any interest payment date, if other than the person(s) in whose name the Debt Securities are registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest;

 

    the date(s), or method for determining the date(s), on which the principal of, and any premium on, the Debt Securities will be payable;

 

    the rate(s), including the method of determination if applicable, at which the Debt Securities will bear interest, if any, and

 

    the date from which any interest will accrue;

 

    the dates on which we will pay interest;

 

    our ability to defer interest payments and any related restrictions during any interest deferral period; and

 

    the record date for any interest payable on any interest payment date;

 

    the place(s) where:

 

    the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Debt Securities will be payable;

 

    you may register transfer of the Debt Securities;

 

    you may exchange the Debt Securities; and

 

    you may serve notices and demands upon us regarding the Debt Securities;

 

    the security registrar for the Debt Securities and whether the principal of the Debt Securities is payable without presentment or surrender of them;

 

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    the terms and conditions upon which we may elect to redeem any Debt Securities, including any restrictions on such redemptions;

 

    the denominations in which we may issue Debt Securities, if other than $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000;

 

    the terms and conditions upon which the Debt Securities must be redeemed or purchased due to our obligations pursuant to any sinking fund or other mandatory redemption or tender provisions, or at the holder’s option, including any applicable exceptions to notice requirements;

 

    the currency, if other than United States currency, in which payments on the Debt Securities will be payable;

 

    the period(s) within which and the terms according to which elections can be made by us or the holder regarding payments on the Debt Securities in currency other than the currency in which the Debt Securities are stated to be payable;

 

    if payments are to be made on the Debt Securities in securities or other property, the type and amount of the securities and other property or the method by which the amount shall be determined;

 

    the manner in which we will determine any amounts payable on the Debt Securities that are to be determined with reference to an index or other fact or event ascertainable outside the applicable Debt Securities Indenture;

 

    if other than the entire principal amount, the portion of the principal amount of the Debt Securities payable upon declaration of acceleration of their maturity;

 

    any addition to the events of default applicable to any Debt Securities and any additions to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of the Debt Securities;

 

    the terms applicable to any rights to convert Debt Securities into or exchange them for other of our securities or those of any other entity;

 

    the obligations or instruments, if any, that are considered eligible obligations denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars or in a composite currency, and any additional or alternative provisions for the reinstatement of the Company’s indebtedness in respect of such Debt Securities after its satisfaction and discharge;

 

    whether we are issuing Debt Securities as global securities, and if so,

 

    any limitations on transfer or exchange rights or the right to obtain the registration of transfer;

 

    any limitations on the right to obtain definitive certificates for the Debt Securities;

 

    and any other matters incidental to the Debt Securities;

 

    whether we are issuing the Debt Securities as bearer securities;

 

    any limitations on transfer or exchange of Debt Securities or the right to obtain registration of their transfer, and the terms and amount of any service charge required for registration of transfer or exchange;

 

    any exceptions to the provisions governing payments due on legal holidays, or any variations in the definition of business day with respect to the Debt Securities;

 

    any collateral security, assurance, guarantee or other credit enhancement applicable to the Debt Securities; and

 

    any other terms of the Debt Securities not in conflict with the provisions of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

For more information, see Section 3.01 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

 

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Debt Securities may be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount. You should consult the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus for a description of certain special United States federal income tax considerations that may apply to Debt Securities sold at an original issue discount or denominated in a currency other than dollars.

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus states otherwise, the covenants contained in the applicable Debt Securities Indenture will not afford holders of Debt Securities protection in the event we have a change in control or are involved in a highly-leveraged transaction.

Subordination

The applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus may provide that a series of Debt Securities will be Subordinated Debt Securities, subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our Senior Indebtedness, as defined below. If so, we will issue these securities under a separate Debt Securities Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities. For more information, see Article XV of the form of Debt Securities Indenture.

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus states otherwise, until our Senior Indebtedness is paid in full, no payment of principal of, including redemption and sinking fund payments, or any premium or interest on, the Subordinated Debt Securities may be made if:

 

    there occur certain acts of bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, dissolution or other winding-up of our company;

 

    any Senior Indebtedness is not paid when due;

 

    any applicable grace period with respect to other defaults with respect to any Senior Indebtedness has ended, the default has not been cured or waived and the maturity of such Senior Indebtedness has been accelerated because of the default; or

 

    the maturity of the Subordinated Debt Securities of any series has been accelerated because of a default and Senior Indebtedness is then outstanding.

Upon any distribution of our assets to creditors upon any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, all principal of, and any premium and interest due or to become due on, all outstanding Senior Indebtedness must be paid in full before the holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities are entitled to payment. For more information, see Section 15.02 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture. The rights of the holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions applicable to Senior Indebtedness until all amounts owing on the Subordinated Debt Securities are paid in full. For more information, see Section 15.04 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus relating to the issuance of a series of Subordinated Debt Securities states otherwise, the term “Senior Indebtedness” means all

 

    obligations (other than non-recourse obligations and the Subordinated Debt Securities issued under the applicable Debt Securities Indenture) of, or guaranteed or assumed by, us for borrowed money (including both senior and subordinated indebtedness for borrowed money, but excluding the Subordinated Debt Securities), or for the payment of money relating to any lease that is capitalized on our consolidated balance sheet in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

    indebtedness evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments;

 

    obligations with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar facilities issued for our account;

 

    obligations issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services, but excluding trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business;

 

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    obligations for claims, as defined in Section 101(5) of the United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended, in respect of derivative products such as interest and foreign exchange rate contracts, commodity contracts and similar arrangements;

 

    obligations of the type referred to above of another person, the payment of which we have guaranteed or are responsible or liable for directly or indirectly, as obligor or otherwise; and

 

    amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of the foregoing, whether existing as of the date of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture or subsequently incurred by us.

In the case of any such indebtedness or obligations, Senior Indebtedness includes amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings, whether existing as of the date of the Debt Securities Indenture or subsequently incurred by us.

The Debt Securities Indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of Senior Indebtedness that we may issue.

Form, Exchange and Transfer

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus states otherwise, we will issue Debt Securities only in fully registered form without coupons and in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of that amount. For more information, see Sections 2.01 and 3.02 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

Holders may present Debt Securities for exchange or for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or accompanied by a duly executed instrument of transfer, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent we may designate. Exchanges and transfers are subject to the terms of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture and applicable limitations for global securities. We may designate ourselves the security registrar.

No charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Debt Securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that the holder must pay in connection with the transaction. Any transfer or exchange will become effective upon the security registrar or transfer agent, as the case may be, being satisfied with the documents of title and identity of the person making the request. For more information, see Section 3.05 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

The applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus will state the name of any transfer agent, in addition to the security registrar initially designated by us, for any Debt Securities. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents or withdraw the designation of any transfer agent or make a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts. We must, however, maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the Debt Securities of each series. For more information, see Section 6.02 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

We will not be required to:

 

    issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any Debt Securities or any tranche of any Debt Securities during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of mailing of a notice of redemption of any Debt Securities called for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of mailing; or

 

    register the transfer of, or exchange any Debt Securities selected for redemption except the unredeemed portion of any Debt Securities being partially redeemed.

