EX-99.(A)(1).1 2 a2138384zex-99_a11.htm EXHIBIT 99(A)(1).1
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PROSPECTUS
Dated June 11, 2004

FOSTER WHEELER LTD.

Offer to Exchange
up to 19,467,000 Common Shares and 210,000 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares
(Liquidation preference of $0.01 per preferred share)

for

Any and All Outstanding 9.00% Preferred Securities, Series I
Issued by FW Preferred Capital Trust I (Liquidation Amount $25 per Trust Security)
and Guaranteed by Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC, including accrued dividends

and

up to 43,679,370 Common Shares and 470,400 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares
for
Any and All Outstanding 6.50% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007
Issued by Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Guaranteed by Foster Wheeler LLC

and

up to 24,212,175 Common Shares and 260,811.74 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares
for
Any and All Outstanding Series 1999 C Bonds and Series 1999 D Bonds
(as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Mortgage, Security Agreement,
and Indenture of Trust dated as of October 15, 1999 from Village of Robbins, Cook County, Illinois,
to SunTrust Bank, Central Florida, National Association, as Trustee)

and

Solicitation of Consents to Proposed Amendments to

the Indenture Relating to the 9.00% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest
Debentures, Series I of Foster Wheeler LLC
and

the Indenture Relating to the 6.50% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007

        Holders of securities tendered for exchange and not withdrawn will receive the following:

        • Each holder of 9.00% Preferred Securities, Series I (liquidation amount $25 per trust security) issued by FW Preferred Capital Trust I, or the trust securities, will receive 2.781 common shares and 0.03 preferred shares for each trust security (liquidation amount $25). Holders of trust securities who participate in this exchange offer will forfeit any right to receive accumulated but unpaid dividends on the trust securities they exchange.

        • Each holder of 6.50% convertible subordinated notes due 2007 issued by Foster Wheeler Ltd., or the convertible notes, will receive 207.997 common shares and 2.240 preferred shares plus accrued and unpaid interest through the date of the exchange for each $1,000 in principal amount of convertible notes.

        • Each holder of Series 1999 C Bonds maturing in 2009, or the 2009 Series C Robbins bonds, will receive 212.961 common shares and 2.294 preferred shares plus accrued and unpaid interest through the date of the exchange for each $1,000 in principal amount outstanding as of March 26, 2004, of 2009 Series C Robbins bonds. Each holder of Series 1999 C bonds maturing in 2024, or the 2024 Series C Robbins bonds, will receive 212.961 common shares and 2.294 preferred shares plus accrued and unpaid interest through the date of the exchange for each $1,000 in prinicipal amount outstanding as of March 26, 2004, of 2024 Series C Robbins bonds. Each holder of Series 1999 D Bonds, or the Series D Robbins bonds, will receive 212.961 common shares and 2.294 preferred shares for each $1,000 in accreted principal amount outstanding as of March 26, 2004, of Series D Robbins bonds.

        Each preferred share offered hereby will be optionally convertible into 80 common shares upon the circumstances described in this prospectus, and, prior to becoming convertible, will vote with the common shares as a single class and at all times be entitled to dividends and distributions, in each case on an as converted basis except in certain circumstances described in this prospectus.

        By means of a separate prospectus, we are also offering to exchange up to 12,410,200 common shares and up to 133,600 preferred shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. and up to $150,000,000 in principal amount of fixed rate senior secured notes due 2011, Series A, of Foster Wheeler LLC, referred to herein as the new notes, plus accrued and upaid interest through the date of the exchange, for all of the $200,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of Foster Wheeler LLC's outstanding 6.75% senior notes due 2005, referred to herein as the 2005 notes, as part of this exchange offer.

        For a discussion of factors you should consider before you decide to participate in the exchange offer and consent solicitation, see "Risk Factors" beginning on page 19.


The exchange offer and consent solicitation will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 12, 2004, which we refer to as the expiration date, unless extended by us. You may revoke your tender and, if applicable, your consent at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

        Our common shares are quoted on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol "FWLRF.OB" and are subject to penny stock rules. These factors may make it more difficult to buy and sell our shares. On June 8, 2004, the average of the high and low quotations for our common shares on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board was $1.11 per share.

        The preferred shares will not be listed on any national securities exchange and, currently, there is no public market for the preferred shares.

        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 dealer manager for the exchange offer and consent solicitation is: Rothschild Inc.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Summary   1
Risk Factors   19
Forward Looking Statements   40
Capitalization   41
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements   46
Selected Financial Data   61
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges   64
Use of Proceeds   65
Accounting Treatment for the Exchange Offer   66
The Exchange Offer and the Consent Solicitation   68
The Proposed Amendments   91
The Trust   95
Market Price Information   96
Description of Share Capital   98
Comparison of Rights   111
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations   137
Legal Matters   146
Experts   146
Where You Can Find More Information About Us   147
Incorporation of Documents by Reference   147
Enforcement of Civil Liabilities   148

        You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. No person has been authorized to give any information or make any representations in connection with the exchange offer, other than the information and those representations contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in the accompanying letters of transmittal and consent and letter of transmittal. If given or made, such information and representations must not be relied upon by you as having been authorized by us, the trustee, the exchange agent, the information agent, the dealer manager or any other party involved in the exchange offer. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state or jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information provided by this prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein is accurate as of any date other than the date of such prospectus or incorporated documents, regardless of the date you receive them.

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SUMMARY

        This summary represents a summary of all material terms of the exchange offer and consent solicitation and highlights selected information described in greater detail elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should carefully read this entire prospectus, including the risk factors beginning on page 19, and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus to fully understand this exchange offer and consent solicitation and our business, results of operations and financial condition. Except as the context otherwise requires, the terms "we," "us," "our," and "Foster Wheeler," as used in this prospectus, refer to Foster Wheeler Ltd. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

Purpose of the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation (see page 68)

        The purpose of the exchange offer and consent solicitation for the trust securities, the convertible notes and the Robbins bonds is to reduce our debt and to improve our overall capital structure. The purpose of the exchange offer for the 2005 notes is effectively to extend the maturity of a portion of the 2005 notes and to reduce our debt.

        Following the consummation of the exchange offer, Foster Wheeler will no longer have any payment obligations with respect to:

    trust securities that are exchanged, including with respect to accrued and unpaid dividends,

    convertible notes that are exchanged,

    Robbins bonds that are exchanged, and

    2005 notes that are exchanged for common shares and preferred shares.

        Foster Wheeler will pay all accrued and unpaid interest through the date the exchange offer is consummated, or the exchange date, on the convertible notes, Robbins bonds and 2005 notes tendered in the exchange offer and not withdrawn. Holders of trust securities who participate in the exchange offer will forfeit any right to receive accumulated but unpaid dividends on the trust securities that they exchange.

        In addition, the new notes, that are issued in exchange for the 2005 notes will have a maturity date that is approximately six years later than the maturity date of the 2005 notes. Consequently, Foster Wheeler will have a significantly longer period in which to repay the new notes.

        Following the consummation of the exchange offer and consent solicitation, holders of the trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds and 2005 notes that receive shares in the exchange offer will become equity holders of Foster Wheeler and will no longer have the contractual rights previously accorded them in the applicable debt instruments governing their securities. The holders of 2005 notes that receive new notes will not be entitled to be repaid the principal amount of those notes until the new notes' maturity date in 2011. For a comparison of rights of holders who participate in the exchange offer, you should read the section of the prospectus entitled "Comparison of Rights".

Principal Terms of the Exchange Offer (see page 73)

        The completion of the exchange offer is conditioned upon, among other things, our receipt of valid tenders from not less than 75% of the aggregate liquidation amount of trust securities, 90% of the aggregate principal amount of convertible notes, 90% of the aggregate principal amount or, if applicable, accreted principal amount, as of March 26, 2004 of outstanding Robbins bonds, and 90% of the aggregate principal amount of 2005 notes.

        In order to complete the exchange offer, we must receive the consent of the lenders under our senior secured credit facility. We have entered into an amendment to our senior secured credit facility that permits the exchange offer and the private upsize notes offering subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The amendment is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus

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is a part. The amendment will reduce the aggregate letter of credit availability from $149,900,000 to $125,000,000. If the lenders do not consent, we will be unable to consummate the proposed exchange offer.

        In addition, the private upsize notes offering must be completed in order to complete the exchange offer.

        The following table sets forth information regarding ownership of our securities:

 
  Title of Security
 
  Existing common shareholders
and Restricted
Stock Plan

  Trust securities
  Convertible notes
  Robbins bonds
  2005 notes
Aggregate liquidation or principal amount outstanding at March 26, 2004   N/A   $ 175 million   $ 210 million   $ 113.7 million (1) $ 200 million

Accrued and unpaid dividends or interest through March 26, 2004

 

N/A

 

$

42.8 million

 

$

4.6 million

 

$

3.0 million

 

$

5.1 million

Total obligation as of March 26, 2004

 

N/A

 

$

217.8 million

 

$

214.6 million

 

$

116.7 million

 

$

205.1 million

Minimum % required to tender for consummation of exchange offer

 

N/A

 

 

75%

 

 

  90%

 

 

  90%

 

 

  90%

Total number of preferred shares to be issued(2)

 

N/A

 

 

157,500

 

 

423,360

 

 

234,731

 

 

120,240

Total number of common shares to be issued(2)

 

N/A

 

 

14,600,250

 

 

39,311,433

 

 

21,790,957

 

 

11,169,180

% common shares outstanding (assuming conversion of the preferred shares) after exchange offer(2)

 

23.8

%(3)

 

12.8%

 

 

34.5%

 

 

19.1%

 

 

9.8%

(1)
The 2009 Series C Robbins bonds had a face amount of $17.8 million at issuance. Since issuance, in accordance with the terms of the 2009 Series C Robbins bonds, Foster Wheeler LLC has made principal repayments of $5.7 million. The total amount due as of March 26, 2004 was $12.1 million. The 2024 Series C Robbins bonds had a face amount of $77.2 million at issuance. No principal repayments are scheduled until 2023, and the total amount due under the 2024 Series C Robbins bonds as of March 26, 2004, was $77.2 million. The Series D Robbins bonds had a face amount of $18 million at issuance. The total amount due under the Series D Robbins bonds as of March 26, 2004, which includes $6.4 million of accreted principal through this date, was $24.4 million.

(2)
Assuming minimum conditions with respect to percentages tendered into the exchange offer are tendered.

(3)
Includes 9,800,000 common shares, or 4.6% of the common shares on an as converted basis, to be issued in conjunction with the consummation of the exchange offer under a restricted stock plan which we intend to adopt prior to the closing of the exchange offer to members of Foster Wheeler's senior management and directors. See "The Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation—Management Participation" for more information about the restricted stock plan. The plan also allows the issuance of an additional 700,000 shares at the discretion of the compensation committee of the board of directors. Excludes approximately 8,869,000 shares reserved for issuance pursuant to employee stock option plans and approximately 1,309,000 shares reserved for issuance upon conversion of convertible notes that remain outstanding.

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    Trust Securities Exchange

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. is offering to exchange up to 19,467,000 common shares and 210,000 preferred shares, or in the aggregate 36,267,000 common shares on an as converted basis, for any and all of the 7,000,000 outstanding trust securities on the terms and conditions described in this prospectus. The holder of each trust security tendered in the exchange offer and not withdrawn will receive 2.781 common shares and 0.030 preferred shares, or in the aggregate 5.181 common shares on an as converted basis, for each trust security (liquidation amount $25). Holders of trust securities who participate in the exchange offer will forfeit any right to receive accumulated but unpaid dividends on the trust securities that they exchange. You should read "The Exchange Offer and the Consent Solicitation—Terms of the Exchange Offer—Trust Securities Exchange" for further information regarding the election described above.

        Holders may exchange any portion or all of their trust securities in the exchange offer in increments of $25 in liquidation amount.

    Convertible Notes Exchange

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. is offering to exchange up to 43,679,370 of its common shares and 470,400 of its preferred shares, or in the aggregate 81,311,370 common shares on an as converted basis, for any and all of the $210 million in aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes. Each holder of convertible notes tendered in the exchange offer and not withdrawn will receive 207.997 common shares and 2.240 preferred shares, or in the aggregate 387.197 common shares on an as converted basis, plus accrued and unpaid interest through the exchange date for each $1,000 in principal amount of convertible notes tendered in the exchange offer and not withdrawn.

    Robbins Bonds Exchange

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. is offering to exchange up to 24,212,175 of its common shares and 260,811.74 of its preferred shares, or in the aggregate 45,077,114 common shares on an as converted basis, plus accrued and unpaid interest for any and all of the $113.693 million in aggregate principal amount as of March 26, 2004 of the Robbins bonds. Each holder of 2009 Series C Robbins bonds tendered in the exchange offer and not withdrawn will receive 212.961 common shares and 2.294 preferred shares, or in the aggregate 396.481 common shares on an as converted basis, plus accrued and unpaid interest through the exchange date for each $1,000 in principal amount outstanding as of March 26, 2004 of 2009 Series C Robbins bonds tendered in the exchange offer and not withdrawn. Each holder of 2024 Series C Robbins bonds tendered in the exchange offer and not withdrawn will receive 212.961 common shares and 2.294 preferred shares, or in the aggregate 396.481 common shares on an as converted basis, plus accrued and unpaid interest through the exchange date for each $1,000 in principal amount outstanding as of March 26, 2004 of 2024 Series C Robbins bonds tendered in the exchange offer and not withdrawn. Each holder of Series D Robbins bonds tendered in the exchange offer and not withdrawn will receive 212.961 common shares and 2.294 preferred shares, or in the aggregate 396.481 common shares on an as converted basis, for each $1,000 in accreted principal amount outstanding as of March 26, 2004 of Series D Robbins bonds tendered in the exchange offer and not withdrawn.

    2005 Notes Exchange

        Foster Wheeler LLC is offering to exchange up to $150 million in aggregate principal amount of its new notes and up to 12,410,200 common shares and 133,600 preferred shares, or in the aggregate 23,098,200 common shares on an as converted basis, for any and all of its $200 million in aggregate principal amount of 2005 notes. Each holder of 2005 notes tendered in the exchange offer and not withdrawn will receive $750 in principal amount of new notes and 62.051 common shares and 0.668 preferred shares, or in the aggregate 115.491 common shares on an as converted basis, of Foster

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Wheeler Ltd. plus accrued and unpaid interest through the exchange date for each $1,000 in principal amount of 2005 notes tendered in the exchange offer and not withdrawn.

        The interest rate on the new notes will be determined on the second business day prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. Consequently, we cannot provide the specific interest rate on the new notes. We will announce the interest rate on the new notes by press release two business days prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.

Terms of the Preferred Shares

        Each preferred share offered in the exchange offer will be optionally convertible into 80.0 common shares, par value $1.00 per share, if, as and when the number of authorized common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. is increased from 160 million to at least 223.3 million, subject to adjustment for certain dilutive events. Foster Wheeler Ltd. intends to hold a general meeting of its voting shareholders to effect this authorization promptly following the completion of the exchange offer. Prior to becoming convertible, the preferred shares will vote on an as converted basis together with the common shares as a single class to effect such authorization which shall be effected upon the affirmative vote of a majority of such votes cast. If the number of authorized shares is so increased, the preferred shares will become convertible at the holder's option on the date of the shareholder meeting described above. If the number of authorized common shares is not so increased, the preferred shares will not be convertible into common shares.

        Immediately upon issuance, the preferred shares will vote on an as converted basis with the common shares as a single class, except in the limited circumstances described in this prospectus. That means each preferred share will have the number of votes that the common shares issuable upon conversion of a preferred share would have if the preferred shares were converted. If and when the preferred shares become convertible at each holder's option, they will cease to vote except in limited circumstances as required under Bermuda law and Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s bye-laws. The preferred shares will have a $0.01 liquidation preference. At all times, the preferred shares will have the right to receive dividends and other distributions, including liquidating distributions, on an as converted basis when, as and if declared by the board of directors of Foster Wheeler Ltd. and paid on the common shares.

Exchange Procedures

        If you wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must validly tender your trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds and 2005 notes, which we refer to collectively as the securities, before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 12, 2004, or the expiration date, unless the exchange offer is extended by us. Only registered holders of securities can effectively tender securities. If you are a beneficial owner whose securities are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and you wish to tender your securities in the exchange offer, you must first contact the broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee holding on your behalf and instruct it to send the exchange agent an "agent's message" on your behalf or to complete and deliver to the exchange agent a letter of transmittal by facsimile or hand delivery to the facsimile number or address, as the case may be, on the back cover of this prospectus. If an "agent's message" is sent on your behalf, there is no need to also send a letter of transmittal to the exchange agent. You must also instruct that broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee holding on your behalf to tender your securities by effecting a book-entry transfer of the securities into the account of the exchange agent through the Automated Tender Offer Program, or ATOP, of The Depository Trust Company, or DTC. If you cannot complete a book-entry transfer of your securities together with an agent's message or letter of transmittal to the exchange agent prior to the expiration of the exchange offer, you may follow the guaranteed delivery procedures described in this prospectus. After the exchange offer expires, you will no longer be able to tender your securities in the exchange

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offer, although we reserve the right to have a subsequent offering period, which we would announce as described herein.

Delivery of Consent

        If you are a holder of trust securities and you wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must also consent to the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the debentures underlying the trust securities. Your tender of trust securities will be deemed a consent to these proposed amendments.

        If you are a holder of convertible notes and you wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must also consent to the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the convertible notes. Your tender of convertible notes will be deemed a consent to these proposed amendments.

        If you are a holder of 2005 notes and you wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must also consent to the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the 2005 notes. Your tender of 2005 notes will be deemed a consent to these proposed amendments.

        We will accept all validly tendered securities and validly delivered consents that have not been withdrawn or revoked before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

        Holders of the securities are not entitled to any dissenter's rights or other rights of appraisal under Bermuda or Delaware law, as applicable.

Concurrent Private Notes Offering

        Concurrently with the exchange offer, Foster Wheeler LLC is offering in a separate private transaction up to $120 million in aggregate principal amount of its fixed rate senior secured notes due 2011, Series B, or the upsize notes. See "The Exchange Offer and the Consent Solicitation—Background and Purpose of the Exchange Offer—Upsize Notes Commitment." This private offering is conditional on the consummation of the exchange offer. Foster Wheeler LLC has entered into a commitment letter with some of the holders of the 2005 notes and the convertible notes relating to its offering of the upsize notes. For a description of the commitment letter, see "The Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation—Background and Purpose of the Exchange Offer—Upsize Notes Commitment".

Registration Rights

        We have agreed with certain of the holders of the 2005 notes and the convertible notes that will hold 5% or more of the voting shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. upon consummation of the proposed exchange offer, that we will, at our cost, use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to become effective a shelf registration statement with respect to resales of such securities of Foster Wheeler LLC and Foster Wheeler Ltd., including the shares and notes held by such holders, and to keep the registration statement effective until the earlier of (i) the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the shelf registration statement, (ii) the date on which none of such holders beneficially own 5% or more of the voting shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd., provided that no voting shares acquired after the issue date (other than as a result of any stock dividend, stock split or other similar event) by such holders shall be counted for this purpose, (iii) the date on which our legal counsel delivers an opinion to each of the holders to the effect that such holders are not an affiliate, as that term is used in Rule 144 under the Securities Act and that all of such securities beneficially owned by such holders may be sold without registration under the Securities Act and counsel for the holders shall deliver a concurring opinion; provided that the holders have agreed to use their good faith efforts to obtain such concurring opinion, or (iv) the date when all securities covered by the shelf registration statement have been sold pursuant to the shelf registration statement or have otherwise become freely tradable. We have agreed to file the registration statement relating to the shelf within 45 days of the issue date and to use our reasonable best efforts to have it declared effective within 90 days of the issue date. In the event we do not satisfy

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our registration obligations under this agreement within or for the time periods specified, we have agreed to pay these holders as a group liquidated damages in an aggregate amount of approximately $13,700 per day until such registration default is cured. We will, in connection with the shelf registration, provide copies of the prospectus to each holder that is entitled to include its securities under such shelf registration statement, notify each such holder when the shelf registration statement for the securities has become effective and take certain other actions as are required to permit resales of the securities. A holder that sells its securities pursuant to the shelf registration statement will be required to be named as a selling security holder in the related prospectus and to deliver a prospectus to purchasers, will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under the Securities Act in connection with those sales and will be bound by the provisions of the registration rights agreement that are applicable to a selling holder, including certain indemnification obligations. See "The Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation—Registration Rights."

Foster Wheeler Ltd.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd., a Bermuda company which was incorporated on December 20, 2000, is the indirect parent of Foster Wheeler LLC. Foster Wheeler Ltd. does not have any assets or conduct any business except through its ownership of its subsidiaries. Foster Wheeler Ltd. is the issuer of the convertible notes and a guarantor of the trust securities, the 2005 notes and the new notes. The executive offices of Foster Wheeler Ltd. are c/o Foster Wheeler Inc., Perryville Corporate Park, Clinton, New Jersey 08809-4000, Attention: Office of the Secretary, and its telephone number is (908) 730-4000.

Foster Wheeler LLC

        Foster Wheeler LLC, which was formed on February 9, 2001, is a Delaware limited liability company that does not have any assets or conduct any business except through its ownership of its subsidiaries. Foster Wheeler LLC is the successor in interest to Foster Wheeler Corporation, the original issuer of the 2005 notes. Foster Wheeler LLC is an indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of Foster Wheeler Ltd. Foster Wheeler LLC owns all of the common securities of the trust that issued the trust securities, is a guarantor of the trust securities and the convertible notes, and is the issuer of the Robbins bonds, the 2005 notes and the new notes. The executive offices of Foster Wheeler LLC are c/o Foster Wheeler Inc., Perryville Corporate Park, Clinton, New Jersey 08809-4000, Attention: Office of the Secretary, and its telephone number is (908) 730-4000.

The Trust (see page 95)

        FW Preferred Capital Trust I is a statutory business trust organized under Delaware law and is the issuer of the trust securities. The trust is a special purpose financing subsidiary of Foster Wheeler LLC that has no operating history or independent operations and is a financial vehicle to issue the trust securities and to hold as trust assets the junior subordinated debentures issued by Foster Wheeler LLC. The executive office of the trust is c/o Foster Wheeler Inc., Perryville Corporate Park, Clinton, New Jersey 08809-4000, Attention: Office of the Secretary, and its telephone number is (908) 730-4000.

Our Business

        Our business falls within two business groups, the Engineering and Construction Group and the Energy Group. The Engineering and Construction Group designs, engineers and constructs upstream and downstream petroleum processing facilities, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and natural gas liquefaction (LNG) facilities, LNG receiving terminals and related infrastructure, including power generation and distribution facilities, production terminals, pollution control equipment and water treatment facilities. The Engineering and Construction Group provides direct technical and management services, and purchases equipment, materials and services from third party vendors and subcontractors. The group has industry leading technology in delayed coking, solvent de-asphalting and

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hydrogen production. The Engineering and Construction Group also provides ancillary environmental remediation services, together with related technical, design and regulatory services; however, a substantial portion of the domestic U.S. environmental remediation assets were sold in 2003.

        The Energy Group designs, manufactures and erects steam generating and auxiliary equipment for power stations and industrial markets worldwide. Steam generating equipment includes a full range of fluidized bed and conventional boilers firing coal, oil, gas, biomass and municipal solid waste, waste wood and low-Btu gases. Auxiliary equipment includes feedwater heaters, steam condensers, heat-recovery equipment and low-NOx burners. Site services related to these products encompass full plant construction, maintenance engineering, plant upgrading and life extension and plant repowering. The Energy Group also provides research analysis and experimental work in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, combustion and fuel technology, materials engineering and solids mechanics. In addition, the Energy Group builds, owns and operates cogeneration, independent power production and resource recovery facilities, as well as facilities for the process and petrochemical industries. The Energy Group generates revenues from construction and operating activities pursuant to long-term sale of project outputs, i.e., electricity contracts, operating and maintenance agreements and from related investment activities.

Material Control Weaknesses

        On December 16, 2003, our external auditors notified the audit committee of our board of directors that they believed that insufficient staffing levels in our corporate accounting department represented a "material weakness" in the preparation of the subsidiary financial statements, but noted that this did not constitute a material weakness for our consolidated financial statements. The insufficient staffing levels in the corporate accounting department were specifically related to the preparation of the subsidiary financial statements required under Rule 3-16 and not related to the preparation of Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s consolidated financial statements. The material weakness concerning inadequate staffing arose in the fourth quarter of 2003 after the accounting workload associated with our financial and operational restructuring had increased significantly, the Rule 3-16 financial statements were being prepared, and a key financial officer resigned. Foster Wheeler Ltd. has taken the actions it believes necessary to address this material weakness and the financial statements as filed were properly stated.

        On March 3, 2004, our external auditors notified the audit committee of our board of directors that they believed our lack of a formal process for senior financial management to review assumptions and check calculations on a timely basis relating to our asbestos liability and asset balances represented a "material weakness" in the internal controls for the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for 2003. In connection with the preparation of our 2003 consolidated financial statements, we submitted our calculations and assumptions relating to asbestos liability and related assets to the external auditors without them being reviewed by senior management. As a result, the external auditors noted a proposed change in an assumption used to calculate the liability that had not been approved by senior management and also noted a mechanical error in calculating the number of open claims. The material weakness related to our process for calculating asbestos liability arose in the first quarter of 2004 in connection with the preparation of the financial statements for the year ended December 26, 2003. In response, we corrected the mechanical error in our calculation and determined not to make the proposed change in the assumption. Foster Wheeler Ltd. has taken the actions it believes necessary to address this material weakness and both issues were resolved prior to Foster Wheeler Ltd. issuing its consolidated financial statements. Consequently, the external auditors rendered an unqualified audit opinion.

        See "Risk Factors—If we are unable to successfully address the material weaknesses in our internal controls, our ability to report our financial results on a timely and accurate basis may be adversely affected."

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Our Corporate Structure

        Our structure, assuming consummation of the exchange offer and the private upsize notes offering, will be as follows:

GRAPHIC

Ranking of New Notes

        The new notes will be the senior secured obligations of Foster Wheeler LLC. The new notes will rank pari passu with Foster Wheeler's obligations under the senior secured credit agreement and its obligations under the upsize notes, subject to certain payment priorities. The new notes will be secured by a lien on the following assets of Foster Wheeler LLC and each of the guarantors of the new notes:

    substantially all of its tangible and intangible assets, excluding intercompany debt and receivables and capital stock held in subsidiaries, except as described under the two bullet points below,

    capital stock held in certain of Foster Wheeler LLC's and the guarantors' direct subsidiaries, consisting primarily of Foster Wheeler's operating entities or their immediate parent companies, and

8


    pledges of certain specified existing intercompany notes in addition to rights under Foster Wheeler's intercompany cash management agreement, as well as portions of future intercompany notes.

        Although the new notes will rank pari passu with Foster Wheeler's obligations under the senior secured credit agreement, the proceeds held or received by the collateral agent in respect of any sale of collateral securing the new notes will be applied first to all obligations in respect of any letters of credit under the senior secured credit agreement, which were collectively $97.3 million as of April 30, 2004, and all obligations outstanding in respect of letters of credit or revolving loans under any other credit facility permitted under the new notes indenture and thereafter, on a pro rata basis, to all obligations in respect of the new notes, the upsize notes and term loans under any future credit facility, permitted under the new notes indenture. We intend to apply the net proceeds from the private upsize notes offering first to reduce in full amounts outstanding under term loans under the senior secured credit agreement, (which were approximately $49.7 million as of April 30, 2004), and second to permanently repay in full outstanding revolving credit borrowings under the senior secured credit agreement (which were approximately $69 million as of April 30, 2004).

        Under the terms of the new notes, subject to meeting certain financial ratios, Foster Wheeler is permitted to incur up to $325 million in senior secured bank obligations including obligations under the senior secured credit agreement, which amount shall increase to up to $445 million after July 15, 2008. See "Description of the New Notes—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Debt and Disqualified or Preferred Stock" for more information regarding this covenant. The indenture and collateral documents governing the new notes will permit Foster Wheeler to grant a lien on the collateral securing the new notes to the lenders under any new credit facility permitted by the indenture that is pari passu with the lien securing the new notes.

Principal Terms of the Trust Securities Consent Solicitation (see page 78)

        Foster Wheeler LLC is seeking the consent of the holders of the trust securities to amend the terms of the indenture governing the junior subordinated debentures underlying the trust securities to eliminate the provisions that restrict the ability of Foster Wheeler LLC to enter into a merger or consolidation transaction or to sell, lease or otherwise convey substantially all of its assets. Further, Foster Wheeler LLC is seeking consent to eliminate from the indenture the covenant requiring it to provide the trustee copies of all reports that it files with the SEC.

        Foster Wheeler LLC is seeking consents to all of the proposed amendments relating to the trust securities as a single proposal. Pursuant to the terms of the exchange offer, the completion, execution and delivery of the accompanying Trust Securities Letter of Transmittal and Consent, in connection with the tender of trust securities, will be deemed to constitute the consent of the tendering holder to all of the proposed amendments relating to the trust securities. The holders of at least a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities must consent to the proposed amendments relating to the trust securities for them to be effective.

Principal Terms of the Convertible Notes Consent Solicitation (see page 78)

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. is seeking the consent of holders of the convertible notes to amend the terms of the indenture governing the convertible notes to eliminate the provisions that restrict the ability of Foster Wheeler Ltd. or Foster Wheeler LLC to merge with, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets to, other entities. Further, Foster Wheeler Ltd. is seeking consent to eliminate from the indenture the covenant requiring it to provide the trustee copies of all reports that it files with the SEC.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. is seeking consents to all of the proposed amendments relating to the convertible notes as a single proposal. Pursuant to the terms of the exchange offer, the completion,

9



execution and delivery of the accompanying Convertible Notes Letter of Transmittal and Consent in connection with the tender of convertible notes will be deemed to constitute the consent of the tendering holder to all of the proposed amendments. The holders of at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes must consent to the proposed amendments relating to the convertible notes for them to be effective.

Principal Terms of the 2005 Notes Consent Solicitation (see page 78)

        Foster Wheeler LLC is seeking the consent of holders of the 2005 notes to amend the terms of the indenture governing the 2005 notes to eliminate the provisions that restrict the ability of Foster Wheeler LLC to (1) merge with, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets to, other entities, (2) permit its subsidiaries to incur debt in excess of 10% of its net tangible assets, (3) incur liens without securing the 2005 notes equally and ratably and (4) enter into sale and leaseback transactions. The proposed elimination of the limitation on liens covenant would eliminate the holders of the 2005 notes rights to the security currently in place with respect to the 2005 notes. As a consequence, the 2005 notes will no longer be secured by any collateral if the proposed amendments are adopted and will therefore rank junior in right of payment to senior secured debt of Foster Wheeler LLC, including debt under the senior secured credit agreement, any new senior credit facility, the new notes and the upsize notes with respect to the collateral securing such debt.

        Foster Wheeler LLC is seeking consents to all of the proposed amendments relating to the 2005 notes as a single proposal. Pursuant to the terms of the exchange offer, the completion, execution and delivery of the accompanying 2005 Notes Letter of Transmittal and Consent in connection with the tender of 2005 notes will be deemed to constitute the consent of the tendering holder to all of the proposed amendments. The holders of at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the 2005 notes must consent to the proposed amendments relating to the 2005 notes for them to be effective.

        The proposed amendments to the terms of the 2005 notes will not affect the terms of the new notes offered in the exchange offer, which will contain similar, as well as additional covenants and be secured.

Consequences of Not Participating in the Exchange Offer (see page 87)

Holders of Trust Securities

        If you are a holder of trust securities and you do not participate in the exchange offer and the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the junior subordinated debentures underlying the trust securities are adopted, you will no longer have the benefit of the provisions contained in the indenture that are deleted as part of the consent solicitation. Without the protection afforded by such provisions, you and the trustee will have greater difficulty enforcing your rights under the indenture governing the junior subordinated debentures underlying the trust securities and will have fewer remedies available to you in the event Foster Wheeler LLC were to commit an act constituting an event of default under the terms of the existing indenture governing the junior subordinated debentures underlying the trust securities that are deleted as a part of the consent solicitation.

        The terms of the indenture prevent Foster Wheeler LLC from making, or causing its subsidiaries to make, any distributions in respect of its capital stock if:

    there has been an event of default under the terms of the indenture,

    there has been an event of default under the guarantee agreement relating to the junior subordinated debentures, or

    Foster Wheeler LLC is electing to defer payments on the junior subordinated debentures as permitted by the terms of the indenture.

        Since January 15, 2002, Foster Wheeler LLC has exercised its right to defer payments on the junior subordinated debentures. Because the junior subordinated debentures are the only asset of the

10


trust, Foster Wheeler LLC's actions have resulted in the trust suspending the payment of dividends on the trust securities.

        As required by the terms of Foster Wheeler LLC's senior secured credit agreement, Foster Wheeler LLC will continue to defer payments on the junior subordinated debentures issued by Foster Wheeler LLC to the trust in respect of the trust securities. As a result, you will continue (1) not to receive distributions and (2) to experience adverse tax effects from original issue discount. In addition, if the amendments relating to the trust securities constitute a significant modification of the trust securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you would be deemed to have exchanged your trust securities for new trust securities. In this regard, please refer to "U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations."

        Foster Wheeler LLC currently intends to continue deferring interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures until it is contractually obligated to resume such payments. These payments may be deferred for up to five years. Foster Wheeler LLC has deferred all interest payments beginning with the payment due on January 15, 2002. Accordingly, holders of the trust securities will not receive quarterly distributions until Foster Wheeler LLC resumes such payments, which may not be until January 2007.

        If a large enough number of holders of the trust securities decide to participate in the exchange offer, the liquidity of the trust securities may be impaired and your ability to sell the trust securities may be adversely affected.

Holders of Convertible Notes

        If you are a holder of convertible notes and you do not participate in the exchange offer and the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the convertible notes are adopted, you will no longer have the benefit of the provisions contained in the indenture that are deleted as part of the consent solicitation. Without the protection afforded by such provisions, you and the trusteee will have greater difficulty enforcing your rights under the indenture and will have fewer remedies available to you in the event Foster Wheeler Ltd. were to commit an act constituting an event of default under the terms of the existing indenture that are deleted as part of the consent solicitation. In addition, if the amendments to the indenture governing the convertible notes constitute a significant modification of the convertible notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you would be deemed to have exchanged your convertible notes for new convertible notes. In this regard, please refer to "U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations."

        Also, if a large enough number of holders of the convertible notes decide to participate in the exchange, the liquidity of the convertible notes may be impaired and your ability to sell convertible notes may be adversely affected.

Holders of 2005 Notes

        If you are a holder of 2005 notes and you do not participate in the exchange offer and the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the 2005 notes are adopted, you will no longer have the benefit of the provisions contained in the indenture that are deleted as part of the consent solicitation. Without the protection afforded by such provisions, you and the trustee will have greater difficulty enforcing your rights under the indenture governing the 2005 notes and will have fewer remedies available to you in the event Foster Wheeler LLC were to commit an act constituting an event of default under the terms of the existing indenture governing the 2005 notes that are deleted as a part of the consent solicitation. In addition, if the amendments to the indenture governing the 2005 notes constitute a significant modification of the 2005 notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you would be deemed to have exchanged your 2005 notes for new 2005 notes. In this regard, please refer to "U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the new notes prospectus.

11



        The proposed elimination of the limitation on liens covenant would eliminate the holders of the 2005 notes rights to the security currently in place with respect to the 2005 notes. As a consequence, the 2005 notes will no longer be secured by any collateral if the proposed amendments are adopted, and will therefore rank junior in right of payment to senior secured debt of Foster Wheeler LLC, including debt under the senior secured credit agreement, any new senior credit facility, the new notes and the upsize notes with respect to the collateral securing such debt.

        Also, if a large enough number of holders of 2005 notes decide to participate in the exchange, the liquidity of the 2005 notes may be impaired and your ability to sell the 2005 notes may be adversely affected.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation (see page 80)

        Notwithstanding any other provisions of the exchange offer, the exchange offer is conditioned upon, among other things:

    holders of at least 75% of the aggregate liquidation amount of trust securities having validly tendered, and not validly withdrawn, those trust securities; and

    holders of at least 90% of the aggregate principal amount of convertible notes having validly tendered, and not validly withdrawn, those convertible notes; and

    holders of at least 90% of the aggregate principal amount or, if applicable, accreted principal amount, outstanding as of March 26, 2004 of Robbins bonds having validly tendered, and not validly withdrawn, those Robbins bonds; and

    holders of at least 90% of the aggregate principal amount of 2005 notes having validly tendered, and not validly withdrawn, those 2005 notes.

        In order to complete the exchange offer, we must receive the consent of the lenders under our senior secured credit facility. If the lenders do not consent, we will be unable to consummate the proposed exchange offer. We have entered into an amendment to our senior secured credit facility that permits the exchange offer and the private upsize notes offering subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The amendment is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The amendment will reduce the aggregate letter of credit availability from $149,900,000 to $125,000,000.

        In addition, the private upsize notes offering must be completed in order to complete the exchange offer.

        Subject to the terms of the no-transfer agreement and commitment letter, we may, in our sole discretion, waive any of the conditions to the exchange offer and consent solicitation prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. The conditions to the exchange offer and consent solicitation are for our sole benefit, and may be waived at any time prior to expiration of the exchange offer for any reason. Our failure to exercise any condition will not be a waiver of our rights. In the event that any waiver constitutes a material change in the terms of the exchange offer or consent solicitation, we will extend the expiration date for at least five business days.

Expiration Dates; Subsequent Offering Period (see page 79)

        The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 12, 2004, unless we extend the exchange offer period. We will announce the results of the exchange offer and consent solicitation, including the approximate number and percentage of securities deposited for exchange and whether we have elected to conduct a subsequent offering period, on Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s website (www.fwc.com) and by press release by 9:00 a.m. New York City time on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date. In addition, if we waive a material condition to the exchange offer and consent solicitation, we will notify you of such waiver in the same manner as above and will hold the exchange offer and consent solicitation open for acceptances and withdrawals for at least five business days after the

12



notification of the waiver of such condition. We may terminate the exchange offer and consent solicitation at any time before we have accepted any trust securities for exchange at our option.

        We may provide a subsequent offering period after the acceptance of securities in the exchange offer, which will be not less than three business days or more than 20 business days. In order to provide a subsequent offering period, we will issue a notice announcing the results of the exchange offer on the website of Foster Wheeler Ltd. (www.fwc.com) and by press release or other public announcement no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the expiration date of the exchange offer and immediately commence the subsequent offering period. We will offer the same form and amount of consideration to holders of each class of the securities in both the initial exchange offer period and the subsequent offering period. During a subsequent offering period, you will not have the right to withdraw any securities that you have tendered and not previously withdrawn or that you tender during any subsequent offering period.

Withdrawal of Tenders; Revocation of Consents (see page 86)

        Securities tendered on or prior to the expiration date may be withdrawn and the related consents, with respect to the trust securities, the convertible notes and the 2005 notes, may thereby be revoked at any time on or prior to the expiration date. Tenders of securities received on or prior to the expiration date will become irrevocable on the expiration date, if not validly revoked prior to that time. If you hold through a broker, dealer or other agent, you can withdraw your securities from the exchange offer and, with respect to the trust securities, the convertible notes and the 2005 notes, the consent solicitation, by following the instructions provided by your broker, dealer, trust company or other nominee. If we provide for a subsequent offering period after the acceptance of securities in the exchange offer and, with respect to the trust securities, the convertible notes and 2005 notes, the consent solicitation, you will not be permitted to withdraw any securities you tender in the subsequent offering period. In addition, tenders of any and all securities may be validly withdrawn if the exchange offer is terminated by us without any securities being exchanged under the exchange offer. In the event of a termination of the exchange offer, the securities tendered pursuant to the exchange offer will be returned promptly to the tendering holder and the proposed amendments relating to the trust securities, the convertible notes, and the 2005 notes will not become effective. See "The Proposed Amendments."

Trust Securities Amendments (see page 91)

        The proposed amendments relating to the indenture governing the junior subordinated debentures underlying the trust securities, if adopted, will be set forth in a supplemental indenture to be executed by Foster Wheeler LLC, Foster Wheeler Ltd. and the trustee, as the case may be, as promptly as practicable after we accept the trust securities tendered in the exchange offer following the expiration date of the exchange offer. The proposed amendments to the indenture will become effective when the supplemental indenture is executed. The indenture, governing the junior subordinated debentures underlying the trust securities without giving effect to the proposed amendments, will remain in effect until the proposed amendments become effective. If the exchange offer is terminated, or the requisite amount of trust securities are not accepted for exchange for any reason, the supplemental indenture will not be executed and will not become effective.

Convertible Notes Amendments (see page 92)

        The proposed amendments to the indenture governing the convertible notes, if adopted, will be set forth in a supplemental indenture to be executed by Foster Wheeler Ltd. and the trustee as promptly as practicable after we accept the convertible notes tendered in the exchange offer following the expiration date of the exchange offer. The proposed amendments to the indenture governing the convertible notes will become effective when the supplemental indenture is executed. The indenture governing the convertible notes, without giving effect to the proposed amendments, will remain in effect until the proposed amendments relating to the convertible notes become effective. If the exchange offer is terminated, or the

13



requisite amount of convertible notes are not accepted for exchange for any reason, the supplemental indenture will not be executed and will not become effective.

2005 Notes Amendments (see page 93)

        The proposed amendments to the indenture governing the 2005 notes, if adopted, will be set forth in a supplemental indenture to be executed by Foster Wheeler LLC, the guarantors and the trustee as promptly as practicable after we accept the 2005 notes tendered in the exchange offer following the expiration date of the exchange offer. The proposed amendments to the indenture governing the 2005 notes will become effective when the supplemental indenture is executed. The indenture governing the 2005 notes, without giving effect to the proposed amendments, will remain in effect until the proposed amendments relating to the 2005 notes become effective. If the exchange offer is terminated, or the requisite amount of 2005 notes are not accepted for exchange for any reason, the supplemental indenture will not be executed and will not become effective.

Contracts and Relationships among Foster Wheeler Ltd., Foster Wheeler LLC, and FW Preferred Capital Trust I

        You should refer to the chart on page 8 for an illustration of the corporate structure of Foster Wheeler. As of March 26, 2004, Joseph J. Melone and John E. Stuart, two directors of Foster Wheeler Ltd., owned an aggregate of $485,000 in liquidation amount of the trust securities. Such trust securities may be tendered by such directors under the same terms and conditions of the exchange offer. Three of the five administrative trustees of FW Preferred Capital Trust I were appointed by Foster Wheeler LLC in accordance with the terms of the trust.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations (see page 137)

        For a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the exchange offer and consent solicitation, please refer to "U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations."

Dealer Manager (see page 88)

        We have engaged Rothschild Inc. to act as dealer manager in connection with the exchange offer and consent solicitation. The address and telephone number of the dealer manager are set forth on the back cover of this prospectus.

Exchange Agent (see page 89)

        The exchange agent for the exchange offer and consent solicitation is The Bank of New York, London branch. The letters of transmittal and consent and/ or letter of transmittal should be sent only to the exchange agent. The address and telephone number of the exchange agent are set forth on the back cover of this prospectus.

Information Agent (see page 89)

        The information agent for the exchange offer and consent solicitation is Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc. Additional copies of this prospectus, the letter of transmittal and consent and/ or letter of transmittal and other related materials may be obtained from the information agent.

        If you have questions about the exchange offer or consent solicitation, you may contact Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc., the information agent, at:

Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc.
17 State Street, 10th Floor
New York, N.Y. 10014
Banks and Brokers call (212) 440-9800
All Other Securityholders call toll free (800) 891-3214

Transmittal Documents (see page 82)

        Letters of transmittal and consent and/or letter of transmittal and other documents required by the instructions to the letters of transmittal and consent and/or letter of transmittal should be sent only to the exchange agent, and not to us, the information agent or the dealer manager.

Fairness Opinion (see page 90)

        We have not obtained, and do not intend to obtain, a fairness opinion from an independent investment banking firm regarding the terms of the exchange offer.

14



SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA

        The following summary historical statement of operations and cash flow data for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 26, 2003 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements which have been incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The summary historical results of operations and cash flow data for the three months ended March 26, 2004 and March 28, 2003 and the summary historical balance sheet data as of March 26, 2004 have been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus, the March 28, 2003 balance sheet data has been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A-2 for the quarter ended March 28, 2003, not incorporated by reference in this prospectus and, in our opinion, reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the data for those periods. Our results of operations for the three months ended March 26, 2004 may not be indicative of results that may be expected for the full year.

        The summary pro forma financial data (except for the information presented under the heading "Other Data") included on page 16 and page 17 have been derived from the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus and give effect to the exchange offer as if it had occurred on December 28, 2002 in the unaudited pro forma income statement and March 26, 2004 in the unaudited pro forma balance sheet, assuming that:

    holders of 75% of the aggregate liquidation amount of trust securities validly tender, and do not validly withdraw; and

    holders of 90% of the aggregate principal amount of convertible notes validly tender, and do not validly withdraw, those convertible notes; and

    holders of 90% of the aggregate principal amount or, if applicable, accreted principal amount, outstanding as of March 26, 2004 of Robbins bonds validly tender, and do not validly withdraw, those Robbins bonds; and

    holders of 90% of the aggregate principal amount of 2005 notes validly tender, and do not validly withdraw, those 2005 notes.

        The summary pro forma financial data also give effect to the concurrent issuance of $120 million aggregate principal amount of upsize notes. The upsize notes are being offered and sold in a separate private transaction to certain holders of 2005 notes and convertible notes that participate in the exchange offer. It is anticipated that the proceeds from the upsize notes offering will be used to reduce amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit agreement.

        The exchange of the 2005 notes for equity and new notes will be accounted for in accordance with Emerging Issue Task Force Issue No. 96-19, which we refer to as EITF 96-19, "Debtor's Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments". We will account for the treatment of the 2005 notes in the exchange offer using either the modification method or the extinguishment method, as appropriate. Whether the exchange of the 2005 notes is a modification or extinguishment under EITF 96-19 is dependent on the interest rate on the new notes and the value of the common shares and preferred shares on the closing date. If the interest rate on the new notes is 11.086% and the price per common share on the closing date of the exchange offer is $1.43 or greater then the extinguishment method will apply. If the interest rate on the new notes is 11.086% and the price per common share is $1.42 or less, then the modification method will apply. You should read "Accounting Treatment for the Exchange Offer" on page 66 for more information regarding the accounting methods to be applied.

        You should read this information together with the consolidated financial statements, including the notes contained in the consolidated financial statements, and the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements, of us and our subsidiaries, which are contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

15


 
   
   
   
   
   
  Pro forma for the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering Fiscal year ended December 26, 2003(1)(2) (modification method)
  Pro forma for the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering Fiscal year ended December 26, 2003(2)(3) (extinguishment method)
  Pro forma for the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering Three Months ended March 26, 2004(1)(2) (modification method)
  Pro forma for the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering Three Months ended March 26, 2004(2)(3) (extinguishment method)
 
 
  Fiscal year ended
   
   
 
 
  Three Months ended March 26, 2004
  Three Months ended March 28, 2003
 
 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (in thousands, except ratios)

 
Statement of Operations Data:                                                        
Revenues   $ 3,801,308   $ 3,574,537   $ 3,392,474   $ 702,308   $ 810,868   $ 3,801,308   $ 3,801,308   $ 702,308   $ 702,308  
(Loss)/earnings before income taxes     (109,637 )(4)   (360,062 )(5)   (212,965 )(6)   9,146 (13)   (12,362 )(14)   (81,000 )(4)   (82,995 )(4)   17,930 (13)   17,534 (13)
Provision/(benefit) for income taxes     47,426     14,657     123,395  (7)   13,444     7,458     47,426     47,426     13,444     13,444  
(Loss)/earnings prior to cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle     (157,063 )   (374,719 )   (336,360 )   (4,298 )   (19,820 )   (128,426 )   (130,421 )   4,486     4,090  
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principal for goodwill, net of $0 tax         (150,500 )(8)                            
Net (loss)/earnings   $ (157,063 ) $ (525,219 ) $ (336,360 ) $ (4,298 ) $ (19,820 ) $ (128,426 ) $ (130,421 ) $ 4,486   $ 4,090  
Net (loss)/earning allocated to preferred shareholders   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $ 1,630   $ 1,486  
Net (loss)/earning available to common shareholders   $ (157,063 ) $ (525,219 ) $ (336,360 ) $ (4,298 ) $ (19,820 ) $ (128,426 ) $ (130,421 ) $ 2,856   $ 2,604  
(Loss)/earnings per share: basic and diluted:                                                        
  Net (loss)/earnings prior to cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles   $ (3.83 ) $ (9.15 ) $ (8.23 ) $ (0.10 ) $ (0.48 ) $ (0.98 ) $ (0.99 ) $ 0.02   $ 0.02  
Cumulative effect on prior years (to December 28, 2001) of a change in accounting principle for goodwill   $   $ (3.67 ) $   $   $                          
(Loss)/earnings per share:                                                        
  basic and diluted   $ (3.83 ) $ (12.82 ) $ (8.23 ) $ (0.10 ) $ (0.48 ) $ (0.98 ) $ (0.99 ) $ 0.02   $ 0.02  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding—basic     41,045     40,957     40,876     41,055     41,035     131,183     131,183     131,193     131,193  
Effect of stock options and common shares under a restricted stock plan(9)                                 421     421  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding—diluted     41,045     40,957     40,876     41,055     41,035     131,183     131,183     131,614     131,614  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cash Flow Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net cash provided/(used) by operating activities   $ (62,098 ) $ 160,365   $ (88,681 ) $ 29,568   $ (16,970 )                        
Net cash provided/(used) by investing activities     105,895     (122,706 )   43,212     (14,023 )   69,324                          
Net cash provided/(used) by financing activities     (51,805 )   60,002     85,533     (7,610 )   (16,967 )                        

Other Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
EBITDA(10)   $ 21,421   $ (219,209 ) $ (72,731 ) $ 42,627   $ 19,242   $ 16,782   $ 16,750   $ 41,467   $ 41,459  
Ratio of total debt to net earnings (loss)     (6.6 )   (3.0 )   (3.1 )   (239.3 )   (55.8 )   (4.5 )   (4.3 )   128.3     137.1  
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(11)                 1.51                 2.30     2.25  

16


 
  As of March 26, 2004
 
 
  Actual
  Pro Forma for the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering(1)(2) (modification method)
  Pro Forma for the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering(2)(3) (extinguishment method)
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Balance Sheet Data:                    
Current assets   $ 1,092,996   $ 1,059,718   $ 1,059,718  
Current liabilities   $ 1,312,850   $ 1,284,291   $ 1,284,291  
Working capital   $ (219,854 ) $ (224,573 ) $ (224,573 )
Land, building and equipment (net)   $ 303,606   $ 303,606   $ 303,606  
Total assets   $ 2,418,943   $ 2,366,073   $ 2,367,604  
Long-term borrowing (including current installments):                    
  Corporate and other debt   $ 132,348   $ 12,348   $ 12,348  
  Project debt   $ 133,911   $ 133,911   $ 133,911  
  Capital lease obligations   $ 63,374   $ 63,374   $ 63,374  
Subordinated Robbins Facility exit funding obligations   $ 113,693   $ 11,368   $ 11,368  
Convertible subordinated notes   $ 210,000   $ 21,000   $ 21,000  
Preferred trust securities   $ 175,000   $ 43,750   $ 43,750  
6.75% senior notes due 2005   $ 200,000   $ 20,000   $ 20,000  
Fixed rate senior secured notes due 2011, Series A(15)   $   $ 149,684   $ 135,000  
Fixed rate senior secured notes due 2011, Series B(12)(15)   $   $ 120,000   $ 120,000  

(1)
Assumes the treatment of the 2005 notes in the exchange offer is accounted for using the modification method.

(2)
In accordance with Emerging Issue Task Force Issue No. 96-19 "Debtor's Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments" we will account for the treatment of the 2005 notes in the exchange offer using either the modification method or the extinguishment method, as appropriate. You should read "Accounting Treatment for the Exchange Offer" for more information.

(3)
Assumes the treatment of 2005 notes in the exchange offer is accounted for using the extinguishment method.

(4)
Includes in fiscal year 2003, a $(15,100) impairment loss on the anticipated sale of a domestic corporate office building; a $16,700 gain on the sale of certain assets of Environmental and a gain of $4,300 on the sale of a waste-to-energy plant; revisions to project claim estimates and related cost $1,500; revisions to project estimates and related receivable allowances $(32,300); provision for asbestos claims $(68,100); performance intervention and restructuring charges $(43,600); charges for severance cost $(15,900); and legal and other $800.

(5)
Includes in fiscal year 2002, losses recognized in anticipation of sales ($54,500); revisions to project claim estimates and related costs ($136,200); revisions to project cost estimates and related receivable allowances ($80,500); provision for asbestos claims ($26,200); provision for domestic plant impairment ($18,700); performance intervention and restructuring charges ($37,100); increased pension and postretirement medical costs ($10,600); and severance, increased legal and other provisions ($31,600).

(6)
Includes in fiscal year 2001, losses recognized in anticipation of sales ($40,300); revisions to project claim estimates and related costs ($37,000); revisions to project cost estimates and related receivable allowances ($123,600); provision for domestic plant impairment ($6,100); increased pension and postretirement medical costs ($9,100); and severance, increased legal and other provisions ($38,200).

(7)
Includes in fiscal year 2001, a valuation allowance for domestic deferred tax assets ($194,600).

(8)
In fiscal year 2002, Foster Wheeler Ltd. recognized $150,500 of impairment losses upon adoption of SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets".

(9)
The effect of the stock options is only included in the calculation of pro forma diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 26, 2004 as the effect of the options were antidilutive for all other periods presented due to losses incurred during those periods. The effect of the convertible notes was not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share as the assumed conversion of the convertible notes was anitdilutive.

(10)
EBITDA is a supplemental, non-GAAP financial measure. EBITDA is defined as earnings (loss) before taxes (before goodwill charge), interest expense, depreciation and amortization. Foster Wheeler has presented EBITDA because it believes it is an important supplemental measure of operating performance. EBITDA, adjusted for certain unusual and infrequent items specifically excluded in the terms of the senior secured credit agreement, is also used as a measure for certain covenants under the senior credit agreement. Foster Wheeler believes that the line item on its consolidated statement of earnings entitled "net earnings (loss)" is the most directly comparable GAAP measure to EBITDA. Since EBITDA is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net earnings (loss) as an indicator of operating performance. EBITDA, as Foster Wheeler calculates it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. In addition, this measure does not necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use, and is not necessarily a measure of Foster Wheeler's ability to fund its cash needs. As EBITDA excludes certain financial information compared with net earnings (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial

17


    measure, users of this financial information should consider the type of events and transactions which are excluded. A reconciliation of EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to net earnings (loss) a GAAP measure, is shown below.

 
   
   
   
   
   
  Pro forma for the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering Fiscal year ended December 26, 2003(1)(2)(15) (modification method)
  Pro forma for the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering Fiscal year ended December 26, 2003(2)(3)(15) (extinguishment method)
   
   
 
  Year ended
   
   
   
   
 
  Three Months ended March 26, 2004
  Three Months ended March 28, 2003
   
   
 
  December 26, 2003
  December 27, 2002
  December 28, 2001
  Pro forma for the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering Three months ended
March 26, 2004(1)(2)(15) (modification method)

  Pro forma for the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering Three months ended March 26,
2004(2)(3)(15)
(extinguishment method)

EBITDA   $ 21,421   $ (219,209 ) $ (72,731 ) $ 42,627   $ 19,242   $ 16,782   $ 16,750   $ 41,467   $ 41,459
Less: Interest expense     95,484     83,028     84,484     25,432     21,794     62,208     64,171     15,488     15,876
Less: Depreciation and amortization     35,574     57,825     55,750     8,049     9,810     35,574     35,574     8,049     8,049
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss)/earnings before income tax     (109,637 )   (360,062 )   (212,965 )   9,146     (12,362 )   (81,000 )   (82,995 )   17,930     17,534
Income tax     47,426     14,657     123,395     13,444     7,458     47,426     47,426     13,444     13,444

Net loss prior to cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of goodwill

 

 

(157,063

)

 

(374,719

)

 

(336,360

)

 

(4,298

)

 

(19,820

)

 

(128,426

)

 

(130,421

)

 

4,486

 

 

4,090
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative effect on prior years of a change in accounting principle of goodwill         (150,500 )                          
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) earnings   $ (157,063 ) $ (525,219 ) $ (336,360 ) $ (4,298 ) $ (19,820 ) $ (128,426 ) $ (130,421 ) $ 4,486   $ 4,090
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

        Our non-GAAP performance measure, "EBITDA" has certain material limitations as follows:

    It does not include interest expense. Because we have borrowed substantial amounts of money to finance some of our operations, interest is a necessary and ongoing part of our costs and has assisted us in generating revenue. Therefore any measure that excludes interest expense has material limitations;

    It does not include taxes. Because the payment of taxes is a necessary and ongoing part of our operations, any measure that excludes taxes has material limitations;

    It does not include depreciation. Because we must utilize substantial property, plant and equipment in order to generate revenues in our operations, depreciation is a necessary and ongoing part of our costs. Therefore any measure that excludes depreciation has material limitations.

(11)
Includes in fiscal years 2001, 2002 and 2003 and in the three month periods ended March 26, 2004 and March 28, 2003 dividends on preferred securities of a subsidiary trust of $15,750, $16,610, $18,130, $4,792 and $4,372, respectively. The pro forma results for the year ended December 26, 2003 include a $13,891 reduction in dividends on the trust securities, a $13,434 reduction in interest on the convertible notes, a $1,136 increase in interest on the 2005 notes under the modification method and a $3,100 increase in interest on the 2005 notes under the extinguishment method, and a $7,351 reduction in interest on the Robbins bonds. The pro forma results for the three months ended March 26, 2004 include a $3,667 reduction in dividends on the trust securities, a $3,363 reduction in interest on the convertible notes, a $314 increase in interest on the 2005 notes under the modification method and a $702 increase in interest on the 2005 notes under the extinguishment method, and a $1,830 reduction in interest on the Robbins bonds. The pro forma results also include the issuance of $120,000 in aggregate principal amount of upsize notes, the proceeds of which will be used to reduce amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit agreement. Earnings are inadequate to cover fixed charges by $216,122, $363,418, $116,803 and $15,608 for fiscal years 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and the three-month period ended March 28, 2003, respectively. The coverage deficiency is $88,166 for the year ended December 26, 2003 on a pro forma basis using the modification method for the exchange offer and $90,161 for the year ended December 26, 2003 on a pro forma basis using the extinguishment method for the exchange offer.

(12)
Reflects issuance of $120,000 in aggregate principal amount of fixed rate senior secured notes due 2011 or the upsize notes, expected to be issued concurrently with the exchange offer in a separate private transaction to certain holders of 2005 notes and convertible notes. For the purposes of the pro forma financial data included herein, we have assumed an interest rate of 11.086% per annum. This private offering is conditional on the consummation of the exchange offer. Proceeds from the upsize notes offering will be used to reduce amounts outstanding under Foster Wheeler LLC's senior secured credit agreement. Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors and provide certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantor subsidiaries and collateral, the interest rate will increase by one percentage point per annum.

(13)
Includes in the three months ended March 26, 2004, a $11,700 gain on asbestos settlements; a $10,500 gain on the sale of development rights to a power project in Italy; reserves recorded on a lump-sum project in Europe ($24,600); restructuring activities and credit agreement costs ($9,300); and severance costs ($400).

(14)
Includes in the three months ended March 28, 2003, a $15,300 gain on the sale of certain assets of Environmental; revisions to contract cost estimates ($16,100); restructuring activities and credit agreement costs ($10,400); severance costs ($6,200); and legal settlements and other provisions ($1,800).

(15)
The interest rate on the new notes will equal a rate of 6.65% plus that yield on U.S. Treasury notes having a remaining maturity, as of the second business day prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer, equal to the maturity of the new notes. The pro forma financial data presented in tables beginning on page 16 reflect pro forma results giving effect to the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering assuming an interest rate of 11.086%.

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RISK FACTORS

        Before deciding whether to participate in the exchange offer and consent solicitation you should carefully read the following risk factors and the other information included and incorporated in this prospectus.

Risk Factors Relating to Security Holders Participating in the Exchange Offer

By tendering your trust securities in the exchange offer, you will be giving up your right to receive the accrued and unpaid dividends on the trust securities tendered in the exchange offer.

        In January 2002, Foster Wheeler LLC exercised its option to defer payments of interest on the junior subordinated debentures held by FW Preferred Capital Trust I. As the junior subordinated debentures are the only asset of FW Preferred Capital Trust I, dividends have been suspended on the trust securities since that date. As of March 26, 2004, total accrued and unpaid dividends were $6.12 for each $25 in aggregate liquidation amount per trust security. For each trust security that you exchange, you will be entitled to receive 2.781 common shares and 0.03 preferred shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. You will not receive any additional consideration for accrued and unpaid dividends on your trust securities.

Dividend income, if any, on common shares and preferred shares will not be exempt from U.S. federal income taxation.

        Interest paid on Robbins bonds is specifically exempt from U.S. federal income taxation. Dividend income, if any, on common shares or preferred shares received by U.S. holders in exchange for Robbins bonds or the other securities that are subject to the exchange offer, generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

Holders of securities who participate in the exchange offer will lose their rights under the indentures and other agreements governing the securities that they tender.

        Upon tendering securities in the exchange offer for our common shares and preferred shares, holders of securities will lose the contractual and legal rights they currently have under the indentures and other agreements governing the securities that they tender and will have different rights as shareholders. For example, the holders of trust securities who tender their trust securities for common shares and preferred shares will lose their right to receive dividends on the trust securities and any other rights they have under the declaration of trust or the indenture governing the underlying debentures.

        Furthermore, under most circumstances, the value of equity issued in the exchange offer will likely react to changes in our business and financial condition with a higher degree of volatility than will the value of a trust security or debt claim. Consequently, as equity holders, the tendering holders of securities may suffer more from future adverse developments relating to our financial condition, results of operations or prospects than they would as holders of their current securities.

SEC rules relating to low-priced or penny stock may make it more difficult for you to buy or sell our common shares and for us to enter into future equity financings or to effect an acquisition or merger with other businesses.

        Our common shares were traded on the NYSE until they were delisted on November 14, 2003. Now our common shares trade on the NASD's Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol "FWLRF.OB" and trading in our shares may be adversely affected by an SEC rule that imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. Accredited investors are generally institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse. For transactions covered by these rules, a broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for each purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction prior to the sale. These requirements may reduce the potential market for our common shares by reducing the number of potential investors. Additionally, these rules may affect the ability of broker-

19



dealers to sell our common shares and also may affect the ability of holders of our common shares to resell their common shares. In addition, the fact that our common shares remain delisted may make our shares less attractive to third parties, which could adversely affect our ability to enter into future equity financing transactions or to effect an acquisition or merger with other businesses.

In the future, we may acquire any securities that are not tendered in the exchange offer for consideration different than that in the exchange offer.

        In the future, we may acquire securities that are not tendered in the exchange offer through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, an exchange offer or such other means as we deem appropriate. Any such acquisitions will occur upon the terms and at the prices as we may determine in our discretion, which may be more or less than the value of the shares being exchanged for the securities under the exchange offer, and could be for cash or other consideration. We may choose to pursue any or none of these alternatives, or combinations thereof, in the future.

The preferred shares and the common shares will rank junior to all of our trust securities that remain outstanding, and all of our debt and other obligations, including the convertible notes, Robbins bonds and 2005 notes that remain outstanding, which could limit your ability to recover amounts originally invested by you.

        As of March 26, 2004, the preferred shares and the common shares, of Foster Wheeler Ltd. would have effectively ranked junior to approximately $831 million of debt of Foster Wheeler Ltd. and its subsidiaries, as well as approximately $134 million of limited recourse project debt of special purpose subsidiaries and approximately $63 million of capital lease obligations. The preferred shares and the common shares will also rank junior to the $150 million in aggregate principal amount of new notes, the $120 million in aggregate principal amount of upsize notes being offered concurrently with the exchange offer, amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit agreement and any debt incurred in the future. As of March 26, 2004, after giving effect to the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering (including repayment of approximately $120 million in amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit agreement), the common shares and the preferred shares would have effectively ranked junior to approximately $363 million of debt of Foster Wheeler and its subsidiaries, as well as approximately $134 million of project debt of special purpose subsidiaries and approximately $63 million of capital lease obligations.

On November 14, 2003, our common shares and trust securities were delisted from the NYSE. We intend to seek an alternate listing of the common shares after the exchange offer is completed, however we may not be able to successfully list our common shares. Our common shares are currently quoted on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol "FWLRF.OB". Common shares quoted on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board may be less liquid and trade at a lower price than common shares listed on the NYSE.

        As a result of our delisting from the NYSE, the trading price of our common shares may decline substantially and shareholders may experience a significant decrease in the liquidity of the common shares. Securities that trade on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board, including our common shares, may also be subject to higher transaction costs for trades and have reduced liquidity compared to securities that trade on the NYSE and other organized markets and exchanges. We may not be able to successfully list our common shares following the exchange offer.

We cannot predict the price at which our common shares will trade following the restructuring.

        We are offering up to 99,768,745 common shares and 1,074,812 preferred shares to the holders of the securities in connection with the exchange offer. As of March 26, 2004, there were approximately 40.8 million common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. issued and outstanding. After giving effect to the exchange offer, we estimate that there will be up to approximately 236 million common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. issued and outstanding on a fully converted basis, including 9,800,000 common shares to be issued to members of senior management and the board of directors of Foster Wheeler pursuant to its Management Restricted Stock Plan and excluding 8,868,667 shares allocated for

20



employee options and up to 1,308,575 shares for non-exchanged convertible notes assuming the preferred shares are converted in full. This means that our existing common shareholders will hold only approximately 21.4% of our common shares following the exchange offer, assuming such conversion and including common shares to be issued to senior management in connection with the exchange offer.

        The issuance of common shares, including common shares upon the conversion of preferred shares, could materially depress the price of our common shares if holders of a large number of common shares attempt to sell all or a substantial portion of their holdings following the exchange offer. We cannot predict what the demand for our common shares will be following the exchange offer, how many common shares will be offered for sale or be sold following the exchange offer, or the price at which our common shares will trade following the exchange offer. There are no agreements or other restrictions that prevent the sale of a large number of our preferred shares or common shares immediately following the exchange offer. The issuance of the common shares and preferred shares offered pursuant to this prospectus has been registered with the SEC. As a consequence, we expect that all of our outstanding common shares, including upon conversion of the preferred shares, will, in general, be freely tradeable under U.S. securities laws.

Foster Wheeler Ltd. is a Bermuda company and it may be difficult for you to enforce judgments against it or its directors and executive officers.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. is a Bermuda exempted company. As a result, the rights of shareholders will be governed by Bermuda law and the memorandum of association and bye-laws of Foster Wheeler Ltd. The rights of shareholders under Bermuda law may differ from the rights of shareholders of companies incorporated in other jurisdictions. A substantial portion of the assets of Foster Wheeler Ltd. are located outside the United States. It may be difficult for investors to enforce in the United States judgments obtained in U.S. courts against Foster Wheeler Ltd. or its directors based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws. Uncertainty exists as to whether courts in Bermuda will enforce judgments obtained in other jurisdictions, including the United States, under the securities laws of those jurisdictions or entertain actions in Bermuda under the securities laws of other jurisdictions.

Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s bye-laws restrict shareholders from bringing legal action against its officers and directors.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s bye-laws contain a broad waiver by its shareholders of any claim or right of action, both individually and on Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s behalf, against any of its officers or directors. The waiver applies to any action taken by an officer or director, or the failure of an officer or director to take any action, in the performance of his or her duties, except with respect to any matter involving any fraud or dishonesty on the part of the officer or director. This waiver limits the right of shareholders to assert claims against Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s officers and directors unless the act or failure to act involves fraud or dishonesty.

If the exchange offer is consummated, our U.S. federal income tax liability may be significantly higher in the future.

        The number of common shares and preferred shares issued pursuant to the exchange offer will be sufficient to cause us to undergo an "ownership change" within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (generally, a change of more than 50 percentage points in the ownership of our shares, by value, over the three-year period ending on the date such shares are issued). If we experience an ownership change, our ability to use losses from taxable years or periods ending on or before the date of the ownership change to offset U.S. federal taxable income in any post-change year will be subject to substantial limitations, and our ability to utilize pre-change tax credits in post-change years will be similarly limited. We expect that our U.S. federal income tax liability for post-change years will be higher than it would have been if the exchange offer were not consummated.

21



If you acquire 10% or more of the total combined voting power of our common shares and preferred shares, controlled foreign corporation rules may apply to you.

        Under U.S. federal income tax law, each "United States shareholder" of a foreign corporation that is a "controlled foreign corporation", or CFC, for an uninterrupted period of 30 days or more during a taxable year, and who owns shares in the CFC on the last day of the CFC's taxable year, must include in its gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes its pro rata share of the CFC's "subpart F income", even if the subpart F income is not distributed. For these purposes, any U.S. person who owns, directly, or indirectly through a foreign entity or through applicable constructive ownership rules, 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of a foreign corporation entitled to vote will be considered to be a "United States shareholder". In general, we will be treated as a CFC only if such "United States shareholders" collectively own more than 50% of the total combined voting power or total value of our stock. U.S. persons who might, directly, or indirectly through a foreign entity or through applicable constructive ownership rules, acquire or be deemed to acquire 10% or more of the voting power of our common shares and preferred shares should consider the possible application to them of the CFC rules.

Holders of the 2005 notes who do not participate in the exchange offer may be paid the principal amount of their notes before holders who receive new notes in the exchange offer.

        Because the 2005 notes mature in November 2005, the holders of 2005 notes who do not participate in the exchange offer may receive payment of the principal amount of their notes from Foster Wheeler Ltd. or a guarantor when the 2005 notes mature in advance of any payments of principal made on the new notes by Foster Wheeler Ltd. or any guarantors to holders of the new notes.

The U.S. federal income tax consequences to tendering holders of convertible notes are unclear.

        The qualification of the exchange of convertible notes for common shares and preferred shares as a tax-free "recapitalization" will depend upon whether the convertible notes constitute "securities" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The term "security" is not defined in the Internal Revenue Code or applicable Treasury regulations and has not been clearly defined by court decisions or administrative rulings. Based upon an evaluation of various factors relevant to the classification of the convertible notes as securities, Foster Wheeler Ltd. intends to take the position that the convertible notes should be treated as securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes (in which case the exchange of convertible notes for common shares and preferred shares would qualify as a tax-free "recapitalization"). However, due to the lack of clear authority with respect to this issue, the treatment of the convertible notes as securities is uncertain. Because of this uncertainty, counsel will not render an opinion on this issue. If it is determined that the convertible notes are not securities, the exchange of convertible notes for common shares and preferred shares should be a taxable event (with respect to which gain or loss would be recognized by tendering U.S. holders) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

The U.S. federal income tax consequences to tendering holders of 2005 notes are unclear.

        The qualification of the exchange of 2005 notes for new notes, common shares and preferred shares as a partially tax-free "recapitalization" will depend in part upon whether the 2005 notes and the new notes constitute "securities" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The term "security" is not defined in the Internal Revenue Code or applicable Treasury regulations and has not been clearly defined by court decisions or administrative rulings. Based upon an evaluation of various factors relevant to the classification of the 2005 notes and the new notes as securities, Foster Wheeler LLC intends to take the position that the 2005 notes and the new notes should be treated as securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes (in which case the exchange of 2005 notes for new notes, common shares and preferred shares would qualify as a partially tax-free "recapitalization"). However, due to the lack of clear authority with respect to this issue, the treatment of the 2005 notes and the new notes as securities is uncertain. Because of this uncertainty, counsel will not render an opinion on this issue. If it is determined that either the 2005 notes or the new notes are not securities, the exchange of 2005

22



notes for new notes, common shares and preferred shares will be a taxable event (with respect to which gain or loss would be fully recognized by tendering U.S. holders) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

New notes received in exchange for 2005 notes may be treated as issued with original issue discount.

        Depending upon the amount and type of trading activity with respect to the 2005 notes or the new notes, the issue price of the new notes would be either (i) the face amount of the new notes (which could exceed their fair market value) or (ii) the fair market value of the new notes on the date of the exchange of 2005 notes for new notes. If the issue price of the new notes is determined based on their fair market value, the new notes would be treated as issued with original issue discount to the extent their stated redemption price at maturity (that is, the sum of all payments to be made on the new notes other than stated interest) exceeds their issue price by more than a de minimis amount. Any such original issue discount would be includible in a U.S. holder's income on a constant yield-to-maturity basis over the term of the new notes (subject to offset in the case of a holder that is treated as having acquired the new notes at an "acquisition premium"). Accordingly, a U.S. holder may be required to recognize taxable income on its new notes without a corresponding receipt of cash.

Holders of trust securities will not receive any additional consideration if the market value of the trust securities increases.

        The value of the consideration that holders of trust securities receive in the exchange offer is fixed at 2.781 common shares and 0.030 preferred shares per trust security. Holders will not receive any additional consideration if the market value of the trust securities increases after the date of this prospectus.

Risks Factors Relating to the Preferred Shares

The preferred shares issued in the exchange offer may not become convertible into common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd.

        The certificate of designation of the preferred shares provides that each preferred share will be optionally convertible into 80.0 common shares, par value $1.00 per share, if, as and when the number of authorized common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. is increased from 160 million to at least 223.3 million. Foster Wheeler Ltd. intends to hold a general meeting of its voting shareholders to effect this increase in its authorized capital promptly following the completion of the exchange offer. If the number of authorized common shares is not increased, the preferred shares will not become convertible into common shares but will remain preferred shares.

If the preferred shares become convertible, they will no longer be entitled to vote, except in certain limited circumstances as required under Bermuda law and Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s bye-laws.

        Upon issuance, the preferred shares will vote on an as converted basis together with the common shares as a single class, except in the limited circumstances described in this prospectus. If and when the preferred shares become convertible at each holder's option, they will cease to vote except in limited circumstances as required under Bermuda law and Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s bye-laws.

Our preferred shares are not listed or quoted on any national securities exchange or other market; if the preferred shares do not convert on or before October 24, 2004, we intend to seek a listing for the preferred shares, however we may not be able to successfully list the preferred shares, which may cause the preferred shares to have reduced liquidity compared with securities listed on an organized market or exchange. Moreover, if the preferred shares become convertible, we will not seek a listing and, if listed, are obligated to delist the preferred shares at that time.

        Our preferred shares are not listed or quoted on any national securities exchange or other market. We have agreed to use our commercially reasonable best efforts to facilitate the quotation of the preferred shares on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board or, at such time as Foster Wheeler Ltd.

23



meets the applicable criteria, to list the preferred shares on the NYSE or NASDAQ, if the preferred shares are not converted to common shares by October 24, 2004. Moreover, if the preferred shares become convertible, we will not seek a listing and, if listed, are obligated to delist the preferred shares at that time. The preferred shares may have reduced liquidity compared with securities listed on an organized market or exchange and may be subject to higher transaction costs for trades as a result. In addition, because the number of our preferred shares outstanding after the consummation of the exchange offer will be less than the number of our common shares outstanding after the exchange offer, the preferred shares may have reduced liquidity compared with our common shares.

An active trading market for the preferred shares may not develop, which could reduce their value.

        The preferred shares are a new issue of securities for which there is currently no public market. Although the preferred shares will carry dividend and other similar rights that are substantially the same as the rights of the number of common shares into which they are convertible and they will carry voting rights only until such time as they become convertible, we cannot predict whether an active trading market for the preferred shares will develop or be sustained and they may not trade with or at the same price (on an as converted basis) as the common shares. No market in the preferred shares may develop, and any market that develops may not last. To the extent that an active trading market does not develop, the price at which you may be able to sell the preferred shares may be less than the price at which you acquire them in exchange for other securities.