For more information, see Section 3.05 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

 

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Payment and Paying Agents

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus states otherwise, subject to certain exceptions relating to the payment of defaulted interest, we will pay interest on a Debt Security on any interest payment date to the person in whose name the Debt Security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest payment. For more information, see Section 3.07 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus provides otherwise, we will pay principal and any premium and interest on Debt Securities at the office of the paying agent whom we will designate for this purpose. Unless the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus states otherwise, the corporate trust office of the Debt Securities Trustee will be designated as the place of payment of, and the Debt Securities Trustee will be appointed as our sole paying agent for, payments with respect to Debt Securities of each series. Any other paying agents initially designated by us for the Debt Securities of a particular series will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus. We may at any time add or delete paying agents or change the office through which any paying agent acts. We must, however, maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the Debt Securities of a particular series. For more information, see Section 6.02 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

All money we pay to a paying agent for the payment of the principal and any premium or interest on any Debt Security that remains unclaimed at the end of two years after payment is due will be repaid to us. After that date, the holder of that Debt Security shall be deemed an unsecured general creditor and may look only to us for these payments. For more information, see Section 6.03 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

Redemption

You should consult the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus for any terms regarding optional or mandatory redemption of Debt Securities. Except for any provisions in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus regarding Debt Securities redeemable at the holder’s option, Debt Securities may be redeemed only upon notice to holders by mail not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date. Further, if less than all of the Debt Securities of a series, or any tranche of a series, are to be redeemed, the Debt Securities to be redeemed will be selected by the method provided for the particular series. In the absence of a selection provision, the Debt Securities Trustee will select a fair and appropriate method of selection. For more information, see Sections 4.03 and 4.04 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

A notice of redemption we provide may state:

 

    that redemption is conditioned upon receipt by the paying agent on or before the redemption date of money sufficient to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on the Debt Securities; and

 

    that if the money has not been received, the notice will be ineffective and we will not be required to redeem the Debt Securities.

For more information, see Section 4.04 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

We may not consolidate with or merge into any other person, nor may we transfer or lease substantially all of our assets and property to any person, unless the corporation formed by the consolidation or into which we are merged, or the person that acquires by conveyance or transfer, or that leases, substantially all of our property and assets:

 

    is organized and validly existing under the laws of any domestic jurisdiction; and

 

    expressly assumes by supplemental indenture our obligations on the Debt Securities and under the applicable Debt Securities Indenture; and

 

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    immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default, and no event that would become an event of default, has occurred and is continuing; and

 

    we have delivered to the Debt Securities Trustee an officer’s certificate and opinion of counsel as provided in the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

For more information, see Section 11.01 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

Events of Default

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus states otherwise, “event of default” under the applicable Debt Securities Indenture with respect to Debt Securities of any series means any of the following:

 

    failure to pay any interest due on any Debt Security of that series within 30 days after it becomes due;

 

    failure to pay principal or premium, if any, when due on any Debt Security of that series;

 

    failure to make any required sinking fund payment on any Debt Securities of that series;

 

    breach of or failure to perform any other covenant or warranty in the applicable Debt Securities Indenture with respect to Debt Securities of that series for 60 days (subject to extension under certain circumstances for another 120 days) after we receive notice from the Debt Securities Trustee, or we and the Debt Securities Trustee receive notice from the holders of at least 33% in principal amount of the Debt Securities of that series outstanding under the applicable Debt Securities Indenture according to the provisions of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture;

 

    certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and

 

    any other event of default set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus. For more information, see Section 8.01 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

An event of default with respect to a particular series of Debt Securities does not necessarily constitute an event of default with respect to the Debt Securities of any other series issued under the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

If an event of default with respect to a particular series of Debt Securities occurs and is continuing, either the Debt Securities Trustee or the holders of at least 33% in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all of the Debt Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. If the Debt Securities of that series are discount securities or similar Debt Securities, only the portion of the principal amount as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus may be immediately due and payable. If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to all series of Debt Securities issued under a Debt Securities Indenture, including all events of default relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the Debt Securities Trustee or the holders of at least 33% in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of all series issued under that Debt Securities Indenture, considered together, may declare an acceleration of the principal amount of all series of Debt Securities issued under that Debt Securities Indenture. There is no automatic acceleration, even in the event of our bankruptcy or insolvency.

The applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus may provide, with respect to a series of Debt Securities to which a credit enhancement is applicable, that the provider of the credit enhancement may, if a default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the series, have all or any part of the rights with respect to remedies that would otherwise have been exercisable by the holder of that series.

At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to the Debt Securities of a particular series, and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained, the event of default giving rise to the declaration of acceleration will, without further action, be deemed to have been waived, and the declaration and its consequences will be deemed to have been rescinded and annulled, if:

 

    we have paid or deposited with the Debt Securities Trustee a sum sufficient to pay:

 

    all overdue interest on all Debt Securities of the particular series;

 

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    the principal of and any premium on any Debt Securities of that series that have become due otherwise than by the declaration of acceleration and any interest at the rate prescribed in the Debt Securities;

 

    interest upon overdue interest at the rate prescribed in the Debt Securities, to the extent payment is lawful; and

 

    all amounts due to the Debt Securities Trustee under the applicable Debt Securities Indenture; and

 

    any other event of default with respect to the Debt Securities of the particular series, other than the failure to pay the principal of, premium, if any, or accrued and unpaid interest on the Debt Securities of that series that has become due solely by the declaration of acceleration, has been cured or waived as provided in the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

For more information, see Section 8.02 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

The applicable Debt Securities Indenture includes provisions as to the duties of the Debt Securities Trustee in case an event of default occurs and is continuing. Consistent with these provisions, the Debt Securities Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers at the request or direction of any of the holders unless those holders have offered to the Debt Securities Trustee reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that may be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction. For more information, see Section 9.03 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture. Subject to these provisions for indemnification, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of any series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Debt Securities Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Debt Securities Trustee, with respect to the Debt Securities of that series. For more information, see Section 8.12 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

No holder of Debt Securities may institute any proceeding regarding the applicable Debt Securities Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or a trustee, or for any other remedy under the applicable Debt Securities Indenture unless:

 

    the holder has previously given to the Debt Securities Trustee written notice of a continuing event of default of that particular series;

 

    the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of all series with respect to which an event of default is continuing have made a written request to the Debt Securities Trustee, and have offered reasonable indemnity to the Debt Securities Trustee, to institute the proceeding as trustee; and

 

    the Debt Securities Trustee has failed to institute the proceeding, and has not received from the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of that series a direction inconsistent with the request, within 60 days after notice, request and offer of reasonable indemnity.

For more information, see Section 8.07 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

The preceding limitations do not apply, however, to a suit instituted by a holder of a Debt Security for the enforcement of payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on the Debt Securities on or after the applicable due date stated in the Debt Securities. For more information, see Section 8.08 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

We must furnish annually to the Debt Securities Trustee a statement by an appropriate officer as to that officer’s knowledge of our compliance with all conditions and covenants under each of the indentures for Debt Securities. Our compliance is to be determined without regard to any grace period or notice requirement under the applicable Debt Securities Indenture. For more information, see Section 6.06 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

 

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Modification and Waiver

We and the Debt Securities Trustee, without the consent of the holders of the Debt Securities, may enter into one or more supplemental indentures for any of the following purposes:

 

    to evidence the assumption by any permitted successor of our covenants in the applicable Debt Securities Indenture and the Debt Securities;

 

    to add one or more covenants or other provisions for the benefit of the holders of outstanding Debt Securities or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us by the applicable Debt Securities Indenture;

 

    to add any additional events of default;

 

    to change or eliminate any provision of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture or add any new provision to it, but if this action would adversely affect the interests of the holders of any particular series of Debt Securities in any material respect, the action will become effective with respect to that series with consent of holders or when no Debt Securities of that series remain outstanding under the applicable Debt Securities Indenture;

 

    to provide collateral security for the Debt Securities;

 

    to establish the form or terms of Debt Securities according to the provisions of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture;

 

    to evidence the acceptance of appointment of a successor Debt Securities Trustee under the applicable Debt Securities Indenture with respect to one or more series of the Debt Securities and to add to or change any of the provisions of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture as necessary to provide for trust administration under the applicable Debt Securities Indenture by more than one trustee;

 

    to provide for the procedures required to permit the use of a non-certificated system of registration for any series of Debt Securities;

 

    to change any place where:

 

    the principal of and any premium and interest on any Debt Securities are payable;

 

    any Debt Securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange; or

 

    notices and demands to or upon us regarding Debt Securities and the applicable Debt Securities Indentures may be served;

 

    to cure any ambiguity or inconsistency, but only by means of changes or additions that will not adversely affect the interests of the holders of Debt Securities of any series in any material respect; or

 

    without the consent of the holders of Subordinated Debt Securities, the holders of Senior Indebtedness may, without affecting in any manner the subordination of the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Subordinated Debt Securities, at any time or from time to time and in their absolute discretion, agree with us to change the manner, place or terms of payment, change or extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter, any Senior Indebtedness, or amend or supplement any instrument pursuant to which any Senior Indebtedness is issued, or exercise or refrain from exercising any other of their rights under the Senior Indebtedness, including, without limitation, the waiver of default thereunder, all without notice to or assent from the Subordinated Debt Security holders or the Debt Securities Trustee.

For more information, see Section 12.01 and Section 15.09 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of any series may waive:

 

    compliance by us with certain provisions of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture (see Section 6.07 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture); and

 

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    any past default under the applicable Debt Securities Indenture, except a default in the payment of principal, premium, or interest and certain covenants and provisions of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture that cannot be modified or amended without consent of the holder of each outstanding Debt Security of the series affected (see Section 8.13 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture).

The Trust Indenture Act of 1939 may be amended after the date of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture to require changes to the applicable Debt Securities Indenture. In this event, the applicable Debt Securities Indenture will be deemed to have been amended so as to effect the changes, and we and the Debt Securities Trustee may, without the consent of any holders, enter into one or more supplemental indentures to evidence or effect the amendment. For more information, see Section 12.01 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

Except as provided in this section, the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities issued pursuant to a Debt Securities Indenture, considered as one class, is required to change in any manner the applicable Debt Securities Indenture pursuant to one or more supplemental indentures. If less than all of the series of Debt Securities outstanding under a Debt Securities Indenture are directly affected by a proposed supplemental indenture, however, only the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of all series directly affected, considered as one class, will be required. Furthermore, if the Debt Securities of any series have been issued in more than one tranche and if the proposed supplemental indenture directly affects the rights of the holders of one or more, but not all, tranches, only the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of all tranches directly affected, considered as one class, will be required. In addition, an amendment or modification:

 

    may not, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debt Security affected:

 

    change the maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Debt Securities;

 

    reduce the principal amount or the rate of interest, or the amount of any installment of interest, or change the method of calculating the rate of interest;

 

    reduce any premium payable upon the redemption of the Debt Securities;

 

    reduce the amount of the principal of any Debt Security originally issued at a discount from the stated principal amount that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of maturity;

 

    change the currency or other property in which a Debt Security or premium or interest on a Debt Security is payable; or

 

    impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or after the stated maturity, or in the case of redemption, on or after the redemption date, of any Debt Securities;

 

    may not reduce the percentage of principal amount requirement for consent of the holders for any supplemental indenture, or for any waiver of compliance with any provision of or any default under the applicable Debt Securities Indenture, or reduce the requirements for quorum or voting, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debt Security of each series or tranche affected; and

 

    may not modify provisions of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture relating to supplemental indentures, waivers of certain covenants and waivers of past defaults with respect to the Debt Securities of any series, or any tranche of a series, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debt Security affected.

A supplemental indenture will be deemed not to affect the rights under the applicable Debt Securities Indenture of the holders of any series or tranche of the Debt Securities if the supplemental indenture:

 

    changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture expressly included solely for the benefit of one or more other particular series of Debt Securities or tranches thereof; or

 

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    modifies the rights of the holders of Debt Securities of any other series or tranches with respect to any covenant or other provision.

For more information, see Section 12.02 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

If we solicit from holders of the Debt Securities any type of action, we may at our option by board resolution fix in advance a record date for the determination of the holders entitled to vote on the action. We shall have no obligation, however, to do so. If we fix a record date, the action may be taken before or after the record date, but only the holders of record at the close of business on the record date shall be deemed to be holders for the purposes of determining whether holders of the requisite proportion of the outstanding Debt Securities have authorized the action. For that purpose, the outstanding Debt Securities shall be computed as of the record date.

Any holder action shall bind every future holder of the same security and the holder of every security issued upon the registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of the security in respect of anything done or permitted by the Debt Securities Trustee or us in reliance on that action, whether or not notation of the action is made upon the security. For more information, see Section 1.04 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

Defeasance

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus provides otherwise, any Debt Security, or portion of the principal amount of a Debt Security, will be deemed to have been paid for purposes of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture, and, at our election, our entire indebtedness in respect of the Debt Security, or portion thereof, will be deemed to have been satisfied and discharged, if we have irrevocably deposited with the Debt Securities Trustee or any paying agent other than us, in trust money, certain eligible obligations, as defined in the applicable Debt Securities Indenture, or a combination of the two, sufficient to pay principal of and any premium and interest due and to become due on the Debt Security or portion thereof. For more information, see Section 7.01 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture. For this purpose, unless the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus provides otherwise, eligible obligations include direct obligations of, or obligations unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States, entitled to the benefit of full faith and credit of the United States, and certificates, depositary receipts or other instruments that evidence a direct ownership interest in those obligations or in any specific interest or principal payments due in respect of those obligations.