In some circumstances the holders of common shares and the preferred shares are each entitled to a separate class vote in which the other class of shareholders will not vote. This could have the effect of providing each class of shareholders with a veto power over certain decisions of Foster Wheeler Ltd.

        Prior to becoming convertible, the preferred shares will generally vote on an "as converted" basis together with the common shares as a single class, and in any event, the preferred shares will vote on the proposal to increase the number of authorized shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. as described in the section entitled "Terms of the Preferred Shares" on an as converted basis together with the common shares as a single class, which increase shall be authorized upon the affirmative vote of a majority of such votes cast. However, under Bermuda law and Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s bye-laws, any variation of the rights attached to either class of shares, whether by amendment, alteration or repeal of the terms of the memorandum of association or bye-laws of Foster Wheeler Ltd., resulting from any merger, amalgamation or similar business combination, or otherwise, would require the approval of at least three-fourths of the issued and outstanding shares of such class, voting as a separate class. This approval can be evidenced either by a unanimous consent in writing or by a resolution passed at a meeting of the holders of such class of shares at which a quorum consisting of at least two persons holding or representing one-third of the issued and outstanding shares of such class is present. This could result in the holders of each class of shares having the ability in some circumstances, such as a merger, amalgamation or consolidation, to prevent action to be undertaken by or affecting Foster Wheeler Ltd. which the holders of the other class of shares might otherwise approve. For more information, you should read the section entitled "Description of Share Capital."

A future issuance of additional preferred shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. may adversely affect the rights of Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s equity holders.

        The bye-laws of Foster Wheeler Ltd. authorize the issuance of up to 1,500,000 shares of "blank check" preferred shares, with such designations, rights, preferences, limitations and voting rights as may be determined upon issuance by Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s board of directors without further shareholder approval, provided that such provisions must, at a minimum, (1) entitle the holders of such shares, voting as a class, to elect at least two directors upon certain defaults with respect to payment of dividends, and (2) require the affirmative approval of holders of at least two-thirds of the issued

24



preferred shares for any amendments to the memorandum of association or bye-laws of Foster Wheeler Ltd. altering materially any provision of such shares. Foster Wheeler Ltd. has designated 400,000 shares of such preferred shares as its Series A Junior Participating Preferred Shares, and will designate 1,074,811.74 of such shares as Series B Convertible Preferred Shares which will be offered in the exchange offer and offering. Upon completion of the exchange offer, there will be up to 1,074,811.74 preferred shares issued and outstanding. Consequently, Foster Wheeler Ltd. will have 425,188.26 authorized but unissued preferred shares that may be issued in the future 25,188.26 of which can, at the discretion of the board of directors of Foster Wheeler Ltd., be designated as other series of preferred shares with dividend and liquidation preferences that may be senior, and may not be available to, the holders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares. In the event Foster Wheeler Ltd. issues additional preferred shares, the holders of such shares may be entitled to receive dividends and distributions prior to their receipt by the holders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares. Thus, holders of common shares could realize less than the amount of dividends and/or distributions to which they would otherwise be entitled had the new preferred shares not been issued.

Risks to Non-Tendering Holders of Securities

U.S. holders of trust securities who do not participate in the exchange offer will continue to recognize original issue discount income, possibly in substantially greater amounts than the amount of original issue discount income they recognized prior to the exchange offer, and may be deemed to exchange their trust securities in a taxable transaction.

        Foster Wheeler LLC is prohibited by the terms of its senior secured credit agreement from making payments in respect of the trust securities. Therefore, Foster Wheeler LLC will be required to continue to defer payments on the junior subordinated debentures at least until the expiration of the senior secured credit agreement in April 2005 and may at its option defer payments until January 2007. Any credit agreement that replaces Foster Wheeler LLC's current senior secured credit agreement may contain similar restrictions requiring Foster Wheeler LLC to defer payments with respect to the trust securities.

        Under current U.S. federal income tax law, U.S. holders of trust securities who do not participate in the exchange offer will continue to recognize original issue discount income on an economic accrual basis regardless of such holders' method of tax accounting, even though Foster Wheeler LLC will continue to exercise its right to defer payments.

        In addition, if the amendments to the indenture governing the trust securities constitute a significant modification of the trust securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such holders will be deemed to exchange their trust securities for new trust securities which, depending on the characterization of such deemed exchange, may result in taxable gain or loss to non-exchanging holders. The amount of gain, if any, that would be recognized in such a transaction is uncertain, and may exceed a holder's economic gain. Such a deemed exchange, whether or not taxable, may also result in the creation of a substantial amount of additional original issue discount (based on the difference between the fair market value of the trust securities and their face amount), which U.S. holders generally would be required to include in income over the term of the new trust securities in addition to any original issue discount referred to in the preceding paragraph (relating to the deferral of payments on the junior subordinated debentures and the trust securities). Because of their factual nature and the lack of clear authority, counsel will not render an opinion on the above issues.

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U.S. holders of convertible notes who do not participate in the exchange offer may be deemed to exchange their convertible notes for new convertible notes in a taxable transaction and may be required to recognize original issue discount income.

        If the amendments to the indenture governing the convertible notes constitute a significant modification of the convertible notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. holders of convertible notes who do not participate in the exchange offer will be deemed to exchange their convertible notes for new convertible notes in a transaction that will likely be taxable. The amount of gain, if any, that would be recognized in such a transaction is uncertain, and may exceed a holder's economic gain. The new convertible notes may be treated as issued with a substantial amount of original issue discount (based on the difference between the fair market value of the notes and their face amount), which U.S. holders would be required to include in income over the term of the new convertible notes. Because of their factual nature and the lack of clear authority, counsel will not render an opinion on the above issues.

U.S. holders of 2005 notes who do not participate in the exchange offer may be deemed to exchange their 2005 notes for new 2005 notes in a taxable transaction and may be required to recognize original issue discount income.

        If the amendments to the indenture governing the 2005 notes constitute a significant modification of the 2005 notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. holders of 2005 notes who do not participate in the exchange offer will be deemed to exchange their 2005 notes for new 2005 notes in a transaction that will likely be taxable. The amount of gain, if any, that would be recognized in such a transaction is uncertain, and may exceed a holder's economic gain. The new 2005 notes may be treated as issued with an amount of original issue discount, based on the difference between the fair market value of the notes and their face amount, which U.S. holders would be required to include in income over the term of the new 2005 notes. Because of their factual nature and the lack of clear authority, counsel will not render an opinion on the above issues.

Holders of trust securities, convertible notes and 2005 notes who do not participate in the exchange offer will be subject to the trust securities indenture, the convertible notes indenture and the 2005 notes indenture, respectively, in each case, as amended, which will significantly limit the rights of these holders.

        Trust Securities.    If adopted, the proposed amendments relating to the trust securities would eliminate from the indenture the requirement that Foster Wheeler LLC be the surviving entity of a merger, asset sale or other conveyance or that in the alternative the surviving entity be a U.S. corporation. Therefore, if a business combination involving Foster Wheeler LLC were to occur, the surviving entity could be a non-U.S. entity which could make it difficult for holders of trust securities to effect service of process on the non-U.S. entity or to enforce liabilities predicated upon U.S. securities laws. In addition, the proposed amendments relating to the trust securities would eliminate from the indenture the requirement that Foster Wheeler LLC deliver to the trustee copies of all reports and other information that Foster Wheeler Ltd. files with the SEC.

        Convertible Notes.    If adopted, the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the convertible notes would eliminate from the indenture the requirement that Foster Wheeler Ltd. or Foster Wheeler LLC, as the case may be, be the surviving entity of a merger, asset sale or other conveyance or that in the alternative the surviving entity be a U.S. or Bermuda entity. Therefore, if a business combination involving Foster Wheeler Ltd. or Foster Wheeler LLC were to occur, the surviving entity could be a non-U.S. or non-Bermuda entity which could make it difficult for holders of convertible notes to effect service of process on such entity or to enforce liabilities predicated upon U.S. or Bermuda securities laws. In addition, the proposed amendments would eliminate from the indenture governing the convertible notes the requirement that Foster Wheeler Ltd. deliver copies of all reports and other information that Foster Wheeler Ltd. files with the SEC.

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        2005 Notes.    If adopted, the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the 2005 notes would eliminate from the indenture, among other things, restrictions on the ability of Foster Wheeler LLC to (1) merge with, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets to, other entities, (2) permit its subsidiaries to incur debt in excess of 10% of its net tangible assets, (3) incur certain liens without securing the 2005 notes equally and ratably and (4) enter into sale and leaseback transactions. The proposed elimination of the limitation on liens covenant would also eliminate the holders of the 2005 notes rights to the security currently in place with respect to the 2005 notes. As a consequence, the 2005 notes will no longer be secured by any collateral if the proposed amendments are adopted and will therefore rank junior in right of payment to senior secured debt of Foster Wheeler LLC, including debt under the senior secured credit agreement, any new senior credit facility, the new notes and the upsize notes with respect to the collateral securing such debt.

If you do not participate in this exchange offer, the market for your securities may be less liquid than before the exchange offer and the market value of your securities may be lower.

        The exchange of securities in the exchange offer will reduce the number of holders of the class of securities so exchanged and the number of securities that would otherwise be available for trading and, depending upon the number of securities so exchanged, could adversely affect the liquidity and market value of the remaining securities held by the public.

We may be unable to repurchase the convertible notes which remain outstanding after the consummation of the exchange offer upon a change of control as required by the indenture governing the convertible notes.

        Upon the occurrence of certain specific change of control events, we must offer to repurchase all convertible notes which remain after the consummation of the exchange offer. In such circumstances, we may not have sufficient funds available to repay all of our senior indebtedness and other indebtedness that would become payable upon a change of control and to repurchase all of the convertible notes at the required prices. Our failure to purchase the convertible notes would be a default under the convertible notes indenture.

Risk Factors Relating to Our Business

Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, but we may not be able to continue as a going concern.

        The consolidated financial statements of Foster Wheeler Ltd., incorporated by reference into this prospectus for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2003 and the quarter ended March 26, 2004, are prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. We may not, however, be able to continue as a going concern. Realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business are dependent on, among other things, our ability to return to profitability, to continue to generate cash flows from operations, asset sales and collections of receivables to fund our obligations, including those resulting from asbestos related liabilities, as well as our maintaining credit facilities and bonding capacity adequate to conduct our business. We incurred significant losses in each of the years in the three-year period ended December 26, 2003, and in the quarter ended March 26, 2004 and had a shareholder deficit of approximately $881 million at March 26, 2004. We have substantial debt obligations and during 2002 were unable to comply with certain debt covenants under our previous revolving credit agreement. Accordingly, we received waivers of covenant violations and ultimately negotiated new credit facilities in August 2002. In November 2002, we amended the new agreement to provide covenant relief of up to $180 million of gross pre-tax charges recorded in the third quarter of 2002 and also to provide that up to an additional $63 million in pre-tax charges related to specific contingencies could be excluded from the covenant calculation through December 31, 2003, if incurred. In March 2003, we again amended the agreement to provide further covenant relief by modifying certain definitions of financial measures utilized in the calculation of the financial covenants and the minimum EBITDA and senior debt ratio. We may not be able to comply with the terms of our senior secured credit agreement, as amended, and other debt

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agreements during 2004 or thereafter. These matters raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

We might not be able to implement our financial restructuring plan and might not be able to restructure our indebtedness in a manner that would allow us to remain a going concern.

        Our planned restructuring contemplates the exchange offer and the private offering of the upsize notes. We intend to use the proceeds received from the offering of upsize notes to reduce amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit agreement. However, we may not be able to complete the components of our restructuring plan on acceptable terms, or at all. If we do not complete our restructuring plan, there will continue to be substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Even if we complete our restructuring plan, we may be left with too much debt and too few assets to survive. If we are successful in our restructuring plan, we will have to continue to improve our business operations, including our contracting and execution process, to achieve our forecast and continue as a going concern. Even if we successfully complete the exchange offer, we may not be able to continue as a going concern.

Our U.S. operations, which include Foster Wheeler's corporate center, are cash-flow negative and our ability to repatriate funds from our non-U.S. subsidiaries is restricted by a number of factors. Accordingly, we are limited in our ability to use these funds for working capital purposes, to repay debt or to satisfy other obligations, which could limit our ability to continue as a going concern.

        Our U.S. operations, which include Foster Wheeler's corporate center, are cash-flow negative and are expected to continue to generate negative cash flow due to a number of factors. These factors include costs related to the litigation and settlement of asbestos related claims, interest on our indebtedness, obligations to fund U.S. pension plans and other expenses related to corporate overhead. As of March 26, 2004, Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC had aggregate indebtedness of approximately $1 billion, all of which must be funded from distributions from subsidiaries of Foster Wheeler LLC. In addition, as of March 26, 2004, Foster Wheeler Ltd. had $584 million of undrawn letters of credit, bank guarantees and surety bonds issued and outstanding, $51 million of which were cash collateralized. As of March 26, 2004, we had cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash of approximately $454 million, of which approximately $356 million was held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries. We will require cash distributions from our non-U.S. subsidiaries to meet an anticipated $61 million of our U.S. operations' minimum working capital needs in 2004. There are significant legal and contractual restrictions on our ability to repatriate funds from our non-U.S. subsidiaries. These subsidiaries need to keep certain amounts available for working capital purposes, to pay known liabilities and for other general corporate purposes. In addition, certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries are parties to loan and other agreements with covenants, and are subject to statutory minimum capitalization provisions in their jurisdictions of organization, that restrict the amount of funds that the subsidiary may distribute. Distributions in excess of these specified amounts would cause us to violate the terms of the agreements or applicable law which could result in civil or criminal penalties. The repatriation of funds may also subject those funds to taxation. As a result of these factors, we may not be able to utilize funds held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries or future earnings of those subsidiaries to fund our working capital requirements, to repay debt or to satisfy other obligations of our U.S. operations, which could limit our ability to continue as a going concern. We may not be able to continue as a going concern even if we successfully complete the exchange offer.

If we are unable to successfully address the material weaknesses in our internal controls, our ability to report our financial results on a timely and accurate basis may be adversely affected.

        Our financial reporting requirements increased significantly as a result of the SEC requirements relating to the security interest granted to the holders of the 2005 notes in August 2002, and from the financial reporting requirements relating to the proposed exchange offer and restructuring process. Nine additional sets of audited financial statements for subsidiary companies, including three year comparable results, were required for 2002 and the first nine months of 2003. The additional year end

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financial statements were erroneously omitted from our 2002 10-K filing as the result of an oversight. We had a process in place both internally and externally whereby this evaluation was made and an error occurred in the evaluation process. The preparation of these additional financial statements began near the end of the third quarter of 2003 in connection with the preparation of the amended 2002 10-K, which was filed on December 19, 2003. In addition, our accounting workload increased due to our operational restructuring and certain potential divestitures pursued in the second half of 2003, which were later discontinued. Early in the fourth quarter of 2003, a key financial officer responsible for the preparation of the nine sets of subsidiary financial statements resigned. As a result of all of these factors taken together, during the fourth quarter of 2003, our remaining permanent corporate accounting staff was not structured to address this increased workload under the deadlines required so we hired temporary professional personnel to assist with the process. Because the temporary personnel were unfamiliar with our operations, this led to audit adjustments deemed material in relation to the size of the subsidiaries in the financial reporting process. The external auditors notified the audit committee of our board of directors on December 16, 2003 that they believed the insufficient staffing levels in the corporate accounting department represented a "material weakness" in the preparation of the subsidiary financial statements, but noted that this did not constitute a material weakness for our consolidated financial statements. We have assigned the highest priority to the assessment of this material weakness and are working together with the audit committee to resolve the issue. The insufficient staffing levels in the corporate accounting department were specifically related to the preparation of the subsidiary financial statements required under Rule 3-16 and not related to the preparation of Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s consolidated financial statements. Foster Wheeler Ltd. made the noted audit adjustments and the financial statements as filed were properly stated. In the second quarter 2004, we augmented our initial hires with three permanent senior financial personnel. Directors of Corporate Accounting and SEC Reporting, and a Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis were hired. The two directors each have significant public accounting experience and previously worked at public companies. Both hold active CPA licenses. The manager is assisting in the financial planning and analysis area. Additionally, we are seeking to hire two additional permanent accounting staff level personnel to replace two of the consultants hired in 2003. The consultancy personnel hired for the initial preparation of the subsidiary financial statements remain with us. If these actions are not successful in addressing this material weakness, our ability to report our financial results on a timely and accurate basis may be adversely affected.

        As noted above our management concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 26, 2003, the evaluation date. Prior to reaching this conclusion, management, through its Disclosure Committee, undertook a review of its disclosure controls and procedures. The review identified what management believes to be evidence of a comprehensive disclosure control structure. Management also carefully evaluated the two material weaknesses as well as the error that caused the omission of the additional subsidiary financial statements in the initial filing of the 2002 Form 10K during the first quarter of 2003 discussed above. Management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective on the evaluation dates at the end of each quarterly period during 2003 based on its belief that although an error had occurred which resulted in the additional subsidiary financial statements being omitted from the 2002 10-K, the design of its disclosure controls and procedures taken as a whole were effective. Management viewed the omission as an isolated error not a systemic problem. With respect to the staffing issue, management noted that the issue was raised prior to the end of the fiscal 2003 and before the audit process for the year had begun, and that the process for preparing the additional sets of financial statements had been changed prior to year end. The revised process included a thorough review by our experienced accounting and tax personnel of the work prepared by temporary staff, prior to submission to the external auditors. Management concluded the necessary actions had been taken to eliminate the staffing material weakness, although more time is needed to train and integrate these new employees. With respect to the material weakness identified in our asbestos calculation process, management took note of the informal process followed in prior periods. Management noted that this process was used in prior periods and that our external auditors

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did not note it as a reportable condition or material weakness during those periods. Management noted that the fact that the process was not followed led to the material weakness. The Company agreed to formalize the process, in accordance with its external auditor's suggestion. However, management also believed that the process itself would have been sufficient had it been followed. Our management believes that a control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. With this in mind, and looking at the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as a whole, management concluded, notwithstanding the material weaknesses described above and after taking into account the remedial measures taken as of the evaluation date, that they were effective as of December 26, 2003.

        On March 3, 2004, our external auditors notified the audit committee of our board of directors that they believed our lack of a formal process for senior financial management to review assumptions and check calculations on a timely basis relating to our asbestos liability and asset balances represented a "material weakness" in the internal controls for the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for 2003. In connection with the preparation of our 2003 consolidated financial statements, we submitted our calculations and assumptions relating to asbestos liability and related assets to the external auditors without them being reviewed by senior management. As a result, the external auditors noted a proposed change in an assumption used to calculate the liability that had not been approved by senior management and also noted a mechanical error in calculating the number of open claims. In response, we corrected the mechanical error in our calculation and determined not to make the proposed change in the assumption. Estimating our obligations arising from asbestos litigation, and the amounts of related insurance recoveries is a complex process involving many different assumptions about future events extending well into the future. These assumptions are developed by management together with its internal and external asbestos litigation team based on historical data regarding asbestos claims made against us, recoveries sought and settlement and trial resolution data. As these factors vary over any given period, the assumptions about future periods used to calculate our asbestos liabilities are adjusted correspondingly. In their March 3, 2004 letter, the external auditors recommended that the assumptions and calculations prepared by members of our asbestos litigation team be reviewed carefully by our chief accounting officer and that all significant assumptions and estimates, including changes thereof, be approved by our chief financial and chief executive officers prior to the asbestos calculations being submitted to the external auditor for review. We agreed with these suggestions and have adopted them both in connection with the 2003 audit and going forward. If these actions are not successful in addressing these material weaknesses, our ability to report our financial results on a timely and accurate basis may be adversely affected.

        We have taken a series of actions we believe will address the material weaknesses described in our 2003 10-K/A and First Quarter 2004 10-Q/A. We have hired additional permanent staff to address the identified material weaknesses, but believe additional time must pass in order for the additional staff to become fully trained and integrated into our operations and to evidence that the additional staff and controls are performing as intended. If we are unable to successfully address the identified material weaknesses in our internal controls, our ability to report our financial results on a timely and accurate basis may be adversely affected.

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Our international operations involve risks that may limit or disrupt operations, limit repatriation of earnings, increase foreign taxation or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

        We have substantial international operations that are conducted through foreign and domestic subsidiaries, as well as through agreements with foreign joint venture partners. Our international operations accounted for approximately 76% of our fiscal year 2003 operating revenues and substantially all of our operating cash flow. We have international operations throughout the world, including operations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America. Our foreign operations are subject to risks that could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations, including:

    uncertain political, legal and economic environments;

    potential incompatibility with foreign joint venture partners;

    foreign currency controls and fluctuations;

    energy prices;

    terrorist attacks against facilities owned or operated by U.S. companies;

    war and civil disturbances; and

    labor problems.

        Because of these risks, our international operations may be limited, or disrupted, we may be restricted in moving funds, we may lose contract rights, our foreign taxation may be increased or we may be limited in repatriating earnings. In addition, in some cases, applicable law and joint venture or other agreements may provide that each joint venture partner is jointly and severally liable for all liabilities of the venture. These events and liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Our high levels of debt and significant interest payment obligations could limit the funds we have available for working capital, capital expenditures, dividend payments, acquisitions and other business purposes which could adversely impact our business.

        We have debt in the form of secured bank loans, other debt securities that have been sold to investors and the Robbins bonds. As of March 26, 2004, Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s total consolidated debt amounted to approximately $1 billion, $134 million of which was comprised of limited recourse project debt of special purpose subsidiaries. This debt includes $126.9 million of outstanding loans under the senior secured credit agreement, $200 million of 2005 notes, $210 million of convertible notes, $175 million of trust securities and $113.7 million of Robbins bonds outstanding. In addition, under our senior secured credit agreement we paid a $13.6 million fee on March 31, 2004 and our annual interest rate on our borrowings thereunder has been increased by an additional .50% per quarter until we have repaid $100 million of indebtedness thereunder. As of March 26, 2004, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the exchange offer and the issuance of the upsize notes (including repayment of approximately $120 million of outstanding loans under the senior secured credit agreement), our total consolidated debt would have been $575 million, assuming the issuance of the new notes in exchange for 2005 notes is accounted for as a modification and $561 million assuming the issuance of new notes in exchange for 2005 notes is accounted for as an extinguishment. You should read "Accounting Treatment for the Exchange Offer" for more information. We will likely not have sufficient funds available to pay any of this long-term debt upon maturity.

        Over the last five years, we have been required to allocate a significant portion of our earnings to pay interest on our debt. After paying interest on our debt, we have fewer funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other business purposes. This could limit our ability to respond to changing market conditions, limit our ability to expand through acquisitions, increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions and place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less indebtedness. In addition, certain of our borrowings are at

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variable rates of interest that expose us to the risk of a rise in interest rates. Based on the rates in effect in 2003, our debt service payment obligations under our currently outstanding debt for 2003 totaled approximately $100 million and will be about the same for 2004. If the interest rate on our variable rate debt were to increase by one percentage point, our annual debt service payment obligations would increase by $1.4 million. After giving effect to the exchange offer and the private upsize notes offering (including repayment of approximately $120 million in amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit agreement), based on rates currently in effect in 2004, our debt service payment obligations would be approximately $74.1 million on an annual basis.

Our various debt agreements impose significant operating and financial restrictions, which may prevent us from capitalizing on business opportunities and taking some corporate actions which could materially adversely affect our business.

        Our various debt agreements impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us. These restrictions limit our ability to incur indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions, make investments and sell assets. Failure to comply with these covenants may allow lenders to elect to accelerate the repayment dates with respect to such debt. We would not be able to repay such indebtedness, if accelerated, and as a consequence may be unable to continue operating as a going concern. Our failure to repay such amounts under our senior secured credit agreement and indentures would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operations and result in defaults under the terms of our other indebtedness.

We face severe restrictions on our ability to obtain new letters of credit, bank guarantees and performance bonds from our banks and surety on the same terms as we have historically. If we are unable to obtain letters of credit, bank guarantees or performance bonds on reasonable terms, our business would be materially adversely affected.

        It is customary in the industries in which we operate to provide letters of credit, bank guarantees or performance bonds in favor of clients to secure obligations under contracts. We have traditionally obtained letters of credit or bank guarantees from our banks, or performance bonds from a surety on an unsecured basis. Due to our financial condition and current credit ratings, as well as changes in the bank and surety markets, we are now required in certain circumstances to provide collateral to banks and the surety to obtain new letters of credit, bank guarantees and performance bonds. If we are unable to provide sufficient collateral to secure the letters of credit, bank guarantees and performance bonds, our ability to enter into new contracts could be materially limited.

        Providing security to obtain letters of credit, bank guarantees and performance bonds increases our working capital needs and limits our ability to provide bonds, guarantees, and letters of credit, and to repatriate funds or pay dividends. We may not be able to continue obtaining new letters of credit, bank guarantees, and performance bonds on either a secured or an unsecured basis in sufficient quantities to match our business requirements. As our senior secured credit agreement matures in April 2005, since April 2004, we no longer have the ability to obtain one-year letters of credit. If our financial condition further deteriorates, we may also be required to provide cash collateral or other security to maintain existing letters of credit, bank guarantees and performance bonds. If this occurs, our ability to perform under our existing contracts may be adversely affected.

Our current and future lump-sum, or fixed price, contracts and other shared risk contracts may result in significant losses if costs are greater than anticipated.

        Many of our contracts are lump-sum contracts and other shared risk contracts that are inherently risky because we agree to the selling price of the project at the time we enter the contracts. The selling price is based on our estimates of the ultimate cost of the contract and we assume substantially all of the risks associated with completing the project as well as the post-completion warranty obligations. In the first quarter of 2004 and during fiscal years 2003 and 2002, we took charges of approximately

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$24.6 million, $30.8 million and $216.7 million, respectively, relating to underestimated costs and post-completion warranty obligations primarily on lump-sum contracts.

        We also assume the project's technical risk, meaning that we must tailor our products and systems to satisfy the technical requirements of a project even though, at the time the project is awarded, we may not have previously produced such a product or system. The revenue, cost and gross profit realized on such contracts can vary, sometimes substantially, from the original projections due to changes in a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

    unanticipated technical problems with the equipment being supplied or developed by us, which may require that we spend our own money to remedy the problem;

    changes in the costs of components, materials or labor;

    difficulties in obtaining required governmental permits or approvals;

    changes in local laws and regulations;

    changes in local labor conditions;

    project modifications creating unanticipated costs;

    delays caused by local weather conditions; and

    our suppliers' or subcontractors' failure to perform.

        These risks are exacerbated if the duration of the project is long-term because there is an increased risk that the circumstances upon which we based our original bid will change in a manner that increases its costs. In addition, we sometimes bear the risk of delays caused by unexpected conditions or events. Our long-term, fixed price projects often make us subject to penalties if portions of the project are not completed in accordance with agreed-upon time limits. Therefore, significant losses can result from performing large, long-term projects on a lump-sum basis. These losses may be material and could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may be unable to successfully implement our performance improvement plan which could negatively impact our results of operations.

        In order to mitigate future charges due to underestimated costs on lump-sum contracts and to otherwise reduce operating costs, in March 2002 we undertook and are continuing to implement a series of management performance enhancements. This plan may not be successful, we may record significant charges and our operating costs may increase in the future.

We plan to expand the operations of our engineering and construction group which could negatively impact the group's performance and bonding capacity.

        We plan to expand the operations of our engineering and construction group to increase the size and number of lump-sum turnkey contracts, sometimes in countries where we have limited previous experience. We may bid for and enter into such contracts through partnerships or joint ventures with third parties that have greater bonding capacity than we do. This would increase our ability to bid for the contracts. Entering into these partnerships or joint ventures will expose us to credit and performance risks of those third party partners which could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations if these parties fail to perform under the arrangements.

We have high working capital requirements and will be required to refinance some of our indebtedness in the near term. We may have difficulty obtaining financing which would have a negative impact on our financial condition.

        Our business requires a significant amount of working capital and our U.S. operations, including our corporate center, are, and are expected to continue to be, cash-flow negative in the near future. In many cases, significant amounts of our working capital are required to finance the purchase of

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materials and performance of engineering, construction and other work on projects before payment is received from customers. In some cases, we are contractually obligated to our customers to fund working capital on our projects. Moreover, we may need to incur additional indebtedness in the future to satisfy our working capital needs. In addition, our senior secured credit agreement and any 2005 notes and convertible notes that are not exchanged and which remain outstanding after this exchange offer mature in April 2005, November 2005 and June 2007, respectively, and will need to be repaid or refinanced at or prior to such dates. In addition, the new notes and the upsize notes mature in 2011 and will need to be repaid or refinanced at or prior to such date. As a result, we are subject to risks associated with debt financing, including increased interest expense, insufficient cash flow to meet required payments on our debt, inability to meet credit facility covenants and inability to refinance or repay debt as it becomes due.

        Our working capital requirements may increase if we are required to give our customers more favorable payment terms under contracts to compete successfully for certain projects. These terms may include reduced advance payments, and payment schedules that are less favorable to us. In addition, our working capital requirements have increased in recent years because we have had to advance funds to complete projects under lump-sum contracts and have been involved in lengthy arbitration or litigation proceedings to recover these amounts. All of these factors may result, or have resulted, in increases in the amount of contracts in process and receivables and short-term borrowings. Continued increases in working capital requirements would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Projects included in our backlog may be delayed or cancelled which could materially harm our cash flow position, revenues and earnings.

        The dollar amount of backlog does not necessarily indicate future earnings related to the performance of that work. Backlog refers to expected future revenues under signed contracts, contracts awarded but not finalized and letters of intent which we have determined are likely to be performed. Backlog projects represent only business that is considered firm, although cancellations or scope adjustments may occur. Due to changes in project scope and schedule, we cannot predict with certainty when or if backlog will be performed. In addition, even where a project proceeds as scheduled, it is possible that contracted parties may default and fail to pay amounts owed. Any delay, cancellation or payment default could materially harm our cash flow position, revenues and/or earnings.

        Backlog at the end of 2003 declined 58% as compared to the year 2002. This decline is primarily attributable to the sale of assets of Foster Wheeler Environmental Corporation and our completion of several large projects that were booked into backlog in 2002 and executed in 2003. Backlog as of March 26, 2004 declined 6% as compared to the end of 2003. Backlog may continue to decline.

The cost of our current and future asbestos claims could be substantially higher than we have estimated which could materially adversely affect our financial condition.

        Some of our subsidiaries are named as defendants in numerous lawsuits and out-of-court administrative claims pending in the United States in which the plaintiffs claim damages for bodily injury or death arising from exposure to asbestos in connection with work performed and heat exchange devices assembled, installed and/or sold by those subsidiaries. We expect these subsidiaries to be named as defendants in similar suits and claims brought in the future. For purposes of our financial statements, we have estimated the indemnity payments and defense costs to be incurred in resolving pending and forecasted claims through year end 2018. Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, the actual number of future claims brought against us and the cost of resolving these claims could be substantially higher than our estimates. Some of the factors that may result in the costs of these claims being higher than our current estimates include:

    the rate at which new claims are filed;

34


    the number of new claimants;

    changes in the mix of diseases alleged to be suffered by the claimants, such as type of cancer, asbestosis or other illness;

    increases in legal fees or other defense costs associated with these claims;

    increases in indemnity payments as a result of more expensive medical treatments for asbestos related diseases;

    bankruptcies of other asbestos defendants, causing a reduction in the number of available solvent defendants and thereby increasing the number of claims and the size of demands against our subsidiaries;

    adverse jury verdicts requiring us to pay damages in amounts greater than we expect to pay in settlement;

    changes in legislative or judicial standards which make successful defense of claims against our subsidiaries more difficult; or

    enactment of legislation requiring us to contribute amounts to a national settlement trust in excess of our expected net liability, after insurance, in the tort system.

        The total liability recorded on our balance sheet is based on estimated indemnity payments and defense costs expected to be incurred through year end 2018. We believe that it is likely that there will be new claims filed after 2018, but in light of uncertainties inherent in long-term forecasts, we do not believe that we can reasonably estimate the indemnity payments and defense costs which might be incurred after 2018. Our forecast contemplates that new claims requiring indemnity will decline from year to year. Failure of future claims to decline as we expect will result in our aggregate liability for asbestos claims being higher than estimated.

        Our forecast is based on a curvilinear regression model, which employs the statistical analysis of our historical claims data to generate a trend line for future claims. Although, we believe this forecast method is reasonable, other forecast methods that attempt to estimate the population of living persons who could claim they were exposed to asbestos at worksites where our subsidiaries performed work or sold equipment could also be used and might project higher numbers of future claims than our forecast.

        All of these factors could cause our actual claims, indemnity payments and defense costs to exceed our estimates. We periodically update our forecasts to take into consideration recent claims experience and other developments, such as legislation, that may affect our estimates of future asbestos related costs. The announcement of increases to our asbestos reserves as a result of revised forecasts, adverse jury verdicts or other negative developments involving our asbestos litigation may cause the value or trading prices of our securities to decrease significantly. These negative developments could cause us to default under covenants in our indebtedness relating to judgments against us and material adverse changes, cause our credit ratings to be downgraded, restrict our access to the capital markets and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

The amount and timing of insurance recoveries of our asbestos related costs is uncertain. Failure to obtain insurance recoveries would cause a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

        We believe that substantially all of our liability and defense costs for asbestos claims will be covered by insurance. Our balance sheet as of March 26, 2004 includes as an asset an aggregate of approximately $540.8 million in probable insurance recoveries relating to (a) liability for pending and expected future asbestos claims through year end 2018. Under an interim funding agreement in place with a number of our insurers from 1993 through June 12, 2001, these insurers paid a substantial portion of our costs incurred prior to 2002, and a portion of the costs incurred in connection with

35



resolving asbestos claims during 2002 and 2003. The interim funding agreement was terminated in 2003. On February 13, 2001, litigation was commenced against us by certain insurers that were parties to the interim funding agreement seeking to recover from other insurers amounts previously paid by them under the interim funding agreement and to adjudicate their rights and responsibilities under our subsidiaries' insurance policies.

        As a result of the termination of the interim funding agreement, we have had to cover a substantial portion of our settlement payments and defense costs out of working capital. However, we recently entered into several settlement agreements calling for insurers to make lump sum payments, as well as payments over time, for use by us to fund asbestos related indemnity and defense costs. Some of those settlements also reimbursed us for portions of our out of pocket costs. We are in the process of negotiating additional settlements in order to minimize the amount of future costs we will be required to fund out of working capital. If we cannot achieve settlements in amounts necessary to cover our future costs we will continue to fund a portion of future costs out of pocket, which will reduce our cash flow and our working capital and will adversely affect our liquidity.

        Although we continue to believe that our insurers eventually will reimburse us for substantially all of our prior asbestos related costs, and to pay substantially all such future costs, our ability ultimately to recover a substantial portion of future asbestos related costs from insurance is dependent on successful resolution of outstanding coverage issues related to our insurance policies. These issues include:

    disputes regarding allocations of liabilities among us and the insurers;

    the effect of deductibles and policy limits on available insurance coverage; and

    the characterization of asbestos claims brought against us as product related or non-product related.

An adverse outcome in the insurance litigation on these coverage issues could materially limit our insurance recoveries.

        In addition, even if these coverage issues are resolved in a manner favorable to us, we may not be able to collect all of the amounts due under our insurance policies. Our recoveries will be limited by insolvencies among our insurers. We are aware of at least two of our significant insurers which are currently insolvent, and other insurers may become insolvent in the future. Our insurers may also fail to reimburse amounts owed to us on a timely basis. If we do not receive timely payment from our insurers, we may be unable to make required payments under settlement agreements with asbestos plaintiffs or to fund amounts required to be posted with the court in order to appeal trial judgments. If we are unable to file such appeals, we may be ordered to pay large damage awards arising from adverse jury verdicts, and such awards may exceed our available cash. Any failure to realize our expected insurance recoveries, and any delays in receiving from our insurers amounts owed to us, will reduce our cash flow and adversely affect our liquidity and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

Claims made by us against project owners for payment have increased over the last few years and failure by us to recover adequately on future claims could have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

        Project claims increased as a result of the increase in lump-sum contracts between the years 1992 and 2000. Project claims are claims brought by us against project owners for additional costs exceeding the contract price or amounts not included in the original contract price. These claims typically arise from changes in the initial scope of work or from owner caused delays. These claims are often subject to lengthy arbitration or litigation proceedings. The costs associated with these changes or owner caused delays include additional direct costs, such as labor and material costs associated with the performance of the additional work, as well as indirect costs that may arise due to delays in the

36



completion of the project, such as increased labor costs resulting from changes in labor markets. We have used significant additional working capital in projects with cost overruns pending the resolution of the relevant project claims. Project claims may continue in the future.

        In 2002, we reduced our estimates of claim recoveries to reflect recent adverse experience due to our desire to monetize claims and poor economic conditions. As of March 26, 2004, we had $2.3 million of outstanding claims. In 2002, we recorded approximately $136.2 million in pre-tax contract related charges as a result of claims reassessment. We continue to pursue claims, but may not recover the full amount of these claims, and any future recoveries of these claims, if any, will be reflected as gains in our consolidated statement of operations. In 2003, Foster Wheeler Ltd. recorded a net gain related to contract claims of $1.5 million.

        We also face a number of counterclaims brought against us by certain project owners in connection with several of the project claims described above. If we are found liable for any of these counterclaims, we would have to incur write downs and charges against our earnings to the extent a reserve is not established. Failure to recover amounts under these claims and charges related to counterclaims could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity and financial condition.

Because our operations are concentrated in four particular industries, we may be adversely impacted by economic or other developments in these industries.

        We derive a significant amount of our revenues from services provided to corporations that are concentrated in four industries: power, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and chemical/petrochemical. Unfavorable economic or other developments in one or more of these industries could adversely affect our customers and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our failure to successfully manage our geographically diverse operations could impair our ability to react quickly to changing business and market conditions and comply with industry standards and procedures.