Resignation, Removal of Debt Securities Trustee; Appointment of Successor

The Debt Securities Trustee may resign at any time by giving written notice to us or may be removed at any time by an action of the holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding Debt Securities delivered to the Debt Securities Trustee and us. No resignation or removal of the Debt Securities Trustee and no appointment of a successor trustee will become effective until a successor trustee accepts appointment in accordance with the requirements of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture. So long as no event of default or event that would become an event of default has occurred and is continuing, and except with respect to a Debt Securities Trustee appointed by an action of the holders, if we have delivered to the Debt Securities Trustee a resolution of our board of directors appointing a successor trustee and the successor trustee has accepted the appointment in accordance with the terms of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture, the Debt Securities Trustee will be deemed to have resigned and the successor trustee will be deemed to have been appointed as trustee in accordance with the applicable Debt Securities Indenture. For more information, see Section 9.10 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

Notices

We will give notices to holders of Debt Securities by mail to their addresses as they appear in the Debt Security Register. For more information, see Section 1.06 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

 

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Title

The Debt Securities Trustee and its agents, and we and our agents, may treat the person in whose name a Debt Security is registered as the absolute owner of that Debt Security, whether or not that Debt Security may be overdue, for the purpose of making payment and for all other purposes. For more information, see Section 3.08 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

Governing Law

The Debt Securities Indentures and the Debt Securities, including any Debt Securities Indentures for Subordinated Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities, will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York. For more information, see Section 1.12 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

Regarding the Indenture Trustees

In the normal course of business, we and our subsidiaries may conduct banking transactions with the indenture trustees, and the indenture trustees may conduct banking transactions with us and our subsidiaries. For more information, see Section 9.05 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

Global Securities

We may issue some or all of our Debt Securities of any series as global securities. We will register each global security in the name of a depositary identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The global securities will be deposited with a depositary or nominee or custodian for the depositary and will bear a legend regarding restrictions on exchanges and registration of transfer as discussed below and any other matters to be provided pursuant to the indenture.

As long as the depositary or its nominee is the registered holder of a global security, that person will be considered the sole owner and holder of the global security and the securities represented by it for all purposes under the securities and the indenture. Except in limited circumstances, owners of a beneficial interest in a global security:

 

    will not be entitled to have the global security or any securities represented by it registered in their names;

 

    will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated securities in exchange for the global security; and

 

    will not be considered to be the owners or holders of the global security or any securities represented by it for any purposes under the securities or the indenture.

We will make all payments of principal and any premium and interest on a global security to the depositary or its nominee as the holder of the global security. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.

Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to institutions having accounts with the depositary or its nominee, called “participants” for purposes of this discussion, and to persons that hold beneficial interests through participants. When a global security is issued, the depositary will credit on its book-entry, registration and transfer system the principal amounts of securities represented by the global security to the accounts of its participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be shown only on, and the transfer of those ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by:

 

    the depositary, with respect to participants’ interests; or

 

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    any participant, with respect to interests of persons held by the participants on their behalf.

Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests held through the participants will be the responsibility of the participants. The depositary may from time to time adopt various policies and procedures governing payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to beneficial interests in a global security. None of the following will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the depositary’s or any participant’s records relating to, or for payments made on account of, beneficial interests in a global security, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial interests:

 

    us or our affiliates;

 

    the trustee under any indenture; or

 

    any agent of any of the above.

For more information, see Section 2.03 of the applicable Debt Securities Indenture.

CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS

In connection with our initial public offering and related reorganization, we entered into several agreements to define and regulate the governance and control relationships among us, Premier LP and the member owners. The following provides a summary of the material provisions of the agreements discussed. However, these summaries do not purport to be complete, and they are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, the complete text of the agreements which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. You should carefully read each agreement discussed.

Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Premier LP

General Partner and Daily Operations. Under the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Premier LP, entered into as of September 25, 2013 and effective as of October 1, 2013, as amended on January 27, 2014, or the LP Agreement, Premier GP, of which we are the sole member, is the general partner of Premier LP. As the general partner of Premier LP, Premier GP is generally able to control the day-to-day business affairs and decision-making of Premier LP without the approval of any other partner, subject to certain limited partner approval rights described below. As such, we, through our officers and directors, are responsible for all operational and administrative decisions of Premier LP.

Member Owner Approval Rights. Notwithstanding the grant of authority to Premier GP described above, the prior written consent of a majority in interest of each class of ownership interests held by the limited partners of Premier LP is required to approve any merger of Premier LP. In addition, so long as the member owners in the aggregate continue to own 20% of the total number of Class B common units beneficially owned by the member owners immediately following the consummation of our initial public offering on October 1, 2013, the approval of a majority in interest of the member owners is required to approve the following actions of Premier LP:

 

    amending any provision of the LP Agreement, other than to reflect changes in ownership permitted under other provisions, and

 

    dissolving, liquidating or winding up of the partnership.

Compensation. Premier GP does not receive compensation for its services as general partner.

Classes of Units. Premier LP has two classes of units. The Class A common units are held by Premier GP. Any Class B common units we acquire will automatically convert to Class A common units when contributed to Premier GP. The Class B common units are held by the member owners and any new limited partners admitted to

 

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Premier LP. The Class A common units and the Class B common units, as a class, have equal rights to allocation of net income and net losses and to cash distributions, in proportion to units held. Net income and net losses, as well as cash distributions, are allocated to individual Class B common unit holders as described below. It is intended that the number of issued and outstanding Class A common units and the Class B common units will at all times exactly match the number of issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, respectively. Premier GP may issue additional Class A common units and Class B common units or establish and issue other classes of units, other ownership interests in Premier LP or other Premier LP securities from time to time with such rights, obligations, powers, designations, preferences and other terms, which may be senior to or otherwise different from any then-existing or future securities, as Premier GP may determine from time to time in its sole discretion, without the vote or consent of any limited partner or any other person.

Repurchases of Class B Common Units. In the event that a limited partner of Premier LP holding Class B common units not yet eligible to be exchanged for shares of our Class A common stock pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement (discussed below) (i) ceases to participate in our GPO programs; (ii) ceases to be a limited partner of Premier LP (except as a result of a permitted transfer of its Class B common units); (iii) ceases to be a party to a GPO participation agreement (subject to certain limited exceptions); or (iv) becomes a related entity of, or affiliated with, a competing business of Premier LP, in each case, Premier LP will have the option to redeem all of such limited partner’s Class B common units not yet eligible to be exchanged at a purchase price set forth in the LP Agreement. The Class B common unit redemption amount will be paid, at the sole discretion of Premier GP, by delivering (i) a five-year, unsecured, non-interest bearing term promissory note in favor of such limited partner, (ii) a cashier’s check or wire transfer of immediately available funds in an amount equal to the present value of the Class B common unit redemption amount otherwise payable upon the maturity of the promissory note described in clause (i) above, or (iii) payment on such other terms mutually agreed upon by Premier GP and such limited partner. In addition, if one of the terminating events described above occurs, the limited partner will be required to exchange all Class B common units eligible to be exchanged on the next exchange date following the date of the applicable termination event. See “— Exchange Agreement” below.

Distributions and Allocations of Net Profit and Net Loss. Premier LP taxable income consists primarily of Premier LP’s group purchasing income and any dividends that Premier LP receives from its corporate subsidiaries. This taxable income is allocated on a quarterly basis among Premier GP and the holders of Class B common units in the aggregate in proportion to the number of units held. Subject to any applicable restrictions under applicable law or under the terms of its financing agreements, Premier LP will make quarterly cash distributions in the aggregate equal to Premier LP’s total taxable income for such fiscal quarter multiplied by our effective corporate income tax rate. Premier GP has discretion to cause Premier LP to make additional cash distributions. The portion of Premier LP’s taxable income for the fiscal quarter that is allocated to the holders of Class B common units in the aggregate is allocated among such holders in two tranches, Tranche A and Tranche B.

Tranche A consists of the cash distributions made to holders of Class B common units in the aggregate (other than any discretionary cash distributions designated by Premier GP as Tranche B funds) and is tentatively divided among such holders in proportion to the relative participation during the quarter of each such holder (and such holder’s member facilities, as applicable) with all Premier business units for which separate revenue is calculated by Premier LP in the ordinary course, computed as if no Class B common units had been exchanged by any such holder under the Exchange Agreement since our initial public offering. We refer to such allocation as the “Tentative Tranche A Allocation.” In order to align Tranche A income allocations attributable to Premier LP’s GPO business unit with the activity that generates such income, Tranche A income derived from relative participation with Premier LP’s GPO business unit is allocated separately from Tranche A income derived from relative participation with Premier LP’s other business units. Relative participation is measured by attribution of gross revenues of each business unit, weighted by relative revenue factors for each business unit that are determined prospectively by Premier GP and communicated to the holders of Class B common units on or before the beginning of each fiscal year. The Tentative Tranche A Allocation to each holder of Class B

 

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common units is then increased or decreased, as applicable, by an amount equal to Tranche A divided by the total number of Class B common units beneficially owned by the member owners immediately following the consummation of our initial public offering multiplied by such holder’s cumulative net acquisitions from other holders or dispositions of Class B common units since the completion of our initial public offering. This adjusted allocation, or the “Adjusted Tranche A Allocation,” is paid to each holder of Class B common units in cash within 60 days after the end of each quarter.

Tranche B consists of all of the remaining net profit or net loss allocated to the holders of Class B common units in the aggregate for the fiscal quarter and is allocated among such holders in proportion to units held (subject to any offset as described in the paragraph immediately below). It is not anticipated that any of the Tranche B allocation will be distributed, unless Premier GP designates a portion of any discretionary distributions as Tranche B funds in which event each holder of Class B common units will be paid its proportionate share of such discretionary distribution in cash, based on units held. Any Tranche B net profit or net loss not distributed is instead retained by Premier LP for working capital purposes and to fund future expansion.

In the event that any holder of Class B common units has a reduction in its Tentative Tranche A Allocation for any quarter that exceeds the amount of such Tentative Tranche A Allocation, such excess being referred to as an “Excess Downward Adjustment,” then (i) such holder’s Adjusted Tranche A Allocation for such quarter will be equal to zero, (ii) Premier LP will provide additional cash as necessary to pay all Adjusted Tranche A Allocations for such quarter in full, (iii) such holder’s Tranche B allocation will be reduced by the amount of the Excess Downward Adjustment, and (iv) such holder will be required to make a capital contribution to Premier LP of an amount equal to such Excess Downward Adjustment (and Premier GP can offset such required capital contribution against revenue share otherwise due to such holder under the GPO participation agreement, until paid in full).

Transfer Restrictions. Premier GP may transfer its Class A common units without the consent of the limited partners. The LP Agreement generally prohibits transfers of Class B common units by the limited partners, except with consent of Premier GP or pursuant to the Exchange Agreement. Under no circumstances may any Class B common units be transferred to a business that competes with Premier LP anywhere in the United States.

Additional Partners. Except for a transferee that receives units from Premier GP or pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, a new limited partner may be admitted only upon the approval of Premier GP in its sole discretion. Admission of a new limited partner is conditioned upon the execution of a joinder to the LP Agreement. Each new limited partner will be required to enter into the Exchange Agreement, the Class B VTA (described below) and certain other agreements as provided in the LP Agreement, in each case on the same terms and conditions as the member owners (except that any Class B common units acquired by such newly admitted Premier LP limited partners will not be subject to the seven-year vesting schedule set forth in the LP Agreement and the Exchange Agreement, whereby each limited partner may exchange a maximum of one-seventh of its initial allocation of Class B common units (as well as any additional Class B common units purchased by such limited partner pursuant to the right of first refusal under the Exchange Agreement) each year, commencing on October 31, 2014 (which right shall be cumulative)). Any newly admitted Premier LP limited partner will also enter into a GPO participation agreement with Premier LP and make a capital contribution to Premier LP in an amount equal to 1% of the new limited partner’s projected annual purchasing volume under its GPO participation agreement, which projection shall be determined by Premier GP in its sole discretion.

Dissolution. The LP Agreement provides that Premier GP may decide to dissolve Premier LP, subject to approval by the partners holding two-thirds of the units, provided, if the member owners in the aggregate continue to own at least 20% of the total number of Class B common units beneficially owned by the member owners immediately following the consummation of our initial public offering, the consent of member owners holding a majority of the units held by such member owners shall also be required. In addition to a voluntary dissolution, Premier LP will be dissolved upon the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution in accordance with California law or upon the disposition of all its assets.

 

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Confidentiality. Each partner agrees to maintain as confidential all non-public information pursuant to the LP Agreement or otherwise regarding Premier LP and its business, except with the consent of Premier GP or as required by law or judicial process. Limited disclosure may be made to agents, representatives or employees on a confidential basis or as necessary to enforce rights under the LP Agreement.

Amendment. All amendments to the LP Agreement must be approved by Premier GP. Such amendments must also be approved by a majority in interest of the units held by the limited partners if the amendment would reduce the limited partners’ interests or allocation of economic benefits or would increase the limited partners’ obligations to make capital contributions or with respect to other liabilities, unless all partners are treated ratably and the amendment is made to reflect the issuance of additional units or acceptance of a new limited partner. For so long as the member owners hold at least 20% of the total number of Class B common units beneficially owned by the member owners immediately following the consummation of our initial public offering, all amendments must also be approved by a majority in interest of the member owners unless the amendment treats all partners ratably and is made to reflect the issuance of Class B common units or acceptance of a new limited partner.

Set-off. The LP Agreement provides Premier GP with a right to set-off amounts owed by a limited partner to Premier LP or its related entities against amounts otherwise payable by Premier LP to such limited partner. Any remaining balance due remains the obligation of such limited partner and must be paid to Premier LP or the related entity when any of the limited partner’s Class B common units are redeemed, exchanged or sold.

Indemnification. The LP Agreement provides for indemnification by Premier LP to each partner and its officers, directors, partners, members, shareholders and employees, as well as the employees and officers of Premier LP, for losses incurred by reason of any act performed or omitted to be performed by such person on behalf of Premier LP or by reason of the fact that such person is or was serving at the request of Premier LP as an officer, director, partner, trustee, employee, representative or agent of another entity. In addition, the LP Agreement provides that in the event that we enter into an indemnification agreement with any of our directors, officers, employees or agents or persons who serve, at our request, as the directors, officers, employees or agents of any Affiliate (as defined in the indemnification agreement), then Premier LP agrees to reimburse us for all expenses we incur under such agreements.

Governing Law. Premier LP is a California limited partnership and the LP Agreement is governed by California Law, including the California Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, or the CRULPA. This summary of the LP Agreement is also subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to the CRULPA.

Voting Trust Agreement

Pursuant to the Class B VTA, entered into as of October 1, 2013 by and among us, Premier LP (f/k/a Premier Purchasing Partners, L.P.), the holders of our Class B common stock and Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, all of our outstanding shares of Class B common stock are held in a voting trust. Under the Class B VTA, the Trustee acts on behalf of the holders of Class B common stock for purposes of voting their shares. As a result of the Class B VTA, the holders of Class B common stock retain beneficial ownership of their Class B common stock, while the Trustee is the legal owner of such equity. Pursuant to the Class B VTA, the Trustee is required to vote all of the shares of Class B common stock as a block in the manner determined by the plurality of the votes received by the Trustee from the holders of Class B common stock for the election of directors to serve on our board of directors, and by a majority of the votes received by the Trustee from the holders of the Class B common stock for all other matters.