        We operate in more than 55 countries around the world, with approximately 5,400, or 81%, of our employees located outside of the United States. In order to manage our day-to-day operations, we must overcome cultural and language barriers and assimilate different business practices. In addition, we are required to create compensation programs, employment policies and other administrative programs that comply with the laws of multiple countries. Our failure to successfully manage our geographically diverse operations could impair our ability to react quickly to changing business and market conditions and comply with industry standards and procedures.

We may lose business to our competitors who have greater financial resources.

        We are engaged in highly competitive businesses in which customer contracts are often awarded through bidding processes based on price and the acceptance of certain risks. We compete with other general and specialty contractors, both foreign and domestic, including large international contractors and small local contractors. Some competitors have greater financial and other resources than we have and may have significantly more favorable leverage ratios. Because financial strength is a factor in deciding whether to grant a contract in our business, our competitors' more favorable leverage ratios give them a competitive advantage and could prevent us from obtaining contracts for which we bid.

A failure by us to attract and retain qualified personnel, joint venture partners, advisors and subcontractors could have an adverse effect on us.

        Our ability to attract and retain qualified engineers and other professional personnel, as well as joint venture partners, advisors and subcontractors, will be an important factor in determining our future success. The market for these professionals, joint venture partners, advisors and subcontractors is competitive, and we may not be successful in our efforts to attract and retain these professionals, joint venture partners, advisors and subcontractors. In addition, our success depends in part on our ability to

37



attract and retain skilled laborers. Our failure to attract or retain these workers could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate. If we fail to comply with these laws and regulations, we may have to incur significant costs and penalties that could adversely affect our liquidity or financial condition.

        Our operations are subject to U.S., European and other laws and regulations governing the generation, management, and use of regulated materials, the discharge of materials into the environment, the remediation of environmental contamination, or otherwise relating to environmental protection. These laws include U.S. Federal statutes, such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, or CERCLA, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act and similar state and local laws, and European laws and regulations including those promulgated under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive issued by the European Union in 1996 and the 1991 directive dealing with waste and hazardous waste and laws and regulations similar to those in other countries in which we operate. Both our E&C Group and Energy Group make use of and produce as wastes or byproducts substances that are considered to be hazardous under the laws and regulations referred to above. We may be subject to liabilities for environmental contamination as an owner or operator of a facility or as a generator of hazardous substances without regard to negligence or fault, and we are subject to additional liabilities if we do not comply with applicable laws regulating such hazardous substances, and, in either case, such liabilities can be substantial.

        We may be subject to significant costs, fines and penalties and/or compliance orders if we do not comply with environmental laws and regulations including those referred to above. Some environmental laws, including CERCLA, provide for joint and several strict liability for remediation of releases of hazardous substances, which could result in a liability for environmental damage without regard to negligence or fault. These laws and regulations and common laws principles could expose us to liability arising out of the conduct of our current and past operations or conditions, including those associated with formerly owned or operated properties caused by us or others, or for acts by us or others which were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time the acts were performed. In some cases, we have assumed contractual indemnification obligations for environmental liabilities associated with some formerly owned properties. Additionally, we may be subject to claims alleging personal injury, property damage or natural resource damages as a result of alleged exposure to or contamination by hazardous substances. The ongoing costs of complying with existing environmental laws and regulations can be substantial. Changes in the environmental laws and regulations, remediation obligations, enforcement actions or claims for damages to persons, property, natural resources or the environment, could result in material costs and liabilities.

Foster Wheeler Ltd. has anti-takeover provisions in its bye-laws that may discourage a change of control.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s bye-laws contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire it without the consent of its board of directors. These provisions provide for:

    The board of directors to be divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms. Directors can be removed from office only for cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the issued shares generally entitled to vote. The board of directors does not have the power to remove directors. Vacancies on the board of directors may only be filled by the remaining directors. Each of these provisions can delay a shareholder from obtaining majority representation on the board of directors.

    Any amendment to the bye-law limiting the removal of directors to be approved by the board of directors and the affirmative vote of the holders of three-quarters of the issued shares entitled to vote at general meetings.

38


    The board of directors to consist of not less than three nor more than twenty persons, the exact number to be set from time to time by a majority of the whole board of directors. Accordingly, the board of directors, and not the shareholders, has the authority to determine the number of directors and could delay any shareholder from obtaining majority representation on the board of directors by enlarging the board of directors and filling the new vacancies with its own nominees until a general meeting at which directors are to be appointed.

    Restrictions on the time period in which directors may be nominated. A shareholder notice to nominate an individual for election as a director must be received not less than 120 calendar days in advance of Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s proxy statement released to shareholders in connection with the previous year's annual meeting.

    Restrictions on the time period in which shareholder proposals may be submitted. To be timely for inclusion in Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s proxy statement, a shareholder's notice for a shareholder proposal must be received not less than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which Foster Wheeler Ltd. first mailed its proxy materials for the preceding year's annual general meeting. To be timely for consideration at the annual meeting of shareholders, a shareholder's notice must be received no less than 45 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which Foster Wheeler Ltd. first mailed its proxy materials for the preceding year's annual meeting.

    The board of directors to determine the powers, preferences and rights of preference shares and to issue the preference shares without shareholder approval. The board of directors could authorize the issuance of preference shares with terms and conditions that could discourage a takeover or other transaction that holders of some or a majority of the common shares might believe to be in their best interests or in which holders might receive a premium for their shares over the then market price of the shares.

    A general prohibition on "business combinations" between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and an "interested member." Specifically, "business combinations" between an interested member and Foster Wheeler Ltd. are prohibited for a period of five years after the time the interested member acquires 20% or more of the outstanding voting shares, unless the business combination or the transaction resulting in the person becoming an interested member is approved by the board of directors prior to the date the interested member acquires 20% or more of the outstanding voting shares.

        "Business combinations" is defined broadly to include amalgamations or consolidations with Foster Wheeler Ltd. or its subsidiaries, sales or other dispositions of assets having an aggregate value of 10% or more of the aggregate market value of the consolidated assets, aggregate market value of all outstanding shares, consolidated earning power or consolidated net income of Foster Wheeler Ltd., adoption of a plan or proposal for liquidation and most transactions that would increase the interested member's proportionate share ownership in Foster Wheeler Ltd.

        "Interested member" is defined as a person who, together with any affiliates and/or associates of that person, beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of the issued voting shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd.

    Any matter submitted to the shareholders at a meeting called on the requisition of shareholders holding not less than one-tenth of the paid-up voting shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to be approved by the affirmative vote of all of the shares eligible to vote at such meeting.

These provisions could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire Foster Wheeler Ltd., even if the third party's offer may be considered beneficial by many shareholders. As a result, shareholders may be limited in their ability to obtain a premium for their shares.

39



FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain forward looking statements that are based on management's assumptions, expectations and projections about us and the various industries within which we operate. These include statements regarding our expectations regarding revenues (including as expressed by our backlog), liquidity, the outcome of litigation and legal proceedings and recoveries from customers for claims and the costs of current and future asbestos claims and the amount and timing of related insurance recoveries. Such forward looking statements by their nature involve a degree of risk and uncertainty. We caution you that a variety of factors, including but not limited to the factors described above under the heading "Risk Factors" and the following, could cause our business conditions and results to differ materially from what is contained in forward looking statements:

    changes in the rate of economic growth in the United States and other major international economies;

    changes in investment by the power, oil & gas, pharmaceutical, chemical/petrochemical and environmental industries;

    changes in the financial condition of our customers;

    changes in regulatory environment;

    changes in project design or schedules;

    contract cancellations;

    changes in estimates made by us of costs to complete projects;

    changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies worldwide;

    currency fluctuations;

    war and/or terrorist attacks on facilities either owned or where equipment or services are or may be provided;

    outcomes of pending and future litigation, including litigation regarding our liability for damages and insurance coverage for asbestos exposure;

    protection and validity of patents and other intellectual property rights;

    increasing competition by foreign and domestic companies;

    compliance with debt covenants;

    monetization of certain power systems facilities;

    implementation of our restructuring plan;

    recoverability of claims against customers and others; and

    changes in estimates used in its critical accounting policies.

        Other factors and assumptions not identified above were also involved in the formation of these forward looking statements and the failure of such other assumptions to be realized, as well as other factors, may also cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Most of these factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond our control. You should consider the areas of risk described above in connection with any forward looking statements that may be made by us.

        We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any additional disclosures Foster Wheeler Ltd. makes in proxy statements, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, annual reports on Form 10-K and current reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC.

40



CAPITALIZATION

        The following capitalization tables show the consolidated cash, restricted cash and capitalization of Foster Wheeler Ltd. and its subsidiaries as of March 26, 2004, for both the modification method, using an assumed interest rate of 11.086% on the new notes (based on recent market data) and a common share price of $1.42 (at which price the exchange will be treated as a modification) and for the extinguishment method, using an assumed interest rate of 11.086% on the new notes (based on recent market data) and a common share price of $1.43 (at which price the exchange will be treated as an extinguishment):

    on an actual historical basis, and

    as adjusted to give effect:

    (1)
    to the completion of the exchange offer, assuming:

    holders of 75% of the aggregate liquidation amount of trust securities validly tender, and do not validly withdraw, those trust securities;

    holders of 90% of the aggregate principal amount of convertible notes validly tender, and do not validly withdraw, those convertible notes;

    holders of 90% of the aggregate principal amount or, if applicable, accreted principal amount, outstanding as of March 26, 2004 of Robbins bonds validly tender, and do not validly withdraw, those Robbins bonds; and

    holders of 90% of the aggregate principal amount of 2005 notes validly tender, and do not validly withdraw, those 2005 notes.

    (2)
    the concurrent issuance of $120 million aggregate principal amount of upsize notes. The upsize notes are being offered and sold in a separate private transaction to certain holders of 2005 notes and convertible notes that participate in the exchange offer. This private offering is conditional on the consummation of the exchange offer and the exchange offer is contingent on the private offering. It is anticipated that the proceeds from the upsize notes offering will be used to reduce amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit agreement.

    (3)
    payment to the lenders under our senior secured credit agreement of a fee of $13.6 million.

    (4)
    the award of 9,800,000 common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to members of Foster Wheeler's senior management and board of directors to be issued, subject to certain restrictions, under a restricted stock plan which we intend to adopt before the closing of the exchange offer.

        The calculation of the actual price per share will be determined using the market price for the common shares and the fair value for the preferred shares on the closing date. Based upon the terms of the preferred shares, the fair value of a preferred share is expected to be equal to the market price of the corresponding number of common shares on an as converted basis.

        Whether the exchange of the 2005 notes is a modification or extinguishment under Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 96-19 is dependent on the interest rate on the new notes and the value of the common shares and preferred shares on the closing date. The charts on pages 45 and 46 indicate when the modification versus extinguishment method of accounting will apply at various interest rates and stock prices and how the interest rate will be determined.

        You should read this information together with the consolidated financial statements, including the notes contained in the financial statements, of us and our subsidiaries, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should read "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements" for more information, including the sensitivity analysis with regards to the exchange offer found in the notes to the pro forma balance sheet and income statements therein. You should also read "Accounting Treatment for the Exchange Offer" for more information regarding the accounting treatment for the 2005 notes using the modification method and extinguishment method.

41


Capitalization
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Modification Method:

 
  As of March 26, 2004
 
 
  Actual
  Adjustments (modification method)
  As adjusted (modification method)
 
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents(1)   $ 380,742   $ (33,278 ) $ 347,464  
Restricted cash and cash equivalents     73,021         73,021  
   
 
 
 
Total restricted and unrestricted cash and cash equivalents   $ 453,763   $ (33,278 ) $ 420,485  
   
 
 
 
Short-term debt:                    
  Current installments on long-term debt(5)   $ 20,945   $ (1,521 ) $ 19,424  
  Bank loans              
   
 
 
 
  Total short-term debt     20,945     (1,521 )   19,424  
   
 
 
 
Long-term debt:                    
  Senior secured credit facility(2)     126,912     (120,000 )   6,912  
  Other debt     5,436         5,436  
  6.75% senior notes due 2005(3)     200,000     (180,000 )   20,000  
  Fixed rate senior secured notes due 2011, Series A(4)(10)         149,684     149,684  
  Fixed rate senior secured notes due 2011, Series B(2)(10)         120,000     120,000  
  Special-purpose project debt less current installments     115,735         115,735  
  Capital lease obligations less current     62,295         62,295  
  Subordinated Robbins exit funding obligations Series C less current(5)     87,595     (78,836 )   8,759  
  Subordinated Robbins exit funding obligations Series D(5)     24,408     (21,968 )   2,440  
  6.50% convertible subordinated notes due 2007(6)     210,000     (189,000 )   21,000  
  Mandatory redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary holding solely junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures(7)     175,000     (131,250 )   43,750  
   
 
 
 
Total long-term debt     1,007,381     (451,370 )   556,011  
   
 
 
 
  Total debt     1,028,326     (452,891 )   575,435  
   
 
 
 
Minority interest in equity of consolidated affiliates     21,970         21,970  
Shareholders' deficit:                    
  Preferred shares: 1,500,000 shares authorized; $1.00 par value; none issued (935,831 Pro Forma)(9)         936     936  
  Common shares: 160,000,000 shares authorized, $1.00 par value; 40,771,560 shares issued (137,443,780 Pro Forma)(8)(9)     40,772     96,671     137,443  
  Paid-in capital(8)(9)     201,841     314,558     516,399  
  Retained earnings (deficit)(8)     (815,352 )   60,920     (754,432 )
  Unearned compensation(9)         (13,916 )   (13,916 )
  Accumulated other comprehensive income     (308,003 )       (308,003 )
   
 
 
 
  Total shareholders' deficit     (880,742 )   459,169     (421,573 )
   
 
 
 
Total capitalization   $ 169,554   $ 6,278   $ 175,832  
   
 
 
 

(1)
Assumes estimated transaction costs of $6,550 and reflects the payment of accrued interest of $13,116 on the 2005 notes, the convertible notes, the Robbins bonds and under our senior secured credit agreement, and payment of a fee of $13,613 to the lenders under the senior secured credit facility.

(2)
Adjusted to reflect the concurrent offering of $120,000 in aggregate principal amount of upsize notes. The upsize notes will be offered and sold in a separate private transaction to certain holders of 2005 notes and convertible notes that participate in the exchange offer. Proceeds from the sale of the upsize notes will be used to reduce amounts outstanding under Foster Wheeler LLC's senior secured credit agreement. Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned guarantors and certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange offer. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantors and collateral, the interest rate will increase by one percentage point per annum. The private offering is conditional on the consummation of the exchange offer.

(3)
Adjusted to reflect the exchange of 90% of the 2005 notes for new notes, common stock and preferred stock. Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors and provide certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange.

(4)
Adjusted to reflect the issuance of $135 million of new notes, calculated as follows:
Face value of 2005 notes to be exchanged   $ 180,000  
Fair value of common shares and preferred shares   $ (29,519 )
Fees paid to/on behalf of holders   $ (797 )
   
 
Carrying value of the new notes   $ 149,684  

Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors and provide certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantor subsidiaries and provide certain collateral, the interest rate will increase by one percentage point per annum.

(5)
Adjusted to reflect the exchange of 90% of the aggregate principal amount or, if applicable, aggregate accreted principal amount, of the Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares. Current installments on long term debt at March 26, 2004 includes $1,521 related to the Robbins bonds.

(6)
Adjusted to reflect the exchange of 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes for common shares and preferred shares.

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(7)
Adjusted to reflect the exchange of 75% of the aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities for common shares and preferred shares.

(8)
The pro forma capitalization table, as adjusted, has been prepared to reflect the exchange of 90% of the convertible notes and Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares, the exchange of 75% of the trust securities for common shares and preferred shares, the exchange of 90% of the 2005 notes for new notes, common shares and preferred shares, and the issuance of $120,000 aggregate principal amount of upsize notes, the proceeds of which will be used to repay amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit agreement, as of March 26, 2004 assuming a share price of $1.42 per share. For sensitivities, please refer to the footnotes to the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet on page 48.

 
  Senior
Secured
Credit
Agreement
and Restricted
Stock Plan

  2005
Notes

  Robbins
Bonds

  Convertible
Notes

  Trust
Securities

  Total
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Par value of common shares issued   $ 9,800 $ 11,169   $ 21,791   $ 39,311   $ 14,600   $ 96,671  
Par value of preferred shares issued   $   $ 120   $ 235   $ 423   $ 158   $ 936  
Paid in capital   $ 4,116   $ 18,230   $ 35,583   $ 232,762   $ 23,867   $ 314,558  

Retained Deficit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Debt conversion expense   $   $   $   $ (88,353 ) $   $ (88,353 )
  Gain on exchange   $   $   $ 44,716   $   $ 124,736   $ 169,452  
  Write-off issuance and offering cost   $ (11,559 )* $ (1,825 ) $ (1,124 ) $   $ (5,671 ) $ (20,179 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total change   $ (11,559 ) $ (1,825 ) $ 43,592   $ (88,353 ) $ 119,065   $ 60,920  

    *
    Reflects the write-off of the unamortized portion of a fee of $13,613 paid to lenders under our senior secured credit facility. The amount of $1,899 was amortized in the first quarter of 2004.

    Reflects the issuance of 9,800,000 common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to members of Foster Wheeler's senior management and board of directors, to be issued, subject to certain restrictions, under a restricted stock plan which we intend to adopt before the closing of the exchange offer, at a price of $1.42 per share. Grants under the plan will be expensed over a three year vesting period.

(9)
Reflects the issuance of 9,800,000 common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to members of Foster Wheeler's senior management and board of directors, to be issued, subject to certain restrictions, under a restricted stock plan which we intend to adopt before the closing of the exchange offer, at a price of $1.42 per share. Grants under the plan will be expensed over a three year vesting period.

(10)
The interest rate on the new notes will equal a rate of 6.65% plus that yield on U.S. Treasury notes having a remaining maturity, as of the second business day prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer, equal to the maturity of the new notes. The "as adjusted" financial data included in the capitalization tables beginning on page 41 reflects pro forma results giving effect to the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering assuming an interest rate of 11.086%.

43


Capitalization
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Extinguishment Method:

 
  As of March 26, 2004
 
 
  Actual
  Adjustments (extinguishment method)
  As adjusted (extinguishment method)
 
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents(1)   $ 380,742   $ (33,278 ) $ 347,464  
Restricted cash and cash equivalents     73,021         73,021  
   
 
 
 
Total restricted and unrestricted cash and cash equivalents   $ 453,763   $ (33,278 ) $ 420,485  
   
 
 
 
Short-term debt:                    
  Current installments on long-term debt(5)   $ 20,945   $ (1,521 ) $ 19,424  
  Bank loans              
   
 
 
 
  Total short-term debt     20,945     (1,521 )   19,424  
   
 
 
 
Long-term debt:                    
  Senior secured credit facility(2)     126,912     (120,000 )   6,912  
  Other debt     5,436         5,436  
  6.75% senior notes due 2005(3)     200,000     (180,000 )   20,000  
  Fixed rate senior secured notes due 2011, Series A(4)(10)         135,000     135,000  
  Fixed rate senior secured notes due 2011, Series B(2)(10)         120,000     120,000  
  Special-purpose project debt less current installments     115,735         115,735  
  Capital lease obligations less current     62,295         62,295  
  Subordinated Robbins exit funding obligations Series C less current(5)     87,595     (78,836 )   8,759  
  Subordinated Robbins exit funding obligations Series D(5)     24,408     (21,968 )   2,440  
  6.50% convertible subordinated notes due 2007(6)     210,000     (189,000 )   21,000  
  Mandatory redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary holding solely junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures(7)     175,000     (131,250 )   43,750  
   
 
 
 
Total long-term debt     1,007,381     (466,054 )   541,327  
   
 
 
 
  Total debt     1,028,326     (467,575 )   560,751  
   
 
 
 
Minority interest in equity of consolidated affiliates     21,970         21,970  
Shareholders' deficit:                    
  Preferred shares: 1,500,000 shares authorized; $1.00 par value; none issued (935,831 Pro Forma)(9)         936     936  
  Common shares: 160,000,000 shares authorized, $1.00 par value; 40,771,560 shares issued (137,443,780 Pro Forma)(8)(9)     40,772     96,671     137,443  
  Paid-in capital(8)(9)     201,841     316,156     517,997  
  Retained earnings (deficit)(8)     (815,352 )   75,635     (739,717 )
  Unearned compensation(9)         (14,014 )   (14,014 )
  Accumulated other comprehensive income     (308,003 )       (308,003 )
   
 
 
 
  Total shareholders' deficit     (880,742 )   475,384     (405,358 )
   
 
 
 
Total capitalization   $ 169,554   $ 7,809   $ 177,363  
   
 
 
 

(1)
Assumes estimated transaction costs of $6,550 and reflects the payment of accrued interest of $13,116 on the 2005 notes, the convertible notes, the Robbins bonds and our senior secured credit agreement, and payments of a fee of $13,613 to the lenders under the senior secured credit facility.

(2)
Adjusted to reflect the concurrent offering of $120,000 in aggregate principal amount of upsize notes. The upsize notes will be offered and sold in a separate private transaction to certain holders of 2005 notes and convertible notes that participate in the exchange offer. Proceeds from the sale of the upsize notes will be used to reduce amounts outstanding under Foster Wheeler LLC's senior secured credit agreement. Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned guarantors and certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange offer.

(3)
Adjusted to reflect the exchange of 90% of the aggregate principal amount of 2005 notes for new notes, common shares and preferred shares. Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors and provide certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantor subsidiaries and collateral, the interest rate will increase one percentage point per annum.

(4)
Adjusted to reflect the issuance of $135,000 in aggregate principal amount of new notes. Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors and provide certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantor subsidiaries and collateral, the interest rate will increase one percentage point per annum.

(5)
Adjusted to reflect the exchange of 90% of the aggregate principal amount or, if applicable, the aggregate accreted principal amount, of the Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares. Current installments on long term debt at March 26, 2004 includes $1,521 related to the Robbins bonds.

(6)
Adjusted to reflect the exchange of 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes for common shares and preferred shares.

(7)
Adjusted to reflect the exchange of 75% of the aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities for common shares and preferred shares.

44


(8)
The pro forma capitalization table, as adjusted, has been prepared to reflect the exchange of 90% of the convertible notes and Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares, the exchange of 75% of the trust securities for common shares and preferred shares the exchange of 90% of the 2005 notes for new notes, common shares and preferred shares, and the issuance of $120,000 in aggregate principal amount of upsize notes, the proceeds of which will be used to repay the senior secured credit agreement, as of March 26, 2004 assuming a price of $1.43 per share. For sensitivities, please refer to the footnotes to the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheets on page 55.

 
  Senior
Secured
Credit
Agreement
and Restricted
Stock Plan

  2005
Notes

  Robbins
Bonds

  Convertible
Notes

  Trust
Securities

  Total
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Par value of common shares issued   $ 9,800 $ 11,169   $ 21,791   $ 39,311   $ 14,600   $ 96,671  
Par value of preferred shares issued       $ 120   $ 235   $ 423   $ 158   $ 936  
Paid in capital   $ 4,214 $ 18,438   $ 35,989   $ 233,376   $ 24,139   $ 316,156  

Retained Deficit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Debt conversion expense   $ 0   $ 0   $ 0   $ (88,967 ) $ 0   $ (88,967 )
  Gain on exchange       $ 15,273   $ 44,310       $ 124,464   $ 184,047  
  Write-off of issuance and offering cost   $ (11,559) * $ (1,091 ) $ (1,124 ) $   $ (5,671 ) $ (19,445 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total change   $ (11,559 ) $ 14,182   $ 43,186   $ (88,967 ) $ 118,793   $ 75,635  

    *
    Reflects the write-off of the unamortized portion of a fee of $13,613 paid to the lenders under our senior secured credit facility. The amount of $1,899 was amortized in the first quarter of 2004.

    Reflects the issuance of 9,800,000 common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to members of Foster Wheeler's senior management and board of directors, under a restricted stock plan which we intend to adopt before the closing of the exchange offer at a price of $1.43 per share. Grants under the plan will be expensed over a three year vesting period.

(9)
Reflects the issuance of 9,800,000 common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to members of Foster Wheeler's senior management and board of directors, to be issued, subject to certain restrictions, under a restricted stock plan which we intend to adopt before the closing of the exchange offer at a price of $1.43 per share. Grants under the plan will be expensed over a three year vesting period.

(10)
The interest rate on the new notes will equal a rate of 6.65% plus that yield on U.S. Treasury notes having a remaining maturity, as of the second business day prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer, equal to the maturity of the new notes. The "as adjusted" financial data included in the capitalization tables beginning on page 41 reflects pro forma results giving effect to the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering assuming an interest rate of 11.086%.

45



UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated income statements for the three months ended March 26, 2004 and the year ended December 26, 2003 give effect to the events discussed below as if each had occurred on December 28, 2002, the first day of our 2003 fiscal year. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 26, 2004 gives effect to the exchange offer as if it had occurred on March 26, 2004. In each case we assume that:

    holders of 75% of the aggregate liquidation amount of trust securities validly tender, and do not validly withdraw, those trust securities; and

    holders of 90% of the aggregate principal amount of convertible notes validly tender, and do not validly withdraw, those convertible notes; and

    holders of 90% of the aggregate principal amount or, if applicable, accreted principal amount, outstanding as of March 26, 2004, of Robbins bonds validly tender, and do not validly withdraw, those Robbins bonds; and

    holders of 90% of the aggregate principal amount of 2005 notes validly tender, and do not validly withdraw, those 2005 notes.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements also give effect to the concurrent issuance of $120 million aggregate principal amount of upsize notes. The upsize notes are being offered and sold in a separate private transaction to certain holders of 2005 notes and convertible notes that participate in the exchange offer. This private offering is conditional on the consummation of the exchange offer. It is anticipated that the proceeds from the upsize notes offering will be used to reduce amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit agreement. In addition, the unaudited pro forma financial statements assume payment to the lenders under our senior secured credit facility of a fee of $13.6 million, and award of 9,800,000 common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to members of Foster Wheeler's senior management and board of directors, to be issued, subject to certain restrictions, under a restricted stock plan which we intend to adopt before the closing of the exchange offer.

        The exchange of the 2005 notes for equity and new notes will be accounted for in accordance with EITF 96-19 "Debtor's Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments". We will account for the treatment of the 2005 notes in the exchange offer using either the modification method or the extinguishment method, as appropriate. You should read "Accounting Treatment for the Exchange Offer" on page 66 for more information. The following chart indicates when the modification versus extinguishment method of accounting will apply at various interest rates and stock prices.

 
  Stock Price
 
Interest Rate

 
  Modification
  Extinguishment
 
11.874%   $ 1.13   $ 1.14 *
11.586%   $ 1.24   $ 1.25  
11.461%   $ 1.28   $ 1.29  
11.336%   $ 1.33   $ 1.34  
11.211%   $ 1.37   $ 1.38  
11.086%**   $ 1.42   $ 1.43  
10.961%   $ 1.46   $ 1.47  
10.836%   $ 1.50   $ 1.51  
10.711%   $ 1.55   $ 1.56  
10.586%   $ 1.59   $ 1.60  

*
Closing share price on June 4, 2004

**
The approximate yield on US Treasury Notes maturing 8/2011 plus 665 basis points as of June 4, 2004 (the "current assumed interest rate")

46


        The following table sets forth the EITF 96-19 calculation at an interest rate of 11.086% (current assumed interest rate, based on recent market data) and a price per common share of $1.43 (extinguishment method) and $1.42 (modification method) at the 90% minimum participation level (in thousands).

Share price at closing   $ 1.13   $ 1.42   $ 1.43

Value of common and preferred shares issued

 

$

23,491

 

$

29,519

 

$

29,727
Present value of new notes*     167,232     167,232     167,232
Fees and expenses to/on behalf of holders     1,240     1,240     1,240
   
 
 
Total value   $ 191,963   $ 197,991   $ 198,199

Accounting treatment **

 

 

Modification

 

 

Modification

 

 

Extinguishment

*
Using a discount rate of 6.75%, in accordance with EITF No 96-19.

**
If the total value is below $162 million (10% below $180,000 face value of 2005 notes) or above $198 million (10% above $180 million face value of 2005 notes), the exchange will be treated as an extinguishment. If the total value is between $162 million and $198 million, the exchange will be accounted for as a modification. The gain to be recognized under the extinguishment method would be $15.3 million and annual interest expense on the new notes would be $3.1 million more than the interest expense currently being recorded on the $180 million of 2005 notes. The gain to be recognized under the modification method would be $0 and annual interest expense on the new notes would be $1.1 million more than the interest expense currently being recorded on the $180 million of 2005 notes. The gain not recognized at closing under the modification method reduces interest expense over the life of the debt.

        The interest rate on the new notes will equal a rate of 6.65% plus that yield on U.S. Treasury notes having a remaining maturity, as of the second business day prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer, equal to the maturity of the new notes. The actual price per share will be determined using the market price for the common shares and the fair value for the preferred shares on the closing date. Based upon the terms of the preferred shares, the fair value of a preferred share is expected to be equal to the market price of the corresponding number of common shares on an as converted basis.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements presented in the tables beginning on page 48 reflect pro forma results giving effect to the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering assuming an interest rate of 11.086% and a stock price of $1.42 (modification method) and the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements in the tables beginning on page 55 reflect pro forma results giving effect to the exchange offer and the upsize notes assuming an interest rate of 11.086% and a stock price of $1.43 (extinguishment method).

        The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements are based on assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances and are intended for informational purposes only. They are not necessarily indicative of our future financial position or results of operations or of the financial positions or results of operations that would have actually occurred had the events described above taken place as of the dates or for the periods presented.

        You should read this information together with the consolidated financial statements, including the notes contained in the consolidated financial statements, of us and our subsidiaries, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

47


Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet(1)
(In thousands)
(Modification Method)

 
  March 26, 2004
  Pro Forma Adjustment for the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and Restricted Stock Plan(3)†
  Pro Forma Adjustment for 2005 Notes(4)
  Pro Forma Adjustment for Robbins Bonds(5)
  Pro Forma Adjustment for Convertible Notes(6)
  Pro Forma Adjustment for Trust Securities(7)
  Pro Forma
March 26,
2004

 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments(2)   $ 380,742   $ (15,897 ) $ (7,209 ) $ (3,794 ) $ (5,254 ) $ (1,124 ) $ 347,464  
Account and notes receivable, net     522,442                         522,442  
Contracts in process and inventories     127,184                         127,184  
Prepaid expenses, prepaid, deferred and refundable income taxes     62,628                         62,628  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total current assets     1,092,996     (15,897 )   (7,209 )   (3,794 )   (5,254 )   (1,124 )   1,059,718  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Land, buildings and equipment     622,172                         622,172  
Less accumulated depreciation     318,566                         318,566  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net book value     303,606                         303,606  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted Cash     73,021                         73,021  
Asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable     480,786                         480,786  
Other assets     468,534     (11,348 )           (3,698 )   (4,546 )   448,942  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets   $ 2,418,943   $ (27,245 ) $ (7,209 ) $ (3,794 ) $ (8,952 ) $ (5,670 ) $ 2,366,073  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current installments on long-term debt and bank loans   $ 20,945   $   $   $ (1,521 ) $   $   $ 19,424  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses     585,262     (1,764 )   (4,587 )   (2,670 )   (4,095 )       572,146  
Estimated cost to complete long-term contracts     578,049                         578,049  
Other current liabilities     128,594     (13,922 )                   114,672  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total current liabilities     1,312,850     (15,686 )   (4,587 )   (4,191 )   (4,095 )       1,284,291  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other debt less current installments     248,083     (120,000 )                   128,083  
6.75% senior notes due 2005     200,000         (180,000 )               20,000  
Fixed rate senior secured notes due 2011, Series A(8)(16)             149,684                 149,684  
Fixed rate senior secured notes due 2011, Series B(16)         120,000                     120,000  
Pension, post retirement and other employees benefits     303,961                         303,961  
Asbestos-related liability     502,287                         502,287  
Other liabilities (excluding minority interest)     170,718                         170,718  
Subordinated Robbins exit funding obligations Series C less current     87,595             (78,836 )           8,759  
Subordinated Robbins exit funding obligations Series D     24,408             (21,968 )           2,440  
Convertible subordinated notes     210,000                 (189,000 )       21,000  
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trust holding solely junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures     175,000                     (131,250 )   43,750  
Deferred accrued interest expense – mandatory redeemable interest securities     42,813                     (32,110 )   10,703  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities     3,277,715     (15,686 )   (34,903 )   (104,995 )   (193,095 )   (163,360 )   2,765,676  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Minority interest in equity of consolidated affiliates     21,970                         21,970  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                             

48


Shareholders' Deficit:                                            
Preferred Shares(9)             120     235     423     158     936  
Common shares(9)     40,772     9,800     11,169     21,791     39,311     14,600     137,443  
Paid-in capital     201,841     4,116     18,230     35,583     232,762     23,867     516,399  
Retained earnings (deficit)     (815,352 )   (11,559 )   (1,825 )   43,592     (88,353 )   119,065     (754,432 )
Unearned Compensation†         (13,916 )                   (13,916 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (308,003 )                       (308,003 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders' deficit(1),(10),(11),(12),(13),(14),(15)     (880,742 )   (11,559 )   27,694     101,201     184,143     157,690     (421,573 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit   $ 2,418,943   $ (27,245 ) $ (7,209 ) $ (3,794 ) $ (8,952 ) $ (5,670 ) $ 2,366,073  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed balance sheet:

(1)
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet has been prepared to reflect the exchange of 90% of the convertible notes and Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares, the exchange of 75% of the trust securities for common shares and preferred shares, the exchange of 90% of the 2005 notes for new notes, common shares and preferred shares, and the issuance of $120,000 in aggregate principal amount of upsize notes, the proceeds of which will be used to repay amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit agreement, as of March 26, 2004.

 
  Senior Secured Credit Agreement and Restricted Stock Plan
  2005 Notes
  Robbins
Bonds

  Convertible
Notes

  Trust
Securities

  Total
 
 
  (in thousands)

  (in thousands)

  (in thousands)

  (in thousands)

  (in thousands)

  (in thousands)

 
Par value of common shares issued   $ 9,800 $ 11,169   $ 21,791   $ 39,311   $ 14,600   $ 96,671  
Par value of preferred shares issued   $   $ 120   $ 235   $ 423   $ 158   $ 936  
Paid in capital   $ 4,116   $ 18,230   $ 35,583   $ 232,762   $ 23,867   $ 314,558  

Retained Deficit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Debt conversion expense   $   $   $   $ (88,353 ) $   $ (88,353 )
  Gain on exchange and offering   $   $   $ 44,716   $   $ 124,736   $ 169,452  
  Write-off issuance and offering cost   $ (11,559 )* $ (1,825 ) $ (1,124 ) $   $ (5,671 ) $ (20,179 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total change   $ (11,559 ) $ (1,825 ) $ 43,592   $ (88,353 ) $ 119,065   $ 60,920  

    *
    Reflects the write-off of the unamortized portion of a fee of $13,613 paid to the lenders under our senior secured credit facility. The amount of $1,899 was amortized in the first quarter of 2004.

    Reflects the issuance of 9,800,000 common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to members of Foster Wheeler's senior management and board of directors, to be issued, subject to certain restrictions, under a restricted stock plan which we intend to adopt before the closing of the exchange offer, at a price of $1.42 per share. Grants under the plan will be expensed over a three year vesting period. Awards under the plan are contingent upon the consummation of the exchange offer as described in this prospectus.

(2)
Assumes estimated transaction costs of $6,550 and reflects the payment of accrued interest of $13,116 on the 2005 notes, the convertible notes, the Robbins bonds and our senior secured credit agreement and payment of a $13,613 fee to the lenders under Foster Wheeler LLC's senior secured credit agreement.

(3)
Adjusted to reflect the concurrent offering of $120,000 in aggregate principal amount of upsize notes. The upsize notes will be offered and sold in a separate private transaction to certain holders of the 2005 notes and convertible notes that participate in the exchange offer. Proceeds from the sale of the upsize notes will be used to reduce amounts outstanding under Foster Wheeler LLC's senior secured credit agreement. The private offering is conditional on the consummation of the exchange offer. Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors and provide certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantor subsidiaries and collateral, the interest rate will increase by one percentage point per annum. Reflects payment of a $13,613 fee to the lenders under Foster Wheeler LLC's senior secured credit agreement, $521 in transaction costs and $1,764 of accrued interest.

(4)
Assumes the exchange of 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2005 notes for new notes, common shares and preferred shares, payment of transaction costs of $2,622 and payment of interest of $4,587. Foster Wheeler has the option to

49


    add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors and provide certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantor subsidiaries and collateral, the interest rate will increase by one percentage point per annum.

(5)
Assumes the exchange of 90% of the aggregate principal amount, or if applicable, aggregate accreted principal amount, of the Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares, and payment of transaction costs of $1,124 and payment of accrued interest of $2,670. Current installments on long term debt at March 26, 2004 includes $1,521 related to the Robbins bonds.

(6)
Assumes the exchange of 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes for common shares and preferred shares, and the write-off of 90% of the unamortized issuance costs for $3,698 against paid-in capital. Reflects payment of $1,159 in transaction costs and $4,095 of accrued interest.

(7)
Assumes the exchange of 75% of the aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities for common shares and preferred shares and the resulting elimination of 75% of the deferred accrued interest and the write-off of 75% of the unamortized issuance costs for $4,546. Reflects payment of $1,124 in transaction costs.

(8)
Adjusted to reflect the issuance of $135 million of new notes, calculated as follows (in thousands):

Face value of 2005 notes to be exchanged   $ 180,000  
Fair value of common shares and preferred shares   $ (29,519 )
Fees paid to/on behalf of holders   $ (797 )
   
 
Carrying value of the new notes   $ 149,684  
(9)
The pro forma balance sheet does not reflect the conversion of the preferred shares into common shares. Upon conversion of the preferred shares into common shares, the total number of common shares outstanding would be approximately 213,010,000.