Exchange Agreement

Under the Exchange Agreement, entered into as of September 25, 2013 and effective as of October 1, 2013 by and among us, Premier LP (f/k/a Premier Purchasing Partners, L.P.) and its limited partners, commencing on October 31, 2014, and during each year thereafter, each member owner will have the cumulative right to exchange up to one-seventh of its initial allocation of Class B common units, as well as any additional Class B

 

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common units purchased by such member owner pursuant to the right of first refusal discussed below, for shares of our Class A common stock (on a one-for-one basis subject to customary adjustments for subdivisions or combinations by split, reverse split, distribution, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise), cash or a combination of both, the form of consideration to be at the discretion of the audit and compliance committee of our board of directors. This exchange right can be exercised on a quarterly basis (subject to certain restrictions) and is subject to rights of first refusal in favor of the other holders of Class B common units and Premier LP. For each Class B common unit that is exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, the member owner will also surrender one corresponding share of Class B common stock, which will automatically be retired. Cash payments will be based on the fair market value of our Class A common stock, which will be determined (so long as our Class A common stock is traded on a national securities exchange) by the average of the closing price of our Class A common stock during the 20 trading days ending three days prior to the deadline for member owners to notify us of their intent to exchange Class B common units. In making this determination, the audit and compliance committee may take into account such factors as it may deem relevant, which may include our cash resources, the number of Class B common units being exchanged and the desirability of using any of such cash to acquire additional units in Premier LP in lieu of issuing additional shares of Class A common stock.

The time periods for the various notices and actions under the Exchange Agreement vary depending on whether or not we are conducting a company-directed underwritten public offering. During quarters in which we conduct a company-directed underwritten public offering, time-periods for notices and actions are advanced so that we are in a position to consummate the company-directed underwritten public offering on or about the time of the quarterly exchange.

Prior to an exchange for shares of our Class A common stock (or cash or a combination of both), the other member owners who have not requested such an exchange and Premier LP will have rights of first refusal to purchase the Class B common units that a member owner elects to exchange. Upon receipt of notice that a member owner has elected to exchange Class B common units, the other member owners have the right to purchase a pro rata share of the Class B common units offered for exchange at a price equal to the sum of the fair market value of such units plus the present value, based on certain assumptions set forth in the tax receivable agreement, of the estimated payments under the tax receivable agreement, had such selling member owner sold the relevant Class B common units to us instead. In the event that not all of the other member owners elect to purchase their full pro rata share of the Class B common units, then the member owners who have elected to purchase their pro rata share will have the right to purchase the remaining unsubscribed Class B common units. In the event the member owners do not elect to purchase all of the Class B common units subject to exchange, Premier LP will then have the right to purchase all or a portion of the remaining Class B common units. The member owners and Premier LP will have the opportunity to purchase Class B common units at the same price under the right of first refusal provisions of the Exchange Agreement. Class B common units that are not purchased by other member owners or Premier LP under the right of first refusal provisions of the Exchange Agreement will be exchanged for our Class A common stock, cash or a combination of both (as described above) at the designated quarterly exchange date subject to an exchanging member owner’s right to retract its exchange notice prior to such exchange.

As the member owners exchange their Class B common units, unless other member owners purchase the Class B common units pursuant to their right of first refusal, our ownership interest in Premier LP will be correspondingly increased. Future limited partners admitted to Premier LP receive the benefit of the Exchange Agreement and will not be subject to the seven-year vesting schedule beginning at the time of their admission.

Registration Rights Agreement

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, entered into as of September 25, 2013 and effective October 1, 2013 among us and the limited partners of Premier LP, we must use all reasonable efforts to cause a resale shelf registration statement to become effective for resales of Class A common stock that may be issued to the member owners in exchange for their Class B common units pursuant to the Exchange Agreement. Subject to certain exceptions, we will use reasonable efforts to keep the resale shelf registration statement effective for

 

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seven years. In addition, following each of the October 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 quarterly exchange dates under the Exchange Agreement, we will undertake to conduct an annual company-directed underwritten public offering to allow the member owners to resell the Class A common stock they may receive in exchange for their Class B common units pursuant to the Exchange Agreement. Thereafter, we may elect, but are not required, to conduct a company-directed underwritten public offering in any subsequent year. During the company-directed underwritten public offering periods, the member owners will be restricted from selling any shares of Class A common stock outside of the company-directed underwritten public offering. In connection with an underwritten public offering, we will be subject to similar restrictions on the sale of shares of Class A common stock for a period of 60 days beginning with the effectiveness of the registration statement relating to such underwritten public offering.

We will not be required to undertake a company-directed underwritten public offering in any particular year unless the number of shares of Class A common stock requested by the member owners to participate in the applicable company-directed underwritten public offering constitutes the equivalent of at least 3.5% of the aggregate number of Premier LP units outstanding. If the offering participation minimum is not been met, we may either proceed with the company-directed underwritten public offering (such decision being in our sole discretion) or notify the member owners that we will abandon the offering.

The Registration Rights Agreement also grants the member owners certain customary “piggyback” registration rights with respect to other registrations of Class A common stock. Other than the rights described above, the member owners are not entitled to any demand registration rights.

Under the Registration Rights Agreement, we will have a right to delay a registered offering if we have pending or in process a material transaction or a material development which we have a bona fide business purpose in keeping confidential and the filing of a registration statement or continued sales under a shelf registration statement would require disclosure (or premature disclosure) of such material transaction or material development. In the case of a company-directed underwritten public offering, we can postpone the company-directed underwritten public offering until the next quarterly exchange date under the Exchange Agreement and, in the case of a shelf registration statement, sales under such shelf registration statement shall be suspended for up to 90 days. We may only exercise the right to suspend sales under a shelf registration statement for 90 days once in any period of 365 consecutive days. In addition, under the Registration Rights Agreement, member owners proposing to sell 50% or more of the total number of shares of Class A Common Stock proposed to be sold in the company-directed underwritten offering may elect to delay such company-directed offering due to unfavorable market conditions.

We will pay all registration expenses other than brokerage commissions or transfer taxes or, if applicable, underwriting commissions and discounts. The registration rights agreement includes customary indemnification provisions, including indemnification of the member owners and their directors, officers and employees by us for any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, actions or proceedings in respect thereof and expenses to which the member owners may become subject under the Securities Act, state law or otherwise.

New limited partners will become a party to, and receive the benefit of, the Registration Rights Agreement.

Tax Receivable Agreement

Pursuant to the terms of a Tax Receivable Agreement, entered into as of September 25, 2013 and effective as of October 1, 2013 by and among us and the limited partners of Premier LP, we have agreed to pay to each member owner for as long as such member owner remains a limited partner of Premier LP, generally over a 15-year period (under current law), 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, foreign, state and local income and franchise tax that we actually realize (or are deemed to realize, in the case of payments required to be made upon certain occurrences under such Tax Receivable Agreement) as a result of the increases in tax basis resulting from the initial sale of Class B common units by the member owners in connection with the our October 2013 reorganization, as well as subsequent exchanges by such member owners pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, and of certain other tax benefits related to us entering into the Tax Receivable Agreement, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may use this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement to sell our securities from time to time in one or more transactions as follows:

 

    directly to purchasers;

 

    to or through underwriters;

 

    through dealers;

 

    through agents;

 

    through any combination of these methods; or

 

    through any other method permitted by applicable law and described in a prospectus supplement.

Each prospectus supplement relating to an offering of securities will set forth the specific plan of distribution and state the terms of the offering, including:

 

    the method of distribution of the securities offered therein;

 

    the names of any underwriters, dealers, or agents;

 

    the public offering or purchase price of the offered securities and the net proceeds that we will receive from the sale;

 

    any underwriting discounts, commissions or other items constituting underwriters’ compensation;

 

    any discounts, commissions, or fees allowed, re-allowed or paid to dealers or agents;

 

    the terms of any option granted to any underwriters, dealers or agents to purchase additional securities from us; and

 

    any securities exchange on which the offered securities may be listed.

Any initial public offering price and any discounts, commissions, fees or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to underwriters, dealers, or agents may be changed from time to time.

Distribution Through Underwriters

We may offer and sell our securities from time to time to one or more underwriters who would purchase the securities as principal for resale to the public, either on a firm commitment or best efforts basis. If underwriters are used in the sale of our securities, we will execute an underwriting agreement with them at the time of the sale and will name them in the applicable prospectus supplement. In connection with these sales, the underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters also may receive commissions from purchasers of securities for whom they may act as agent. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the underwriters will not be obligated to purchase the securities unless the conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement are satisfied, and if the underwriters purchase any of the securities, they generally will be required to purchase all of the offered securities. The underwriters may acquire the securities for their own account and may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or varying prices determined at the time of sale. The underwriters may sell the offered securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive discounts, concessions, or commissions from the underwriters as well as from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.

Distribution Through Dealers

We may offer and sell securities from time to time to one or more dealers who would purchase the securities as principal. The dealers then may resell the offered securities to the public at fixed or varying prices to be determined by those dealers at the time of resale. We will set forth the names of any dealers and the terms of the transaction in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

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Distribution Through Agents

We may offer and sell our securities on a continuous basis through agents that become parties to an underwriting or distribution agreement. We will name any agent involved in the offer and sale, and describe any commissions payable by in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the agent will be acting on a best efforts basis during the appointment period. The agent may make sales in privately negotiated transactions and by any other method permitted by law, including sales deemed to be an “at-the-market” offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, sales made directly on the NASDAQ, or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange.

Direct Sales

We may sell directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters, as defined in the Securities Act, for any resale of the securities. We will describe the terms of any sales of this kind in the applicable prospectus supplement.

General Information

Underwriters, dealers, or agents participating in an offering of securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the offered securities, may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.

We may offer to sell securities either at a fixed price or at prices that may vary, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices. Securities may be sold in connection with a remarketing after their purchase by one or more firms acting as principal for their own accounts or as our agent. In addition, we may issue the securities as a dividend or distribution or in a subscription rights offering to our existing security holders.

In connection with an underwritten offering of the securities, the underwriters may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which creates a short position for the underwriters. The underwriters may enter bids for, and purchase, securities in the open market in order to stabilize the price of the securities. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions. In addition, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the securities in the offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed securities in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions, or otherwise. These activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. Those activities, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

Ordinarily, each issue of securities will be a new issue, and there will be no established trading market for any security other than our Class A common stock, which is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol “PINC,” prior to its original issue date. We may not list any particular series of securities on a securities exchange or quotation system. Any underwriters to whom or agents through whom the offered securities are sold for offering and sale may make a market in the offered securities. However, any underwriters or agents that make a market will not be obligated to do so and may stop doing so at any time without notice. We cannot assure you that there will be a liquid trading market for the offered securities.

We may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain purchasers to purchase the securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, and the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth any commissions we pay for solicitation of these contracts.

 

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We may offer subscription rights to our existing stockholders to purchase additional shares of our common stock, preferred stock or any combination thereof. For any particular subscription rights, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of such rights, including the period during which such rights may be exercised, the manner of exercising such rights, the transferability of such rights and the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock that may be purchased in connection with each right and the subscription price for the purchase of such shares. In connection with a rights offering, we may enter into a separate agreement with one or more underwriters or standby purchasers to purchase any shares of our common stock or preferred stock not subscribed for in the rights offering by existing stockholders. We may pay the standby underwriters a commitment fee for the securities they commit to purchase on a standby basis. If we do not enter into a standby underwriting arrangement, we may retain a dealer-manager to manage a subscription rights offering for us.

Under agreements entered into with us, underwriters and agents may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution for payments the underwriters or agents may be required to make.

In compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, the aggregate maximum discount, commission, agency fees or other items constituting underwriting compensation to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer will not exceed 8% of the gross offering proceeds from any offering pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.

Although we expect that delivery of securities generally will be made against payment on or about the third business day following the date of any contract for sale, we may specify a longer settlement cycle in the applicable prospectus supplement. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to a trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, if we have specified a longer settlement cycle in the applicable prospectus supplement for an offering of securities, purchasers who wish to trade those securities on the date of the contract for sale, or on one or more of the next succeeding business days as we may specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, will be required, by virtue of the fact that those securities will settle in more than three business days after the trade date, to specify an alternative settlement cycle at the time of the trade to prevent a failed settlement and should consult their own advisors in connection with that election.

Conflict of Interest

We may engage underwriters, dealers and agents in connection with the offering of any of the securities described in this prospectus, some of whom may have a “conflict of interest,” as such term is defined by FINRA. In the event an underwriter, dealer or agent who is participating in the offering has a conflict of interest, we will describe the nature of the conflict in the applicable prospectus supplement, and, if applicable, the name of the underwriter, dealer or agent who is acting as the “qualified independent underwriter” and its role and responsibilities in the offering.

The underwriters, dealers and agents that we may use, as well as their affiliates, may engage in financial or other business transactions with, or perform other services for, us and our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and may receive a portion of the proceeds from this offering.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by McDermott Will & Emery LLP.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Premier, Inc., appearing in Premier, Inc.’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30, 2014, including the schedule appearing therein, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements and schedule are, and audited financial statements and schedules to be included in subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the report of Ernst & Young LLP pertaining to such financial statements and schedules (to the extent covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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LOGO

 

 


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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table sets forth the estimated costs and expenses of the sale and distribution of the securities being registered, all of which will be paid by the registrant.

 

SEC registration fee

   *

Legal fees and expenses (including Blue Sky fees)

   **

Accounting fees and expenses

   **

Printing fees

   **

Trustee and transfer agent fees

   **

Miscellaneous

   **

Total

   **

 

* To be deferred pursuant to Rule 456(b) under the Securities Act and calculated in connection with the offering of securities under this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act.
** Estimated expenses are not presently known. Estimated fees and expenses associated with future offerings will be provided in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or DGCL, allows a corporation to provide in its certificate of incorporation that a director of the corporation will not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except where the director breached the duty of loyalty, failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional misconduct or knowingly violated a law, authorized the payment of a dividend or approved a stock repurchase in violation of the DGCL or obtained an improper personal benefit. Our certificate of incorporation provides for this limitation of liability.