(10)
If 100% of each of the outstanding 2005 notes, Robbins bonds, trust securities and convertible notes are exchanged, the shareholders' deficit would be reduced by an additional $88,175 and total liabilities would be reduced by an additional $91,362.

(11)
If the percentage of 2005 notes exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the shareholders' deficit would be reduced by $328 and total liabilities would be reduced by $379.

(12)
If the percentage of Robbins bonds exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the shareholders' deficit would be reduced by $1,136 and total liabilities would be reduced by $1,166.

(13)
If the percentage of convertible notes exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the shareholders' deficit would be reduced by $2,059 and total liabilities would be reduced by $2,146.

(14)
If the percentage of trust securities exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the shareholders' deficit would be reduced by $2,118 and total liabilities would be reduced by $2,178.

(15)
If the price per common share at closing is $0.10 lower, the shareholders' deficit would be increased by $2,078. Since a price higher than $1.42 per share would result in the transaction being treated as an extinguishment, see the extinguishment scenario for the impact of a higher price per common share.

(16)
The interest rate on the new notes will equal a rate of 6.65% plus that yield on U.S. Treasury notes having a remaining maturity, as of the second business day prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer, equal to the maturity of the new notes. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements presented in tables beginning on page 46 reflect pro forma results giving effect to the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering assuming an interest rate of 11.086%.

50


Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Pro Forma Income Statement(1)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Modification method)

 
  For the Year Ended December 26, 2003
  Pro Forma Adjustment for the Senior Secured Credit Agreement(3)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for 2005 Notes(4)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for Robbins Bonds(5)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for Convertible Notes(6)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for Trust Securities(7)
  Pro Forma for the Combined Year Ended December 26, 2003
 
Operating revenues   $ 3,723,815   $   $   $   $   $   $ 3,723,815  
Other income     77,493                         77,493  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues and other income     3,801,308                         3,801,308  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cost of operating revenues

 

 

3,441,342

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

3,441,342

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses     199,949     4,639 (14)                   204,588  
Other deductions     168,455                         168,455  
Interest expense     77,354     262     1,137     (7,351 )   (13,434 )   (293 )   57,675  
Dividends on preferred securities of subsidiary trust     18,130                     (13,597 )   4,533  
Minority interest in net earnings of consolidated affiliates     5,715                         5,715  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total costs and expenses     3,910,945     4,901     1,137     (7,351 )   (13,434 )   (13,890 )   3,882,308  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Income (loss) before taxes

 

 

(109,637

)

 

(4,901

)

 

(1,137

)

$

7,351

 

$

13,434

 

 

13,890

 

$

(81,000

)
Provision for income taxes     47,426                         47,426  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income(8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14)   $ (157,063 ) $ (4,901 ) $ (1,137 ) $ 7,351   $ 13,434   $ 13,890   $ (128,426 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted (loss) income per common share(2)   $ (3.83 )                               $ (0.98 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands)     41,045                                   131,183  

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma income statement:

(1)
The pro forma income statement has been prepared to reflect the exchange of 90% of the convertible notes and Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares, the exchange of 75% of the trust securities for common shares and preferred shares the exchange of 90% of the 2005 notes for new notes, common shares and preferred shares, and the issuance of $120,000 in aggregate principal amount of upsize notes, the proceeds of which will be used to repay the senior secured credit agreement, as if such exchange and issuance had occurred on December 28, 2002. An interest rate of 11.086% and a share price of $1.42 per common share have been assumed. The pro forma income statement does not reflect the non-recurring gain of $169,452 on exchange of common shares and preferred shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. for the Robbins bonds and trust securities, nor the non-recurring loss of $88,353 on the conversion of the convertible notes or the write off of issuance and offering costs of $20,179.

(2)
In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 03-6, "Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FAS 128," losses are not allocated to holders of the preferred shares for purposes of calculating earnings per share.

(3)
Assumes that $120,000 of debt outstanding under our senior secured credit agreement is repaid using the proceeds of the issuance of the upsize notes in a private offering which is conditional of the consummation of the exchange offer, and corresponding interest and issuance cost amortizations are eliminated, and additional interest incurred on the upsize notes:

Interest under senior secured credit agreement   $ (7,290 )
Amortization of issuance expenses   $ (1,954 )
Interest on upsize notes at 11.086%   $ 13,303  
Amortization of bank fee   $ (3,797 )
   
 
Net impact on interest expense   $ 262  

51


    Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors and provide certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantor subsidiaries and collateral, the interest rate will increase by one percentage point per annum.

(4)
Assumes 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2005 notes are exchanged for new notes, the corresponding interest and original issuance costs amortizations are eliminated, additional interest is incurred on the new notes, and the unamortized original issuance costs of the 2005 notes are amortized over the term of the new notes:

Interest on the 2005 notes   $ (12,150 )
Net impact of amortization of issuance expenses   $ (128 )
Interest on new notes*   $ 13,415  
   
 
Net impact on interest expense   $ 1,137  

    Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors and provide certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantor subsidiaries, and collateral, the interest rate will increase by one percentage point per annum. Foster Wheeler intends to add the additional guarantors and collateral.

*
The difference of $1,551 in the interest on the new notes between the extinguishment method and the modification method is due to the following:

In the extinguishment case, the gain of $15,273 is recognized at closing, and the annual interest expense is calculated as 11.086% of the face value of $135,000.

In the modification case, no gain is recognized at closing, the carrying value of the new notes is equal to the face value of the 2005 notes exchanged less the fair market value when issued of the common shares and preferred shares issued in exchange for the 2005 notes. The interest expense on the new notes is then calculated using the effective interest rate method, at a rate of 9.004%.

(5)
Assumes the exchange of 90% of the aggregate principal amount, or if applicable, aggregate accreted principal amount of the Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares and elimination of 90% of the interest expense.

(6)
Assumes the exchange of aggregate principal amount of the 90% of the convertible notes for common shares and preferred shares, and the elimination of 90% of the interest expense and issuance costs amortization.

(7)
Assumes the exchange of 75% of the aggregate liquidation amount trust securities for common shares and preferred shares, and the elimination of 75% of the interest expense and issuance costs amortization.

(8)
If 100% of each of the 2005 notes, the Robbins bonds, the trust securities and the convertible notes are exchanged, the loss available to common shareholders would be $(121,610), and the basic and diluted loss per share would be $(0.84).

(9)
If the percentage of 2005 notes exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the loss available to common shareholders would increase by $12. If the interest rate on the 2005 notes decreases by 1/8th of a percentage point, the loss available to common shareholders would decrease by $23. You should read the extinguishment scenario for the impact of a 1/8th of a percentage point increase in the interest rate on the 2005 notes.

(10)
If the percentage of Robbins bonds exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the loss available to common shareholders would decrease by $82.

(11)
If the percentage of convertible notes exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the loss available to common shareholders would decrease by $149.

(12)
If the percentage of trust securities exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the loss available to common shareholders would decrease by $186.

(13)
If the price per common share at closing is $0.10 lower, the loss available to common shareholders would decrease by $568. For the impact of a higher price per common share, see the extinguishment scenario.

(14)
Reflects the amortization of the cost of 9,800,000 common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to be granted to members of Foster Wheeler's senior management and board of directors under a restricted stock plan which we intend to adopt before the closing of the exchange offer, at a price per share of $1.42. The cost of grants under the plan will be expensed over a three year vesting period. Awards under the plan are contingent upon the consummation of the exchange offer as described in this prospectus.

52


Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Pro Forma Income Statement(1)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Modification method)

 
  For the Three Months Ended March 26, 2004
  Pro Forma Adjustment for the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and Restricted Stock Plan(3)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for 2005 Notes(4)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for Robbins Bonds(5)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for Convertible Notes(6)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for Trust Securities(7)
  Pro Forma for the Combined Three Months Ended March 26, 2004
Operating revenues   $ 666,359   $   $   $   $   $   $ 666,359
Other income     35,949                         35,949
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues and other income     702,308                         702,308
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cost of operating revenues

 

 

591,147

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

591,147
Selling, general and administrative expenses     57,184     1,160 (14)                   58,344
Other deductions     18,417                         18,417
Interest expense     20,640     (1,398 )   314     (1,830 )   (3,363 )   (73 )   14,290
Dividends on preferred securities of subsidiary trust     4,792                     (3,594 )   1,198
Minority interest in net earnings of consolidated affiliates     982                         982
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total costs and expenses     693,162     (238 )   314     (1,830 )   (3,363 )   (3,667 )   684,378
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Income (loss) before taxes

 

 

9,146

 

 

238

 

 

(314

)

 

1,830

 

 

3,363

 

 

3,667

 

 

17,930
Provision for income taxes     13,444                         13,444
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income(8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14)     (4,298 ) $ 238   $ (314 ) $ 1,830   $ 3,363   $ 3,667     4,486
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income allocated to preferred shareholders(2)                                     $ 1,630
   
                               
Net income available to common shareholders(2)   $ (4,298 )                               $ 2,856
   
                               
Earnings (loss) per share:                                          
  Basic (loss) income per share   $ (0.10 )                               $ 0.02
  Weighted average number of common shares—basic     41,055                                   131,193
  Diluted (loss) income per share   $ (0.10 )                               $ 0.02
  Weighted average number of common shares—diluted     41,055                                   131,614

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma income statement:

(1)
The pro forma income statement has been prepared to reflect the exchange of 90% of the convertible notes and Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares, the exchange of 75% of the trust securities for common shares and preferred shares, the exchange of 90% of the 2005 notes for new notes, common shares and preferred shares, and the issuance of $120,000 in aggregate principal amount of upsize notes, the proceeds of which will be used to repay the senior secured credit agreement, as if such exchange and issuance had occurred on December 28, 2002. An interest rate of 11.086% and a share price of $1.42 per common share have been assumed. The pro forma income statement does not reflect the non-recurring gain of $169,452 on exchange of common shares and preferred shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. for the Robbins bonds and trust securities, nor the non-recurring loss of $88,353 on the conversion of the convertible notes or the write off of issuance and offering cost of $20,179.

(2)
In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 03-6, "Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FAS 128," losses are not allocated to holders of the preferred shares for purposes of calculating earnings per share. Net income was allocated to preferred shareholders based on the number of common shares they would hold on an as converted basis.

53


(3)
Assumes that $120,000 of debt outstanding under our senior secured credit agreement is repaid using the proceeds of the issuance of the upsize notes in a private offering which is conditional of the consummation of the exchange offer, and corresponding interest and issuance cost amortizations are eliminated, and additional interest incurred on the upsize notes:

Interest under senior secured credit agreement   $ (2,208 )
Amortization of issuance expenses   $ (617 )
Interest on upsize notes at 11.086%   $ 3,326  
Amortization of bank fee   $ (1,899 )
   
 
Net impact on interest expense   $ (1,398 )

    Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors and provide certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantor subsidiaries, and collateral, the interest rate will increase by one percentage point per annum.

(4)
Assumes 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2005 notes are exchanged for new notes, the corresponding interest and original issuance costs amortizations are eliminated, additional interest is incurred on the new notes, and the unamortized original issuance costs of the 2005 notes are amortized over the term of the new notes:

Interest on the 2005 notes   $ (3,038 )
Net impact of amortization of issuance expenses   $ (2 )
Interest on new notes*   $ 3,354  
   
 
Net impact on interest expense   $ 314  

    Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors and provide certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantor subsidiaries, and collateral, the interest rate will increase by one percentage point per annum. Foster Wheeler intends to add the additional guarantors and collateral.

*
The difference of $388 in the interest on the new notes between the extinguishment method and the modification method is due to the following:

In the extinguishment case, the gain of $15,273 is recognized at closing, and the annual interest expense is calculated as 11.086% of the face value of $135,000.

In the modification case, no gain is recognized at closing, the carrying value of the new notes is equal to the face value of the 2005 notes exchanged less the fair market value when issued of the common shares and preferred shares issued in exchange for the 2005 notes. The interest expense on the new notes is then calculated using the effective interest rate method, at a rate of 9.004%.

(5)
Assumes the exchange of 90% of the aggregate principal amount, or if applicable, aggregate accreted principal amount of the Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares and elimination of 90% of the interest expense.

(6)
Assumes the exchange of aggregate principal amount of the 90% of the convertible notes for common shares and preferred shares, and the elimination of 90% of the interest expense and issuance costs amortization.

(7)
Assumes the exchange of 75% of the aggregate liquidation amount trust securities for common shares and preferred shares, and the elimination of 75% of the interest expense and issuance costs amortization.

(8)
If 100% of each of the 2005 notes, the Robbins bonds, the trust securities and the convertible notes are exchanged, income available to common shareholders would be $3,915, and the basic and diluted income per share would be $0.03.

(9)
If the percentage of 2005 notes exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, income available to common shareholders would decrease by $3. If the interest rate on the 2005 notes decreases by 1/8th of a percentage point, income available to common shareholders would increase by $17. You should read the extinguishment scenario for the impact of a 1/8th of a percentage point increase in the interest rate on the 2005 notes.

(10)
If the percentage of Robbins bonds exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, income available to common shareholders would increase by $12.

(11)
If the percentage of convertible notes exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, income available to common shareholders would increase by $23.

(12)
If the percentage of trust securities exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, income available to common shareholders would increase by $31.

(13)
If the price per common share at closing is $0.10 lower, income available to common shareholders would increase by $91. For the impact of a higher price per common share, see the extinguishment scenario.

(14)
Reflects the amortization of the cost of 9,800,000 common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to be granted to members of Foster Wheeler's senior management and board of directors under a restricted stock plan which we intend to adopt before the closing of the exchange offer, at a price per share of $1.42. The cost of grants under the plan will be expensed over a three year vesting period. Awards under the plan are contingent upon the consummation of the exchange offer as described in this prospectus.

54


Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Pro Forma Balance Sheet(1)
(In thousands)
(Extinguishment method)

 
  March 26, 2004
  Pro Forma Adjustment for the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and Restricted Stock Plan(3)†
  Pro Forma Adjustment for 2005 Notes(4)
  Pro Forma Adjustment for Robbins Bonds(5)
  Pro Forma Adjustment for Convertible Notes(6)
  Pro Forma Adjustment for Trust Securities(7)
  Pro Forma March 26, 2004
 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments(2)   $ 380,742   $ (15,897 ) $ (7,209 ) $ (3,794 ) $ (5,254 ) $ (1,124 ) $ 347,464  
Account and notes receivable, net     522,442                         522,442  
Contracts in process and inventories     127,184                         127,184  
Prepaid expenses, prepaid, deferred and refundable income taxes     62,628                         62,628  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total current assets     1,092,996     (15,897 )   (7,209 )   (3,794 )   (5,254 )   (1,124 )   1,059,718  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Land, buildings and equipment     622,172                         622,172  
Less accumulated depreciation     318,566                         318,566  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net book value     303,606                         303,606  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted Cash     73,021                         73,021  
Asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable     480,786                         480,786  
Other assets     468,534     (11,348 )   1,531         (3,698 )   (4,546 )   450,473  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets   $ 2,418,943   $ (27,245 ) $ (5,678 ) $ (3,794 ) $ (8,952 ) $ (5,670 ) $ 2,367,604  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current installments on long-term debt and bank loans   $ 20,945   $   $   $ (1,521 ) $   $   $ 19,424  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses     585,262     (1,764 )   (4,587 )   (2,670 )   (4,095 )       572,146  
Estimated cost to complete long-term contracts     578,049                         578,049  
Other current liabilities     128,594     (13,922 )                   114,672  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total current liabilities     1,312,850     (15,686 )   (4,587 )   (4,191 )   (4,095 )       1,284,291  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other debt less current installments     248,083     (120,000 )                   128,083  
6.75% senior notes due 2005     200,000         (180,000 )               20,000  
Fixed rate senior secured notes due 2011, Series A(8)(16)             135,000                 135,000  
Fixed rate senior secured notes due 2011, Series B(16)         120,000                     120,000  
Pension, post retirement and other employees benefits     303,961                         303,961  
Asbestos-related liability     502,287                         502,287  
Other liabilities (excluding minority interest)     170,718                         170,718  
Subordinated Robbins exit funding obligations Series C less current     87,595             (78,836 )           8,759  
Subordinated Robbins exit funding obligations Series D     24,408             (21,968 )           2,440  
Convertible subordinated notes     210,000                 (189,000 )       21,000  
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trust holding solely junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures(7)     175,000                     (131,250 )   43,750  
Deferred accrued interest expense—mandatory redeemable interest securities(7)     42,813                     (32,110 )   10,703  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities     3,277,715     (15,686 )   (49,587 )   (104,995 )   (193,095 )   (163,360 )   2,750,992  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Minority interest in equity of consolidated affiliates     21,970                         21,970  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' Deficit:                                            
Preferred Shares(9)             120     235     423     158     936  
Common shares(9)     40,772     9,800     11,169     21,791     39,311     14,600     137,443  
Paid-in capital     201,841     4,214     18,438     35,989     233,376     24,139     517,997  
Retained earnings (deficit)     (815,352 )   (11,559 )   14,182     43,186     (88,967 )   118,793     (739,717 )
Unearned Compensation†         (14,014 )                   (14,014 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (308,003 )                       (308,003 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders' deficit,(1),
(10),(11),(12),(13),(14),(15)
    (880,742 )   (11,559 )   43,909     101,201     184,143     157,690     (405,358 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit   $ 2,418,943   $ (27,245 ) $ (5,678 ) $ (3,794 ) $ (8,952 ) $ (5,670 ) $ 2,367,604  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet:

(1)
The pro forma balance sheet has been prepared to reflect the exchange of 90% of the convertible notes and Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares, the exchange of 75% of the trust securities for common shares and preferred shares, the exchange of 90% of the 2005 notes for new notes, common shares and preferred shares, and the issuance of $120,000 in aggregate

55


    principal amount of upsize notes, the proceeds of which will be used to repay amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit agreement, as of March 26, 2004. A share price of $1.43 per common share is assumed:

 
  Senior Secured Credit Agreement and Restricted Stock Plan
  2005 Notes
  Robbins Bonds
  Convertible Notes
  Trust Securities
  Total
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Par value of common shares issued   $ 9,800 $ 11,169   $ 21,791   $ 39,311   $ 14,600   $ 96,671  
Par value of preferred shares issued       $ 120   $ 235   $ 423   $ 158   $ 936  
Paid in capital   $ 4,214 $ 18,438   $ 35,989   $ 233,376   $ 24,139   $ 316,156  
Retained Deficit:                                      
  Debt conversion expense   $ 0   $ 0   $ 0   $ (88,967 ) $ 0   $ (88,967 )
  Gain on exchange and offering       $ 15,273   $ 44,310       $ 124,464   $ 184,047  
  Write-off issuance and offering cost   $ (11,559 )* $ (1,091 ) $ (1,124 ) $   $ (5,671 ) $ (19,445 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total change   $ (11,559 ) $ 14,182   $ 43,186   $ (88,967 ) $ 118,793   $ 75,635  

    *
    Reflects the write-off of the unamortized portion of a fee of $13,613 paid to the lenders under our senior secured credit facility the amount of $1,899 was amortized in the first quarter of 2004.
    Reflects the issuance of 9,800,000 common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to members of Foster Wheeler's senior management and a board of directors, to be issued, subject to certain restrictions, under a restricted stock plan which we intend to adopt prior to the closing of the exchange offer, at a price of $1.43 per share. Grants under the plan will be expensed over a three year vesting period. Awards under the plan are contingent upon the consummation of the exchange offer as described in this prospectus.

(2)
Assumes estimated transaction costs of $6,550, and reflects the payment of accrued interest of $13,116 on the 2005 notes, the convertible notes, the Robbins bonds and our senior secured credit agreement and payment of a $13,613 fee to the lenders under Foster Wheeler LLC's senior secured credit agreement.

(3)
Adjusted to reflect the concurrent offering of $120,000 in aggregate principal amount of upsize notes. The upsize notes will be offered and sold in a separate private transaction to certain holders of the 2005 notes and convertible notes that participate in the exchange offer. Proceeds from the sale of the upsize notes will be used to reduce amounts outstanding under Foster Wheeler LLC's senior secured credit agreement. The private offering is conditional on the consummation of the exchange offer. Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors and provide certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantor subsidiaries and collateral, the interest rate will increase by one percentage point per annum. Reflects payment of a $13,613 fee to the lenders under Foster Wheeler LLC's senior secured credit agreement, $521 in transaction costs and $1,764 of accrued interest.

(4)
Assumes the exchange of 90% in aggregate principal amount of the 2005 notes for new notes, common shares and preferred shares, payment of transaction costs of $2,622 and payment of accrued interest of $4,587. Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors and provide certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantor subsidiaries and collateral, the interest rate will increase by one percentage point per annum.

(5)
Assumes the exchange of 90% in aggregate principal amount, or if applicable, aggregate accreted principal amount, of the Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares, payment of transaction costs of $1,124 and payment of accrued interest of $2,670. Current installments on long term debt at March 26, 2004 includes $1,521 related to the Robbins bonds.

(6)
Assumes the exchange of 90% in aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes for common shares and preferred shares, and the write-off of 90% of the unamortized issuance costs for $3,698 against paid-in capital. Reflects payment of $1,159 in transaction costs and $4,095 of accrued interest.

(7)
Assumes the exchange of 75% aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities for common shares and preferred shares and the resulting elimination of 75% of the deferred accrued interest and the write-off of 75% of the unamortized issuance costs for $4,546. Reflects payment of $1,124 in transaction costs.

(8)
Adjusted to reflect the issuance of $135,000 in aggregate principal amount of new notes.

(9)
The pro forma balance sheet does not reflect the conversion of the preferred shares into common shares. Upon conversion of the preferred shares into common shares, the total number of common shares outstanding would be approximately 213,010,000.

(10)
If 100% of each of the 2005 notes, the Robbins bonds, the trust securities and the convertible notes are exchanged, the shareholders' deficit would be reduced by an additional $89,863 and total liabilities would be reduced by an additional $93,082.

(11)
If the percentage of 2005 notes exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the shareholders' deficit would be reduced by $497, and total liabilities would be reduced by $551.

(12)
If the percentage of Robbins bonds exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the shareholders' deficit would be reduced by $1,136 and total liabilities would be reduced by $1,166.

(13)
If the percentage of convertible notes exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the shareholders' deficit would be reduced by $2,059 and total liabilities would be reduced by $2,146.

(14)
If the percentage of trust securities exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the shareholders' deficit would be reduced by $2,118 and total liabilities would be reduced by $2,178.

(15)
The price per common share at closing has no impact on the shareholders' deficit in the extinguishment scenario.

(16)
The interest rate on the new notes will equal a rate of 6.65% plus that yield on U.S. Treasury notes having a remaining maturity, as of the second business day prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer, equal to the maturity of the new notes. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements presented in tables beginning on page 55 reflect pro forma results giving effect to the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering assuming an interest rate of 11.086%.

56


Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Pro Forma Income Statement(1)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Extinguishment method)

 
  For the Year Ended December 26, 2003
  Pro Forma Adjustments for the Senior Secured Credit Agreement(3)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for 2005 Notes(4)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for Robbins Bonds(5)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for Convertible Notes(6)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for Trust Securities(7)
  Pro Forma Combined Twelve Months Ended December 26, 2003
 
Operating revenues   $ 3,723,815   $   $   $   $   $   $ 3,723,815  
Other income     77,493                         77,493  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues and other income     3,801,308                         3,801,308  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cost of operating revenues

 

 

3,441,342

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

3,441,342

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses     199,949     4,671 (14)                   204,620  
Other deductions     168,455                         168,455  
Interest expense     77,354     262     3,100     (7,351 )   (13,434 )   (293 )   59,638  
Dividends on preferred securities of subsidiary trust     18,130                     (13,597 )   4,533  
Minority interest in net earnings of consolidated affiliates     5,715                         5,715  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total costs and expenses     3,910,945     4,933     3,100     (7,351 )   (13,434 )   (13,890 )   3,884,303  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Income (loss) before taxes

 

 

(109,637

)

 

(4,933

)

 

(3,100

)

 

7,351

 

 

13,434

 

 

13,890

 

 

(82,995

)
Provision for income taxes     47,426                         47,426  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income(8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14)   $ (157,063 ) $ (4,933 ) $ (3,100 ) $ 7,351   $ 13,434   $ 13,890   $ (130,421 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted (loss) income per common share(2)   $ (3.83 )                               $ (0.99 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands)(2)     41,045                                   131,183  

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma income statement:

(1)
The pro forma income statement has been prepared to reflect the exchange of 90% of the convertible notes and Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares, the exchange of 75% of the trust securities for common shares and preferred shares, the exchange of 90% of the 2005 notes for new notes, common shares and preferred shares, and the issuance of $120,000 in aggregate principal amount of upsize notes, the proceeds of which will be used to repay the senior secured credit agreement, as if such exchange and issuance had occurred on December 28, 2002. An interest rate of 11.086% and a share price of $1.43 per common share have been assumed. The pro forma income statement does not reflect the non-recurring gain of $184,047 on exchange of common shares and preferred shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. for the 2005 notes, Robbins bonds and trust securities, nor the non-recurring loss of $88,967 on the conversion of the convertible notes or the writeoff of issuance and offering costs of $19,445.

(2)
In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 03-6, "Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FAS 128," losses are not allocated to holders of the preferred shares for purposes of calculating earnings per share.

(3)
Assumes that $120,000 of debt outstanding under our senior secured credit agreement is repaid using the proceeds of the issuance of the upsize notes in a private offering which is conditional on the consummation of the exchange offer, and corresponding interest and issuance cost amortizations are eliminated, and additional interest incurred on the upsize notes:

  Interest under senior secured credit agreement   $ (7,290 )
  Amortization of issuance expenses   $ (1,954 )
  Interest on upsize notes at 11.086%   $ 13,303  
  Amortization of bank fee   $ (3,797 )
   
 
  Net impact on interest expense   $ 262  
Foster
Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors within 90 days of the closing of the exchange. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantors and collateral the interest rate will increase by one percentage point per annum.

57


(4)
Assumes 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2005 notes are exchanged for new notes, the corresponding interest and original issuance costs amortizations are eliminated, additional interest is incurred on the new notes, and the unamortized original issuance costs of the 2005 notes are amortized over the term of the new notes (in thousands):

  Interest on the 2005 notes   $ (12,150 )
  Net impact of amortization of issuance expenses   $ 284  
  Interest on new notes*   $ 14,966  
   
 
  Net impact on interest expense   $ 3,100  

Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors and provide certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantor subsidiaries, and collateral, the interest rate will increase by one percentage point per annum. Foster Wheeler intends to add the additional guarantors and collateral.

*
The difference of $1,551 in the interest on the new notes between the extinguishment method and the modification method is due to the following:

In the extinguishment case, the gain of $15,273 is recognized at closing, and the annual interest expense is calculated as 11.086% of the face value of $135,000.

In the modification case, no gain is recognized at closing, the carrying value of the new notes is equal to the face value of the 2005 notes exchanged less the fair market value when issued of the common shares and preferred shares issued in exchange for the 2005 notes. The interest expense on the new notes is then calculated using the effective interest rate method, at a rate of 9.004%.

(5)
Assumes the exchange of 90% of the aggregate principal amount, and if applicable, aggregate accreted principal amount, of the Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares and elimination of 90% of the interest expense.

(6)
Assumes the exchange of 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes for common shares and preferred shares, and the elimination of 90% of the interest expense and issuance costs amortization.

(7)
Assumes the exchange of 75% of the aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities for common shares and preferred shares, and the elimination of 75% of the interest expense and issuance costs amortization.

(8)
If 100% of each of the 2005 notes, the Robbins bonds, the trust securities and the convertible notes are exchanged, the loss available to common shareholders would be $(123,824), and the basic and diluted loss per share would be ($0.86).

(9)
If the percentage of 2005 notes exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the loss available to common shareholders would increase by $34. If the interest rate on the 2005 notes increases by 1/8th of a percentage point, the loss available to common shareholders would increase by $156. You should read the modification scenario for the impact of a 1/8th of a percentage point decrease in the interest rate on the 2005 notes.

(10)
If the percentage of Robbins bonds exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the loss available to common shareholders would decrease by $82.

(11)
If the percentage of convertible notes exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the loss available to common shareholders would decrease by $149.

(12)
If the percentage of trust securities exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, the loss available to common shareholders would decrease by $186.

(13)
If the price per common share at closing is $0.10 higher, the loss available to common shareholders would increase by $327. Since a price lower than $1.43 per share would result in the transaction being treated as a modification, see the modification scenario for the impact of a lower price per common share.

(14)
Reflects the amortization of the cost of 9,800,000 common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to be granted to members of Foster Wheeler's senior management and board of directors under a restricted stock plan which we intend to adopt before the closing of the exchange offer, at a price per common share of $1.43. The cost of grants under the plan will be expensed over a three year vesting period. Awards under the plan are contingent upon the consummation of the exchange offer as described in this prospectus.

58


Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Pro Forma Income Statement(1)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Extinguishment method)

 
  For the Three Months Ended March 26, 2004
  Pro Forma Adjustments for the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and Restricted Stock Plan(3)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for 2005 Notes(4)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for Robbins Bonds(5)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for Convertible Notes(6)
  Pro Forma Adjustments for Trust Securities(7)
  Pro Forma Combined Three Months Ended March 26, 2004
Operating revenues   $ 666,359   $   $   $   $   $   $ 666,359
Other income     35,949                         35,949
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues and other income     702,308                         702,308
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cost of operating revenues

 

 

591,147

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

591,147
Selling, general and administrative expenses     57,184     1,168 (14)                   58,352
Other deductions     18,417                         18,417
Interest expense     20,640     (1,398 )   702     (1,830 )   (3,363 )   (73 )   14,678
Dividends on preferred securities of subsidiary trust     4,792                     (3,594 )   1,198
Minority interest in net earnings of consolidated affiliates     982                         982
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total costs and expenses     693,162     (230 )   702     (1,830 )   (3,363 )   (3,667 )   684,774
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Income (loss) before taxes

 

 

9,146

 

 

230

 

 

(702

)

 

1,830

 

 

3,363

 

 

3,667

 

 

17,534
Provision for income taxes     13,444                         13,444
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income(8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14)     (4,298 ) $ 230   $ (702 ) $ 1,830   $ 3,363   $ 3,667     4,090
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income allocated to preferred shareholders(2)                                       1,486
   
                               
Net income available to common shareholders(2)   $ (4,298 )                                 2,604
   
                               
Earnings (loss) per share:                                          
  Basic (loss) income per share:     (0.10 )                               $ 0.02
  Weighted average number of common shaes—basic     41,055                                   131,193
  Diluted (loss) income per share:   $ (0.10 )                               $ 0.02
  Weighted average number of common shares—diluted     41,055                                   131,614

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma income statement:

(1)
The pro forma income statement has been prepared to reflect the exchange of 90% of the convertible notes and Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares, the exchange of 75% of the trust securities for common shares and preferred shares, the exchange of 90% of the 2005 notes for new notes, common shares and preferred shares, and the issuance of $120,000 in aggregate principal amount of upsize notes, the proceeds of which will be used to repay the senior secured credit agreement, as if such exchange and issuance had occurred on December 28, 2002. An interest rate of 11.086% and a share price of $1.42 per common share have been assumed. The pro forma income statement does not reflect the non-recurring gain of $184,047 on exchange of common shares and preferred shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. for the 2005 notes, Robbins bonds and trust securities, nor the non-recurring loss of $88,932 on the conversion of the convertible notes or the write off of issuance and offering cost of $19,505.

(2)
In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 03-6, "Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FAS 128," losses are not allocated to holders of the preferred shares for purposes of calculating earnings per share. Net income was allocated to preferred shareholders based on the number of common shares they would hold on an as converted basis.

59


(3)
Assumes that $120,000 of debt outstanding under our senior secured credit agreement is repaid using the proceeds of the issuance of the upsize notes in a private offering which is conditional on the consummation of the exchange offer, and corresponding interest and issuance cost amortizations are eliminated, and additional interest incurred on the upsize notes:

  Interest under senior secured credit agreement   $ (2,208 )
  Amortization of issuance expenses   $ (617 )
  Interest on upsize notes at 11.086%   $ 3,326  
  Amortization of bank fee   $ (1,899 )
   
 
  Net impact on interest expense   $ (1,398 )
(4)
Assumes 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2005 notes are exchanged for new notes, the corresponding interest and original issuance costs amortizations are eliminated, additional interest is incurred on the new notes, and the unamortized original issuance costs of the 2005 notes are amortized over the term of the new notes:

  Interest on the 2005 notes   $ (3,038 )
  Net impact of amortization of issuance expenses   $ (2 )
  Interest on new notes*   $ 3,742  
   
 
  Net impact on interest expense   $ 702  

Foster Wheeler has the option to add other wholly owned subsidiaries as guarantors and provide certain collateral within 90 days of the closing of the exchange. Should Foster Wheeler elect not to provide the additional guarantor subsidiaries and collateral, the interest rate will increase by one percentage point per annum. Foster Wheeler intends to add the additional guarantors and collateral.

*
The difference of $388 in the interest on the new notes between the extinguishment method and the modification method is due to the following:

In the extinguishment case, the gain of $15,273 is recognized at closing, and the annual interest expense is calculated as 11.086% of the face value of $135,000.

In the modification case, no gain is recognized at closing, the carrying value of the new notes is equal to the face value of the 2005 notes exchanged less the fair market value when issued of the common shares and preferred shares issued in exchange for the 2005 notes. The interest expense on the new notes is then calculated using the effective interest rate method, at a rate of 9.004%.

(5)
Assumes the exchange of 90% of the aggregate principal amount, and if applicable, aggregate accreted principal amount, of the Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares and elimination of 90% of the interest expense.

(6)
Assumes the exchange of 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes for common shares and preferred shares, and the elimination of 90% of the interest expense and issuance costs amortization.

(7)
Assumes the exchange of 75% of the aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities for common shares and preferred shares, and the elimination of 75% of the interest expense and issuance costs amortization.

(8)
If 100% of each of the 2005 notes, the Robbins bonds, the trust securities and the convertible notes are exchanged, income available to common shareholders would be $3,640, and the basic and diluted income per share would be $0.03.

(9)
If the percentage of 2005 notes exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, income available to common shareholders would decrease by $6. If the interest rate on the 2005 notes increases by 1/8th of a percentage point, income available to common shareholders would decrease by $24. You should read the modification scenario for the impact of a 1/8th of a percentage point decrease in the interest rate on the 2005 notes.

(10)
If the percentage of Robbins bonds exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, income available to common shareholders would increase by $12.

(11)
If the percentage of convertible notes exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, income available to common shareholders would increase by $23.

(12)
If the percentage of trust securities exchanged is 1 percentage point higher, income available to common shareholders would increase by $30.

(13)
If the price per common share at closing is $0.10 higher, income available to common shareholders would decrease by $52. Since a price lower than $1.43 per share would result in the transaction being treated as a modification, see the modification scenario for the impact of a lower price per common share.

(14)
Reflects the amortization of the cost of 9,800,000 common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to be granted to members of Foster Wheeler's senior management and board of directors under a restricted stock plan which we intend to adopt before the closing of the exchange offer, at a price per common share of $1.43. The cost of grants under the plan will be expensed over a three year vesting period. Awards under the plan are contingent upon the consummation of the exchange offer as described in this prospectus.

60



SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following selected balance sheet data as of December 26, 2003 and December 27, 2002 and statement of operations and cash flow data for each of our three fiscal years in the period ended December 26, 2003 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The March 28, 2003 balance sheet data has been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A-2 for the quarter ended March 28, 2003, not incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The selected balance sheet data as of March 26, 2004 and the selected statement of operations and cash flow data for the three months ended March 26, 2004 and March 28, 2003 have been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus and, in our opinion, reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the data for those periods. Our results of operations for the three months ended March 26, 2004 may not be indicative of results that may be expected for the full year. The selected balance sheet data for 2001, 2000 and 1999, and the statement of operations and cash flow data for the years ended 1999 and 2000, have been derived from Item 6 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 26, 2003. Our operating data for each period displayed is derived from our books and records. You should read this information together with the consolidated financial statements, including the notes contained in the consolidated financial statements, of us and our subsidiaries, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
  Three Months
ended
March 26,
2004

  Three Months
ended
March 28,
2003

 
 
  (in thousands, except for per share amounts)

   
   
 
Statement of Operations Data:                                            
Revenues   $ 3,801,308   $ 3,574,537   $ 3,392,474   $ 3,969,355   $ 3,944,074   $ 702,308   $ 810,868  
(Loss)/earnings before income taxes     (109,637 )(1)   (360,062 )(2)   (212,965 )(4)   52,166     (194,288 )(6)   9,146   (9)   (12,362 )(10)
Provision/(benefit) for income taxes     47,426     14,657     123,395 (5)   15,179     (48,208 )   13,444     7,458  
(Loss)/earnings prior to cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle     (157,063 )   (374,719 )   (336,360 )   36,987     (146,080 )   (4,298 )   (19,820 )
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principal for goodwill, net of $0 tax         (150,500 )(3)                    
Net (loss)/earnings     (157,063 )   (525,219 )   (336,360 )   36,987     (146,080 )   (4,298 )   (19,820 )
(Loss)/earnings per share: Basic and diluted:                                            
  Net (loss)/earnings prior to cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles   $ (3.83 ) $ (9.15 ) $ (8.23 ) $ .91   $ (3.59 ) $ (.10 ) $ (.48 )
Cumulative effect on prior years (to December 28, 2001) of a change in accounting principle for goodwill         (3.67 )                    
Net(Loss)/earnings per share:                                            
  Basic and diluted   $ (3.83 ) $ (12.82 ) $ (8.23 ) $ .91   $ (3.59 ) $ (.10 ) $ (.48 )
Shares Outstanding:                                            
  Basic                                            
Weighted average number of shares outstanding     41,045     40,957     40,876     40,798     40,742     41,055     41,035  
  Diluted:                                            
  Effect of stock options(7)                 7              
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total diluted     41,045     40,957     40,876     40,805     40,742     41,055     41,035  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

61


 
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
  Three Months
ended
March 26,
2004

  Three Months
ended
March 28,
2003

 
 
  (in thousands, except for per share amounts)

   
   
 
Balance Sheet Data:                                            
Current assets   $ 1,174,376   $ 1,329,847   $ 1,754,376   $ 1,622,976   $ 1,615,096   $ 1,092,996   $ 1,273,033  
Current liabilities     1,373,760     1,449,795     2,388,620     1,454,603     1,471,552     1,312,850     1,452,283  
Working capital     (199,384 )   (119,948 )   (634,244 )   168,373     143,544     (219,854 )   (179,250 )
Land, building and equipment (net)     309,615     407,819     399,198     495,034     648,199     303,606     397,019  
Total assets     2,506,530     2,842,277     3,325,837     3,507,581     3,467,085     2,418,943     2,778,842  
Bank loans     121     14,474     20,244     103,479     63,378         14,444  
Long-term borrowing (including current installments):                                            
  Corporate and other debt     333,800     346,707     297,627     306,188     372,921     332,348     336,076  
  Project debt     137,177     205,840     226,056     274,993     349,501     133,911     202,900  
  Capital lease obligations     63,695     58,987                 63,374     59,578  
Subordinated Robbins Facility exit funding obligations     113,279     113,254     113,123     113,238     113,000     113,693     108,865  
Convertible subordinated notes     210,000     210,000     210,000             210,000     210,000  
Preferred trust securities     175,000     175,000     175,000     175,000     175,000     175,000     175,000  
Cash dividends per share of common stock   $ .00   $ .00   $ .12   $ .24   $ .54   $ .00   $ .00  

Cash Flow Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net cash provided/(used) by operating activities   $ (62,098 ) $ 160,365   $ (88,681 ) $ (16,744) (9) $ (5,620) (9) $ 29,568   $ (16,970 )
Net cash provided/(used) by investing activities     105,895     (122,706 )   43,212     38,248 (9)   60,299 (9)   (14,023 )   69,324  
Net cash provided/(used) by financing activities     (51,805 )   60,002     85,533     (12,633 )(9)   (48,375 )(9)   (7,610 )   (16,967 )

Operating Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Unfilled orders, end of year or period   $ 2,285,318   $ 5,445,934   $ 6,004,420   $ 6,142,347   $ 6,050,525   $ 2,138,207   $ 3,530,220  
New orders booked     2,163,499     3,052,410     4,109,321     4,480,000     3,623,202     629,927     476,335  

Other Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
EBITDA(8)   $ 21,421   $ (219,209 ) $ (72,731 ) $ 193,136   $ 63,627   $ 42,627   $ 19,242  

(1)
Includes in fiscal year 2003, a ($15,100) impairment loss on the anticipated sale of a domestic corporate office building; a $16,700 gain on the sale of certain assets of Foster Wheeler Environmental Corporation and a gain of $4,300 on the sale of a waste-to-energy plant; revisions to project claim estimates and related cost $1,500; revisions to project estimates and related receivable allowances ($32,300); provision for asbestos claims ($68,100); performance intervention and restructuring charges ($43,600); charges for severance cost ($15,900); and legal and other $800.

(2)
Includes in fiscal year 2002, losses recognized in anticipation of sales ($54,500); revisions to project claim estimates and related costs ($136,200); revisions to project cost estimates and related receivable reserves ($80,500); provision for asbestos claims ($26,200); provision for domestic plant impairment ($18,700); performance intervention and restructuring charges ($37,100); increased pension and postretirement medical costs ($10,600); and severance, increased legal and other provisions ($31,600).

(3)
In fiscal year 2002, Foster Wheeler Ltd. recognized ($150,500) of impairment losses upon adoption of SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets."

(4)
Includes in fiscal year 2001, losses recognized in anticipation of sales ($40,300); revisions to project claim estimates and related costs ($37,000); revisions to project cost estimates and related receivable reserves ($123,600); provision for domestic plant impairment ($6,100); increased pension and postretirement and medical costs ($9,100); and severance, increased legal and other provisions ($38,200).

(5)
Includes in fiscal year 2001, a valuation allowance for domestic deferred tax assets ($194,600).

(6)
Includes in fiscal year 1999, a provision for cost realignment ($37,600) and a charge totaling ($244,600) of which ($214,000) related to the Robbins facility write-down and ($30,600) relates to the current year operations of the Robbins facility.

(7)
The effect of the stock options was not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share as these options were antidilutive due to the losses incurred during the periods presented. The effect of the convertible notes was not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share as these options were anitdilutive due to the losses incurred during the periods presented.

(8)
EBITDA is a supplemental, non-GAAP financial measure. EBITDA is defined as earnings (loss) before taxes (before goodwill charge), interest expense, depreciation and amortization. Foster Wheeler has presented EBITDA because it believes it is an important supplemental measure of operating performance. EBITDA, adjusted for certain unusual and infrequent items specifically excluded in the terms of the senior secured credit agreement, is also used as a measure for certain covenants under the senior credit agreement. Foster Wheeler believes that the line item on its consolidated statement of earnings entitled "net earnings (loss)" is the most directly comparable GAAP measure to EBITDA. Since EBITDA is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net earnings (loss) as an indicator of operating performance. EBITDA, as Foster Wheeler calculates it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by

62


    other companies. In addition, this measure does not necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use, and is not necessarily a measure of Foster Wheeler's ability to fund its cash needs. As EBITDA excludes certain financial information compared with net earnings (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, users of this financial information should consider the type of events and transactions which are excluded. A reconciliation of EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to net earnings (loss), a GAAP measure, is shown below.

 
  Year Ended
  Three Months Ended
 
 
  December 26, 2003
  December 27, 2002
  December 28, 2001
  December 29, 2000
  December 31, 1999
  March 26,
2004

  March 28,
2003

 
EBITDA   $ 21,421   $ (219,209 ) $ (72,731 ) $ 193,136   $ (63,627 ) $ 42,627   $ 19,242  
Less: Interest expense     95,484     83,028     84,484     83,254 *   70,213 *   25,432     21,794  
Less: Depreciation and amortization     35,574     57,825     55,750     57,716 *   60,448 *   8,049     9,810  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss)/earnings before income tax     (109,637 )   (360,062 )   (212,965 )   52,166     (194,288 )   9,146     (12,362 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax     47,426     14,657     123,395     15,179     (48,208 )   13,444     7,458  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss prior to cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of goodwill     (157,063 )   (374,719 )   (336,360 )   36,987     (146,080 )   (4,298 )   (19,820 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative effect on prior years of a change in accounting principle of goodwill         (150,500 )                    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) earnings   $ (157,063 ) $ (525,219 ) $ (336,360 ) $ 36,987   $ (146,080 ) $ (4,298 ) $ (19,820 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

        Our non-GAAP performance measure, "EBITDA" has certain material limitations as follows:

    It does not include interest expense. Because we have borrowed substantial amounts of money to finance some of our operations, interest is a necessary and ongoing part of our costs and has assisted us in generating revenue. Therefore any measure that excludes interest expense has material limitations;

    It does not include taxes. Because the payment of taxes is a necessary and ongoing part of our operations, any measure that excludes taxes has material limitations;

    It does not include depreciation. Because we must utilize substantial property, plant and equipment in order to generate revenues in our operations, depreciation is a necessary and ongoing part of our costs. Therefore any measure that excludes depreciation has material limitations.

(9)
Includes in the three months ended March 26, 2004, a $11,700 gain on asbestos settlements; a $10,500 gain on the sale of development rights to a power project in Italy; reserves recorded on a lump-sum project in Europe ($24,600); restructuring activities and credit agreement costs ($9,300); and severance costs ($400).

(10)
Includes in the three months ended March 28, 2003, a $15,300 gain on the sale of certain assets of Environmental; revisions to contract cost estimates ($16,100); restructuring activities and credit agreement costs ($10,400); severance costs ($6,200); and legal settlements and other provisions ($1,800).

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The following table shows the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for Foster Wheeler Ltd., including its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Year ended December 26, 2003 on a pro forma basis for the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering (modification method) (2)(3)(4)(6)(7)
  Year ended December 26, 2003 on a pro forma basis for the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering (extinguishment method) (2)(3)(5)(6)(7)
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
  Three Months
ended

   
   
 
  Fiscal Year
   
   
 
  March 26,
2004

  March 28,
2003

  Three Months ended March 26, 2004 on a pro forma basis for the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering (modification method)
(3)(4)(6)(7)

  Three Months ended March 26, 2004 on a pro forma basis for the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering (extinguishment method)
(3)(5)(6)(7)

 
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)(2)   -   -   -   1.47   -   1.51     -   -   2.30   2.25

(1)
Includes in fiscal years 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and in the three month periods ended March 26, 2004 and March 28, 2003 dividends on preferred securities of a subsidiary trust of $15,181, $15,750, $15,750, $16,610, $18,130, $4,792, and $4,372, respectively. The pro forma results for the year ended December 26, 2003 include a $13,891 reduction in dividends on the trust securities, a $13,434 reduction in interest on the convertible notes, a $1,143 increase in interest on the 2005 notes under the modification method and a $3,099 increase in interest on the 2005 notes under the extinguishment method, and a $7,351 reduction in interest on the Robbins bonds. The pro forma results for the three months ended March 26, 2004 include a $3,667 reduction in dividends on the trust securities, a $3,363 reduction in interest on the convertible notes, a $316 increase in interest on the 2005 notes under the modification method and a $702 increase in interest on the 2005 notes under the extinguishment method, and a $1,830 reduction in interest on the Robbins bonds. The pro forma results also include the issuance of $120,000 in aggregate principal amount of upsize notes, the proceeds of which will be used to reduce amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit agreement.

(2)
Earnings are inadequate to cover fixed charges by $207,749, $216,122, $363,418, $116,803 and $15,608 for fiscal years 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and the three-month period ended March 28, 2003, respectively. The coverage deficiency is $88,173 for the year ended December 26, 2003 on a pro forma basis using the modification method for the exchange offer and $90,160 for the year ended December 26, 2003 on a pro forma basis using the extinguishment method for the exchange offer.

(3)
Assumes that:

the holders of 75% of the aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities validly tender to the exchange agent, and not validly withdraw, those trust securities; and

the holders of 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes validly tender to the exchange agent, and not validly withdraw, those convertible notes; and

the holders of 90% of the aggregate principal amount or, if applicable, accreted principal amount, outstanding as of December 26, 2003 of Robbins bonds validly tender to the exchange agent, and not validly withdraw, those Robbins bonds; and

the holders of 90% of the aggregate principal amount of 2005 notes validly tender to the exchange agent, and not validly withdraw, those 2005 notes; and

certain holders of 2005 notes and convertible notes purchase, concurrently with the exchange offer, $120,000 aggregate principal amount of upsize notes, the proceeds of which will be used to reduce amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit agreement.


The numerator of the above ratio consists of the following:

net earnings (loss) prior to cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, plus

the provision (benefit) for income taxes, plus

fixed charges, minus

capitalized interest, plus

capitalized interest amortized, minus

equity earnings of non-consolidated subsidiaries accounted for by the equity method, net of dividends.


Fixed charges include the sum of the following:

interest expensed and capitalized,

amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness,

imputed interest on non-capitalized lease payments, and

preference security dividend requirements of consolidated subsidiaries.

(4)
Assumes the treatment of the 2005 notes in the exchange offer is accounted for using the modification method. For more information you should read "Accounting Treatment for the Exchange Offer."

(5)
Assumes the treatment of the 2005 notes in the exchange offer is accounted for using the extinguishment method. For more information you should read "Accounting Treatment for the Exchange Offer."

(6)
Assumes issuance of 9,800,000 common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to members of Foster Wheeler's senior management and board of directors, to be issued, subject to certain restrictions, under a restricted stock plan which we intend to adopt before the closing of the exchange offer and assuming such shares are issued at a price of $1.42 per share under the modification method and $1.43 per share under the extinguishment method. Grants under the plan will be expensed over a three year vesting period.

(7)
The interest rate on the new notes will equal a rate of 6.65% plus that yield on U.S. Treasury notes having a remaining maturity, as of the second business day prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer, equal to the maturity of the new notes. The pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed charges data reflects pro forma results giving effect to the exchange offer and the upsize notes offering assuming an interest rate of 11.086%.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the common shares and preferred shares or the new notes in the exchange offer.

        Concurrently with the exchange offer, we are offering in a separate private transaction to certain holders of 2005 notes and convertible notes that participate in the exchange offer up to $120 million in aggregate principal amount of upsize notes. We intend to use the net cash proceeds from the offering of the upsize notes to reduce amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit agreement. Our senior secured credit agreement will mature on April 30, 2005. As of March 26, 2004, amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit agreement bore interest at an average rate of 7.14% per annum.

65




ACCOUNTING TREATMENT FOR THE EXCHANGE OFFER

        The following section discusses the accounting treatment for the exchange of the trust securities, the convertible notes, the Robbins bonds and the 2005 notes.

Trust securities

        The exchange of trust securities for common shares and preferred shares will be accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 15, "Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings", or SFAS No. 15. The trust securities exchanged for common shares and preferred shares in the exchange offer will be removed from our consolidated balance sheet. We will record a gain on the exchange of these trust securities equal to the difference between the carrying value of the trust securities exchanged, including any accrued and unpaid dividends forgiven, and the fair market value when issued of the common shares and preferred shares issued in the exchange, net of unamortized underlying debt securities issuance costs and direct costs associated with the exchange of the trust securities.

Convertible notes

        The exchange of the convertible notes for common shares and preferred shares will be accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 84, "Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt, an Amendment of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 26," under which we will recognize an expense equal to the fair market value of the common shares and preferred shares issued in the exchange offer less the fair market value of common shares issuable pursuant to the original conversion terms of the convertible notes. We will also capitalize the unamortized debt issuance costs and record an expense for the direct costs associated with the exchange of the convertible notes.

Robbins bonds

        The exchange of the Robbins bonds for common shares and preferred shares will be accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring pursuant to SFAS No. 15. The Robbins bonds exchanged in the exchange offer will be removed from our consolidated balance sheet. We will record a gain on the exchange of the Robbins bonds equal to the difference between the carrying value of the Robbins bonds exchanged and the fair market value when issued of the common shares and preferred shares, net of direct costs associated with the exchange of the Robbins bonds.

2005 Notes

        The exchange of the 2005 notes for new notes, common shares and preferred shares will be accounted for either as a modification or as an extinguishment of debt in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 96-19, "Debtor's Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments." If the difference between (1) the sum of the present value of each future payment of interest and principal due under the new notes issued in the exchange offer (in each case discounted to present value using the stated interest rate of 6.75% on the 2005 notes) plus all fees and expenses paid to the holders of the 2005 notes, including to their outside counsel and financial advisors in connection with the exchange offer, plus the market value when issued of all common shares and preferred shares issued to holders of the 2005 notes in the exchange offer and (2) the face value of the 2005 notes exchanged is less than 10% of the face value of the 2005 notes exchanged, then the exchange of the 2005 notes will be accounted for as a modification. If the exchange of the 2005 notes is accounted for as a modification, the carrying value of the new notes issued in the exchange will be equal to the face value of the 2005 notes exchanged, less the fair market value when issued of the common shares and

66



preferred shares issued in exchange for the 2005 notes. Further, for accounting purposes, the interest expense on the new notes will be calculated based on the effective interest rate method. In applying the effective interest rate method, all fees and expenses paid or payable to the holders of the 2005 notes, including to their outside counsel and financial advisors, in connection with the exchange will be amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the life of the new notes. All fees and expenses paid or payable to the Company's outside counsel and financial advisors in connection with the exchange offer will be expensed as incurred.

        If the difference between (1) the sum of the present value of each future payment of interest and principal due under the new notes issued in the exchange offer (in each case discounted to present value using the stated interest rate of 6.75% on the 2005 notes) plus all fees and expenses paid to the holders of the 2005 notes, including to their outside counsel and financial advisors, in connection with the exchange offer plus the market value when issued of all common shares and preferred shares issued to holders of the 2005 notes in the exchange offer and (2) the face value of the 2005 notes exchanged is 10% or more than the face value of the 2005 notes exchanged, then the exchange of the 2005 notes will be accounted for as a debt extinguishment. If the exchange of the 2005 notes is accounted for as a debt extinguishment, then the difference between the carrying value of the 2005 notes and the aggregate market value when issued of the new notes, the common shares and the preferred shares issued in the exchange offer will be accounted for as a gain or a loss. The gain or loss calculated using this method of accounting will include any fees and expenses payable to the holders of the 2005 notes, including to their outside counsel and financial advisors, in connection with the exchange offer. All fees and expenses paid or payable to the Company's outside counsel and financial advisors in connection with the exchange offer will be capitalized and amortized over the life of the new notes using the interest method.

Impact of Issuing Preferred Shares on Earnings/(Loss) per Share

        Because the holders of the preferred shares are entitled to receive dividends together with the common shares and do not become convertible until the shareholders approve the increase in authorized common shares, the preferred shares will be treated as a separate class of shares for accounting purposes. The impact on earnings per share as a result of having two distinct classes of shares, common and preferred, is dictated by Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 03-6 "Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FAS 128". If Foster Wheeler Ltd. is in a loss position, the entire loss is allocated to the holders of the common shares since the preferred shares are not required to fund losses. If Foster Wheeler Ltd. records earnings, earnings per common share would be calculated using the two-class method, which applies an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of shares. A proportionate amount of the earnings otherwise available to common shares would be allocable to the weighted average number of preferred shares outstanding once they are issued.

        Based upon the fair value of the preferred shares at issuance in relation to the fair value of the common shares, a beneficial conversion feature may exist. If it does exist, the amount of the beneficial conversion feature at issuance would negatively impact earnings per share available to common shareholders upon conversion of the preferred shares into common shares.

67



THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND THE CONSENT SOLICITATION

Background and Purpose of the Exchange Offer

    Purpose

        The purpose of the exchange offer and consent solicitation for the trust securities, the convertible notes and the Robbins bonds is to reduce our debt and to improve our overall capital structure. The purpose of the exchange offer for the 2005 notes is effectively to extend the maturity of a portion of the 2005 notes and to reduce our debt.

        Following the consummation of the exchange offer, Foster Wheeler will no longer have any payment obligations with respect to:

    trust securities that are exchanged, including with respect to accrued and unpaid dividends,

    the convertible notes that are exchanged, or

    the Robbins bonds that are exchanged, and

    2005 notes that are exchanged for common shares and preferred shares.

        Foster Wheeler will pay all accrued and unpaid interest through the exchange date on the convertible notes, Robbins bonds and 2005 notes tendered in the exchange offer and not withdrawn. Holders of trust securities who participate in the exchange offer will forfeit any right to receive accumulated but unpaid dividends on the trust securities that they exchange.

        In addition, the new notes that are issued in exchange for the 2005 notes will have a maturity date that is approximately six years later than the maturity date of the 2005 notes. Consequently, Foster Wheeler will have a significantly longer period in which to repay the new notes.

        Following the consummation of the exchange offer and consent solicitation, holders of the trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds and 2005 notes that receive shares in the exchange offer will become equity holders of Foster Wheeler and will no longer have the contractual rights previously accorded to them under the applicable debt instruments governing their securities. The holders of the 2005 notes that receive new notes will not be entitled to be repaid the principal amount of those notes until the new notes' maturity date in 2011. For a comparison of rights of holders who participate in the exchange offer, you should read the section of the prospectus entitled "Comparison of Rights."

        We refer to the trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds and 2005 notes collectively as the securities.

    Background

        In March 2002, Foster Wheeler adopted an improvement plan that focused on four key areas: ensuring a strong, sound backlog; enhancing its project management system; improving its cash position and balance sheet; and scrutinizing discretionary spending. The operating performance portion of the plan concentrates on the quality and quantity of backlog, the execution of projects in order to achieve or exceed profit and cash targets and the optimization of all non-project related cash sources and uses. In connection with this plan, a group of outside consultants was hired for the purpose of carrying out a performance improvement intervention. The tactical portion of the performance improvement intervention concentrates on booking current projects, executing twenty-two "high leverage projects" and generating incremental cash from high leverage opportunities such as overhead reductions, procurement and accounts receivable. The systemic portion of the performance improvement intervention concentrates on sales effectiveness, estimating, bidding and project execution procedures.

        In conjunction with this initiative, and due to our significant leverage, we have reviewed various options to restructure our balance sheet to improve our overall capital structure. The exchange offer and the upsize notes offering are an integral part of this restructuring plan.

        In August 2002, Foster Wheeler Ltd. finalized the senior secured credit agreement with its lender group. The senior secured credit agreement included a $71 million term loan, a $69 million revolving

68



credit facility, and a $149.9 million letter of credit facility, and expires on April 30, 2005. The senior secured credit agreement is secured by the assets of the domestic subsidiaries, the stock of the domestic subsidiaries, and, in connection with Amendment No. 3 discussed below, 100% of the stock of the first-tier foreign subsidiaries. The senior secured credit agreement has no scheduled repayments prior to maturity on April 30, 2005. The agreement requires prepayments from proceeds of assets sales, the issuance of debt or equity, and from excess cash flow. Foster Wheeler Ltd. retains the first $77 million of such amounts and also retains a 50% share of the balance. The financial covenants in the agreement became effective at the end of the first quarter of 2003 and include a senior leverage ratio and a minimum EBITDA level as described in the agreement, as amended. With Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s sale of the Foster Wheeler Environmental Corporation's net assets on March 7, 2003, and an interest in a corporate office building on March 31, 2003, the $77 million asset sale threshold was exceeded. Foster Wheeler Ltd. also sold a domestic corporate office building on April 28, 2004 for net cash proceeds of $16.4 million. Accordingly, principal prepayments of $1.3 million and $11.8 million were made on the term loan in the first quarter of 2004 and during the full year of 2003, respectively.

        As a result of Foster Wheeler's recognition of charges in the second half of 2002, Foster Wheeler was required to renegotiate the senior secured credit agreement. These charges principally related to:

    the impact of changes in accounting principles and the resulting impairment of goodwill;

    losses recognized in anticipation of the sale of two facilities;

    project/contract-related write-downs, including reduced estimates of claim recoveries and revisions of project cost estimates and related receivables reserves;

    provisions for asbestos claims;

    provisions for plant impairment;

    provisions for restructuring and performance intervention activities;

    recognition of pension underfunding;

    severance costs; and

    charges for accrual of legal settlements.

        These charges significantly negatively impacted Foster Wheeler's net worth. As a result, Foster Wheeler was unable to satisfy covenants under the senior secured credit agreement as described below.

        Amendment No. 1 to the senior secured credit agreement, obtained on November 8, 2002, provides covenant relief of up to $180 million of gross pre-tax charges recorded by Foster Wheeler Ltd. in the third quarter of 2002. The amendment further provides that up to an additional $63 million in pre-tax charges related to specific contingencies may be excluded from the covenant calculation through December 31, 2003, if incurred. As of December 26, 2003, $31 million of the contingency risks were favorably resolved, and additional project reserves were established for $32 million leaving a contingency balance of $0.

        Amendment No. 2 to the senior secured credit agreement, entered into on March 24, 2003, modifies certain definitions of financial measures utilized in the calculation of the financial covenants and the minimum EBITDA and senior debt ratio, as specified in the senior secured credit agreement. In connection with this amendment to the senior secured credit agreement, Foster Wheeler Ltd. made a prepayment of principal on the term loan in the aggregate amount of $10 million in March 2003.

        The recognition of charges during the third and fourth quarters of 2002, described above, were the primary reason for the need for Foster Wheeler to renegotiate its senior secured credit agreement and enter into Amendments No. 1 and 2.

        Amendment No. 3 to the senior secured credit agreement, entered into on July 14, 2003, modified certain affirmative and negative covenants to permit the exchange offer described in this prospectus, other internal restructuring transactions as well as transfers, cancellations and set-offs of certain intercompany obligations. Under the senior secured credit agreement we paid a $13.6 million fee on

69



March 31, 2004, and our annual interest rate on borrowings thereunder has been increased by an additional .50% per quarter until we have repaid $100 million of indebtedness thereunder. The fee was included in Foster Wheeler's liquidity forecast for 2004.

        In response to its significant leverage and liquidity issues, in early 2002, Foster Wheeler began considering alternatives to addressing these issues. The board considered two basic options: restructuring its balance sheet and reorganization. The balance sheet restructuring includes the exchange offer in conjunction with the private offering of upsize notes.

        The restructuring originally contemplated two separate exchange offers: one for the trust securities and another for the convertible notes and Robbins bonds, neither of which was conditioned upon the other. In those exchange offers, Foster Wheeler contemplated offering preferred shares of two of its subsidiaries. On July 15, 2003, Foster Wheeler Ltd. filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC with respect to the first exchange offer originally contemplated and a Schedule TO-C with respect to the second exchange offer originally contemplated.

        In October 2003, Foster Wheeler was informed by holders of the 2005 notes and the convertible notes that they had formed an informal committee to evaluate Foster Wheeler's financial situation as it related to the 2005 notes and the convertible notes. Foster Wheeler felt it was in its best interests and the best interests of our security holders to engage in discussions with the holders of the 2005 notes and the convertible notes to address our financial situation. The committee sought to engage Saybrook Restructuring Advisors, LLC as its financial advisor and Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP as its legal advisor. Foster Wheeler agreed to pay for these engagements and executed engagement agreements with Milbank on November 21, 2003 and with Saybrook on November 24, 2003.

        On November 14, 2003, the NYSE suspended trading of Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s common shares and the trust securities. Following the NYSE's decision to delist Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s securities, Foster Wheeler's financial advisors met with Saybrook to continue the discussions relating to its financial situation and its recent delisting. In addition, Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s board met with Foster Wheeler's financial advisors to consider the restructuring in light of the delisting. At that time the informal committee's financial advisor, Saybrook, advised Foster Wheeler that the informal committee had indicated that, if the committee members were willing to participate in an exchange offer, they would prefer voting equity of Foster Wheeler Ltd., even if the voting equity is quoted over the counter instead of on a national stock exchange, over the preferred shares of a subsidiary, as originally proposed.

        In making its decision to pursue the proposed exchange offer, the board considered the following primary factors:

    (1)
    the much more significant reduction in debt and improvement in Foster Wheeler's balance sheet that would result from exchanging equity of Foster Wheeler Ltd. for trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds and a portion of the 2005 notes in the exchange offer than would have resulted from the originally proposed exchange of preferred shares of subsidiaries for trust securities, convertible notes and Robbins bonds;

    (2)
    the indicated preference of the informal committee; and

    (3)
    the impact of the NYSE's delisting, including the removal of NYSE–imposed limitations on Foster Wheeler's ability to issue voting equity.

The board then decided to pursue a single exchange offer using its voting equity. Initially, the exchange offer contemplated offering common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. In light of the limited amount of authorized common shares available, the board determined to offer convertible preferred shares in the exchange offer in addition to common shares.

        In order to complete the exchange offer, we must receive the consent of the lenders under our senior secured credit facility. We have entered into an amendment to our senior secured credit facility that permits the exchange offer and the private upsize notes offering subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The amendment is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus

70



is a part. The amendment will reduce the aggregate letter of credit availability from $149,900,000 to $125,000,000 upon the closing of the exchange offer. If the lenders do not consent, we will be unable to consummate the proposed exchange offer.

        By exchanging shares for trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds and a portion of the 2005 notes, Foster Wheeler Ltd. will reduce its overall debt. By exchanging the new notes, which are due in 2011, for a portion of the 2005 notes, Foster Wheeler Ltd., also expects to improve its overall capital structure by effectively extending the maturity of those 2005 notes. Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s board also generally evaluated a negotiated pre-arranged plan of reorganization in which Foster Wheeler would negotiate settlements with its major creditors prior to implementation of such plan of reorganization. Although it continues to evaluate its alternatives, based on the facts, the board decided to pursue the restructuring and the exchange offer.

Upsize Notes Commitment

        Concurrently with the exchange offer and as part of the restructuring of Foster Wheeler's balance sheet, Foster Wheeler LLC is offering, in a separate private transaction, to certain holders of the 2005 notes and convertible notes, up to $120 million in aggregate principal amount of upsize notes. Foster Wheeler Ltd. anticipates the proceeds of this offering will be used to reduce amounts outstanding under its senior secured credit agreement.

        On February 4, 2004, Foster Wheeler LLC entered into a commitment letter with some of the holders of the 2005 notes and the convertible notes relating to its offering of the "upsize notes". The parties to the commitment letter have committed to purchase for cash $120 million of the upsize notes in a private transaction separate from the exchange offer, subject to completion of the exchange offer and other customary conditions being met. On April 12, 2004, May 4, 2004, May 7, 2004 and May 19, 2004 Foster Wheeler LLC and the holders party to the commitment letter agreed to extend the commitment thereunder to the term described below.

        The upsize notes will be offered initially as unregistered securities in a private offering. Pursuant to the commitment letter, Foster Wheeler has agreed that prior to 30 days following the upsize notes offering it will file and, seek to have declared effective, a registration statement to register an offer to exchange senior secured notes having terms identical to the upsize notes (other than the transfer restrictions) for all outstanding upsize notes.

        This discussion of the commitment letter and the offering of the upsize notes is a description only, and nothing contained in this prospectus constitutes an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy, upsize notes.

        We intend to apply the net proceeds from the upsize notes offering first to reduce in full amounts outstanding under term loans under the senior secured credit agreement (which were approximately $49.7 million as of April 30, 2004), and second to reduce outstanding revolving credit borrowings under the senior secured credit agreement which were approximately $69 million as of April 30, 2004.

        The commitment letter and all of the obligations and undertakings of the parties in the commitment letter will be terminated upon the earliest to occur of:

    June 9, 2004, if the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part has not been declared effective by such date;

    a material breach by any of Foster Wheeler Ltd., Foster Wheeler LLC or any holder party to the commitment letter of its respective obligations, representations or warranties under the commitment letter that is not cured within 10 days after notice of breach;

    the filing of any voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or other insolvency case or proceeding involving either Foster Wheeler Ltd. or Foster Wheeler LLC;

71


    a determination by (1) a governmental agency that the securities to be issued pursuant to the exchange offer will not be freely tradable or (2) by the SEC not to take the necessary action to permit the exchange offer to be declared effective;

    in the determination of the security holders representing a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the commitment to purchase upsize notes under the commitment letter, failure of Foster Wheeler LLC to timely pay the fees and expenses of certain advisors to the security holders;

    the commencement of a proceeding by a tribunal of relevant authority seeking to enjoin, restrict, modify or prohibit the exchange offer or the issuance of the upsize notes; and

    the 65th calendar day following the commencement of the exchange offer, if the exchange offer has not been consummated by such 65th calendar day.

No-Transfer Agreement

        On April 8, 2004, Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC entered into a no-transfer agreement with holders of 45.3% of the 2005 notes, and 46.7% of the convertible notes. Under this agreement each holder that signed this agreement has agreed, as long as the agreement is in effect, not to transfer any securities of Foster Wheeler held by it, in whole or in part other than (1) to certain affiliates or members of the informal committee that agree in writing to be bound by the terms of the agreement, (2) to Foster Wheeler Ltd. or Foster Wheeler LLC, (3) pursuant to certain pledge terms or (4) through conversion of the securities in accordance with their terms. Pursuant to amendments dated May 4, 2004, May 7, 2004 and May 19, 2004, Foster Wheeler Ltd., Foster Wheeler LLC and the holders party to the no-transfer agreement agreed to extend the no-transfer agreement to the term described below.

        Under the no-transfer agreement, each of Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC agreed to file the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part within two business days following the execution of the no-transfer agreement, and have agreed:

    to use its commercially reasonable best efforts to cause the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, to be declared effective, to commence the exchange offer within two business days after the registration statement is declared effective and to consummate the exchange offer described in this prospectus;

    it will not, as long as the no transfer agreement is in effect,

    without the prior consent of each security holder, file any amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part relating to the exchange offer or the related transactions, and to allow the holders who sign the no-transfer agreement to review and approve the final form of the documentation required in order for a holder to tender its securities in the exchange offer;

    without the prior written consent of each security holder, initiate any exchange offer for the securities except the exchange offer contemplated by the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part;

    without the prior written consent of each security holder, otherwise seek to restructure or recapitalize or negotiate or provide confidential information to any person known by Foster Wheeler to be contemplating an alternate plan of restructuring, except as contemplated by the exchange offer and concurrent related transactions and except for discussions with and information provided to the holders of the Robbins bonds with respect to the possible change in consideration to be delivered to them in connection with the exchange offer;

    without the prior written consent of each security holder, change any terms or conditions to the exchange offer (including, without limitation, change the terms of the restructuring described in this prospectus in any manner whatsoever that modifies, amends, or alters the

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        treatment of, consideration to or distribution to holders of the 2005 notes, convertible notes Robbins bonds, trust securities, common stock, any other claims or equity interests against or in Foster Wheeler Ltd. or Foster Wheeler LLC, or other persons);

      object to, or otherwise commence any proceeding to oppose, the restructuring of Foster Wheeler's balance sheet as described in this prospectus and shall not take any action that is inconsistent with or that would unreasonably delay the consummation of, such restructuring; or

      without the prior written consent of each security holder, except as otherwise contemplated by the exchange offer and concurrent related transactions, not to, and will cause its subsidiaries not to engage in any transaction outside the ordinary course of business including any merger, acquisition, security issuance or asset sale or lease outside the ordinary course of business, other than certain identified transactions.

        The no-transfer agreement will be terminated upon the earliest to occur of:

    June 9, 2004, if the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part has not been declared effective by such date;

    the earliest to occur of (1) the 21st business day following the commencement of the exchange offer, (2) the termination or abandonment of the exchange offer and (3) July 9, 2004;

    a material breach by any of Foster Wheeler Ltd., Foster Wheeler LLC or any holder party to the no-transfer agreement of its respective obligations, representations or warranties under the no-transfer agreement that is not cured within 10 calendar days after notice of breach;

    the filing of any voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or other insolvency case or proceeding involving either Foster Wheeler Ltd. or Foster Wheeler LLC;

    a determination by the board of directors of either Foster Wheeler Ltd. or Foster Wheeler LLC that termination is required by its fiduciary duty to Foster Wheeler Ltd. or Foster Wheeler LLC, its shareholders and/or creditors, based on advice received from counsel;

    a determination (1) by a governmental agency that the securities to be issued pursuant to the exchange offer will not be freely tradable or (2) by the SEC not to take the necessary action to permit the exchange offer to be declared effective;

    in the determination of the security holders representing a majority in principal amount of securities subject to the no-transfer agreement, failure of Foster Wheeler LLC to timely pay the fees and expenses of certain advisors to the security holders; and

    the commencement of a proceeding by a tribunal of relevant authority seeking to enjoin, restrict, modify or prohibit the exchange offer or the issuance of the upsize notes.

Terms of the Exchange Offer

    Trust Securities Exchange

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. is offering to exchange up to 19,467,000 common shares and 210,000 preferred shares, or in the aggregate 36,267,000 common shares on an as converted basis, for any and all of the 7,000,000 outstanding trust securities. Each holder will be entitled to receive 2.781 common shares and 0.030 preferred shares, or in the aggregate 5.181 common shares on an as converted basis, for each trust security (liquidation amount $25). Holders of trust securities who participate in the exchange offer will forfeit any right to receive accumulated but unpaid dividends on the trust securities that they exchange.

        You will not receive any consideration for accrued and unpaid dividends on your trust securities tendered in the exchange offer. You may exchange any or all of your trust securities in the exchange offer in increments of $25 in liquidation amount. As described below, if you choose to tender any portion of your trust securities, you will be deemed to have consented to the proposed amendments to the junior subordinated indenture underlying the trust securities.

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    Convertible Notes Exchange

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. is offering to exchange up to 43,679,370 of its common shares and 470,400 of its preferred shares, or in the aggregate 81,311,370 common shares on an as converted basis, for any and all of the $210 million in aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes. For each $1,000 in principal amount of convertible notes that you validly tender in the exchange offer, you will receive 207.997 common shares and 2.240 preferred shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. plus accrued and unpaid interest through the exchange date. You may exchange any or all of your convertible notes in the exchange offer in increments of $1,000 in principal amount. As described below, if you choose to tender any portion of your convertible notes, you will be deemed to have consented to the proposed amendments to the convertible notes indenture with respect to the tendered notes.

    Robbins Bonds Exchange

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. is offering to exchange up to 24,212,175 of its common shares and 260,811.74 of its preferred shares, or in the aggregate 45,077,114 common shares on an as converted basis, plus accrued and unpaid interest for any and all of the $113.693 million in aggregate principal amount as of March 26, 2004 of the Robbins bonds. For each $1,000 in principal amount as of March 26, 2004 of 2009 Series C Robbins bonds that you validly tender in the exchange offer, you will receive 212.961 common shares and 2.294 preferred shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. plus accrued and unpaid interest through the exchange date. For each $1,000 in principal amount as of March 26, 2004 of 2024 Series C Robbins bonds that you validly tender in the exchange offer, you will receive 212.961 common shares and 2.294 preferred shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. plus accrued and unpaid interest through the exchange date. For each $1,000 in accreted principal amount as of March 26, 2004 of Series D Robbins bonds that you validly tender in the exchange offer, you will receive 212.961 common shares and 2.294 preferred shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. You may exchange any or all of your 2009 Series C Robbins bonds and 2024 Series C Robbins bonds in the exchange offer in increments of $1,000 in principal amount. You may exchange any or all of your Series D Robbins bonds in the exchange offer in increments of $1,000 in principal amount at maturity.

    2005 Notes Exchange

        Foster Wheeler LLC is offering to exchange up to $150 million in aggregate principal amount of its new notes and up to 12,410,200 common shares and 133,600 preferred shares, or in the aggregate 23,098,200 common shares on an as converted basis, for any and all of its $200 million in aggregate principal amount of 2005 notes. For each $1,000 in principal amount of 2005 notes you validly tender in the exchange offer, you will receive $750 aggregate principal amount of new notes, 62.051 common shares and 0.668 preferred shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. plus accrued and unpaid interest through the exchange date. The common shares and preferred shares will be issued by Foster Wheeler Ltd. on behalf of Foster Wheeler LLC and in consideration of the exchange with Foster Wheeler LLC. You may tender your 2005 notes only in increments of $1,000 in principal amount. As described below, if you choose to tender any portion of your 2005 notes, you will be deemed to have consented to the proposed amendments to the 2005 notes indenture with respect to the tendered notes.

Management Participation

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. intends to adopt a restricted stock plan prior to the closing of the exchange offer. The plan will entitle members of senior management and the board of directors of Foster Wheeler to receive 9,800,000 common shares in conjunction with consummation of the exchange offer. The plan also will allow the issuance of an additional 700,000 shares at the discretion of the

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compensation committee of the board of directors. The respective entitlements under the plan of our directors and executive officers are expected to be as follows:

Name

  Number of Shares under Plan
Raymond J. Milchovich   3,500,000
Bernard H. Cherry   1,000,000
John La Duc   550,000
Steven I. Weinstein   135,865
Brian K. Ferraioli   118,232
All directors and executive officers as a group   5,557,059

    Beneficial Ownership After the Exchange Offer

        The following table shows the beneficial ownership of certain categories of holders of Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s securities after the consummation of the exchange offer.

 
  Title of Security
 
  Existing common shareholders and restricted stock plan
  Trust securities
  Convertible notes
  Robbins bonds
  2005 notes

Aggregate liquidation or principal amount outstanding at March 26, 2004

 

N/A

 

$

175 million

 

$

210 million

 

$

113.7 million

(1)

$

200 million

Accrued and unpaid interest or dividends through March 26, 2004

 

N/A

 

$

42.8 million

 

$

4.6 million

 

$

3.0 million

 

$

5.1 million

Total obligation as of March 26, 2004

 

N/A

 

$

217.8 million

 

$

214.6 million

 

$

116.7 million

 

$

205.1 million

Minimum % required to tender for consummation of exchange offer

 

N/A

 

 

75%

 

 

90%

 

 

90%

 

 

90%

Total number of preferred shares to be issued(2)

 

N/A

 

 

157,500

 

 

423,360

 

 

234,731

 

 

120,240

Total number of common shares to be issued(2)

 

N/A

 

 

14,600,250

 

 

39,311,433

 

 

21,790,957

 

 

11,169,180

% of common shares (assuming conversion of preferred shares) outstanding after exchange offer(2)

 

23.8%

(3)

 

12.8%

 

 

34.5%

 

 

19.1%

 

 

9.8%

(1)
The 2009 Series C Robbins bonds had a face amount of $17.8 million at issuance. Since issuance, in accordance with the terms of the 2009 Series C Robbins bonds, Foster Wheeler LLC has made principal repayments of $5.7 million. The total amount due as of March 26, 2004, was $12.1 million. The 2024 Series C Robbins bonds had a face amount of $77.2 million at issuance. No principal repayments are scheduled until 2023, and the total amount due under the 2024 Series C Robbins bonds as of March 26, 2004 was $77.2 million. The Series D Robbins bonds had a face amount of $18 million at issuance. The total amount due under the Series D Robbins bonds as of March 26, 2004, which includes $6.4 million of accreted principal through this date, was $24.4 million.

(2)
Assumes minimum conditions with respect to percentages tendered into the exchange offer are tendered.

(3)
Includes 9,800,000 common shares, or 4.6% of the common shares on an as converted basis, to be issued in conjuction with the consummation of the exchange offer under a restricted stock plan which we intend to adopt prior to the closing of the exchange offer to members of Foster Wheeler's senior management and directors. See "The Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation—Management Participation" for more information about the restricted stock plan. The plan also allows the issuance of an additional 700,000 shares at the discretion of the compensation committee of the board of directors. Excludes approximately 8,869,000 shares reserved for issuance pursuant to employee stock option plans and approximately 1,309,000 shares reserved for issuance upon conversion of convertible notes that remain outstanding.

    General

        On the expiration date, Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC will accept all validly tendered securities and consents which are not withdrawn or revoked before 5:00 p.m., New York City time.

        This prospectus, together with the Trust Securities Letter of Transmittal and Consent, the Convertible Notes Letter of Transmittal and Consent, the Robbins Bonds Letter of Transmittal and the 2005 Notes Letter of Transmittal and Consent, which we refer to collectively as the letters of transmittal, are being sent to you and to others whom Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC believe to have beneficial interests in the securities.

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        You do not have any appraisal or dissenters' rights under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or under Bermuda law. We intend to conduct the exchange offer in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC reserve the right to purchase or make offers for any securities that remain outstanding after the expiration date, including by having a subsequent offering period or to terminate the exchange offer and consent solicitation and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, purchase securities in the open market in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The terms of any of these purchases or offers could (except in the case of a subsequent offering period) differ from the terms of this exchange offer.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC are not aware of any jurisdiction where the making of the exchange offer or the consent solicitation is not in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. If we become aware of any jurisdiction where the making of the exchange offer or the consent solicitation would not be in compliance with such laws, the exchange offer and the consent solicitation will not be made to (nor will tenders of securities or, in the case of the trust securities, convertible notes and 2005 notes, delivery of consents be accepted from or on behalf of) a holder residing in such jurisdiction.

    No Fractional Tenders

        You may not tender your securities except in the minimum increments denoted above.

    Acceptance and Delivery of Common Shares and Preferred Shares and new notes; Other Settlement Matters

        As further described in, and otherwise qualified by, this prospectus, we will accept all securities validly tendered and not validly withdrawn before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. The acceptance for exchange of securities validly tendered and the issuance of common shares, preferred shares or new notes, as the case may be, will be made promptly after the expiration date. Foster Wheeler Ltd. will issue the common shares and preferred shares and Foster Wheeler LLC will deliver the new notes, as the case may be, promptly after the expiration of the exchange offer.

        The exchange agent will, as a participant in the DTC Fast Automated Securities Transfer program, issue the common shares and preferred shares and new notes to holders by effecting book-entries to electronically credit the account of the holder or its nominee with DTC through its Deposit Withdrawal Agent Commission System. The issuance of all shares will be recorded on the register of shareholders.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC, as the case may be, will have accepted your validly tendered securities when it has given oral or written notice to the exchange agent, which will occur promptly after the expiration date. The exchange agent will act as agent for you for the purpose of receiving any and all certificates representing the common shares, preferred shares or new notes, as the case may be, from us. If your tendered securities are not accepted for exchange because of an invalid tender or another valid reason, Foster Wheeler Ltd. or Foster Wheeler LLC, as the case may be, will return the securities without expense, to you promptly after the expiration date.

        In consideration for Foster Wheeler Ltd. issuing the common shares and the preferred shares and Foster Wheeler LLC issuing the new notes, as the case may be, as contemplated in this prospectus, Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC, as the case may be, will receive the securities tendered for exchange. The securities surrendered in exchange for the common shares and the preferred shares or new notes, as the case may be, will not be reissued or resold. We intend to retire the convertible notes and 2005 notes we receive in the exchange offer. Following the consummation of the exchange offer, Foster Wheeler LLC will no longer have any obligation with respect to the Robbins bonds that are exchanged in the exchange offer.

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        Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC expressly reserve the right to terminate the exchange offer and consent solicitation and not accept for exchange any securities not previously accepted for exchange if any of the conditions set forth under "—Conditions to the Exchange Offer" have not been satisfied or waived by Foster Wheeler Ltd. or Foster Wheeler LLC, as the case may be, or at their option for any reason on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. In all cases, exchange of the securities accepted for exchange and payment of the common shares and preferred shares or new notes, as the case may be, will be made only after timely receipt by the exchange agent of certificates representing the original securities and, in the case of the trust securities, the convertible notes and 2005 notes, consent to the proposed amendments, or by confirmation of book-entry transfer, together with a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal, a manually signed facsimile of the letter of transmittal, or satisfaction of DTC's ATOP procedures, and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal.

        If you wish to exchange more than one class of securities eligible for exchange in the exchange offer, you must properly complete and duly execute each letter of transmittal which corresponds to each such class of securities.

    Registration Rights

        We have agreed with certain of the holders of the 2005 notes and the convertible notes that will hold 5% or more of the voting shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. upon consumation of the proposed exchange offer, that we will, at our cost, use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to become effective a shelf registration statement with respect to resales of such securities of Foster Wheeler LLC and Foster Wheeler Ltd., including the shares and notes held by such holders, and to keep the registration statement effective until the earlier of (i) the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the shelf registration statement, (ii) the date on which none of such holders beneficially owns 5% or more of the voting shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd.; provided that no voting shares acquired after the issue date (other than as a result of any stock dividend, stock split or other similar event) by such holders shall be counted for this purpose, (iii) the date on which our legal counsel delivers an opinion to each of the holders to the effect that such holders are not an affiliate, as that term is used in Rule 144 under the Securities Act and that all of such securities beneficially owned by such holders may be sold without registration under the Securities Act and counsel for the holders shall deliver a concurring opinion; provided that the holders have agreed to use their good faith efforts to obtain such concurring opinion or (iv) the date when all securities covered by the shelf registration statement have been sold pursuant to the shelf registration statement or have otherwise become freely tradable. We have agreed to file the registration statement relating to the shelf within 45 days of the issue date and to use our reasonable best efforts to have it declared effective within 90 days of the issue date. In the event we do not satisfy our registration obligations under this agreement within or for the time periods specified, we have agreed to pay these holders as a group liquidated damages in an aggregate amount of approximately $13,700 per day until such registration default is cured. We will, in connection with the shelf registration, provide copies of the prospectus to each holder that is entitled to include its securities under such shelf registration statement, notify each such holder when the shelf registration statement for the securities has become effective and take certain other actions as are required to permit resales of the securities. A holder that sells its securities pursuant to the shelf registration statement will be required to be named as a selling security holder in the related prospectus and to deliver a prospectus to purchasers, will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under the Securities Act in connection with those sales and will be bound by the provisions of the registration rights agreement that are applicable to a selling holder, including certain indemnification obligations.

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    Delivery of Consent

        Trust Securities.    If you are a holder of trust securities and you wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must also consent to the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the debentures underlying the trust securities. Your tender of trust securities will be deemed a consent to these proposed amendments.

        Convertible Notes.    If you are a holder of convertible notes and you wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must also consent to the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the convertible notes. Your tender of convertible notes will be deemed a consent to these proposed amendments.

        2005 Notes.    If you are a holder of 2005 notes and you wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must also consent to the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the 2005 notes. Your tender of 2005 notes will be deemed a consent to these proposed amendments.

Trust Securities Consent Solicitation

        Foster Wheeler LLC is seeking the consent of the holders of the trust securities to amend the terms of the indenture governing the junior subordinated debentures underlying the trust securities to eliminate the provisions that restrict the ability of Foster Wheeler LLC to enter into a merger or consolidation transaction or to sell, lease or otherwise convey substantially all of its assets. Further, Foster Wheeler LLC is seeking consent to eliminate from the indenture the covenant requiring it to provide the trustee copies of all reports that it files with the SEC.

        Foster Wheeler LLC is seeking consents to all of the proposed amendments relating to the trust securities as a single proposal. Pursuant to the terms of the exchange offer, the completion, execution and delivery of the accompanying trust securities letter of transmittal and consent in connection with the tender of trust securities will be deemed to constitute the consent of the tendering holder to all of the proposed amendments relating to the trust securities. The holders of at least a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities must consent to the proposed amendments relating to the trust securities for them to be effective.

Convertible Notes Consent Solicitation

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. is seeking the consent of holders of the convertible notes to amend the terms of the indenture governing the convertible notes to eliminate the provisions that restrict the ability of Foster Wheeler Ltd. or Foster Wheeler LLC to merge with, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets to, other entities. Further, Foster Wheeler Ltd. is seeking consent to eliminate from the indenture the covenant requiring it to provide to the trustee copies of all reports that it files with the SEC.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. is seeking consents to all of the proposed amendments relating to the convertible notes as a single proposal. Pursuant to the terms of the exchange offer, the completion, execution and delivery of the accompanying convertible notes letter of transmittal and consent in connection with the tender of convertible notes will be deemed to constitute the consent of the tendering holder to all of the proposed amendments. The holders of at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes must consent to the proposed amendments relating to the convertible notes for them to be effective.

2005 Notes Consent Solicitation

        Foster Wheeler LLC is seeking the consent of holders of the 2005 notes to amend the terms of the indenture governing the 2005 notes to eliminate the provisions that restrict the ability of Foster Wheeler LLC to (1) merge with, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets to, other entities,

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(2) permit its subsidiaries to incur debt in excess of 10% of its net tangible assets, (3) incur certain liens without securing the 2005 notes equally and ratably, and (4) enter into sale and leaseback transactions. The proposed elimination of the limitation on liens covenant would eliminate the holders of the 2005 notes rights to security currently in place with respect to the 2005 notes. As a consequence, the 2005 notes will no longer be secured by any collateral if the proposed amendments are adopted, and will therefore rank junior in right of payment to senior secured debt of Foster Wheeler LLC, including debt under the senior secured credit agreement, any new senior credit facility, the new notes and the upsize notes with respect to the collateral securing such debt.

        Foster Wheeler LLC is seeking consents to all of the proposed amendments relating to the 2005 notes as a single proposal. Pursuant to the terms of the exchange offer, the completion, execution and delivery of the accompanying 2005 notes letter of transmittal and consent in connection with the tender of 2005 notes will be deemed to constitute the consent of the tendering holder to all of the proposed amendments. The holders of at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the 2005 notes must consent to the proposed amendments relating to the 2005 notes for them to be effective.

        The proposed amendments to the terms of the 2005 notes will not affect the terms of the new notes offered in the exchange offer.

Expiration Date; Extensions; Termination; Amendments; Subsequent Offering Period

        The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 12, 2004, or the expiration date, unless we extend the exchange offer. In any event, we will hold the exchange offer open for at least 20 full business days. In order to extend the exchange offer, we will issue a notice on our website (www.fwc.com) and by press release or other public announcement before 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC reserve the right, in their sole discretion to:

    delay accepting your securities;

    extend the exchange offer;

    terminate the exchange offer and consent solicitation, if any of the conditions to the exchange offer have not been satisfied or waived, or for any other reason in their sole discretion, by giving oral or written notice of any delay, extension or termination to the exchange agent, in accordance with the notice procedures described above relating to an extension of the exchange offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date; and

    amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner.

        All conditions to the exchange offer will be satisfied or waived prior to the expiration of the exchange offer unless the exchange offer is terminated. Foster Wheeler will pay for any securities accepted promptly following the expiration of the exchange offer.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC also reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to provide for a subsequent offering period after the expiration of the exchange offer. The subsequent offering period will be not less than three business days or more than 20 business days and shall begin on the next business day after the expiration date of the exchange offer. To provide for a subsequent offering period, we will, among other things:

    immediately accept for exchange and promptly exchange (1) common shares and preferred shares for all trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds and 2005 notes and (2) new notes for all 2005 notes tendered in the initial exchange offer period;

    announce the results of the exchange offer by issuing a notice on our website (www.fwc.com) and by press release or other public announcement no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time,

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      on the next business day after the expiration date of the exchange offer and immediately commence the subsequent offering period;

    exchange (1) common shares and preferred shares for all trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds and 2005 notes and (2) new notes for all 2005 notes, tendered in the subsequent offering period promptly after the expiration date; and

    offer the same form and amount of consideration to holders of each class of securities in the subsequent offering period that was offered during the initial exchange offer period.

        You will not have the right to withdraw any securities that you tender during any subsequent offering period.

        If we make a material change in the terms of the exchange offer, we will disseminate additional offering materials and extend the exchange offer to the extent required by law, and you will have the right to withdraw your securities. Except as set forth in the next succeeding sentence, the exchange offer will be extended by five business days if there are any material changes to the terms of the exchange offer. If any changes are made to the consideration offered in the exchange offer or in fees paid to the dealer manager or any other entity soliciting on our behalf in the exchange offer, the exchange offer will be extended by ten business days.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC will not accept for exchange any securities you tender common shares, preferred shares or new notes, as the case may be, will be issued to you in exchange for your securities, if at any time any stop order is threatened or in effect with respect to the registration statement relating to the exchange offer and the issuance and sale of common shares, preferred shares or new notes, as the case may be.

        Notwithstanding any other provision of the exchange offer, subject to the terms of the no-transfer agreement and the commitment letter, we may terminate or amend the exchange offer in our sole discretion at any time prior to expiration of the exchange offer if any of the conditions set forth below are not satisfied or waived. Upon termination of the exchange offer for any reason, any trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds or 2005 notes previously tendered in the exchange offer will be promptly returned to the tendering holders.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

        Notwithstanding any other provisions of the exchange offer, the exchange offer is conditioned upon among other things:

    holders of at least 75% of the aggregate liquidation amount of trust securities having validly tendered, and not validly withdrawn, those trust securities; and

    holders of at least 90% of the aggregate principal amount of convertible notes having validly tendered, and not validly withdrawn, those convertible notes; and

    holders of at least 90% of the aggregate principal amount or, if applicable, accreted principal amount, outstanding as of March 26, 2004 of Robbins bonds having validly tendered, and not validly withdrawn, those Robbins bonds; and

    holders of at least 90% of the aggregate principal amount of 2005 notes having validly tendered, and not validly withdrawn, those 2005 notes.

        In order to complete the exchange offer, we must receive the consent of the lenders under our senior secured credit facility. We have entered into an amendment to our senior secured credit facility that permits the exchange offer and the private upsize notes offering subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The amendment is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The amendment will reduce the aggregate letter of credit availability from $149,900,000 to

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$125,000,000 upon the closing of the exchange offer. If the lenders do not consent, we will be unable to consummate the proposed exchange offer.

        In addition, the private upsize notes offering must be completed in order to complete the exchange offer.

        The exchange offer does not require the approval of any U.S. federal or state regulatory authorities other than the satisfaction of the registration requirements of the Securities Act, and any applicable state securities laws and the applicable rules under the Exchange Act, nor is it subject to any financing condition.

        Subject to the terms of the no-transfer agreement and the commitment letter, we may, in our sole and reasonable discretion, waive any of the conditions to the exchange offer prior to expiration of the exchange offer. The conditions to the exchange offer and consent solicitation are for our sole benefit, and may be waived at any time prior to expiration of the exchange offer for any reason. Our failure to exercise any of our rights will not be a waiver of our rights. If we waive a material condition to the exchange offer, we will notify holders of securities of such waiver and hold the offer open for acceptances and withdrawals for at least five business days after the notification of the waiver of such condition.

Procedures for Tendering Your Securities, and Delivering Your Consent to the Proposed Amendments

    General

        Only a holder of securities or the holder's legal representative or attorney-in-fact, or a person who has obtained a properly completed irrevocable proxy acceptable to us that authorizes such person, or that person's legal representative or attorney-in-fact, to tender securities on behalf of the holder, may validly tender the securities and, in the case of trust securities, convertible notes and 2005 notes, thereby validly deliver a consent to the proposed amendments with respect to those trust securities, convertible notes or 2005 notes, as the case may be.

        In order for a holder to receive common shares, preferred shares or new notes, as the case may be, such holder must validly tender its securities pursuant to the exchange offer and not withdraw those securities pursuant to the exchange offer.

        Delivery of securities through DTC and acceptance of an Agent's Message (as defined below) transmitted through DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program, or ATOP, and the method of delivery of all other required documents, is at the election and risk of the person tendering securities and delivering a letter of transmittal and, except as otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, delivery will be deemed made only when actually received by the exchange agent. If delivery of any document is by mail, we suggest that the holder use properly insured, registered mail, with a return receipt requested, and that the mailing be made sufficiently in advance of the expiration date to permit delivery to the exchange agent prior to the expiration date.

    Tender of Securities and Consent

        The tender by a holder of securities pursuant to the procedures set forth below, and the subsequent acceptance of that tender by us, will constitute a binding agreement between that holder, Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and the related letter of transmittal. The tender of securities pursuant to the exchange offer on or prior to the expiration date and in accordance with the procedures described below will, in the case of trust securities, convertible notes or 2005 notes, constitute the delivery of a consent, to all of the proposed amendments with respect to the securities tendered.

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    Valid Tender

        Except as set forth below, for a holder to validly tender securities and, in the case of the trust securities, convertible notes and 2005 notes, deliver consent pursuant to the exchange offer, a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal (or a facsimile thereof), together with any signature guarantees and any other document required by the instructions to the letter of transmittal, or a properly transmitted Agent's Message, must be received by the exchange agent at the address set forth on the back cover of this prospectus prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date and such trust securities must be transferred pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer described under "—Book-Entry Delivery Procedures" below and a Book-Entry Confirmation (as defined below) must be received by the exchange agent, in each case prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date of the exchange offer.

        The letter of transmittal and securities must be sent only to the exchange agent. Do not send letters of transmittal or securities to Foster Wheeler Ltd., Foster Wheeler LLC, the dealer manager, or the information agent.

        In all cases, notwithstanding any other provision of this prospectus, the exchange of common shares and preferred shares for trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds and 2005 notes and new notes for 2005 notes tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer will be made only after timely receipt by the exchange agent of (1) a Book-Entry Confirmation with respect to such securities, (2) the letter of transmittal (or a facsimile thereof) properly completed and duly executed or a properly transmitted Agent's Message and (3) any required signature guarantees and other documents required by the letter of transmittal.

        If you tender less than all your outstanding securities you should fill in the number of securities so tendered in the appropriate box on the letter of transmittal. All of your securities deposited with the exchange agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.

    Book-Entry Delivery Procedures

        Within two business days after the date of this prospectus, the exchange agent will establish an account at DTC for purposes of the exchange offer, and any financial institution that is a DTC participant and whose name appears on a security position listing as the record owner of the securities may make book-entry delivery of securities by causing DTC to transfer such securities into the exchange agent's account at DTC in accordance with DTC's procedure for such transfer. Delivery of documents to a Book-Entry Transfer Facility in accordance with the Book-Entry Transfer Facility's procedures does not constitute a valid tender of the securities to the exchange agent.

        A letter of transmittal (or a facsimile thereof) properly completed and duly executed, along with any required signature guarantees, or a properly transmitted Agent's Message, must in any case be transmitted to and received by the exchange agent at one of the addresses set forth on the back cover of this prospectus on or prior to the expiration date. The confirmation of a book-entry transfer into the exchange agent's account at DTC as described above is referred to as a "Book-Entry Confirmation."

    Tender of Securities Held Through DTC

        The exchange agent and DTC have confirmed that the exchange offer is eligible for ATOP. DTC has authorized any DTC participant who has securities credited to its DTC account to tender their securities and, in the case of the trust securities, convertible notes, and 2005 notes, provide consents to the proposed amendments as if it were the beneficial holder. Accordingly, DTC participants may, in lieu of physically completing and signing the letter of transmittal and delivering it to the exchange

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agent, electronically transmit their acceptance of the exchange offer (and thereby tender their securities and, in the case of the trust securities, convertible notes, and 2005 notes, provide their consent to the proposed amendments) by causing DTC to transfer securities to the exchange agent in accordance with DTC's ATOP procedures for transfer. DTC will then send to the exchange agent an Agent's Message which is a message transmitted by DTC, received by the exchange agent and forming part of the Book-Entry Confirmation, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from a participant in DTC that is tendering securities and, in the case of the trust securities, convertible notes, and 2005 notes, delivering a consent that are the subject of such Book-Entry Confirmation, that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the applicable letter of transmittal and that we may enforce such agreement against such participant.

        Holders of securities desiring to tender their securities by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date of the exchange offer must allow sufficient time for completion of the ATOP procedures during normal business hours of DTC on that date.

    Tender of Securities Held Through Custodians

        To validly tender its securities and, in the case of the trust securities, convertible notes, and 2005 notes, validly deliver its consent pursuant to the exchange offer, a beneficial owner of securities held through a direct or indirect DTC participant, such as a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other financial intermediary, must instruct that holder to tender the beneficial owner's securities and, in the case of the trust securities, convertible notes, and 2005 notes, deliver the related consent on behalf of the beneficial owner. A letter of instructions is included in the materials provided with this prospectus. The letter to custodians may be used by a beneficial owner to instruct a custodian to tender securities and, in the case of the trust securities, convertible notes, and 2005 notes, deliver a consent on the beneficial owner's behalf.

        Except with respect to guaranteed delivery procedures described below, unless the securities being tendered are deposited with the exchange agent by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date accompanied by a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal or a properly transmitted Agent's Message, we may, at our option, treat such tender as invalid. Exchange of (1) common shares and preferred shares for trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds and 2005 notes and (2) new notes for 2005 notes will be made only against the valid tender of the securities.

    Guaranteed Delivery

        If you wish to exchange your securities and time will not permit your letter of transmittal and all other required documents to reach the exchange agent, or if the procedures for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer, you may still exchange your securities if you comply with the following requirements:

    you tender your securities by or through a recognized participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the NYSE Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchange Medallion Program;

    on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date of the exchange offer, the exchange agent has received from such participant a properly completed and validly executed notice of guaranteed delivery, by manually signed facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery, in substantially the form provided with this prospectus; and

    the exchange agent receives properly completed and validly executed letter of transmittal (or facsimile thereof) together with any required signature guarantees, or a book-entry confirmation,

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      and any other required documents, within three NYSE trading days after the date of the notice of guaranteed delivery.

    Signature Guarantees

        Signatures on the applicable letter of transmittal must be guaranteed by a recognized participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the NYSE Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchange Medallion Program, each a Medallion Signature Guarantor, unless the securities tendered thereby are tendered: (1) by a holder whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of those securities who has not completed any of the boxes entitled "Special Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" on the applicable letter of transmittal; or (2) for the account of a member firm of a registered national securities exchange, a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States referred to as an "Eligible Guarantor Institution."

        If the holder of the securities being tendered is a person other than the signer of the related letter of transmittal, or if securities not accepted for exchange or securities previously tendered and being withdrawn are to be returned to a person other than the registered holder or a DTC participant, then the signatures on the letter of transmittal accompanying the tendered securities must be guaranteed by a Medallion Signature Guarantor as described above.

        The method of delivery of letters of transmittal, any required signature guarantees and any other required documents, including delivery through DTC, is at the option and risk of the tendering holder and, except as otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, delivery will be deemed made only when actually received by the exchange agent. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to ensure timely delivery.

    Effect of a Tender

        By causing an Agent's Message to be transmitted to the exchange agent, or by executing a letter of transmittal as set forth above, and subject to our acceptance for exchange of, and exchange for, the securities tendered, a tendering holder irrevocably sells, assigns and transfers to us, or upon our order, all right, title and interest in and to all those securities and irrevocably constitutes and appoints the exchange agent the true and lawful agent of the tendering holder, with full power of substitution to:

    transfer ownership of the tendered securities on the account books maintained by DTC and deliver all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity to us, or upon our order, upon receipt by the exchange agent, as the holder's agent, of the (1) common shares and preferred shares issued in exchange for the trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds and 2005 notes, or (2) new notes issued in exchange for the 2005 notes; and

    present the tendered securities for transfer on our books and receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of the tendered securities all in accordance with the terms of the exchange offer.

    Transfers of Ownership of Tendered Securities

        Beneficial ownership in tendered securities may be transferred by the registered holder by delivering to the exchange agent, at one of its addresses set forth on the back cover of this prospectus, an executed letter of transmittal identifying the name of the person who deposited the securities to be transferred, and completing the special payment instructions box with the name of the transferee (or, if tendered by book-entry transfer, the name of the participant in DTC whose name appears on the

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security position listing as the transferee of such notes) and the principal amount of the securities to be transferred. If certificates have been identified through a book-entry confirmation with respect to such securities, the name of the holder who tendered the securities, the name of the transferee and the certificate numbers, if any, relating to such securities should also be provided in the letter of transmittal. A person who succeeds to the beneficial ownership of tendered securities pursuant to the procedures set forth herein will be entitled to receive common shares and preferred shares or new notes, as the case may be, if securities are accepted for exchange or to receive the tendered securities if the exchange offer is terminated.

    Other Matters

        Notwithstanding any other provision of this prospectus, exchange of (1) common shares and preferred shares for trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds and 2005 notes, and (2) new notes for 2005 notes tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer will, in all cases, be made only after receipt by the exchange agent of:

    Book-Entry Confirmation of the transfer of such securities into the exchange agent's account at DTC as described above; and

    a letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of that document, with respect to the tendered securities properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature guarantees and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal, or a properly transmitted Agent's Message.

        A tender of securities pursuant to the procedures described above, and acceptance by us of that tender, will constitute a binding agreement between the tendering holder and us upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the exchange offer.

        All questions as to the form of all documents and the validity (including time of receipt) and acceptance of all tenders of securities and, in the case of trust securities, convertible notes and 2005 notes, deliveries of consents and the withdrawal or revocation thereof will be determined by Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC, in our sole discretion, and our determination will be final and binding. Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC reserve the absolute right to reject any or all tenders of securities or, in the case of trust securities, convertible notes and 2005 notes, deliveries of consents determined by us not to be in proper form or, if the acceptance or exchange for such securities may, in our opinion, be unlawful.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC also reserve the absolute right to waive any defects, irregularities or contingencies of tenders to particular securities or, in the case of trust securities, convertible notes or 2005 notes, of delivery as to particular consents. Our interpretations of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer (including the instructions in the letter of transmittal) will be final and binding. Any defect or irregularity in connection with tenders of securities and, in the case of trust securities, convertible notes and 2005 notes, consent, must be cured within such time as we determine, unless waived by Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC. Tenders of securities and, in the case of trust securities, convertible notes or 2005 notes, consent, shall not be deemed to have been made until all defects and irregularities have been waived by us or cured. None of Foster Wheeler Ltd., Foster Wheeler LLC, the guarantors, the exchange agent, the information agent, the dealer manager or any other person will be under any duty to give notice of any defects or irregularities in tenders of securities or in the case of trust securities, convertible notes or 2005 notes, deliveries of consents, or will incur any liability to holders for failure to give any such notice. The dealer manager, the exchange agent, the trustee and the information agent assume no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this prospectus.

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        PLEASE SEND ALL MATERIALS TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AND NOT TO FOSTER WHEELER LTD., FOSTER WHEELER LLC, THE DEALER MANAGER, THE TRUSTEE, THE INFORMATION AGENT OR DTC.

Withdrawal of Tenders and Revocation of Consents

        Securities tendered on or prior to the expiration date may be withdrawn and, in the case of trust securities, convertible notes and 2005 notes, the related consents may be revoked, at any time on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date of the exchange offer. Any tendered securities not accepted by the sixtieth business day after commencement of the exchange offer may be withdrawn. Tenders of securities and, in the case of trust securities, convertible notes and 2005 notes, related consents, received on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date will become irrevocable, except as set forth below, at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date of the exchange offer, if not validly revoked prior to that time. If we provide for a subsequent offering period, you will not have the right to withdraw any securities tendered previously and not withdrawn or that you tender during that subsequent offering period. Securities tendered during the subsequent offering period will be accepted promptly after the expiration of the subsequent offering period. In the event of a termination of the exchange offer, the securities tendered pursuant to the exchange offer will be returned promptly to the tendering holder and the proposed amendments related to the trust securities, the convertible notes and the 2005 notes will not be executed and will not become effective.

        Prior to the delivery by the exchange agent of consents to the Trustee, Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC intend to consult with the exchange agent to determine whether the exchange agent has received any revocations of consents, whether such revocations are valid and whether we have received the requisite consents to effect the proposed amendments related to the trust securities, convertible notes and the 2005 notes. Each of Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC reserves the right to contest the validity of any such revocations. A purported notice of revocation that is not received by the exchange agent in a timely fashion will not be effective to revoke a consent previously given. You may not revoke any consent without also withdrawing the tender of such trust securities, convertible notes or the 2005 notes.

        Beneficial owners desiring to withdraw securities previously tendered through DTC should contact the DTC participant through which such beneficial owners hold their securities. In order to withdraw securities previously tendered, a DTC participant may, prior to the withdrawal time, withdraw its instruction previously transmitted through ATOP by (1) withdrawing its acceptance through ATOP, or (2) delivering to the exchange agent by mail, hand delivery or facsimile transmission, notice of withdrawal of such instruction. The notices of withdrawal must contain the name and number of the DTC participant. A withdrawal of an instruction must be executed by a DTC participant as such DTC participant's name appears on its transmission through ATOP to which such withdrawal relates. A DTC participant may withdraw a tender only if such withdrawal complies with the provisions described in this paragraph. Registered holders who tendered other than through DTC should send written notice of withdrawal to the exchange agent specifying the name of the holder who tendered the securities being withdrawn and the principal amount of the securities being withdrawn. All signatures on a notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by a Medallion Signature Guarantor; provided, however, that signatures on the notice of withdrawal need not be guaranteed if the securities being withdrawn are held for the account of an Eligible Guarantor Institution. Withdrawal of a prior tender will be effective upon receipt of the notices of withdrawal by the exchange agent. Selection of the method of notification is at the risk of the holder, and notice of withdrawal must be timely received by the exchange agent.

        Withdrawals of tenders of securities may not be rescinded and any securities withdrawn will thereafter be deemed not validly tendered for purposes of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn

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securities, however, may be retendered by following the procedures described above at any time prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer.

Consequences of Not Participating in the Exchange Offer

Holders of Trust Securities

        If you are a holder of trust securities and you do not participate in the exchange offer and the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the junior subordinated debentures underlying the trust securities are adopted, you will no longer have the benefit of the provisions contained in the indenture that are deleted as part of the consent solicitation. Without the protection afforded by such provisions, you and the trustee will have greater difficulty enforcing your rights under the indenture governing the junior subordinated debentures underlying the trust securities and will have fewer remedies available to you in the event Foster Wheeler LLC were to commit an act constituting an event of default under the terms of the existing indenture governing the junior subordinated debentures underlying the trust securities that are deleted as a part of the consent solicitation.

        The terms of the indenture prevent Foster Wheeler LLC from making, or causing its subsidiaries to make, any distributions in respect of its capital stock if:

    there has been an event of default under the terms of the indenture,

    there has been an event of default under the guarantee agreement relating to the junior subordinated debentures, or

    Foster Wheeler LLC is electing to defer payments on the junior subordinated debentures as permitted by the terms of the indenture.

        Since January 15, 2002, Foster Wheeler LLC has exercised its right to defer payments on the junior subordinated debentures. Because the junior subordinated debentures are the only asset of the trust, Foster Wheeler LLC's actions have resulted in the trust suspending the payment of dividends on the trust securities.

        As required by the terms of Foster Wheeler LLC's senior secured credit agreement, Foster Wheeler LLC will continue to defer payments on the junior subordinated debentures issued by Foster Wheeler LLC to the trust in respect of the trust securities. As a result, you will continue (1) not to receive distributions and (2) to experience adverse tax effects from original issue discount. In addition, if the amendments relating to the trust securities constitute a significant modification of the trust securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you would be deemed to have exchanged your trust securities for new trust securities. In this regard, please refer to "U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations."

        Foster Wheeler LLC currently intends to continue deferring interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures until it is contractually obligated to resume such payments. These payments may be deferred for up to five years. Foster Wheeler LLC has deferred all interest payments beginning with the payment due on January 15, 2002. Accordingly, holders of the trust securities will not receive quarterly distributions until Foster Wheeler LLC resumes such payments, which may not be until January 2007.

        If a large enough number of holders of the trust securities decide to participate in the exchange offer, the liquidity of the trust securities may be impaired and your ability to sell the trust securities may be adversely affected.

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Holders of Convertible Notes

        If you are a holder of convertible notes and you do not participate in the exchange offer and the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the convertible notes are adopted, you will no longer have the benefit of the provisions contained in the indenture that are deleted as part of the consent solicitation. Without the protection afforded by such provisions, you and the trustee will have greater difficulty enforcing your rights under the indenture and will have fewer remedies available to you in the event Foster Wheeler Ltd. were to commit an act constituting an event of default under the terms of the existing indenture that are deleted as part of the consent solicitation. In addition, if the amendments to the indenture governing the convertible notes constitute a significant modification of the convertible notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you would be deemed to have exchanged your convertible notes for new convertible notes. In this regard, please refer to "U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations."

        Also, if a large enough number of holders of the convertible notes decide to participate in the exchange, the liquidity of the convertible notes may be impaired and your ability to sell convertible notes may be adversely affected.

Holders of 2005 Notes

        If you are a holder of 2005 notes and you do not participate in the exchange offer and the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the 2005 notes are adopted, you will no longer have the benefit of the provisions contained in the indenture that are deleted as part of the consent solicitation. Without the protection afforded by such provisions, you and the trustee will have greater difficulty enforcing your rights under the indenture governing the 2005 notes and will have fewer remedies available to you in the event Foster Wheeler LLC were to commit an act constituting an event of default under the terms of the existing indenture governing the 2005 notes that are deleted as a part of the consent solicitation. In addition, if the amendments to the indenture governing the 2005 notes constitute a significant modification of the 2005 notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you would be deemed to have exchanged your 2005 notes for new 2005 notes. In this regard, please refer to "U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the new notes prospectus.

        The proposed elimination of the limitation on liens covenant would eliminate the holders of the 2005 notes rights to security currently in place with respect to the 2005 notes. As a consequence, the 2005 notes will no longer be secured by any collateral if the proposed amendments are adopted, and will therefore rank junior in right of payment to senior secured debt of Foster Wheeler LLC, including debt under the senior secured credit agreement, any new senior credit facility, the new notes and the upsize notes with respect to the collateral securing such debt.

        Also, if a large enough number of holders of 2005 notes decide to participate in the exchange, the liquidity of the 2005 notes may be impaired and your ability to sell the 2005 notes may be adversely affected.

Dealer Manager

        Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the dealer manager agreement dated June 9, 2004, among Foster Wheeler Ltd., Foster Wheeler LLC, and Rothschild Inc., we have retained Rothschild to act as dealer manager in connection with the exchange offer and consent solicitation. Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC have agreed to pay the dealer manager customary fees for its services in connection with the exchange offer and consent solicitation. Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC have also agreed to reimburse the dealer manager for certain of its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the exchange offer and consent solicitation and to

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indemnify it against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under federal securities laws, and will contribute to payments the dealer manager may be required to make in respect thereof.

        The dealer manager and its affiliates have and may in the future provide investment banking and financial advisory services to Foster Wheeler Ltd. and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business. The dealer manager does not own any of the securities.

        The dealer manager will assist with the mailing of this prospectus and related materials to holders of the securities, respond to inquiries of, and provide information to, holders of securities in connection with the exchange offer, and provide other similar advisory services as we may request from time to time. Requests for additional copies of this prospectus, letters of transmittal and any other required documents should be directed to the dealer manager, the exchange agent or the information agent at the addresses and telephone numbers set forth on the back cover page of this prospectus.

        In addition to the dealer manager, our directors, officers and regular employees, who will not be specifically compensated for such services, may contact holders personally or by mail, telephone, telex or telegraph regarding the exchange offer and the consent solicitation and may request brokers, dealers and other nominees to forward this prospectus and related materials to beneficial owners of the securities.

Exchange Agent

        The Bank of New York, London branch has been appointed as exchange agent for the exchange offer and consent solicitation. Questions and requests for assistance, and all correspondence in connection with the exchange offer and consent solicitation, or requests for additional letters of transmittal and any other required documents, may be directed to the exchange agent at one of its addresses and telephone numbers set forth on the back cover page of this prospectus.

Information Agent

        Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc. is serving as information agent in connection with the exchange offer and consent solicitation. The information agent will assist with the mailing of this prospectus and related materials to holders of securities, respond to inquiries of and provide information to holders of securities in connection with the exchange offer and consent solicitation, and provide other similar advisory services as we may request from time to time. Requests for additional copies of this prospectus, letters of transmittal and any other required documents should be directed to the dealer manager or to the information agent at one of its addresses and telephone numbers set forth on the back cover page of this prospectus.

Fees and Expenses of Foster Wheeler

        In addition to the fees and expenses payable to the dealer manager pursuant to the dealer manager agreement described above, we will pay the exchange agent and the information agent reasonable and customary fees for their services (and will reimburse them for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith), and will pay brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with forwarding copies of this prospectus and related documents to the beneficial owners of the securities and in handling or forwarding tenders for exchange and payment. In addition, we will indemnify the exchange agent and the information agent against certain liabilities in connection with their services, including liabilities under the federal securities laws.

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        The total cash expenditures to be incurred by us in connection with the exchange offer and consent solicitation, including printing, accounting and legal fees, and the fees and expenses of the dealer manager, exchange agent, information agent and the trustee, are estimated to be approximately $14,120,000, of which $3,150,000 was paid in 2003.

Transfer Taxes

        We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of securities pursuant to the exchange offer. If, however, common shares and preferred shares issued in exchange for trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds or 2005 notes not accepted for tender or new notes issued in exchange for 2005 notes not accepted for tender are to be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds or 2005 notes, as applicable, or if common shares and preferred shares or new notes are to be registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the letter of transmittal or, in the case of tender through DTC transmitting instructions through ATOP, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of securities pursuant to the exchange offer, then the amount of any such transfer tax (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person) will be payable by the tendering holder.

Brokerage Commissions

        Holders that tender their securities directly to the exchange agent do not have to pay a brokerage commission.

Fairness Opinion

        We have not obtained, and do not intend to obtain, a fairness opinion from an independent investment banking firm regarding the terms of the exchange offer.

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THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

Trust Securities Amendments

        Foster Wheeler LLC is seeking your consent to amend the provisions described below of the indenture governing the junior subordinated debentures issued by Foster Wheeler LLC to FW Preferred Capital Trust I.

        The proposed amendments relating to the indenture governing the junior subordinated debentures underlying the trust securities, if adopted, will be set forth in a supplemental indenture to be executed by Foster Wheeler LLC and the trustee as promptly as practicable after we accept the trust securities tendered in the exchange offer following the expiration date of the exchange offer. The proposed amendments relating to the trust securities will become effective when the supplemental indenture is executed. The indenture governing the junior subordinated debentures underlying the trust securities without giving effect to the proposed amendments will remain in effect until the proposed amendments become effective. If the exchange offer is terminated, or the requisite amount of trust securities are not accepted for exchange for any reason, the supplemental indenture will not be executed and will not become effective. A copy of the proposed form of supplemental indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement for the exchange offer, of which this prospectus is a part.

        To implement the proposed amendments relating to the trust securities, Foster Wheeler LLC must obtain the consent of the trustee, as holder of the junior subordinated debentures, and the consent of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities. Under the declaration of trust, the holders of at least a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities must direct the trustee in writing to give its consent to the proposed amendments, and the trustee may not provide its consent to the proposed amendments unless it is acting at the direction of such liquidation amount of the trust securities. Thus, when holders of trust securities return the letter of transmittal that accompanies this prospectus, they will be directing the trustee to consent to the proposed amendments, as well as providing their own consent to the proposed amendments. If Foster Wheeler LLC obtains the consent from at least a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities, we will implement the proposed amendments relating to the trust securities.

        Set forth below is a summary of the provisions we propose to eliminate:

Location

  Restrictive Covenants
Section 4.03 of the Indenture
(to be deleted)
  Reports by the Company.    For so long as the debentures are outstanding, this provision requires Foster Wheeler LLC to provide to the trustee and to the holders of the junior subordinated debentures, in summary form, copies of all reports that it files with the Commission and any additional information that it is required by the Commission to file with respect to its compliance with the conditions and covenants set forth in the indenture or, if it is not required to file with the commission provide such information to the Trustee which would have been required pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act.
Section 10.01 of the Indenture
(to be deleted)
  Limitation on Consolidations; Mergers, Sales, Conveyances and Leases:    This provision restricts the ability of Foster Wheeler LLC to merge with, or sell, convey or lease its assets to, other entities.

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        Foster Wheeler LLC is seeking consents to all of the proposed amendments relating to the trust securities as a single proposal. Pursuant to the terms of the exchange offer, the completion, execution and delivery of the accompanying letter of transmittal in connection with the tender of trust securities will be deemed to constitute the consent of the tendering holder to all of the proposed amendments. If the requisite consents are received and the supplemental indenture becomes effective, the proposed amendments relating to the trust securities will be binding on all non-tendering holders of trust securities.

        The indenture will remain in effect in the form in which it currently exists until the proposed amendments relating to the trust securities become effective as described above, whereupon the indenture will be modified as provided in the proposed amendments.

Convertible Notes Amendments

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. is seeking the consent of the holders of convertible notes to amend the provisions described below of the indenture governing the convertible notes.

        The proposed amendments to the indenture governing the convertible notes, if adopted, will be set forth in a supplemental indenture to be executed by Foster Wheeler Ltd. and the trustee that will be executed as promptly as practicable after we accept the convertible notes tendered in the exchange offer following the expiration date of the exchange offer. The proposed amendments to the indenture governing the convertible notes will become effective when the supplemental indenture is executed. The indenture, without giving effect to the proposed amendments, will remain in effect until the proposed amendments relating to the convertible notes become effective. If the exchange offer is terminated, or the requisite amount of convertible notes are not accepted for exchange for any reason, the supplemental indenture will not be executed and will not become effective. The proposed form of supplemental indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement for the exchange offer, of which this prospectus is a part.

        To implement the proposed amendments relating to the convertible notes, Foster Wheeler Ltd. must obtain the consent of holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes. Thus, when holders of the convertible notes return the letter of transmittal that accompanies this prospectus, they will be providing their own consent to the proposed amendments. If Foster Wheeler Ltd. obtains the consent from at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes and the exchange offer is consummated, it will implement the proposed amendments relating to the convertible notes.

        Set forth below is a summary of the provisions we propose to eliminate:

Location
  Indenture Provisions
Section 6.1 of the Indenture
(to be deleted)
  Company and Guarantor May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.    This provision restricts the ability of each of Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler LLC to merge with, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets to, other entities.

Section 9.4 of the Indenture
(to be deleted)

 

Reports.    For so long as the convertible notes are outstanding, this provision requires Foster Wheeler Ltd. to provide to the trustee copies of all reports that it files with the SEC.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. is seeking consents to all of the proposed amendments relating to the convertible notes as a single proposal. Pursuant to the terms of the exchange offer, the completion, execution and delivery of the accompanying letter of transmittal in connection with the tender of

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convertible notes will be deemed to constitute the consent of the tendering holder to all of the proposed amendments. If the requisite consents are received and the supplemental indenture becomes effective, the proposed amendments relating to the convertible notes will be binding on all non-tendering holders.

        The indenture relating to the convertible notes will remain in effect in the form in which it currently exists until the proposed amendments relating to the convertible notes become effective as described above, whereupon the indenture will be modified as provided in the proposed amendments.

2005 Notes Amendments

        Foster Wheeler LLC is seeking the consent of the holders of 2005 notes to amend the provisions described below of the indenture governing the 2005 notes. The proposed amendments to the 2005 notes will not affect the terms of the new notes.

        The proposed amendments to the indenture governing the 2005 notes, if adopted, will be set forth in a supplemental indenture to be executed by Foster Wheeler LLC, the guarantors and the trustee that will be executed as promptly as practicable after we accept the 2005 notes tendered in the exchange offer following the expiration date of the exchange offer. The proposed amendments will become effective when the supplemental indenture is executed. The indenture, without giving effect to the proposed amendments, will remain in effect until the proposed amendments relating to the 2005 notes become effective. If the exchange offer is terminated, or the requisite amount of 2005 notes are not accepted for exchange for any reason, the supplemental indenture will not be executed and will not become effective. The proposed form of supplemental indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement for the exchange offer, of which this prospectus is a part.

        To implement the proposed amendments relating to the 2005 notes, Foster Wheeler LLC must obtain the consent of holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the 2005 notes. Thus, when holders of the 2005 notes return the letter of transmittal that accompanies this prospectus they will be providing their own consent to the proposed amendments. If Foster Wheeler LLC obtains the consent from at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the 2005 notes and the exchange offer is consummated, it will implement the proposed amendments relating to the 2005 notes.

Set forth below is a summary of the provisions we propose to eliminate:

Location
  Indenture Provisions
Article Eight of the Indenture
(to be deleted)
  Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer of Lease.    This provision restricts the ability of Foster Wheeler LLC to merge with, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets to other entities.

Section 1004 of the Indenture
(to be deleted)

 

Limitation on Liens.    This provision prevents Foster Wheeler LLC and its subsidiaries from incurring any liens on any principal property to secure indebtedness without securing the 2005 notes equally and ratably. The proposed elimination of the limitation on liens covenant would eliminate the holders of the 2005 notes rights to the security currently in place with respect to the 2005 notes. As a consequence, the 2005 notes will no longer be secured by any collateral if the proposed amendments are adopted, and will therefore rank junior in right of payment to senior secured debt of Foster Wheeler LLC, including debt under the senior secured credit agreement, any new senior credit facility, the new notes and the upsize notes with respect to the collateral securing such debt.
     

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Section 1005 of the Indenture
(to be deleted)

 

Limitation on Sales and Leasebacks.    This provision restricts the ability of Foster Wheeler LLC and its subsidiaries to enter into sale and leaseback transactions.

Section 1008 of the Indenture
(to be deleted)

 

Limitation on Debt Incurred by Restricted Subsidiaries.    This provision limits Foster Wheeler LLC's restricted subsidiaries' ability to incur debt in excess of 10% of Foster Wheeler LLC's consolidated net tangible assets, as defined in the indenture.

        Foster Wheeler LLC is seeking consents to all of the proposed amendments relating to the 2005 notes as a single proposal. Pursuant to the terms of the exchange offer, the completion, execution and delivery of the accompanying letter of transmittal in connection with the tender of 2005 notes will be deemed to constitute the consent of the tendering holder to all of the proposed amendments. If the requisite consents are received and the supplemental indenture becomes effective, the proposed amendments relating to the 2005 notes will be binding on all non-tendering holders.

        The indenture relating to the 2005 notes will remain in effect in the form in which it currently exists until the proposed amendments relating to the 2005 notes become effective as described above, whereupon the indenture will be modified as provided in the proposed amendments.

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THE TRUST

        FW Preferred Capital Trust I is a statutory business trust organized under Delaware law pursuant to (1) a declaration of trust, dated as of May 8, 1998, as amended and restated on January 13, 1999 (the "declaration"), executed by Foster Wheeler LLC (formerly known as Foster Wheeler Corporation), and the trustees of such trust and (2) the filing of a certificate of trust with the Secretary of the State of Delaware on May 8, 1998.

        Pursuant to the declaration, the trust has five trustees. The trust's business and affairs are conducted by its trustees, which initially were Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as property trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, as Delaware trustee, and three administrative trustees. The administrative trustees are employees or officers of, or are affiliated with, Foster Wheeler LLC. BNY Midwest Trust Company, an Illinois trust company and successor to the obligations of Harris Trust and Savings Bank, currently acts as property trustee under the amended guarantee agreement.

        Foster Wheeler LLC has the right to appoint, remove and replace the administrative trustees, the property trustee and the Delaware trustee. In certain cases, the holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the trust securities will also have this right as to the property trustee and the Delaware trustee.

        The trust exists for the following purposes only:

    to issue and sell common securities of the trust and the trust securities;

    to use the proceeds from the sale of the common securities of the trust and the trust securities to acquire the junior subordinated debentures; and

    to engage in activities that are directly related to these activities and other activities as are necessary or incidental thereto.

        Under the declaration, the trust shall not, and the trustees of such trust shall cause such trust not to, engage in any activity other than in connection with the purposes of such trust or other than as required or authorized by such declaration.

        Because the trust is established only for the purposes listed above, the junior subordinated debentures are the sole assets of the trust, and the payments under the junior subordinated debentures are the sole source of income to the trust.

        All of the common securities of the trust are owned directly or indirectly by Foster Wheeler LLC, the total liquidation amount of which is equal to approximately 3% of the total capital of the trust. The common securities rank equally with the trust securities, and payments on the common securities will be made pro rata with the trust securities, unless Foster Wheeler LLC fails to pay amounts that become due under the junior subordinated debentures and under certain other circumstances. If Foster Wheeler LLC fails to pay these amounts, the trust will be unable to make payments under the common securities of the trust until it satisfies its obligations under the trust securities. We directly or indirectly own all of the common securities of the trust.

        The books and records of the trust are maintained at its principal office and are available for inspection by a holder of the trust securities or the duly authorized representative of such holder for any purpose reasonably related to its interest in such trust during normal business hours.

        The address of the executive offices of the trust is c/o Foster Wheeler LLC, Perryville Corporate Park, Clinton, New Jersey 08809, Attention: Office of the Secretary, and its telephone number is (908) 730-4000.

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MARKET PRICE INFORMATION

Market Prices for the Trust Securities

        The trust securities were traded on the NYSE under the symbol "FWC-A" until November 14, 2003, and since then have been quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol "FWLRP.OB."

        The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low market prices for the trust securities as reported on the NYSE and the high and low bid prices on the OTC Bulletin Board. The OTC Bulletin Board prices reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not represent actual transactions.

 
  High
  Low
 
  (in $)

2001        
  First Quarter   23.00   13.19
  Second Quarter   23.55   15.50
  Third Quarter   20.15   16.80
  Fourth Quarter   19.55   12.70
2002        
  First Quarter   17.00   4.50
  Second Quarter   10.22   2.80
  Third Quarter   5.25   2.00
  Fourth Quarter   2.38   1.30
2003        
  First Quarter   3.10   1.20
  Second Quarter   7.09   2.32
  Third Quarter   5.50   1.80
  Fourth Quarter   3.75   1.10
2004        
  First Quarter   6.75   2.95
  Second Quarter (through June 8, 2004)   8.40   4.91

        On June 8, 2004, the closing price of the trust securities on the OTC Bulletin Board was $7.65. As of March 26, 2004, there were seven million shares of trust securities outstanding.

        The trust securities are entitled to receive cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate of 9.0%. Distributions are paid quarterly in arrears on April 15, July 15, October 15 and January 15 of each year. Distributions may be deferred for periods up to five years during which time additional interest accrues at 9.0%. Foster Wheeler LLC currently intends to continue deferring interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures until it is contractually obligated to resume such payments. These payments may be deferred for up to five years. Foster Wheeler LLC has deferred all interest payments beginning with the payment due on January 15, 2002. Accordingly, holders of the trust securities will not receive quarterly distributions until Foster Wheeler LLC resumes such payments, which may not be until January 2007. In addition, the terms of the senior secured credit agreement require Foster Wheeler LLC to continue to defer such interest payments so long as the senior secured credit agreement remains outstanding which we expect will be until maturity in April 2005.

Market Prices for the Preferred Shares, 2005 Notes, Convertible Notes and Robbins Bonds.

        There is no established trading market for the preferred shares, 2005 notes, convertible notes or Robbins bonds.

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Market Prices for the Common Shares

        The common shares into which the preferred shares are convertible were traded on the NYSE under the symbol "FWC" until November 14, 2003 and since then, the common shares have been quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol "FWLRF.OB".

        The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low market prices for the common shares as reported on the NYSE and the high and low bid prices on the OTC Bulletin Board. The OTC Bulletin Board prices reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down, or commission and may not represent actual transactions.

 
  High
  Low
 
  (in $)

2001        
  First Quarter   18.74   5.31
  Second Quarter   17.75   7.20
  Third Quarter   9.50   4.30
  Fourth Quarter   5.83   3.93
2002        
  First Quarter   5.39   1.60
  Second Quarter   3.75   1.30
  Third Quarter   2.35   1.35
  Fourth Quarter   1.90   1.00
2003        
  First Quarter   1.87   0.85
  Second Quarter   3.00   1.20
  Third Quarter   2.24   1.07
  Fourth Quarter   1.38   0.75
2004        
  First Quarter   1.92   0.98
  Second Quarter (through June 8, 2004)   1.83   1.09

        On June 8, 2004, the closing price of the common shares on the OTC Bulletin Board was $1.09. As of March 26, 2003, there were 40,771,560 common shares outstanding.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. has not paid dividends on its common shares since July, 2001 and does not anticipate paying any dividends on its common shares or preferred shares in the foreseeable future. Under Bermuda law, Foster Wheeler Ltd. can only pay dividends out of its profits available for that purpose if there are no reasonable grounds for believing that Foster Wheeler Ltd. is, or after the payment of such dividends would be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due or that the realizable value of Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s assets would thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities, its issued share capital and its share premium accounts. In addition, under the terms of the senior secured credit agreement and the indentures governing the new notes and the upsize notes, Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s subsidiaries face restrictions on their ability to pay dividends to Foster Wheeler Ltd. In addition, certain of Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s non-U.S. subsidiaries are parties to loan and other agreements with covenants, and are subject to statutory minimum capitalization requirements in their jurisdictions of organization that restrict the amount of funds that such subsidiaries may distribute. Distributions in excess of these specified amounts would violate the terms of the agreements or applicable law which could result in civil or criminal penalties.

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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL

        The following description of Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s share capital summarizes certain provisions of Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s memorandum of association and bye-laws and a certificate of designation in respect of the preferred shares and of applicable Bermuda law. Such summaries are not complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s memorandum of association and bye-laws, and the certificate of designation in respect of the preferred shares, copies of which have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Prospective investors are urged to read those exhibits carefully.

General

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. is an exempted company incorporated under the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda on 20 December 2000 and registered with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda under registration number 29761. Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s registered office is located at 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda. Our agent for service of process in the United States in connection with this offering is Foster Wheeler LLC, Perryville Office Park, Clinton, NJ 08809-4000, USA.

Share Capital

        The authorized share capital of Foster Wheeler Ltd. consists of 160,000,000 common shares, par value US$1.00 per share and 1,500,000 preferred shares par value US$1.00 per share, 400,000 of which have been designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Shares and 1,074,812 of which will be designated as Series B Convertible Preferred Shares (liquidation preference $0.01 per preferred share) which will be offered in the exchange offer. Upon completion of this exchange offer, assuming securities satisfying the minimum tender conditions are tendered and not withdrawn, there will be 137,443,381 common shares issued and outstanding, excluding 8,959,501 common shares issuable upon exercise of options granted and available for grant as of March 26, 2004, and excluding the common shares issuable upon conversion of the convertible notes, and approximately 935,831 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares issued and outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding common shares prior to completion of this offering are and will be fully paid, and all of the common shares and preferred shares to be issued in the exchange offer will be fully paid.

        Subject to any resolution of the shareholders to the contrary, the board of directors of Foster Wheeler Ltd. is authorized to issue any authorized but unissued shares. There are no limitations on the right of non-Bermudians or non-residents of Bermuda to hold or vote shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd.

Common Shares

        Generally.    Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s common shares, into which the Series B Convertible Preferred Shares are convertible, are quoted on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol "FWLRF.OB". Holders of common shares have no pre-emptive, redemption, conversion or sinking fund rights.

        Liquidation Rights.    In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Foster Wheeler Ltd., the holders of common shares are entitled to share equally and ratably (with the holders of other shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd., entitling the holders to liquidation rights pro rata with the common shares, including holders of preferred shares) in the assets, if any, remaining after the payment of all of Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s debts and liabilities, subject to any liquidation preference on any outstanding preferred shares.

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        Voting Rights.    Holders of common shares are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of holders of common shares. Unless a different majority is required by law or by Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s bye-laws, resolutions to be approved by holders of common shares require approval by an affirmative majority of the votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The common shares and, prior to their becoming convertible, the preferred shares offered in the exchange offer will vote together as a single class except in the case of circumstances which constitute a variation of the rights of the common shares or the preferred shares, as described below or as required by applicable law, when holders of common shares and preferred shares will each vote as a separate class.

        The bye-laws of Foster Wheeler Ltd. provide that any variation of the rights attached to the common shares, whether by the amendment, alteration or repeal of the terms of the memorandum of association and bye-laws of Foster Wheeler Ltd. relating to the common shares or resulting from any merger, amalgamation or similar business combination, or otherwise would require the approval of holders of at least three-fourths of the issued and outstanding common shares, voting as a separate class. This approval can be evidenced either by a unanimous consent in writing or by a resolution passed by the requisite majority at a meeting of the holders of the common shares at which a quorum consisting of at least two persons holding or representing one-third of the issued and outstanding common shares is present.

        Dividend Rights.    Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s board of directors may declare and pay dividends on the common shares or the preferred shares or make distributions out of contributed surplus from time to time unless there are reasonable grounds for believing Foster Wheeler Ltd. is or would, after the payment, be unable to pay its liabilities as they become due or that the realizable value of its assets would thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and issued share capital and share premium accounts. There are no restrictions on Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s ability to transfer funds, other than funds denominated by Bermuda dollars, in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to U.S. residents who are holders of our common shares or preferred shares. The board of directors may declare that any dividend be paid wholly or partly by the distribution of shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. and/or specific assets.

Preferred Shares

    Generally

        Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s board of directors may establish one or more series of preferred shares without any further shareholder approval. The board may fix the number, designations, rights, preferences, limitations and voting rights of such series, provided that such provisions must, at a minimum, (1) entitle the holders of such shares, voting as a class, to elect at least two directors upon certain defaults with respect to the payment of dividends; and (2) require the affirmative approval of holders of at least two-thirds of the issued preferred shares for any amendments to the memorandum of association or bye-laws of Foster Wheeler Ltd. altering materially any provision of such shares. Such rights, preferences, powers and limitations as may be established could have the effect of discouraging an attempt to obtain control of Foster Wheeler Ltd.

    Terms of the Series B Convertible Preferred Shares Offered in the Exchange Offer

        The 1,074,811.74 preferred shares offered in the exchange offer will be designated the "Series B Convertible Preferred Shares" pursuant to a certificate of designation to be adopted by resolution of the board of directors of Foster Wheeler Ltd. In this section, and in this prospectus generally, we refer to the Series B Convertible Preferred Shares as the preferred shares. The material terms of the preferred shares are described below. The description contained in this section is qualified in its entirety by the certificate of designation relating to the preferred shares which has been filed as an

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exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Holders of preferred shares have no pre-emptive, redemption, or sinking fund rights.

        Conversion Rights.    The certificate of designation provides that each preferred share will become convertible at the holder's option into 80.0 common shares, par value $1.00 per share, if, as, and when the number of authorized common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. is increased from 160 million to at least 223.3 million subject in each case to adjustment for certain dilutive events. Foster Wheeler Ltd. intends to hold a general meeting of voting shareholders to effect this increase of its authorized capital promptly after the completion of the exchange offer. If the number of authorized common shares is so increased, the preferred shares will become convertible at the holder's option on the date of the shareholder meeting described above. If the number of authorized common shares is not so increased, the preferred shares will not be convertible into common shares but will remain preferred shares. For a discussion of the risks relating to the conversion of the preferred shares, see "Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to the Preferred Shares—The preferred shares issued in the exchange offer may not become convertible into common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd."

        In order to effect a conversion of preferred shares, a holder must deliver a notice of conversion to Foster Wheeler Ltd. Upon receipt by Foster Wheeler Ltd. of the notice of conversion, the holder's preferred shares will immediately cease to have the rights and restrictions of a preferred share, and the holder will simultaneously receive common shares in accordance with the terms outlined above. We will deliver a copy of the form of notice of conversion to each holder of preferred shares prior to the convening of the shareholders' meeting to increase our authorized capital (described below), or at any time at the request of a holder of preferred shares.

        Voting Rights.    Prior to becoming convertible, if ever, each preferred share will have the number of votes that the common shares issuable upon conversion of a preferred share would have. We refer to this as voting on an "as converted" basis. Immediately following the completion of the exchange offer, each preferred share will have 80 votes. Until the preferred shares become convertible, the common shares and preferred shares will vote together as a single class, except in the limited circumstances provided by the certificate of designation and described in this section or as required under applicable law. If and when the preferred shares become convertible at each holders' option, they will cease to vote except in limited circumstances as required under Bermuda law and Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s bye-laws.

        The terms of the preferred shares provide that any amendment, alteration or repeal of the terms of the memorandum of association and bye-laws or in the certificate of designation relating to the preferred shares which would affect the powers, preferences or rights of the preferred shares, including but not limited to variations resulting from or in connection with any merger, amalgamation or asset sale, will require the approval of holders of at least three-fourths of the issued and outstanding preferred shares, voting as a separate class. This approval can be evidenced either by a unanimous consent in writing or by a resolution passed by the requisite majority at a meeting of the holders of the preferred shares at which a quorum consisting of at least two persons holding or representing one-third of the issued and outstanding preferred shares is present.

        Foster Wheeler Ltd. will cause a notice of any meeting at which holders of the preferred shares are entitled to vote to be given to each holder of record of the preferred shares in accordance with its bye-laws.

        Dividend Rights.    The preferred shares will have the right to receive dividends, when, as and if declared by the board of directors of Foster Wheeler Ltd. including the dividends described below, each subject to local law, and paid on the common shares on a pro rata basis, as though the preferred shares had been converted immediately prior to the declaration of such dividend, whether or not the

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share capital has been increased and the shares have in fact become convertible. Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s board of directors may declare and pay dividends on the common shares and preferred shares or make distributions to shareholders out of contributed surplus from time to time unless there are reasonable grounds for believing that Foster Wheeler Ltd. is or would, after the payment, be unable to pay its liabilities as they become due or that the realizable value of its assets would thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and issued share capital and share premium accounts. There are no restrictions on Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s ability to transfer funds, other than funds denominated by Bermuda dollars, in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to U.S. residents who are holders of our common shares or preferred shares. The board of directors may declare that any dividend be paid wholly or partly by the distribution of shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. and/or specific assets.

        The certificate of designation provides:

        (1)   that, within five business days following the issue date of the preferred shares (i) we shall have increased the number of directors of Foster Wheeler Ltd. from seven to eight and, until the actions described in clause (iii) of this paragraph (1) have been taken, we shall not increase the number of directors to more than eight; (ii) three of the six incumbent independent directors of Foster Wheeler Ltd. shall have resigned; and (iii) the continuing members of the board of directors of Foster Wheeler Ltd. shall have nominated and appointed four directors proposed by the holders who are party to the no-transfer agreement that qualify as independent directors and are reasonably acceptable to the continuing members of the board of directors. Subject to local law, if we have failed to take any of the actions described in, or takes any action prohibited under, the first sentence of this paragraph, then on the sixth business day following the issue date that occurs before the preferred shares become optionally convertible, we shall declare and pay a dividend on the issued and outstanding preferred shares in the aggregate amount of $2,500,000, in preference to and to the exclusion of the holders of the common shares. Thereafter on each quarterly anniversary of the sixth business day following the issue date, if we have not taken any of the actions described in, or takes any action prohibited under, clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of the first sentence of this paragraph, then we shall declare and pay a dividend on the issued and outstanding preferred shares in the aggregate amount of $2,500,000, in preference to and to the exclusion of the holders of the common shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we shall not be required to declare or pay any dividend under this paragraph unless the holders who were party to the no-transfer agreement have delivered to us the names and resumes of no less than seven potential nominees that are in each case independent of management and are reasonably expected to be reasonably acceptable to the continuing members of the board on or before the date that is two weeks prior to the date such dividends would have otherwise been required to be declared and paid.

        (2)   as soon as practicable following the issue date of the preferred shares, and in any event no later than thirty calendar days thereafter, to file a preliminary proxy statement with the Commission regarding meetings of the shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. in order to recommend adoption and approval of the following actions: (A) an increase in its authorized capital sufficient to allow conversion of the preferred shares in accordance with their terms and (B) authorization of a reverse split (i.e., consolidation) of its issued and outstanding common shares on a one-to-four basis. The reverse stock split must be approved by a majority of votes cast by the shareholders as a whole and by holders of three-fourths of the issued and outstanding common shares voting as a separate class. Subject to local law, if we have failed to file such proxy statement, then on the 31st day following the issue date, we shall declare and pay a dividend on the issued and outstanding preferred shares in the aggregate amount of $1,000,000, in preference to and to the exclusion of the holders of the common shares. Thereafter on each quarterly anniversary of the 31st day following the issue date, if we have not filed such proxy statement, then we shall declare and pay a dividend on the issued and outstanding preferred shares in the aggregate amount of $1,000,000, in preference to and to the exclusion of the holders of the common shares.

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        (3)   that we will mail the proxy statement described above within five business days following the date that the Commission clears such proxy to be mailed. Subject to local law, if we have failed to take the action described in the first sentence of this paragraph, then on the sixth day following such clearance date, we shall declare and pay a dividend on the issued and outstanding preferred shares in the aggregate amount of $1,000,000, in preference to and to the exclusion of the holders of the common shares. Thereafter on each quarterly anniversary of the sixth day following such clearance date, if we have not mailed such proxy, then we shall declare and pay a dividend on the issued and outstanding preferred shares in the aggregate amount of $1,000,000, in preference to and to the exclusion of the holders of the common shares.

        (4)   that we will convene meetings of the shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to approve the actions described in clauses (A) and (B) of paragraph (2) above on or prior to October 24, 2004. Subject to local law, if we have failed to take the action described in the first sentence of this paragraph, then on October 25, 2004, we shall declare and pay a dividend on the issued and outstanding preferred shares in the aggregate amount of $2,500,000, in preference to and to the exclusion of the holders of the common shares. Thereafter on each quarterly anniversary of October 25, if we have not taken the action described in the first sentence of this paragraph, then we shall declare and pay a dividend on the issued and outstanding preferred shares in the amount of $2,500,000, in preference to and to the exclusion of the holders of the common shares.

        (5)   that we will use our commercially reasonable best efforts to (i) list the common shares on the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Stock Market as promptly as practicable; provided that we shall not be obliged to apply for such listing until such time as we reasonably believe we meet the applicable listing criteria, and (ii) to cooperate to the extent allowed by applicable laws or rules in facilitating the quotation of the preferred shares on the OTC Bulletin Board or, at such time as we meet the applicable listing criteria, to list the preferred shares on the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Stock Market, in each case as promptly as practicable if the preferred shares have not become convertible as described above on or prior to October 24, 2004, provided that, after the preferred shares have become convertible, we have agreed not to apply to list, and if listed, to use our reasonable best efforts (which in any event shall include any action within our control) to promptly delist, the preferred shares. Subject to local law, if we have failed to use our commercially reasonable best efforts to take such actions as may be required under clause (i) of the first sentence of this paragraph, to cooperate under clause (ii) of the first sentence of this paragraph as it relates to listing but not delisting of the preferred shares then on the 30th business day following the receipt of notice of such failure from the holders of 25% of the preferred shares outstanding, if such failure shall not have been cured prior to such date, we shall declare and pay a dividend on the issued and outstanding preferred shares in the aggregate amount of $1,000,000, in preference to and to the exclusion of the holders of the common shares. Thereafter on each quarterly anniversary of the first such payment date, if we have not used our commercially reasonable best efforts to take such actions as may be required under clause (i) of the first sentence of this paragraph, then we shall declare and pay a dividend on the issued and outstanding preferred shares in the aggregate amount of $1,000,000, in preference to and to the exclusion of the holders of the common shares.

        (6)   that we will take all steps necessary to adopt the appropriate amendments to the organizational documents of Foster Wheeler Ltd. to effect the actions described in the first sentence of paragraph (2) above, including (A) adopting board resolutions recommending such actions, (B) distributing timely notice of such meetings to its shareholders, (C) complying with applicable proxy solicitation requirements as soon as practicable, (D) if a quorum is not present on a scheduled date of any such meeting, postponing and reconvening such meeting at least twice and (E) will respect to the action described in clause (B) of paragraph (2) above, duly conveying and holding a separate general meeting of the holders of the common shares. Subject to local law, if we fail to take such actions as may be required under the first sentence of this paragraph, then on the 30th business day following

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receipt of notice of such failure from the holders of 25% of the preferred shares outstanding, if such failure shall not have been cured prior to such date, we shall declare and pay a dividend on the issued and outstanding preferred shares in the aggregate amount of $1,000,000, in preference to and to the exclusion of the holders of the common shares. Thereafter, on each quarterly anniversary of the first such payment date, if we have failed to take such action as may be required under the first sentence of this paragraph, then we shall declare and pay a dividend on the issued and outstanding preferred shares in the aggregate amount of $1,000,000, in preference to and to the exclusion of the holders of the common shares.

        (7)   that (i) we will adopt the board resolution necessary to issue the common shares issuable upon conversion of the preferred shares on the date that the certificate of designation is approved in final form, with effect on the date on which the preferred shares are issued and (ii) following its adoption, we are required (x) to refrain from taking any action to impair, rescind or alter such resolution following its adoption, to at all times after our authorized capital has been increased as described in paragraph (2) above, reserve that number of common shares sufficient to allow, and maintain sufficient share premium to effect, the conversion of the preferred shares and issuance of related common shares. If we have failed to take the action described in clause (i), or if we have failed to take or to refrain from taking, as the case may be, the actions described in clause (ii) of the first sentence of this paragraph, then on the sixth day following its failure, we shall declare and pay a dividend on the issued and outstanding preferred shares in the aggregate amount of $2,500,000, in preference to and to the exclusion of the holders of the common shares. Thereafter on each quarterly anniversary of the first such payment date, if we have not taken the action described in clause (i) (or refrain from taking the action described in clause (ii)) of the first sentence of this paragraph, then we shall declare and pay a dividend on the issued and outstanding preferred shares in the aggregated amount of $2,500,000, in preference to and to the exclusion of the holders of the common shares.

        (8)   all dividends payable on the preferred shares shall be cumulative. Without limiting any other rights of the holders under the certificate of designation (including, without limitation, the rights to receive dividends payable under the certificate of designation), upon the default of the equivalent of six quarterly dividends on the preferred shares, the holders may, voting as a class, elect at least two members of our board of directors at each annual general meeting of Foster Wheeler Ltd., such right to continue until all dividends payable hereunder have been paid in full.

        Capital Distribution.    The preferred shares will have the right to receive a pro rata share of any return or distribution by Foster Wheeler Ltd. of its share capital to holders of common shares, whether by way of a repurchase of common shares, a reduction of issued share capital, a bonus issue of shares (except any bonus issue made in accordance with and to effect the conversion rights described above) or otherwise as though the preferred shares had been converted into common shares prior to the return or distribution, whether or not the share capital has been increased and the shares have in fact become convertible.

        Liquidation Rights.    The preferred shares offered in the exchange offer have a liquidation preference of $0.01.

        There are currently no issued and outstanding shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. that rank senior in right of payment to the preferred shares upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The preferred shares will rank equally with the issued and outstanding common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up as though the preferred shares had been converted immediately prior to such liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether or not the share capital has been increased and the shares have in fact become convertible, and, as such, will share equally and ratably in the assets, if any, remaining after the payment of all of Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s debts and liabilities. For a discussion of risks relating to future issuances of additional preferred shares, see "Risk Factors—Risk

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Factors Relating to the Preferred Shares—A future issuance of additional preferred shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. may adversely affect the rights of Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s equity holders."

        Liability for Further Calls or Assessments.    The preferred shares will be duly and validly issued, and when received in exchange for tendered trust securities, convertible notes, Robbins bonds or 2005 notes will be fully paid and will not be subject to further calls or assessments.

        Listing.    The preferred shares are not listed on an exchange or quoted on any national securities association.

        Fractional Shares.    The preferred shares may be issued as fractional shares and Bermuda law and our bye-laws allow the transfer and sale of fractional shares.

Variation of Rights

        The rights attaching to any class of shares, unless otherwise provided for by the terms of issue of the relevant class, may be varied either: (1) with the consent in writing of the holders of all of the issued shares of that class; or (2) with the sanction of a resolution passed by a majority in number equal to three-fourths of the issued shares at a general meeting of the relevant class of shareholders at which a quorum consisting of at least two persons holding or representing one-third of the issued shares of the relevant class is present. Any action which may be construed to constitute a variation of the rights of a class of shares including but not limited to variations resulting from or in connection with mergers, amalgamations, and asset sales, may give the holders of the affected class of shares the right to vote in respect of the variation as a separate class. The creation or issue of shares ranking equally with existing shares will not, unless expressly provided by the terms of issue of those shares, vary the rights attached to existing shares. Under Bermuda law, the holders of a