Section 145 of the DGCL, or Section 145, provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who was, is or is threatened to be made, party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of such corporation), by reason of the fact that such person is or was an officer, director, employee or agent of such corporation or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation’s best interests and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was illegal. A Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit, provided such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation’s best interests, provided that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the officer, director, employee or agent is adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him or her against the expenses which such officer or director has actually and reasonably incurred.

Section 145 further authorizes a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who 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 or enterprise, against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the corporation would otherwise have the power to indemnify him or her under Section 145.

 

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Our certificate of incorporation provides that we are required to indemnify our directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Our certificate of incorporation also provides that, upon satisfaction of specified conditions, we are required to advance expenses incurred by a director in advance of the final disposition of any threatened, pending or completed action or proceeding, and permits us to secure insurance on behalf of any officer or director for any liability against such person regardless of whether we would otherwise be permitted to indemnify him or her under the provisions of the certificate of incorporation or otherwise.

We have entered and expect to continue to enter into agreements to indemnify our directors, executive officers and other employees as determined by the board of directors. With certain exceptions, these agreements provide for indemnification of expenses and liabilities incurred by the indemnified individual in connection with a proceeding related to his or her service to us as a director, executive officer, employee or other agent (including, among other things, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties and settlement amounts).

The indemnification rights set forth above shall not be exclusive of any other right which an indemnified person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

We expect to maintain standard policies of insurance that provide coverage (i) to our directors and officers against loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act, and (ii) to us with respect to indemnification payments that we may make to such directors and officers.

Insofar as the foregoing provisions permit indemnification of directors, executive officers or persons controlling us for liability arising under the Securities Act, we acknowledge that, in the opinion of the SEC, this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Item 16. Exhibits.

The exhibit index attached hereto is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 17. Undertakings.

(a) 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 of 1933;

(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 Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 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 paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (ii) and (iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

 

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(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(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.

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

(i) Each prospectus filed by a registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5) or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which the prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

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(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4), or 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus 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.

(e) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer 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.

(f) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

 

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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 Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 12, 2014.

 

PREMIER, INC.
By:  

 /s/ SUSAN D. DEVORE

Name:   Susan D. DeVore
Title:   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each of the undersigned executive officers and directors of Premier, Inc. hereby severally constitute and appoint each of Susan D. DeVore, Craig S. McKasson and Jeffrey W. Lemkin as the attorneys-in-fact for the undersigned, in any and all capacities, with full power of substitution, to sign any and all pre- or post-effective amendments to this Registration Statement, any subsequent Registration Statement for the same offering which may be filed pursuant to Rule 413 or 462 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all pre- or post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact may lawfully 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 on the dates indicated.

 

Signature    Title    Date

/s/ SUSAN D. DEVORE

Susan D. DeVore

   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer)    November 12, 2014

/s/ CRAIG S. MCKASSON

Craig S. McKasson

   Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President (principal financial and accounting officer)    November 12, 2014

/s/ STEPHEN R. D’ARCY

Stephen R. D’Arcy

   Director    November 12, 2014

/s/ LLOYD H. DEAN

Lloyd H. Dean

   Director    November 12, 2014

/s/ PETER S. FINE

Peter S. Fine

   Director    November 12, 2014

/S/ CHARLES E. HART, MD

Charles E. Hart, MD

   Director    November 12, 2014

/s/ PHILIP A. INCARNATI

Philip A. Incarnati

   Director    November 12, 2014


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/s/ ROBERT ISSAI

Robert Issai

   Director    November 12, 2014

/s/ WILLIAM E. MAYER

William E. Mayer

   Director    November 12, 2014

/s/ KEITH B. PITTS

Keith B. Pitts

   Director    November 12, 2014

/s/ TOMI S. RYBA

Tomi S. Ryba

   Director    November 12, 2014

/s/ TERRY SHAW

Terry Shaw

   Director    November 12, 2014

/s/ RICHARD J. STATUTO

Richard J. Statuto

   Director    November 12, 2014

/s/ SUSAN S. WANG

Susan S. Wang

   Director    November 12, 2014

/s/ ELLEN C. WOLF

Ellen C. Wolf

   Director    November 12, 2014

/s/ ALAN R. YORDY

Alan R. Yordy

   Director    November 12, 2014


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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

   Description
  1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement**
  3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of Premier, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Premier, Inc. filed on August 26, 2013 - Commission File No. 333-190828.)
  3.2    Bylaws of Premier, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Premier, Inc. filed on August 26, 2013 - Commission File No. 333-190828.)
  4.1    Form of Class A common stock certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Premier, Inc. filed on September 16, 2013 - Commission File No. 333-190828.)
  4.2    Form of Certificate of Designation (for Preferred Stock)**
  4.3    Specimen Preferred Stock Certificate**
  4.4    Indenture (for [Subordinated] Debt Securities) (open-ended)*
  4.5    Form of [Subordinated] Debt Security**
  5.1    Opinion of McDermott Will & Emery LLP re: legality*
  9.1    Voting Trust Agreement Relating to Shares of Class B common stock of Premier, Inc. entered into as of October 1, 2013 by and among Premier, Inc., Premier Purchasing Partners, L.P., the holders of Class B common stock of Premier, Inc. and Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9.1 to the Form 8-K of Premier, Inc. filed on October 7, 2013 – Commission File No. 001-36092.)
10.1    Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Premier Healthcare Alliance, L.P. entered into as of September 25, 2013 and effective as of October 1, 2013. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of Premier, Inc. filed on October 7, 2013 – Commission File No. 001-36092.)
10.2    Exchange Agreement entered into as of September 25, 2013 and effective as of October 1, 2013 by and among Premier, Inc., Premier Purchasing Partners, L.P. and its limited partners. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K of Premier, Inc. filed on October 7, 2013 – Commission File No. 001-36092.)
10.3    Registration Rights Agreement entered into as of September 25, 2013 and effective as of October 1, 2013 by and among Premier, Inc. and the Limited Partners of Premier Healthcare Alliance, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 8-K of Premier, Inc. filed on October 7, 2013 – Commission File No. 001-36092.)
10.4    Tax Receivable Agreement entered into as of September 25, 2013 and effective as of October 1, 2013 by and among Premier, Inc. and the Limited Partners of Premier Healthcare Alliance, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K of Premier, Inc. filed on October 7, 2013 – Commission File No. 001-36092.)
10.5    First Amendment to Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Premier Healthcare Alliance L.P., dated January 27, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q of Premier, Inc. filed on November 12, 2014 – Commission File No. 001-36092.)
12.1    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges*
23.1    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP*
23.2    Consent of McDermott Will & Emery LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)*


Table of Contents

Exhibit

Number

   Description
24.1    Power of Attorney (included on signature page)*
25.1    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of the Trustee under the Indenture (for Debt Securities)***
25.2    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of the Trustee under the Indenture (for Subordinated Debt Securities)***

 

* Filed herewith.
** To be filed, if necessary, by a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement or incorporated by reference pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K.
*** Where applicable, to be incorporated by reference to a subsequent filing in accordance with Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended