CNSWF Constellation Software Inc (PK)

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 7, 2023

Registration No. 333-          

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM F-7

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

Constellation Software Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

20 Adelaide Street East - #1200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5C 2T6

(416) 861-9677

(Address and telephone number of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

CSI USA Inc.

5265 Rockwell Drive NE

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

(319) 743-4522

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service in the United States)

Copies to:

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public: As soon as practicable after the filing of the next amendment to this registration statement.

This registration statement and any amendment thereto shall become effective upon filing with the Commission in accordance with Rule 467(a).

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to the home jurisdiction’s shelf prospectus offering procedures, check the following box:  ☐

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE(1)

If, as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions, the number of securities purported to be registered on this registration statement changes, the provisions of Rule 416 shall apply to this registration statement.

PART I

INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE SENT TO SHAREHOLDERS

A copy of this preliminary short form prospectus has been filed with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada but has not yet become final for the purpose of the sale of securities. Information contained in this preliminary short form prospectus may not be complete and may have to be amended. The securities may not be sold until a receipt for the short form prospectus is obtained from the securities regulatory authorities.

This short form prospectus constitutes a public offering only in those jurisdictions where they may be lawfully offered for sale and therein only by persons permitted to sell such securities. No securities regulatory authority has expressed an opinion about these securities and it is an offence to claim otherwise. See “Plan of Distribution”.

Information has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus from documents filed with securities commissions or similar authorities in Canada. Copies of the documents incorporated herein by reference may be obtained on request without charge from the Secretary of Constellation Software Inc. at 20 Adelaide Street East, Suite 1200, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2T6, info@csisoftware.com and are also available electronically at www.sedarplus.ca.

Preliminary Short Form Prospectus

CONSTELLATION SOFTWARE INC.

C$700,000,000

Offering of Rights to Subscribe for

Unsecured Subordinated Floating Rate Debentures, Series 1

Due March 31, 2040

Price: C$● per Series 1 Debenture

This short form prospectus covers the issuance (the “Offering”) by Constellation Software Inc. (the “Company” or “CSI”) to the holders of its outstanding common shares (the “Common Shares”) of record (the “Shareholders”) on ●, 2023 (the “Record Date”) of one right (each, a “Right”) for each Common Share held. The Rights will be issued in satisfaction of the dividend (the “Rights Dividend”) declared by the Company on the Common Shares in the amount of one Right per Common Share. For every 3.03 Rights held, a holder of Rights is entitled to subscribe for C$100 principal amount of unsecured subordinated floating rate debentures, Series 1 of the Company (the “Series 1 Debentures”) at a price of C$● per C$100 principal amount of Series 1 Debentures purchased (plus any accrued interest on the Series 1 Debentures) prior to 4:30 p.m. (Toronto time) (the “Expiry Time”) on ●, 2023 (the “Expiry Date”).

The Series 1 Debentures will be issued as an additional tranche of, and under the Indenture (as defined below) will form a single series with, the C$68 million principal amount of Series 1 Debentures issued on October 1,

2014, the C$28 million principal amount of Series 1 Debentures issued on November 19, 2014 and the C$186.2 million principal amount of Series 1 Debentures issued on September 30, 2015. The closing price of the Series 1 Debentures on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) on August 2, 2023 was C$140.00 per C$100.00 principal amount. From, and including, the date of issue of ●, 2023 to, but excluding, March 31, 2024, the Series 1 Debentures will bear interest at a rate of 13.3% per annum. From, and including, March 31, 2024 to, but excluding, the Maturity Date (as defined below), the interest rate applicable to the Series 1 Debentures will be reset on an annual basis on March 31 of each year, at a rate equal to the Cost of Living Adjustment (as defined below) (which amount may be positive or negative) plus 6.5%.

The Rights are fully divisible and fully transferable into and within Canada, and will be represented by rights certificates (the “Rights Certificates”). Rights not exercised prior to the Expiry Time on the Expiry Date will be void and of no further value.

Investing in the Series 1 Debentures involves significant risks. Prospective investors should carefully review the risks outlined in this short form prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein before purchasing the Series 1 Debentures. See “Risk Factors”.

This prospectus qualifies for distribution under applicable Canadian securities laws the Rights and the Series 1 Debentures issuable on the exercise of the Rights (collectively, the “Offered Securities”) in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and also covers the offer and sale of the Series 1 Debentures issuable upon exercise of the Rights within the United States (together with each of the provinces and territories of Canada, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”). However, notwithstanding registration under the U.S. Securities Act, the securities or blue sky laws of certain states may not permit or may limit the Company’s ability to offer Rights and/or Series 1 Debentures in such states, or to certain persons in those states. The Company will only offer such securities in states where, and to such persons to whom, it is legally permitted to do so.

None of the Offered Securities have been qualified under the securities laws of any jurisdiction outside the Eligible Jurisdictions (an “Ineligible Jurisdiction”) and, except under the circumstances described herein, the Rights may not be exercised by or on behalf of a holder of Rights resident in an Ineligible Jurisdiction (an “Ineligible Holder”). This prospectus is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an offering of any of the Offered Securities for sale in any Ineligible Jurisdiction or a solicitation therein or thereto of an offer to buy any securities. Rights Certificates will not be sent to any Shareholder with an address of record in an Ineligible Jurisdiction. Instead, the Rights Certificates of such Ineligible Holders will be held by the Subscription Agent, who will hold such Rights as agent for the benefit of all such Ineligible Holders. See “Description of the Rights – Ineligible Holders”.

This offering is made by a Canadian issuer that is permitted, under a multijurisdictional disclosure system adopted by the United States and Canada, to prepare this prospectus in accordance with the disclosure requirements of Canada. Prospective purchasers of securities should be aware that such requirements are different from those of the United States. Financial statements included or incorporated herein have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and are subject to Canadian auditing and auditor independence standards, and thus may not be comparable to financial statements of United States companies.

Prospective investors should be aware that the acquisition or disposition of the securities described in this prospectus may have tax consequences in Canada, the United States and the investor’s jurisdiction of residence. Such consequences for investors who are resident in, or citizens of, the United States may not be described fully herein. Prospective investors should review the sections herein entitled “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations” and “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations”, and should consult their own tax advisors.

The enforcement by investors of civil liabilities under United States federal securities laws may be affected adversely by the fact that the Company is incorporated under the laws of Ontario, that some or all of its officers and directors may be residents of a country other than the United States, that some or all of the experts named in the registration statement may be residents of Canada, and that all or a substantial portion of the assets of the Company and said persons may be located outside the United States.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE “SEC”) NOR HAS THE SEC PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE.

The Rights may be transferred only in transactions outside of the United States in accordance with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act (“Regulation S”).

There is currently no market through which the Rights may be sold. There can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop for the Rights or, if developed, that such a market will be sustained. To the extent that an active trading market for the Rights does not develop, the pricing of the Rights in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices and the liquidity of the Rights may be adversely affected. See “Risk Factors”.

The currently outstanding Common Shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX under the symbol “CSU”. The currently outstanding Series 1 Debentures are listed and posted for trading on the TSX under the symbol “CSU.DB”. The closing of the Offering will be conditional on the listing of the Rights on the TSX.

No underwriter has been involved in the preparation of this prospectus or performed any review of the contents of this prospectus.

Computershare Investor Services Inc. (the “Subscription Agent”), at its principal offices in the City of Toronto (the “Subscription Offices”), is the subscription agent for this Offering. See “Description of the Rights – Subscription Agent”.

For Common Shares held in registered form, the Company will mail or cause to be mailed to each Shareholder a Rights Certificate evidencing the number of Rights issued to the holder thereof, together with a copy of this prospectus. In order to exercise the Rights represented by the Rights Certificate, a holder of Rights must complete and deliver Form 1 of the Rights Certificate to the Subscription Agent in the manner and upon the terms set out in this prospectus. See “Description of the Rights – Common Shares Held in Registered Form”.

For Common Shares held through a securities broker or dealer, bank or trust company or other participant (a “CDS Participant”) in the book-based system administered by CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. (“CDS”), a holder of Rights may exercise the Rights issued in respect of such Common Shares by (a) instructing the CDS Participant holding such Rights to exercise all or a specified number of such Rights and (b) forwarding to such CDS Participant the subscription price for each Series 1 Debenture that such Shareholder wishes to subscribe for in accordance with the terms of this Offering. Subscriptions for Series 1 Debentures made through a CDS Participant will be irrevocable and subscribers will be unable to withdraw their subscriptions for Series 1 Debentures once submitted. See “Description of the Rights – Common Shares Held Through CDS”.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL MATTERS

Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, all references in this prospectus to “CSI”, the “Company”, “we”, “us”, “our” and “our company” refer to Constellation Software Inc. and its subsidiaries.

The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars and in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards.

All references to US$ are to U.S. dollars and all references to C$ are to Canadian dollars.

ELIGIBILITY FOR INVESTMENT

In the opinion of McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Canadian counsel to the Company, based on the provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Tax Act”) in force on the date hereof, provided the Rights and the Series 1 Debentures are each listed on a “designated stock exchange” (as such term is defined in the Tax Act and which currently includes the TSX), the Rights and Series 1 Debentures, if issued on the date hereof, would each be a “qualified investment” under the Tax Act for a trust governed by a registered retirement savings plan (“RRSP”), a registered retirement income fund (“RRIF”), a tax-free savings account (“TFSA”), a registered disability savings plan (“RDSP”), a registered education savings plan (“RESP”), a first home savings account (“FHSA”, and collectively with an RRSP, RRIF, TFSA, RDSP and RESP, a “Registered Plan”) and a deferred profit sharing plan, except, in the case of Series 1 Debentures, a deferred profit sharing plan to which the Company, or an employer that does not deal at arm’s length with the Company, has made a contribution (“DPSP”), each as defined in the Tax Act.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Rights or Series 1 Debentures are “prohibited investments” (as defined in the Tax Act) for a Registered Plan, the holder or subscriber of, or annuitant under, as applicable, a Registered Plan (the “Controlling Individual”) will be subject to a penalty tax as set out in the Tax Act. The Rights and Series 1 Debentures will generally be a “prohibited investment” for a Registered Plan if the Controlling Individual does not deal at arm’s length with the Company for purposes of the Tax Act or has a “significant interest” (as defined in the Tax Act) in the Company.

Holders who intend to hold the Rights or Series 1 Debentures in a Registered Plan or DPSP are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding their particular circumstances.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this prospectus may contain “forward-looking” statements which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or industry to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this prospectus, words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “should”, “anticipate” and other similar terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this prospectus. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed under “Risk Factors”. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this prospectus, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by applicable securities laws.

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EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION

The following table sets out (i) the rate of exchange for one U.S. dollar in Canadian dollars in effect at the end of the period indicated, (ii) the high and low rate of exchange during that period and (iii) the average rate of exchange for that period, as published by the Bank of Canada.

On August 2, 2023 the daily rate of exchange as published by the Bank of Canada was US$1.00 = C$1.3335.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following documents have been filed with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and are specifically incorporated by reference into, and form an integral part of, this prospectus:

Any documents of the type referred to in the preceding paragraph, or otherwise described in Section 11.1 of Form 44-101F1 – Short Form Prospectus (excluding confidential material change reports), filed by the Company with any securities regulatory authority in Canada after the date of this prospectus and prior to the completion or withdrawal of this Offering, are deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. The modifying or superseding statement need not state that it has modified or superseded a prior statement or include any other information set forth in the document that it modifies or supersedes. The making of a modifying or superseding statement will not be deemed an admission for any purpose that the modified or superseded statement, when made, constituted a misrepresentation, an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact that is required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances in which it was made. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

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CONSTELLATION SOFTWARE INC.

We acquire, manage and build vertical market software (“VMS”) businesses. Generally, these businesses provide mission critical software solutions that address the specific needs of our customers in particular vertical markets. Our focus on acquiring businesses with growth potential, managing them well and then building them has allowed us to generate significant cash flow and revenue growth. Using a combination of proprietary software and market expertise, we provide software solutions designed to meet certain mission critical requirements of our customers. We believe that our software solutions enable our customers to boost productivity, operate more cost effectively, increase sales and improve customer service and satisfaction. Our principal strategy is to acquire, manage and build VMS businesses. Most of the VMS businesses that we acquire have the potential to be leaders within their particular markets. We target the VMS sector because of the attractive economics that it provides and our belief that our management teams understand those economics better than many of our competitors.

We are a global provider of enterprise software solutions serving a variety of distinct vertical markets.

Our head and registered office is located at 20 Adelaide Street East, Suite 1200, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2T6. The primary geographic markets in which we operate are North America, Continental Europe, UK and Australia.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS

Rights and Rights Certificates

The Company is issuing to each Shareholder of record at the close of business (Toronto time) on the Record Date one Right for each Common Share held by such Shareholder. The Rights will be issued in satisfaction of the Rights Dividend declared by the Company on the Common Shares in the amount of one Right per Common Share. Every 3.03 Rights entitle the holder thereof to subscribe for C$100 principal amount of Series 1 Debentures at a price of C$● per C$100 principal amount of Series 1 Debentures purchased (plus any accrued interest on the Series 1 Debentures purchased).

The Rights are fully divisible and fully transferable into and within Canada by the holders thereof. The Rights may not be transferred to any person within the United States. Shareholders in the United States who receive Rights may resell them only outside the United States in accordance with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. See “– Sale or Transfer of Rights”.

The Rights are evidenced by Rights Certificates registered in the name of the Shareholder entitled thereto. Each Shareholder, other than an Ineligible Holder, will receive a Rights Certificate evidencing the total number of Rights to which such Shareholder is entitled. Subject to certain exceptions, Rights Certificates may not be held directly by, and subscriptions for Series 1 Debentures will not be accepted from, Ineligible Holders. See “– Ineligible Holders”.

Shareholders that hold their Common Shares through a CDS Participant will not receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership of Rights. On the Record Date, a global certificate representing Rights held through CDS Participants will be issued in registered form to, and in the name of, CDS or its nominee. See “– Common Shares Held Through CDS”.

Subscription Privilege

Every 3.03 Rights entitle the holder thereof to subscribe for C$100 principal amount of Series 1 Debentures at a price of C$● per C$100 principal amount of Series 1 Debentures purchased (plus any accrued interest on the Series 1 Debentures purchased) prior to the Expiry Time on the Expiry Date. The Series 1 Debentures will be issued on or about ●, 2023 (the “Issue Date”).

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Rights not exercised by the Expiry Time on the Expiry Date will be void and of no further value. A holder of Rights that subscribes for some, but not all, of the Series 1 Debentures which such holder is entitled to subscribe for will be deemed to have elected to waive the unexercised balance of such Rights. For information on how to exercise the Subscription Privilege, see “– Common Shares Held in Registered Form – How to Complete the Rights Certificate”.

Fractional Series 1 Debentures will not be issued upon the exercise of Rights. Each holder of a Rights Certificate which evidences a number of Rights not evenly divisible by 3.03 will have the principal amount of Series 1 Debentures it is entitled to subscribe for rounded down to the next nearest multiple of C$100.

Subscription Agent

Computershare Investor Services Inc. (the “Subscription Agent”) has been appointed the agent of the Company to receive subscriptions and payments from holders of Rights and to perform certain services relating to the exercise and transfer of Rights. Subscriptions and payments under the Offering should be sent to the Subscription Agent at:

Computershare Investor Services Inc.

PO Box 7021

31 Adelaide St E

Toronto ON M5C 3H2

Attn: Corporate Actions

The Subscription Agent can be reached by telephone at 1-800-564-6253 or 1-514-982-7555 or by e-mail at corporateactions@computershare.com.

Common Shares Held Through CDS

For Common Shares held through a CDS Participant in the book-based system administered by CDS, a global certificate representing the aggregate number of Rights held through CDS Participants will be issued in registered form to CDS and will be deposited with CDS. Each Shareholder who holds Common Shares through a CDS Participant (a “Beneficial Shareholder”) will receive a confirmation of the number of Rights issued to such holder from its CDS Participant in accordance with the practices and procedures of that CDS Participant. CDS will be responsible for establishing and maintaining book-entry accounts for CDS Participants holding Rights.

In order to exercise Rights held through a CDS Participant, a Beneficial Shareholder must (a) instruct the CDS Participant holding such Rights to exercise all or a specified number of such Rights and (b) forward to such CDS Participant the Subscription Price for each Series 1 Debenture that such Beneficial Shareholder wishes to subscribe for. Subscriptions for Series 1 Debentures made through a CDS Participant will be irrevocable and subscribers will be unable to withdraw their subscriptions for Series 1 Debentures once submitted.

The Subscription Price for Rights held through a CDS Participant is payable in Canadian dollars by certified cheque, bank draft or money order payable to the CDS Participant by direct debit from the subscriber’s brokerage account or by electronic funds transfer or other similar payment mechanism. The entire Subscription Price for any Rights exercised must be paid at the time of subscription and must be received by the Subscription Agent at one of the Subscription Offices prior to 4:30 p.m. (Toronto time) on the Expiry Date. Accordingly, a holder of Rights held through a CDS Participant must deliver its payment and subscriptions sufficiently in advance of the Expiry Date to allow the CDS Participant through which such Rights are held to properly exercise such Rights.

Neither the Company nor the Subscription Agent will have any liability for: (a) the records maintained by CDS or CDS Participants relating to the Rights or the book-entry accounts maintained by them; (b) maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such Rights; or (c) any advice or representations made or given by CDS or CDS Participants with respect to the rules and regulations of CDS or any action to be taken by CDS or CDS Participants.

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The ability of a person having an interest in Rights held through a CDS Participant to pledge such interest or otherwise take action with respect to such interest (other than through a CDS Participant) may be limited due to the lack of a physical certificate. Beneficial Shareholders must arrange purchases or transfers of Rights through their CDS Participant.

Common Shares Held in Registered Form

Shareholders who hold Common Shares in registered form (“Registered Shareholders”) will be mailed a copy of this prospectus and a Rights Certificate representing the total number of Rights to which each such Shareholder is entitled to receive. In order to exercise Rights represented by the Rights Certificate, Registered Shareholders must complete and deliver the Rights Certificate in accordance with the instructions set out under “– Common Shares Held in Registered Form – How to Complete the Rights Certificate”.

Rights not exercised by 4:30 p.m. (Toronto time) on the Expiry Date will be void and of no value. The Subscription Price for Rights exercised by Registered Shareholders is payable in Canadian dollars by certified cheque, bank draft or money order payable to the Subscription Agent or by electronic funds transfer or other similar payment mechanism acceptable to the Subscription Agent.

How to Complete the Rights Certificate

Only subscriptions for whole Series 1 Debentures will be accepted. Each holder of a Rights Certificate which evidences a number of Rights not evenly divisible by 3.03 will have the principal amount of Series 1 Debentures it is entitled to subscribe for rounded down to the next nearest multiple of C$100.

Completion of Form 1 on the Rights Certificate constitutes a representation by the holder thereof that the holder is not a resident or national of an Ineligible Jurisdiction and is not an Ineligible Holder or an agent of a person who is a national or resident of an Ineligible Jurisdiction or an Ineligible Holder.

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The signature of the holder of a Rights Certificate must correspond in every particular with the name that appears on the face of the Rights Certificate. Signatures by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney, officer of a company or any person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity should be accompanied by evidence of authority satisfactory to the Subscription Agent. All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of any subscription will be determined by the Company in its sole discretion, and any determination by the Company will be final and binding on the Company and its securityholders. Upon delivery or mailing of the completed Rights Certificate to the Subscription Agent, the exercise of the Rights and the subscription for Series 1 Debentures is irrevocable. The Company reserves the right to reject any subscription if it is not in proper form or if the acceptance thereof or the issuance of Series 1 Debentures pursuant thereto could be unlawful. The Company also reserves the right to waive any defect in respect of any particular subscription. Neither the Company nor the Subscription Agent is under any duty to give any notice of any defect or irregularity in any subscription, nor will they be liable for the failure to give any such notice.

If a holder of a Right has any questions with respect to the proper exercise of Rights, such holder should contact the Subscription Agent at 1-800-564-6253 or 1-514-982-7555 or by e-mail at corporateactions@computershare.com.

Undeliverable Rights

Rights Certificates returned to the Subscription Agent as undeliverable will not be sold by the Subscription Agent and no proceeds of sale will be credited to such holders.

Sale or Transfer of Rights

A holder of Rights in registered form may sell or transfer some or all of such Rights to any person who is not an Ineligible Holder. A holder who wishes to transfer some or all of its Rights must complete Form 2 on the Rights Certificate and have its signature guaranteed by a Schedule I bank, a major trust company in Canada, or a

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member of an acceptable Medallion Signature Guarantee Program (including STAMP, SEMP, and MSP). See “– Common Shares Held in Registered Form – How to Complete the Rights Certificate”. Holders who hold their Rights through a CDS Participant must arrange exercises or transfers of Rights through their CDS Participant.

Dividing or Combining Rights Certificates

Rights Certificates may be divided or combined by completing Form 2 on the Rights Certificate and delivering the Rights Certificate to the Subscription Agent in sufficient time prior to the Expiry Time to permit the new Rights Certificates to be issued to and used by the Rights Certificate holder. See “– Common Shares Held in Registered Form – How to Complete the Rights Certificate”.

Ineligible Holders

This prospectus covers the distribution of the Offered Securities in the Eligible Jurisdictions only. However, notwithstanding registration under the U.S. Securities Act, the securities or blue sky laws of certain states may not permit or may limit the Company’s ability to offer Rights and/or Series 1 Debentures in such states, or to certain persons in those states. The Company will only offer Rights in states where, and to such persons to whom, it is legally permitted to do so. Rights Certificates will not be sent to any Shareholders with addresses of record in an Ineligible Jurisdiction and, except as described herein, Rights may not be exercised by or on behalf of any Shareholders with addresses of record in an Ineligible Jurisdiction. Instead, Ineligible Holders will be sent a copy of this prospectus together with a letter advising them that their Rights Certificates will be held by the Subscription Agent as agent for the benefit of all such Ineligible Holders. The letter will also set out the conditions required to be met, and procedures that must be followed, in order for Ineligible Holders to participate in the Offering.

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Company may accept subscriptions from Ineligible Holders if the Company determines that the offering to and subscription by such person is lawful and in compliance with all securities and other laws applicable in the Ineligible Jurisdiction where such person is resident (each an “Approved Eligible Holder”). Shareholders who have not received Rights Certificates but are resident in an Eligible Jurisdiction or wish to be recognized as Approved Eligible Holders should contact the Subscription Agent at the earliest possible time. Rights of Shareholders with addresses of record in an Ineligible Jurisdiction will be held by the Subscription Agent until 4:30 p.m. (Toronto time) on ●, 2023 in order to provide such holders with the opportunity to satisfy the Company that (i) the holder is resident in an Eligible Jurisdiction or (ii) the exercise of their Rights will not be in violation of securities and other laws applicable in the Ineligible Jurisdiction where such person is resident. After such time, the Subscription Agent will attempt to sell the Rights of such registered Ineligible Holders on the open market on such date or dates and at such price or prices as the Subscription Agent will determine in its sole discretion.

No charge will be made for the sale of Rights on behalf of Ineligible Holders by the Subscription Agent except for a proportionate share of any brokerage commissions incurred by the Subscription Agent and the costs of or incurred by the Subscription Agent in connection with the sale of the Rights. The proceeds from the sale of Rights by the Subscription Agent (net of brokerage fees and selling expenses and, if applicable, costs incurred and Canadian withholding taxes) will be divided on a pro rata basis among registered Ineligible Holders and delivered to such Ineligible Holders as soon as reasonably practicable, provided that amounts of less than C$100 will not be remitted. The Subscription Agent will act in its capacity as agent of the registered Ineligible Holders on a best efforts basis only and the Company and the Subscription Agent do not accept responsibility for the price obtained on the sale of Rights or the inability of the Subscription Agent to sell the Rights. Neither the Company nor the Subscription Agent will be subject to any liability for or in connection with the sale of, or failure to sell, any Rights on behalf of Ineligible Holders. There is a risk that the proceeds received from the sale of Rights issued in respect of Common Shares held by Ineligible Holders will not exceed the costs of or incurred by the Subscription Agent in connection with the sale of such Rights, in which case no proceeds will be remitted to Ineligible Holders.

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Series 1 Debenture Certificates

Series 1 Debentures issued in connection with the Offering will be registered in the name of the person to whom the Rights Certificate was issued or to whom the Rights have been properly and duly transferred. The certificates representing such Series 1 Debentures will be delivered by mail to the address of the subscriber as it appears on the Rights Certificate, unless otherwise directed, or to the address of the transferee, if any, indicated on the appropriate form on the Rights Certificate as soon as practicable after the Expiry Date. Except as otherwise described under “– Ineligible Holders”, the Series 1 Debentures will not be issued to or on behalf of any holders of Rights with addresses of record in an Ineligible Jurisdiction.

Holders of Rights that hold their Rights through a CDS Participant will not receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership of Series 1 Debentures issued upon the exercise of Rights. Upon the closing of the Offering, a global certificate representing such Series 1 Debentures will be issued in registered form to, and in the name of, CDS or its nominee.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES 1 DEBENTURES

The following description of the Series 1 Debentures is a brief summary of their material attributes and characteristics. The following summary uses words and terms which are defined in the trust indenture dated November 19, 2014 between the Company and Computershare Trust Company of Canada (the “Debenture Trustee”) in respect of the Series 1 Debentures, as supplemented by the first supplemental indenture dated September 30, 2015 between the Company and the Debenture Trustee, and as may be amended or further supplemented from time to time (the “Indenture”). This summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by, reference to the terms of the Indenture.

The Series 1 Debentures will be issued as an additional tranche of, and will be treated as a single series with, the C$68 million principal amount of Series 1 Debentures issued on October 1, 2014, the C$28 million principal amount of Series 1 Debentures issued on November 19, 2014 and the C$186.2 million principal amount of Series 1 Debentures issued on September 30, 2015. The Series 1 Debentures will be issued under and pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture and will have a maturity date of March 31, 2040 (the “Maturity Date”). The Company may, from time to time, without the consent of Series 1 Debentureholders, issue additional Series 1 Debentures or other debentures in addition to the Series 1 Debentures offered hereby.

The Series 1 Debentures will be issuable only in denominations of C$100 and integral multiples thereof.

The Series 1 Debentures will be direct obligations of CSI and will not be secured by any mortgage, pledge, hypothec or other charge and will be subordinated to all Senior Indebtedness of the Company as described under “Description of the Series 1 Debentures – Subordination”. The Indenture does not restrict CSI from incurring additional Senior Indebtedness at any time or from time to time or other indebtedness or otherwise mortgaging, pledging or charging its real or personal property or properties to secure any indebtedness or other financing. The Series 1 Debentures will rank pari passu with every other series of debentures that have been issued, or may hereafter be issued, under the Indenture.

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Interest Rate

From, and including, the Issue Date to, but excluding, March 31, 2024, the Series 1 Debentures will bear interest at a rate of 13.3% per annum (the “Current Rate”). From, and including, March 31, 2024 to, but excluding, the Maturity Date, the interest rate applicable to the Series 1 Debentures will be reset on an annual basis on March 31 of each year, at a rate equal to the Cost of Living Adjustment (as defined below) (which amount may be positive or negative) plus 6.5% (“Floating Interest”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interest rate applicable to the Series 1 Debentures will at no time be less than 0%. Interest, if any, will be payable quarterly in arrears in equal instalments on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 in each year, commencing on ●, 2023. Holders of Series 1 Debentures at the close of business on the business day prior to an interest payment date will be entitled to receive the interest payment in respect of such quarter. The Current Rate will only apply to the Series 1 Debentures in respect of the interest payments on ●, 2023, December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024, respectively. Effective March 31, 2024, the interest payable on the Series 1 Debentures will be based on the applicable Floating Interest rate.

For the purposes hereof:

“Cost of Living Adjustment” means, in any given year, the annual average percentage change in the CPI Index during the 12 month period ending on December 31 in the prior year. For the 12 month period ending on December 31, 2022, the Cost of Living Adjustment was 6.8%.

“CPI Index” means the index called the “All-items Consumer Price Index” published by Statistics Canada in its monthly publication, adjusted for base year 2002 (2002=100) and rebased from time to time, provided that if the Government of Canada determines not to publish such index, then the term “CPI Index” means whatever substitute index is used to determine the Government of Canada’s obligations under its real return bonds if any Government of Canada real return bonds are then outstanding, or if there is no such index or compilation, the term “CPI Index” means a similar measure determined by the Company, acting reasonably.

The principal and interest on the Series 1 Debentures will be payable in lawful money of Canada as specified in the Indenture.

About the CPI Index

The CPI Index is a measure of the average change in consumer prices over time for a fixed market basket of goods and services, including food, clothing and footwear, shelter, household operations, furnishings and equipment, recreation, education and reading, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, fuels, transportation, health and personal care, and energy. In calculating the CPI Index, the prices of the various items included in the fixed market basket are averaged together with the weights that represent their importance in the spending of households in Canada. Statistics Canada periodically updates the contents of the market basket of goods and services and the weights assigned to the various items to take into account changes in the consumer expenditure patterns. Since the basket contains commodities of unchanging or equivalent quantity and quality, the index reflects only pure price movements. The CPI Index is expressed in relative terms in relation to a time base reference period for which the level was set to 100.0.

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Historical Performance of the CPI Index

The following chart shows the annual percentage changes to the CPI Index over the last 25 years. Historical performance of the CPI Index is not an indication of future performance and the future performance of the CPI Index may differ significantly from historical performance, either positively or negatively.

Redemption and Purchase at the Option of the Company

As described below, the Company will, on an annual basis, have a 15 day notice period within which to provide notice to holders of Series 1 Debentures of its intention to redeem some or all of such Series 1 Debentures on a date that is five years following the end of such notice period.

During the period beginning on March 16 and ending on March 31 of each year, the Company will have the right, at its option, to give notice to holders of Series 1 Debentures of its intention to redeem the Series 1 Debentures, in whole or in part, on March 31 in the year that is five years following the year in which notice is given, at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but excluding the date fixed for redemption. For example, if the Company chooses to exercise its right to redeem the Series 1 Debentures in March 2024, the Company would be required to deliver notice of such redemption to holders of Series 1 Debentures during the period beginning on March 16, 2024 and ending on March 31, 2024, and the effective date of redemption would be March 31, 2029. Given the foregoing, the first possible redemption date is March 31, 2029.In the event the Company exercises its right to redeem some or all of the outstanding Series 1 Debentures in a given year, the Company will send a reminder redemption notice to holders of Series 1 Debentures not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to each applicable redemption date.

The Company’s ability to redeem the Series 1 Debentures will be subject to compliance with the terms of the Senior Indebtedness at the time of redemption and may be restricted in certain circumstances. See “Description of the Series 1 Debentures – Subordination” and “Risk Factors – Prior Ranking Indebtedness”.

CSI will have the right to purchase Series 1 Debentures in the market, by tender or by private contract subject to regulatory requirements; provided, however, that if an Event of Default (as defined below) has occurred and is continuing, the Company will not have the right to purchase the Series 1 Debentures by private contract.

In the case of redemption of less than all of the Series 1 Debentures, the Series 1 Debentures to be redeemed will be selected by the Debenture Trustee on a pro rata basis or in such other manner as the Debenture Trustee deems equitable, subject to the consent of the TSX.

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Investor Put Rights

As described below, holders of Series 1 Debentures will, on an annual basis, have a 15 day notice period within which to provide notice to the Company of their intention to require the Company to repurchase some or all of such Series 1 Debentures on a date that is approximately five years following the end of such notice period.

During the period beginning on March 1 and ending on March 15 of each year, holders of Series 1 Debentures will have the right, at their option, to give notice to the Company of their intention to require the Company to repurchase (or to “put”) the Series 1 Debentures, in whole or in part, on March 31 in the year that is five years following the year in which notice is given, at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but excluding the date fixed for repurchase. For example, if a holder of Series 1 Debentures chooses to exercise its right to have the Company repurchase such holder’s Series 1 Debentures in March 2024, the holder would be required to deliver notice of such repurchase to the Company during the period beginning on March 1, 2024 and ending on March 15, 2024, and the effective date of repurchase would be March 31, 2029. Given the foregoing, the first possible repurchase date is March 31, 2029.

The Company’s ability to repurchase the Series 1 Debentures will be subject to compliance with the terms of the Senior Indebtedness at the time of repurchase and may be restricted in certain circumstances. See “Description of the Series 1 Debentures – Subordination” and “Risk Factors – Prior Ranking Indebtedness”. In addition, once a holder of Series 1 Debentures has exercised its put right in respect of some or all of the Series 1 Debentures held by such holder (the “Puttable Series 1 Debentures”), the Puttable Series 1 Debentures will be held in escrow by the Debenture Trustee and will no longer be transferable over the facilities of the TSX or otherwise. See “Risk Factors – Exercise of Put Rights”.

Holders of Series 1 Debentures who hold their Series 1 Debentures through a CDS Participant will, prior to exercising their right to have the Company repurchase such holder’s Series 1 Debentures, be required to withdraw their Series 1 Debentures from CDS and obtain a certificate for such Series 1 Debentures in registered form.

Failure to Pay Interest on an Interest Payment Date

Interest May Form Part of Principal Amount Outstanding. The Company may, subject to regulatory approval, applicable law and the terms of the Senior Indebtedness, elect (the “PIK Election”), in lieu of paying interest in cash, to satisfy all or any portion of its obligation to pay interest on the Series 1 Debentures, as and when the same becomes due (the “Series 1 Debentures Interest Obligation”) by issuing to Series 1 Debentureholders such principal amount of Series 1 Debentures (the “PIK Series 1 Debentures”) equal to the amount of the Series 1 Debentures Interest Obligation to be satisfied by the issuance of PIK Series 1 Debentures (less any tax required by law to be deducted, if any), which amount will be rounded down to the nearest multiple of C$100. No fractional PIK Series 1 Debentures shall be delivered to Series 1 Debentureholders in satisfaction of the Series 1 Debentures Interest Obligation; however holders will receive a cash payment in respect of any fractional interest in PIK Series 1 Debentures. The Company will make a PIK Election by delivering written notice (the “PIK Election Notice”) to the Debenture Trustee and the TSX at least ten business days prior to the applicable interest payment date. The PIK Election Notice will include the principal amount of PIK Series 1 Debentures to be issued and delivered to the Series 1 Debentureholders.

Common Share Dividend and Buyback Stopper. If, on any interest payment date, the Company fails to pay the interest on the Series 1 Debentures in full in cash, the Company will not (i) declare or pay dividends of any kind on the Common Shares, nor (ii) participate in any share buyback or redemption involving the Common Shares, until the Company first pays such interest (or the unpaid portion thereof) to holders of Series 1 Debentures; provided however that if the Company has issued PIK Series 1 Debentures in respect of all or a portion of the amount of interest owing on the Series 1 Debentures on one or more interest payment dates, the Company may resume declaring and paying dividends of any kind on the Common Shares and participating in share buybacks

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or redemptions involving the Common Shares beginning on the earlier of (i) the next interest payment date in respect of which the Company pays the amount of interest owing on the Series 1 Debentures in full in cash, and (ii) the date on which the Company repays all amounts owing under such PIK Series 1 Debentures.

Payment upon Redemption or Maturity

On redemption or at the Maturity Date, CSI will repay the indebtedness represented by the Series 1 Debentures by paying to the Debenture Trustee in lawful money of Canada an amount equal to the principal amount of the outstanding Series 1 Debentures, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

Cancellation

All Series 1 Debentures redeemed or purchased as described herein will be cancelled and may not be reissued or resold.

Subordination

The payment of the principal of, and interest on, the Series 1 Debentures will be subordinated in right of payment, in the circumstances referred to below and also more particularly as set forth in the Indenture, to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company. “Senior Indebtedness” of the Company is defined in the Indenture as all indebtedness of the Company (whether outstanding as at the date of the Indenture or thereafter incurred) which, by the terms of the instrument creating or evidencing the indebtedness, is not expressed to be pari passu with, or subordinate in right of payment to, the Series 1 Debentures, which includes the Company’s existing credit facility with a syndicate of Canadian chartered banks and U.S. banks (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility is a US$840 million revolving credit facility with a stated maturity date of November 5, 2026, which facility has been established by a syndicate of lenders for the Company’s general corporate purposes and to enable it to finance its acquisitions. The Credit Facility may be drawn in four currencies: Canadian dollars, U.S. dollars, Pound sterling and Euros. The advances made under the Credit Facility bear variable interest rates calculated at standard reference rates in the applicable currencies plus interest rate margins determined based on a leverage ratio table. The Credit Facility is currently guaranteed by certain of the Company’s material subsidiaries and secured by the majority of its assets and the assets of such material subsidiaries. The credit agreement establishing the Credit Facility contains terms and conditions that are customary for a credit facility of this nature, including representations and warranties, covenants and events of default with customary cure periods, where appropriate. In particular, the Company may make distributions to other persons (including its shareholders) so long as (i) there is no default or event of default and (ii) the amount of availability under the Credit Facility and unrestricted cash of the Company and its guarantor subsidiaries is greater than US$25 million, in each case, prior to or after the making of such distribution.

The Indenture does not limit the ability of the Company to incur additional indebtedness, including additional Senior Indebtedness at any time or from time to time or other indebtedness or otherwise mortgaging, pledging or charging its real or personal property or properties to secure any indebtedness or other financing.

The Indenture provides that in the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceedings relative to the Company, or to its property or assets, or in the event of any proceedings for voluntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the Company, whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy, or any marshalling of the assets and liabilities of the Company, all creditors under any Senior Indebtedness will receive payment in full before the Series 1 Debentureholders will be entitled to receive any payment or distribution of any kind or character, including, without limitation, in cash, property or securities, which may be payable or deliverable in any such event in respect of any of the Series 1 Debentures or any unpaid interest accrued thereon.

The Indenture also provides that, subject to the requirements of the U.S. Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, neither the Debenture Trustee nor the Series 1 Debentureholders shall be entitled to demand or

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otherwise attempt to enforce in any manner, institute proceedings for the collection of, or institute any proceedings against the Company including, without limitation, by way of any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings or any proceeding for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, trustee or other similar official (it being understood and agreed that the Debenture Trustee and/or the Series 1 Debentureholders shall be permitted to take any steps necessary to preserve the claims of the Series 1 Debentureholders in any such proceeding and any steps necessary to prevent the extinguishment or other termination of a claim or potential claim as a result of the expiry of a limitation period provided that any such steps do not interfere with the enforcement by any holder of any Senior Indebtedness of its rights and remedies), or receive any payment or benefit in any manner whatsoever on account of indebtedness represented by the Series 1 Debentures (the “Series 1 Debentures Senior Indebtedness Postponement Provisions”) without the prior written consent of the lenders under the Senior Indebtedness.

In addition to the foregoing, pursuant to the terms of the Credit Facility: (a) the Company will only be permitted to make payment of interest in respect of the Series 1 Debentures, if either (i) both before and immediately after each such payment, no event of default (as defined under the Credit Facility) has occurred and is continuing, or (ii) the Company obtains the prior written consent of the applicable lenders under the Credit Facility; and (b) the Company will not, without the prior written consent of the applicable lenders under the Credit Facility, be permitted to make any payment of principal in respect of the Series 1 Debentures prior to the maturity date of the Credit Facility, being November 5, 2026.

Put Right upon a Change of Control

Upon the occurrence of a change of control of the Company involving the acquisition of voting control or direction of more than 50% of the votes represented by the issued and outstanding Common Shares by any person or group of persons acting jointly or in concert (a “Change of Control”), each holder of Series 1 Debentures may require the Company to purchase, on the date which is 30 days following the giving of notice of the Change of Control as set out below (the “Change of Control Put Date”), the whole or any part of such holder’s Series 1 Debentures at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof (the “Change of Control Put Price”) plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the Change of Control Put Date.

If 90% or more of the aggregate principal amount of the Series 1 Debentures outstanding on the date of the giving of notice of the Change of Control have been tendered for purchase on the Change of Control Put Date, the Company will have the right to redeem all the remaining Series 1 Debentures on such date at the Change of Control Put Price, together with accrued and unpaid interest to such date. Notice of such redemption must be given to the Debenture Trustee prior to the Change of Control Put Date and, as soon as possible thereafter, by the Debenture Trustee to the holders of the Series 1 Debentures not tendered for purchase.

Modification

The rights of the holders of the Series 1 Debentures as well as any other series of debentures that may be issued under the Indenture may be modified in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. For that purpose, among others, the Indenture contains certain provisions which will make binding on all Series 1 Debentureholders resolutions passed at meetings of the holders of the debentures issued under the Indenture by votes cast thereat by holders of not less than 66^2/3% of the principal amount of the then outstanding debentures present at the meeting or represented by proxy, or rendered by instruments in writing signed by the holders of not less than 66^2/3% of the principal amount of the then outstanding debentures. In certain cases, the modification will, instead of or in addition to the foregoing, require assent by the holders of the required percentage of debentures of each particularly affected series. Under the Indenture, the Debenture Trustee will have the right to make certain amendments to the Indenture in its discretion, without the consent of the holders of Series 1 Debentures.

Events of Default

The Indenture provides that an event of default (“Event of Default”) in respect of the Series 1 Debentures will occur if certain events described in the Indenture occur, including if any one or more of the following described

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events has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Series 1 Debentures: (i) failure to pay principal or premium, if any, on the Series 1 Debentures, whether at the Maturity Date, upon redemption, by acceleration or otherwise; or (ii) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company under bankruptcy or insolvency laws. Subject to the Series 1 Debentures Senior Indebtedness Postponement Provisions, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Debenture Trustee may, in its discretion, and shall, upon the request of holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Series 1 Debentures, declare the principal of (and premium, if any) and accrued interest on all outstanding Series 1 Debentures to be immediately due and payable.

Governing Law

Each of the Indenture and the Series 1 Debentures are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Province of Ontario applicable to contracts executed and to be performed entirely in such Province.

The foregoing is a summary only of the terms of the Series 1 Debentures and is qualified by the more detailed provisions of the Indenture. A copy of the Indenture is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION

There have been no material changes in the Company’s share or loan capital on a consolidated basis since March 31, 2023 to the date of this prospectus. After giving effect to the Offering, a maximum of C$982.2 million principal amount of the Series 1 Debentures will be outstanding. The net proceeds from the Offering are expected to be used by the Company to pay down indebtedness under the Credit Facility, with any remaining proceeds to be used for future acquisitions. See “Use of Proceeds”.

USE OF PROCEEDS

The estimated net proceeds to the Company from the Offering, after deducting the expenses of the Offering estimated to be approximately C$●, will be approximately C$●, assuming the exercise of all Rights. The net proceeds from the Offering are expected to be used by the Company to pay down indebtedness under the Credit Facility, with any remaining proceeds to be used for future acquisitions. The Credit Facility may be used by the Company for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. The existing indebtedness under the Credit Facility, for which a portion of the proceeds are intended to be used, was incurred by the Company in the ordinary course of its operations, primarily as a short-term source of working capital and to fund acquisitions. For further information regarding the outstanding amounts owing under our Credit Facility, please refer to the Q1 MD&A, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

The Company intends to spend the funds available to the Company as stated in this short form prospectus; however, there may be circumstances where, for sound business reasons, a reallocation of funds may be deemed prudent or necessary.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Each Shareholder of record on the Record Date will receive one Right for each Common Share held. This prospectus qualifies for distribution under applicable Canadian securities laws the Rights and the Series 1 Debentures issuable on the exercise of the Rights in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, and also covers the offer and sale of the Series 1 Debentures issuable upon exercise of the Rights within the United States under the U.S. Securities Act. However, notwithstanding registration under the U.S. Securities Act, the securities or blue sky laws of certain states may not permit or may limit the Company’s ability to offer Rights and/or Series 1 Debentures in such states, or to certain persons in those states. The Company will only offer Rights in states where, and to such persons to whom, it is legally permitted to do so.

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The Offered Securities have not been qualified under the securities laws of any jurisdiction other than the Eligible Jurisdictions. Except as described herein, Rights may not be exercised by or on behalf of an Ineligible Holder. This prospectus is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an offering of any of the Offered Securities for sale in any Ineligible Jurisdiction or to Ineligible Holders or a solicitation therein or thereto of an offer to buy any securities. Rights Certificates will not be sent to any Shareholder with an address of record in an Ineligible Jurisdiction. Instead, such Ineligible Holders will be sent a letter advising them that their Rights Certificates will be held by the Subscription Agent, who will hold such Rights as agent for the benefit of all such Ineligible Holders. See “Details of the Offering – Ineligible Holders”.

There is currently no market through which the Rights may be sold. There can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop for the Rights or, if developed, that such a market will be sustained. To the extent that an active trading market for the Rights does not develop, the pricing of the Rights in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices and the liquidity of the Rights may be adversely affected. The closing of the Offering will be conditional on the listing of the Rights on the TSX.

TRADING PRICE AND VOLUME OF SERIES 1 DEBENTURES

The outstanding Series 1 Debentures are listed and posted for trading on the TSX under the trading symbol “CSU.DB”. The following table sets forth, for the period indicated, the high and low trading prices and the trading volumes of the Series 1 Debentures as reported by the TSX:

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CERTAIN CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a general summary, as of the date hereof, of the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations under the Tax Act applicable to a holder in respect of the receipt, exercise and disposition of Rights under the Offering and of acquiring, holding, exercising and disposing, of Series 1 Debentures received upon the exercise of Rights. This summary is only applicable to a holder of Rights who acquires such rights under this Offering and a holder who acquires, as beneficial owner, Series 1 Debentures pursuant to the exercise of Rights and who, for purposes of the Tax Act and at all relevant times, holds the Rights and Series 1 Debentures as capital property (a “Holder”). Generally, the Rights and Series 1 Debentures will be considered to be capital property to a Holder provided the Holder does not hold the Rights or Series 1 Debentures in the course of carrying on a business of trading or dealing in securities and has not acquired them in one or more transactions considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of trade. In this section, a reference to a “Right” includes a fraction thereof.

This summary is not applicable to a Holder: (i) that is a “financial institution” (as defined in the Tax Act for purposes of the “mark-to-market rules”); (ii) an interest in which is a “tax shelter” or a “tax shelter investment” (each as defined in the Tax Act); (iii) that is a “specified financial institution” (as defined in the Tax Act); (iv) who makes or has made a “functional currency” reporting election under the Tax Act; or (v) that has entered or will enter into a “derivative forward agreement” (as defined in the Tax Act) with respect to the Rights and Series 1 Debentures. Any such Holder should consult its own tax advisor with respect to the income tax consequences associated with Rights and Series 1 Debentures.

This summary is based upon the facts set forth in this prospectus, the provisions of the Tax Act in force as of the date hereof, all specific proposals to amend the Tax Act that have been publicly and officially announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof (the “Tax Proposals”) and an understanding of the current administrative policies and assessing practices of the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) published in writing by it prior to the date hereof. This summary assumes the Tax Proposals will be enacted in the form proposed. However, no assurance can be given that the Tax Proposals will be enacted in their current form, or at all. This summary is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax considerations and, except for the Tax Proposals, does not take into account or anticipate any changes in the law, whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action or decision, or any changes in the CRA’s administrative policies or assessing practices, nor does it take into account any other federal or any provincial, territorial or foreign tax legislation or considerations, which may differ significantly from those discussed herein.

This summary is of a general nature only and is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax considerations. This summary is not and should not be construed as legal or tax advice to any holder of Rights or any prospective purchaser or holder of Series 1 Debentures, and no representations with respect to the income tax consequences to any prospective purchaser or holder are made. Consequently, prospective purchasers or holders of Rights and Series 1 Debentures should consult their own tax advisors regarding the Canadian federal income tax consequences with respect to their particular circumstances, and any other consequences to them of such transactions under Canadian federal, provincial, local or foreign tax laws.

Holders Resident in Canada

The following portion of the summary is applicable to a Holder of Rights and Series 1 Debentures who, at all relevant times, is resident or deemed to be resident in Canada for purposes of the Tax Act and deals at arm’s length with, and is not affiliated with, the Company (a “Resident Holder”). Certain Resident Holders who might not otherwise be considered to hold their Series 1 Debentures as capital property may, in certain circumstances, be entitled to have their Series 1 Debentures and all other “Canadian securities” (as defined in the Tax Act) owned by such Resident Holder in the taxation year of the election and in all subsequent taxation years deemed to be capital property by making the irrevocable election permitted by subsection 39(4) of the Tax Act. This

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election does not apply to Rights. Resident Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their particular circumstances.

Rights Dividend and the Receipt of Rights

A Resident Holder that receives the Rights Dividend declared by the Company on its Common Shares will be required to include the amount of the Rights Dividend in computing such Resident Holder’s income for that taxation year. The amount of the Rights Dividend will be equal to the fair market value, at the time of receipt, of the Rights received by the Holder on account of such dividend.

In the case of an individual (other than certain trusts), such Rights Dividend will be subject to the gross-up and dividend tax credit rules normally applicable in respect of “taxable dividends” received from “taxable Canadian corporations” (each as defined in the Tax Act). An enhanced dividend tax credit will be available to individuals in respect of “eligible dividends” (as defined in the Tax Act) designated by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the Tax Act. The Company intends to designate the Rights Dividend as an eligible dividend in accordance with the Tax Act.

The Rights Dividend received by a corporation that is a Resident Holder of Common Shares must be included in computing its income for a taxation year but generally will be deductible in computing its taxable income for that taxation year. In certain circumstances, subsection 55(2) of the Tax Act will treat a taxable dividend received by a Resident Holder that is a corporation as proceeds of disposition or a capital gain. Resident Holders that are corporations should consult their own tax advisors in this regard.

A Resident Holder that is a “private corporation” or a “subject corporation” (as defined in the Tax Act) may be liable to pay a tax under Part IV of the Tax Act (refundable in certain circumstances) on dividends received on the Common Shares to the extent such dividends are deductible in computing the Resident Holder’s taxable income for the year.

The cost of the Rights received for purposes of the Tax Act will equal the fair market value, at the time of receipt, of such Rights. In determining the adjusted cost base to the Resident Holder of a Right, the cost of each Right held by a Resident Holder will be averaged with the adjusted cost base of each other identical Right (determined in accordance with the Tax Act) held by the Resident Holder for the purposes of determining the adjusted cost base to that Resident Holder of each Right so held.

Exercise of Rights

The exercise of Rights will not constitute a disposition of property for purposes of the Tax Act and, consequently, no gain or loss will be realized by a Resident Holder upon the exercise of Rights.

Series 1 Debentures acquired by a Resident Holder upon the exercise of Rights will have a cost to the Resident Holder equal to the aggregate of the subscription price paid by a Resident Holder plus the adjusted cost base to the Resident Holder of the exercised Rights.

In determining the adjusted cost base to the Resident Holder of a Series 1 Debenture, the cost of each Series 1 Debenture held by a Resident Holder will be averaged with the adjusted cost base of each other identical Series 1 Debenture (determined in accordance with the Tax Act) held by the Resident Holder.

Disposition of Rights

A Resident Holder who disposes of, or is deemed to dispose of, a Right (otherwise than by exercise of the Right) will generally realize a capital gain (or a capital loss) equal to the amount by which the proceeds of disposition, net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceed (or are less than) the adjusted cost base of the Right to the Resident Holder. Such capital gain (or capital loss) will be subject to the tax treatment described below under “Capital Gains and Capital Losses”.

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Expiry of Rights

Generally, the expiry of an unexercised Right will result in a capital loss to a Resident Holder equal to the adjusted cost base, if any, of the Right immediately before its expiry. Any such capital loss will be subject to the tax treatment described below under “Capital Gains and Capital Losses”.

Interest on Series 1 Debentures

Series 1 Debentures are “indexed debt obligations” (as defined in the Tax Act). Accordingly, the normal rules which require certain taxpayers to include interest in income on an accrual basis will not apply. Rather, a Resident Holder of Series 1 Debentures will be required to include in its income for each taxation year in which the Resident Holder owned a Debenture any Current Rate interest and Floating Interest, as applicable, which has been received or become receivable by the Resident Holder in that taxation year, depending upon the method regularly followed by the Resident Holder in computing income, except to the extent that the Resident Holder included such amounts in income for a preceding year.

The particular rules in the Tax Act relating to indexed debt obligations are complex. Resident Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the application of such rules.

Disposition of Series 1 Debentures

A disposition or deemed disposition of a Debenture by a Resident Holder (including upon redemption, or repayment on maturity) should generally result in the Resident Holder realizing a capital gain (or capital loss) equal to the amount by which the proceeds of disposition, net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceed (or are less than) the Resident Holder’s adjusted cost base thereof. For this purpose, proceeds of disposition generally will not include amounts required to be included in income as interest. Such capital gain (or capital loss) will be subject to the tax treatment described below under “Capital Gains and Capital Losses”.

Upon a disposition or deemed disposition of a Debenture, interest (including amounts deemed to be interest) accrued thereon to the date of disposition will be included in computing the income of the Resident Holder as described above under “Interest on Series 1 Debentures”, and will be excluded in computing the Resident Holder’s proceeds of disposition of the Series 1 Debentures.

Series 1 Debentures Purchased at a Premium

The cost to a Resident Holder of Series 1 Debentures acquired on the exercise of Rights will exceed the principal amount of the Series 1 Debentures and that cost will be averaged in determining the adjusted cost base to a Resident Holder of a Series 1 Debenture (as described above under “Exercise of Rights”). Accordingly, a Resident Holder who disposes of Series 1 Debentures upon a redemption by the Company or upon maturity is generally expected to realize a capital loss. Capital losses may not be applied against interest income received by the Resident Holder on the Series 1 Debentures (refer to “Capital Gains and Capital Losses” below).

Capital Gains and Capital Losses

Generally, a Resident Holder will be required to include in computing income for a taxation year one-half of the amount of any capital gain (a “taxable capital gain”) realized in that year. Subject to and in accordance with the provisions of the Tax Act, a Resident Holder will be required to deduct one-half of the amount of any capital loss (an “allowable capital loss”) realized in the taxation year from taxable capital gains realized by the Resident Holder in such taxation year. Allowable capital losses in excess of taxable capital gains for the taxation year generally may be carried back and deducted in any of the three preceding taxation years or carried forward and deducted in any subsequent taxation year against net taxable capital gains realized in such years, to the extent and under the circumstances described in the Tax Act.

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Alternative Minimum Tax

Capital gains realized by a Resident Holder that is an individual or a trust, other than certain specified trusts, may give rise to liability for alternative minimum tax under the Tax Act. The Minister of Finance (Canada) announced proposed changes to the existing rules in the Tax Act relating to alternative minimum tax in the federal budget on March 28, 2023.

Additional Refundable Tax

A Resident Holder that is throughout the relevant taxation year a “Canadian-controlled private corporation” (as defined in the Tax Act) may be liable to pay an additional tax (refundable in certain circumstances) on its “aggregate investment income” for the year, which is defined in the Tax Act to include taxable capital gains and interest. Pursuant to certain Tax Proposals, such additional tax may also apply to a Resident Holder that is a “substantive CCPC” (as defined in the Tax Proposals).

Holders Not Resident in Canada

The following portion of the summary is applicable to a Holder of Rights and Series 1 Debentures who, at all relevant times: (i) is not and is not deemed to be, a resident of Canada for purposes of the Tax Act; (ii) deals at arm’s length with the Company for purposes of the Tax Act; (iii) does not use or hold and is not deemed to use or hold the Rights and Series 1 Debentures in the course of carrying on business in Canada; (iv) is not an insurer for purposes of the Tax Act; (v) deals at arm’s length with any person resident (or deemed to be resident) in Canada to whom the Holder disposes of a Debenture; (vi) is entitled to receive all payments made on the Series 1 Debentures; (vii) is not an entity in respect of which the Company is a “specified entity” (within the meaning of proposed subsection 18.4(1) of the Tax Act as contained in Tax Proposals released on April 29, 2022 (the “Hybrid Mismatch Proposals”)); and (viii) is not a “specified shareholder” (as defined in subsection 18(5) of the Tax Act) of the Company or a person who does not deal at arm’s length with such a specified shareholder (a “Non-Resident Holder”). This summary assumes that no amount paid or payable to a Non-Resident Holder will be the deduction component of a “hybrid mismatch arrangement” under which the payment arises within the meaning of proposed paragraph 18.4(3)(b) of the Tax Act as contained in the Hybrid Mismatch Proposals.

Rights Dividend and the Receipt of Rights

A Non-Resident Holder who receives the Rights Dividend declared by the Company on its Common Shares will be subject to Canadian withholding tax on such dividend. The amount of the Rights Dividend will be equal to the fair market value, at the time of receipt, of the Rights received by the Holder on account of such dividend.

A Non-Resident Holder will generally be subject to Canadian withholding tax at a rate of 25% on the gross amount of the dividend, unless such rate is reduced under the terms of an applicable income tax treaty or convention. For example, under the Canada-United States Tax Convention (1980), as amended (the “Canada-U.S. Treaty”), where a dividend is paid (or deemed to be paid) on the Common Shares to a resident of the United States for the purposes of the Canada-U.S. Treaty, who is the beneficial owner of the dividends, and who is entitled to all the benefits under the Canada-U.S. Treaty, the applicable rate of Canadian withholding tax generally is reduced to 15%.

A portion of the Rights otherwise to be delivered to a Non-Resident Holder may be sold by the Company on behalf of the Non-Resident Holder in order to fund the applicable withholding taxes.

Exercise of Rights

The exercise of Rights will not constitute a disposition of property for purposes of the Tax Act and, consequently, no gain or loss will be realized by a Non-Resident Holder upon the exercise of Rights.

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Disposition of Rights

A Non-Resident Holder who disposes of or is deemed to dispose of a Right (otherwise than by exercise of the Right) will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act in respect of any capital gain realized on such a disposition, unless the Right constitutes “taxable Canadian property” of the Non-Resident Holder and such holder is not entitled to relief under an applicable income tax treaty or convention. The Company believes the Rights will not be “taxable Canadian property”.

Expiry of Rights

The expiry of an unexercised Right will not result in any Canadian federal income tax consequences to a Non-Resident Holder provided the Right does not constitute “taxable Canadian property”.

Interest on Series 1 Debentures

Amounts paid or credited, or deemed to be paid or credited, as, on account or in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of the principal amount of the Series 1 Debentures or interest on the Series 1 Debentures by the Company to a Non-Resident Holder will be exempt from Canadian withholding tax.

Disposition of Series 1 Debentures

A Non-Resident Holder will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act in respect of any capital gain realized on a disposition of a Debenture provided the Debenture does not constitute “taxable Canadian property” of such holder. No other taxes on income will be payable under the Tax Act by a Non-Resident Holder in respect of the acquisition, ownership or disposition of the Series 1 Debentures.

CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a general summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders (as defined below) of Common Shares of (i) the receipt, ownership, exercise, expiration and disposition of the Rights issued pursuant to this Offering and (ii) the ownership and disposition of Series 1 Debentures received upon exercise of such Rights. This discussion is based on existing provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), final and temporary Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative pronouncements or practice, judicial decisions, and interpretations of the foregoing, all as of the date hereof. Future legislative, judicial or administrative modifications, revocations or interpretations, which may or may not be retroactive, may result in U.S. federal income tax consequences significantly different from those discussed herein. This discussion is not binding on the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). No ruling has been or will be sought or obtained from the IRS with respect to any of the U.S. federal income tax consequences discussed herein. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge any of the conclusions described herein or that a U.S. court will not sustain such challenge.

As used herein, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of Common Shares, Rights or Series 1 Debentures that is (i) a citizen or individual resident of the United States as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes; (ii) a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia; (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to any U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; and (iv) a trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (b) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. If a pass-through entity, including a partnership or other entity taxable as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, holds Common Shares, Rights or Series 1 Debentures, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an owner or partner generally will depend

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upon the status of such owner or partner and upon the activities of the pass-through entity. A U.S. person that is an owner or partner of a pass-through entity holding Common Shares, Rights or Series 1 Debentures is urged to consult its own tax advisor.

This discussion does not address any U.S. federal alternative minimum tax, U.S. federal estate, gift, or other non-income tax; or state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences. In addition, this discussion does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences to certain categories of U.S. Holders subject to special rules, including, without limitation, U.S. Holders that are (i) banks, financial institutions, thrifts or insurance companies; (ii) regulated investment companies or real estate investment trusts; (iii) brokers or dealers in securities or currencies or traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting; (iv) tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts or other tax-deferred accounts; (v) holders that hold a Common Share, Right or Series 1 Debenture as part of a hedge, straddle, conversion transaction or a synthetic security or other integrated transaction; (vi) holders that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar; (vii) holders that own directly, indirectly or constructively 10 percent or more of the voting power of the Company; (viii) U.S. expatriates, (ix) persons required to accelerate the recognition of any item of gross income as a result of any item of gross income with respect to the Series 1 Debentures being taken into account in an applicable financial statement, (x) U.S. Holders that hold debentures through non-U.S. brokers or other non-U.S. intermediaries, and (xi) partnerships and other pass-through entities and investors in pass-through entities that hold the Series 1 Debentures.

This discussion assumes that the Rights and Series 1 Debentures are held as capital assets (generally, property held for investment), within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, in the hands of a U.S. Holder at all relevant times.

The treatment of the receipt, exercise, expiration and cancellation of the Rights for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not entirely clear. The uncertainty is attributable to a variety of factors, including the limited authorities that address such treatment and the ability of the Company to withdraw or cancel the rights offering if certain conditions are not met. The discussion below assumes that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the distribution of the Rights is treated as a distribution of Rights to acquire Series 1 Debentures occurring on the distribution date and such Rights are property. The discussion below also assumes that the Rights will have a fair market value for U.S. federal income tax purposes on the date of distribution.

A U.S. HOLDER OF COMMON SHARES, RIGHTS OR SERIES 1 DEBENTURES IS URGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS TO ITS PARTICULAR SITUATION AND ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION.

Taxation of Rights

Receipt of Rights

A U.S. Holder that receives a Right in respect of a Common Share should generally be treated as receiving a distribution equal to the fair market value of such Right on the date of its distribution from the Company. Such distribution will be treated as a dividend to the extent it is made from the Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). If such fair market value exceeds the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, such excess generally should be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such Common Share, and then as capital gain. The Company anticipates that its current and accumulated earnings and profits will exceed the aggregate fair market value of the Rights on the date of their distribution.

Subject to applicable exceptions with respect to short-term and hedged positions, certain dividends received by a non-corporate U.S. Holder from a “qualified foreign corporation” may be eligible for reduced rates of taxation. A

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qualified corporation includes a foreign corporation that is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the U.S. Treasury Department determines to be satisfactory for these purposes and that includes an exchange of information provision. The U.S. Treasury has determined that the Canada-U.S. Income Tax Convention (1980) meets these requirements, and the Company believes that it is eligible for the benefits of the Canada-U.S. Income Tax Convention. Dividends received by U.S. investors from a foreign corporation that was a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”) in either the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year will not constitute qualified dividends. The Company believes that it was not a PFIC in the preceding taxable year, and the Company does not expect it to become a PFIC in the current taxable year. However, the determination of PFIC status for any year is very fact specific, and there can be no assurance in this regard.

A U.S. Holder will be required to fund any tax required to be paid as a result of the distribution of a Right from other sources.

A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in a Right should generally equal its fair market value on the date of its distribution. A U.S. Holder’s holding period for a Right should begin on the day that such Right is received by such U.S. Holder.

Exercise of Rights

A U.S. Holder generally should not recognize any gain or loss upon the exercise of a Right and related receipt of Series 1 Debentures. A U.S. Holder’s initial tax basis in a Series 1 Debenture received upon the exercise of Rights should be equal to the sum of (a) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such Rights, plus (b) the Subscription Price paid by such U.S. Holder on the exercise of such Rights. A U.S. Holder’s holding period for a Series 1 Debenture received on the exercise of Rights will begin with and include the day that such Rights are exercised by such U.S. Holder. The U.S. dollar cost of a Series 1 Debenture purchased with a foreign currency will generally be the U.S. dollar value of the purchase price on the date of purchase or, in the case of Series 1 Debentures traded on an established securities market, as defined in the applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations, that are purchased by a cash basis U.S. Holder (or an accrual basis U.S. Holder that so elects), on the settlement date for the purchase.

Disposition of Rights

A U.S. Holder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of a Right in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between (a) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received and (b) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Right sold or otherwise disposed of. Any such gain or loss will generally be short-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder held the Right for less than a year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to various limitations.

If the consideration received on the sale of a Right is not in U.S. dollars, the amount realized generally will equal the U.S. dollar value of the payment received calculated at the spot rate on the date of the disposition. If the Rights are traded on an established securities market (as determined under the applicable Treasury Regulations), a cash basis U.S. Holder (and, if it so elects, an accrual basis U.S. Holder) will determine the U.S. dollar value of any foreign currency received by translating such amount at the spot rate on the settlement date, rather than on the date of execution. Any such election by any accrual basis U.S. Holder will apply to all debt instruments held by such U.S. Holder and cannot be changed without the consent of the IRS

Additionally, if a U.S. Holder receives any foreign currency on the sale of a Right, such U.S. Holder may recognize ordinary income or loss as a result of currency fluctuations between the date of the sale of the Right and the date the sale proceeds are converted into U.S. dollars.

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Expiration of Rights

If a Right expires without being exercised by a U.S. Holder, the U.S. Holder should generally recognize a short-term capital loss in an amount equal to such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such right. Capital losses are generally available to offset only capital gain (except, to the extent of up to $3,000 of capital loss per year, in the case of a non-corporate U.S. Holder) and therefore generally cannot be used to offset any dividend income arising from the receipt of a Right or other income.

Cancellation of the Offering

There is no authority that specifically addresses the tax treatment of a U.S. Holder that receives, sells or exercises a Right if the Company subsequently cancels the Offering. Certain authorities suggest that a U.S. Holder that receives a Right and does not sell or otherwise dispose of such Right may not be taxed on the receipt or cancellation of such right if the receipt and cancellation occur in the same taxable year. However, the scope of those authorities is unclear and the Company and applicable withholding agents are likely to take the position, for information reporting and backup withholding purposes, that the treatment described above under “Receipt of Rights” and below under “Information Reporting and Backup Withholding” continue to apply to such a U.S. Holder.

If a U.S. Holder has dividend income upon the receipt of a Right, even though the Company subsequently cancels the Offering, the U.S. Holder should generally have a short-term capital loss upon the cancellation of the Right in an amount equal to such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such Right.

Taxation of Series 1 Debentures received upon Exercise of Rights

Qualified Reopening

The issuance of additional Series 1 Debentures pursuant to the exercise of the Rights issued pursuant to this Offering (the “Additional Series 1 Debentures”) is a reopening of the issuance of the C$68 million principal amount of Series 1 Debentures issued on October 1, 2014, the C$28 million principal amount of Series 1 Debentures issued on November 19, 2014 and the C$186.2 million principal amount of Series 1 Debentures issued on September 30, 2015 (the “Existing Series 1 Debentures”). Additional debt instruments issued in a “qualified reopening” are treated as part of the same issue as the original debt instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A qualified reopening includes, among other things, a reopening in which the additional debt instruments are issued for cash to persons unrelated to the issuer (as determined under section 267(b) or 707(b) of the Code) for an arm’s length price and, on the date on which the price of the additional debt instruments is established, the yield of the additional debt instruments (based on their fair market value or cash purchase price, whichever is applicable) is not more than 100% of the yield of the original debt instruments on their issue date.

As discussed below, the yield of the Existing Series 1 Debentures and the Additional Series 1 Debentures is determined under complex rules, the application of which is not free from doubt. It is not clear whether the Additional Series 1 Debentures will be eligible to be treated as issued in a qualified reopening because they may be treated as issued for cash and the Rights, rather than solely for cash, or because they may be treated as having been sold at less than an arm’s length price. Further, there is no authority directly on point regarding the application of the qualified reopening rules to a reopening of a debt instrument that pays a variable interest rate. Nonetheless, because the Company expects the yield of the Additional Series 1 Debentures on the date on which the price of the Additional Series 1 Debentures is established to satisfy the yield test described above, the Company intends to treat the issuance of the Additional Series 1 Debentures as a qualified reopening of the issuance of the Existing Series 1 Debentures. Accordingly, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Company currently intends to treat the Additional Series 1 Debentures as issued with original issue discount (“OID”) and as having the same adjusted issue price as the Existing Series 1 Debentures. If the issuance of the Additional Series 1 Debentures is not treated as a qualified reopening, whether because of changes in the yield of the Series 1 Debentures between the date of this prospectus and the date on which the price of the Additional Series 1

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Debentures is established, or because the IRS successfully challenges the treatment of the issuance as a qualified reopening, the Additional Series 1 Debentures would be treated as a separate issuance from the Existing Series 1 Debentures. As a result, the Additional Series 1 Debentures would have a different issue price and a different amount of OID from the Existing Series 1 Debentures, and would not be fungible with the Existing Series 1 Debentures.

Issue Price – Qualified Reopening of Existing Series 1 Debentures

As described above, the Company intends to treat the Additional Series 1 Debentures as having the same adjusted issue price as the Existing Series 1 Debentures. An Existing Series 1 Debenture’s “issue price” generally is:

It is not clear whether the Existing Series 1 Debentures were issued for money, in which case the first rule applied, or for a combination of money and property (that is, the surrender of the Rights), in which case various rules may have applied. Under any of the definitions described above, the Company believes that the issue price of an Existing Series 1 Debenture equaled at least the original subscription price for an Existing Series 1 Debenture (being C$95.00 per C$100 principal amount of Existing Series 1 Debentures), because a U.S. Holder that acquired an Existing Series 1 Debenture by the exercise of Rights paid the subscription price in cash, but no more than the total of the original subscription price for an Existing Series 1 Debenture plus the fair market value of the Rights on the date of issue of the Existing Series 1 Debentures.

Issue Price – Separate Issuance of Additional Series 1 Debentures

If the issuance of the Additional Series 1 Debentures is not treated as a qualified reopening, the issue price of an Additional Series 1 Debenture will be determined without regard to the issue price of the Existing Series 1 Debentures, but in the manner described above under “Issue Price – Qualified Reopening of Existing Series 1 Debentures”. In such event, the Additional Series 1 Debentures would not be issued with the same issue price or amount of OID as the Existing Series 1 Debentures.

Variable Rate Debt Instrument

Complex rules apply to debt instruments treated as “contingent payment debt instruments.” However, a debt instrument that is treated as a “variable rate debt instrument” (a “VRDI”) will not be characterized as a contingent payment debt instrument. The definition of a VRDI includes a debt instrument that, among other things, does not provide for any stated interest other than stated interest (compounded or paid at least annually) at a current value of a single objective rate. A current value is the value of the rate on any day that is no earlier than

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3 months prior to the first day on which that value is in effect and no later than 1 year following that first day. An objective rate is in general a rate that is determined using a single fixed formula and that is based on objective financial or economic information. If interest on a debt instrument is stated at a fixed rate for an initial period of 1 year or less followed by a variable rate that is an objective rate for a subsequent period, and the value of the variable rate on the issue date is intended to approximate the fixed rate, the fixed rate and the variable rate together constitute a single objective rate. Although the conclusion is not free from doubt, the interest rate on a Series 1 Debenture should be an objective rate and a Series 1 Debenture should be treated as a VRDI under the rules described above. If the Series 1 Debentures were characterized as contingent payment debt instruments, a U.S. Holder might, among other things, be required to accrue interest income at a higher rate than the stated interest rate on the Series 1 Debentures and to treat any gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of a Series 1 Debenture as ordinary income rather than as capital gain.

Original Issue Discount

A debenture with a term that exceeds one year will constitute a discount debenture issued with OID if the stated redemption price at maturity of the debenture exceeds its issue price by more than the de minimis amount of ¹⁄₄ of 1 percent of the “stated redemption price at maturity” multiplied by the number of complete years from the issue date of the debenture to its maturity. The “stated redemption price at maturity” of a Series 1 Debenture is the total of all payments provided by the Series 1 Debenture that are not payments of qualified stated interest. Generally, an interest payment on a debenture is “qualified stated interest” if it is one of a series of stated interest payments on a debenture that are unconditionally payable at least annually at a single fixed rate, one or more qualified floating rates, or a single objective rate, with certain exceptions for lower rates paid during some periods, applied to the outstanding principal amount of the debenture. Interest is considered unconditionally payable only if reasonable legal remedies exist to compel timely payment or the debenture otherwise provides terms and conditions that make the likelihood of late payment (other than a late payment within a reasonable grace period) or non-payment a remote contingency.

Because failure to pay interest is not an Event of Default and the Company may make the PIK Election, stated interest on the Series 1 Debentures is not considered unconditionally payable for purposes of the definition of qualified stated interest. As a result, the Existing Series 1 Debentures were issued with OID, and the Additional Series 1 Debentures will be issued with OID (regardless of whether the issuance of Additional Series 1 Debentures is treated as a qualified reopening). Because the Series 1 Debentures have OID, a U.S. Holder will be required to include OID in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes as it accrues (regardless of such U.S. Holder’s method of accounting), which may be in advance of receipt of the cash attributable to that income. OID accrues under the constant-yield method, based on a compounded yield to maturity, as described below. The Company will provide certain information to the IRS and/or U.S. Holders that is relevant to determining the amount of OID in each accrual period. If the issuance of Additional Series 1 Debentures is not treated as a qualified reopening, the amount of OID with respect to the Additional Series 1 Debentures will vary from the amount of OID with respect to the Existing Series 1 Debentures.

The annual amounts of OID includible in income by a U.S. Holder will equal the sum of the “daily portions” of the OID with respect to a Series 1 Debenture for each day on which such U.S. Holder owns the Series 1 Debenture during the taxable year. Generally, a U.S. Holder determines the daily portions of OID by allocating to each day in an “accrual period” a pro rata portion of the OID that is allocable to that accrual period. The term “accrual period” means an interval of time with respect to which the accrual of OID is measured and which may vary in length over the term of a Series 1 Debenture provided that each accrual period is no longer than one year and each scheduled payment of principal or interest occurs on either the first or last day of an accrual period.

The amount of OID allocable to an accrual period will be the excess of:

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The adjusted issue price of a Series 1 Debenture at the beginning of the first accrual period is its issue price, and, on any day thereafter, it is the sum of the issue price and the amount of OID previously included in gross income, reduced by the amount of any payment (other than a payment of qualified stated interest) previously made on the Series 1 Debenture. If all accrual periods are of equal length except for a shorter initial and/or final accrual period, a U.S. Holder may compute the amount of OID allocable to the initial period using any reasonable method; however, the OID allocable to the final accrual period will always be the difference between the amount payable at maturity (other than a payment of qualified stated interest) and the adjusted issue price at the beginning of the final accrual period.

OID accrued on a Series 1 Debenture (and any amount withheld in respect of non-U.S. taxes) will be taxable to a U.S. Holder as foreign-source ordinary income.

Treatment of PIK Series 1 Debentures

If PIK Series 1 Debentures are issued to satisfy interest on the Series 1 Debentures, a newly distributed PIK Series 1 Debenture issued in respect of a Series 1 Debenture will be aggregated with the Series 1 Debenture and will be treated as part of the Series 1 Debenture with respect to which it was issued. Thus, the initial issue price of a newly distributed PIK Series 1 Debenture issued in respect of a Series 1 Debenture likely will be determined by allocating the adjusted issue price, at the time of distribution, of the underlying Series 1 Debenture between the newly distributed PIK Series 1 Debenture and the underlying Series 1 Debenture in proportion to their respective principal amounts. A portion of the basis of such Series 1 Debenture will be allocated to such PIK Series 1 Debenture and OID on such PIK Series 1 Debenture will accrue in the same manner as described above in the case of such Series 1 Debenture. A U.S. Holder’s holding period for any PIK Series 1 Debenture with respect to an original Series 1 Debenture will likely be identical to such U.S. Holder’s holding period for the original Series 1 Debenture. The same rules would apply to a PIK Series 1 Debenture received in lieu of cash interest on a PIK Series 1 Debenture.

Foreign Currency

If a U.S. Holder receives foreign currency as payments on a Series 1 Debenture, such U.S. Holder will accrue OID on the Series 1 Debenture in the foreign currency and translate the amount accrued into U.S. dollars based on:

Such election must be applied consistently by a U.S. Holder to all debt instruments from year to year and can be changed only with the consent of the IRS.

A U.S. Holder will recognize foreign currency gain or loss with respect to the OID income accrued on a Series 1 Debenture on the date cash is received in respect of such income (including, on the sale or other disposition of a Series 1 Debenture, the receipt of proceeds that include amounts attributable to OID previously included in income) if the spot rate of exchange on the date the cash is received differs from the rate applicable to a previous accrual of that income as determined above. For these purposes, all payments on a Series 1 Debenture will be treated first, as payments of previously accrued OID (to the extent thereof), with payments considered made for the earliest accrual period in which the OID has accrued and to which prior receipts or payments have not been attributable, and second, as the payment of principal. Such foreign currency gain or loss generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss, but generally will not be treated as an adjustment to OID accrued on the Series 1 Debentures. U.S. Holders should be aware that because cash payments in respect of accrued OID on a Series 1 Debenture may not be made until maturity or other disposition of the Series 1 Debenture, a greater possibility

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exists for the fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (and the required recognition of gain or loss) than is the case for foreign currency instruments issued without OID. U.S. Holders are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the interplay between the application of the OID and foreign currency exchange gain or loss rules.

Series 1 Debentures Purchased at a Premium

If the initial tax basis of a U.S. Holder in a Series 1 Debenture is less than or equal to the sum of all amounts payable on the Series 1 Debenture after the purchase date but is greater than the amount of the Series 1 Debenture’s adjusted issue price, as determined above under “—Issue Price,” the excess will be acquisition premium. In this case, unless a U.S. Holder elects to compute OID accruals by treating the purchase as a purchase at original issuance and applying the mechanics of the constant-yield method, a U.S. Holder must reduce the daily portions of OID by a fraction equal to:

In the case of a debt instrument that is denominated in, or determined by reference to, a foreign currency, acquisition premium will be computed in units of foreign currency, and acquisition premium will reduce interest income in units of the foreign currency. At the time acquisition premium offsets interest income, exchange gain or loss (taxable as U.S. source ordinary income or loss) will be recognized as measured by the difference between exchange rates at that time and at the time of the acquisition of the Series 1 Debentures.

Purchase, Sale and Retirement of Series 1 Debentures

A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in a Series 1 Debenture will generally be its initial tax basis, as discussed above under “Taxation of Rights – Exercise of Rights”, increased by the amount of any OID included in the U.S. Holder’s income with respect to the Series 1 Debenture, and reduced by (i) the amount of any payments that are not qualified stated interest payments, and (ii) the amount of any amortizable bond premium applied to reduce interest on the Series 1 Debenture.

A U.S. Holder will generally recognize gain or loss on the sale or retirement of a Series 1 Debenture equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or retirement and the holder’s tax basis of the Series 1 Debenture. The amount realized on a sale or retirement for an amount in foreign currency will be the U.S. dollar value of this amount on the date of sale or retirement or, in the case of Series 1 Debentures traded on an established securities market, as defined in the applicable Treasury Regulations, sold by a cash basis U.S. Holder (or an accrual basis U.S. Holder that so elects), on the settlement date for the sale. Such an election by an accrual basis U.S. Holder must be applied consistently from year to year and cannot be revoked without the consent of the IRS. Except to the extent attributable to accrued but unpaid interest or changes in exchange rates, gain or loss recognized on the sale or retirement of a Series 1 Debenture will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period in the Series 1 Debentures exceeds one year. Long-term capital gains of an individual taxpayer generally are taxed at preferential rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or retirement of a Series 1 Debenture that is attributable to changes in exchange rates will be treated as ordinary income or loss. However, exchange gain or loss is taken into account only to the extent of total gain or loss realized on the transaction. Gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or retirement of a Series 1 Debenture generally will be U.S. source.

Additionally, if a U.S. Holder receives any foreign currency on the sale of a Series 1 Debenture, such U.S. Holder may recognize ordinary income or loss as a result of currency fluctuations between the date of the sale of the Series 1 Debenture and the date the sale proceeds are converted into U.S. dollars.

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Foreign Tax Credit Considerations

For purposes of the U.S. foreign tax credit limitations, interest received by a U.S. Holder with respect to Series 1 Debentures will be foreign source income and generally will be “passive category income” but could, in the case of certain U.S. Holders, constitute “general category income.” In general, gain or loss realized upon sale or exchange of the Rights or Series 1 Debentures by a U.S. Holder will be U.S. source income or loss, as the case may be.

Subject to certain limitations, any Canadian tax withheld may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. Alternatively, a U.S. Holder may, subject to applicable limitations, elect to deduct the otherwise creditable Canadian withholding taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex and their application depends on each taxpayer’s particular circumstances. Accordingly, U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.

Additional Tax on Passive Income

U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds generally will be subject to a 3.8% additional tax on unearned income, including, among other things, interest on the Series 1 Debentures, and capital gains from the sale or other taxable disposition of, the Rights or Series 1 Debentures, subject to certain limitations and exceptions. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of the additional tax on investment income described above.

Reportable Transactions

A U.S. taxpayer that participates in a “reportable transaction” will be required to disclose its participation to the IRS. The scope and application of these rules is not entirely clear. A U.S. Holder may be required to treat a foreign currency exchange loss from the Series 1 Debentures as a reportable transaction if the loss exceeds US$50,000 in a single taxable year, if the U.S. Holder is an individual or trust, or higher amounts for non-individual U.S. Holders. In the event the acquisition, holding or disposition of Series 1 Debentures constitutes participation in a “reportable transaction” for purposes of these rules, a U.S. Holder will be required to disclose its investment by filing Form 8886 with the IRS, and the Company and its advisers may also be required to disclose the transaction to the IRS. In addition, the Company and its advisers may be required to maintain a list of U.S. Holders, and to furnish this list and certain other information to the IRS upon written request. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the application of these rules to the acquisition, holding or disposition of Series 1 Debentures.

U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Under U.S. federal income tax law and regulations, certain categories of U.S. Holders must file information returns with respect to their investment in, or involvement in, a foreign corporation. Penalties for failure to file certain of these information returns are substantial. U.S. return disclosure obligations (and related penalties for failure to disclose) have also been imposed on U.S. individuals that hold certain specified foreign financial assets in excess of US$50,000. The definition of specified foreign financial assets includes not only financial accounts maintained in foreign financial institutions, but also may include the Rights and Series 1 Debentures. U.S. Holders of Rights or Series 1 Debentures should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the application of the information reporting rules to the Series 1 Debentures.

Interest on Series 1 Debentures and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of Rights or Series 1 Debentures that are paid in the United States or by a U.S.-related financial intermediary will be subject to U.S. information reporting rules, unless a U.S. Holder is a corporation or other exempt recipient. In addition, payments that are subject to information reporting may be subject to backup withholding if a U.S. Holder fails to provide its

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taxpayer identification number, fails to certify that such number is correct, fails to certify that such U.S. Holder is not subject to backup withholding, or otherwise fails to comply with the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules are available to be credited against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may be refunded to the extent they exceed such liability, provided the required information is provided to the IRS in a timely manner.

RISK FACTORS

Before purchasing the Series 1 Debentures, subscribers should carefully consider the following risk factors as well as those set out in the AIF incorporated by reference into this prospectus in addition to the other information contained in this prospectus and incorporated by reference in this prospectus. See “Documents Incorporated by Reference”. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or that the Company currently considers immaterial also may impair the Company’s business and operations and cause the price of the Series 1 Debentures to decline. If any of the events contemplated in the risk factors described below or in the documents incorporated by reference actually occur, the Company’s business may be harmed and the financial condition and results of operation may suffer significantly. In that event, the trading price of the Series 1 Debentures could decline, and purchasers of the Series 1 Debentures may lose all or part of their investment.

In addition to the other information set forth elsewhere in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference, prospective investors should carefully review the following risk factors:

Market for Securities. There is currently no market through which the Rights may be sold and there is no guarantee that an active trading market will develop. Accordingly, purchasers may not be able to sell the Rights distributed under this prospectus. This may affect the pricing of the Rights in the secondary market, the transparency and the availability of trading prices and the liquidity of the Rights. Although the closing of the Offering will be conditional on the listing of the Rights on the TSX, there can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop for the Rights after the Offering, or if developed, that such market will be sustained.

Market Conditions. The market price of the Series 1 Debentures will be based on a number of factors, including: (i) the prevailing interest rates being paid by companies similar to CSI, (ii) the overall condition of the financial and credit markets, (iii) interest rate volatility, (iv) fluctuations in the CPI Index, (v) the markets for similar securities, (vi) the financial condition, results of operation and prospects of CSI, (vii) changes in the industry in which CSI operates and competition affecting CSI, and (viii) general market and economic conditions. The price at which the Rights or Series 1 Debentures will trade cannot be accurately predicted.

Additional Indebtedness. The Indenture does not limit the ability of the Company to incur additional debt or liabilities (including Senior Indebtedness). In order to finance acquisitions from time-to-time, the Company expects to draw down additional indebtedness under its Credit Facility. The additional indebtedness will increase the interest payable by the Company from time-to-time until such amounts are repaid, which will represent an increase in the Company’s cost and a potential reduction in the Company’s income. In addition, the Company may need to find additional sources of financing to repay this amount when it becomes due. There can be no guarantee that the Company will be able to obtain financing on terms acceptable to it or at all at such time.

Prior Ranking Indebtedness. The Series 1 Debentures are unsecured and the payment of principal and interest thereon will be subordinate to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the Company. The Indenture does not limit the ability of the Company to incur additional debt or liabilities (including Senior Indebtedness). Interest will be payable on the Series 1 Debentures only if no event of default exists under the Senior Indebtedness immediately before or after such payment is due and any other terms of the Senior Indebtedness have been complied with. In addition, the Company will not, without the prior written consent of the applicable

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lenders under the Credit Facility, be permitted to make any payment of principal in respect of the Series 1 Debentures prior to the maturity date of the Credit Facility, being November 5, 2026. Following the maturity date of the Credit Facility, the Company may enter into a new credit facility with one or more lenders. The terms of any new credit facility may contain additional restrictions on the Company’s ability to redeem or repurchase the Series 1 Debentures, but the nature and extent of such restrictions is not currently known and cannot be predicted. Enforcement of the Series 1 Debentures, including the issuance of a bankruptcy petition, will require the consent of the lenders under the Senior Indebtedness.

Interest Rate will be Reset. The interest rate in respect of the Series 1 Debentures will reset on an annual basis beginning on March 31, 2024 and will be based on changes in the CPI Index over the prior calendar year. In each case, the new interest rate is unlikely to be the same as, and may be lower than, the interest rate for the applicable preceding period. As a result, the amount of interest payable on the Series 1 Debentures may rise or fall from one year to the next and such variations may be material during periods of significant changes in the CPI Index. In circumstances where the change in the Cost of Living Adjustment is negative from one year to another, the interest rate applicable to the Series 1 Debentures for the following period could be as low at 0%. The Current Rate will only apply to the Series 1 Debentures in respect of the interest payments on ●, 2023, December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024, respectively. Effective March 31, 2024, the interest payable on the Series 1 Debentures will be based on the applicable Floating Interest rate.

Consumer Prices May Change Unpredictably, Affecting the Level of the CPI Index and the Market Value of the Series 1 Debentures. Market prices of the consumer items underlying the CPI Index may fluctuate based on numerous factors, including: changes in supply and demand relationships; weather; agriculture; trade; fiscal, monetary, and exchange control programs; domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies; disease; technological developments; and changes in interest rates. These factors may affect the level of the CPI Index and the market value of the Series 1 Debentures in varying ways, and different factors may cause the level of the CPI Index to move in inconsistent directions at inconsistent rates.

Ability to Defer Interest Payments or Issue PIK Series 1 Debentures. Any failure by the Company to pay the interest on the Series 1 Debentures in full on any interest payment date will not constitute an event of default under the Trust Indenture and holders of Series 1 Debentures will have no right to accelerate payment of the principal amount outstanding under such Series 1 Debentures. In addition, the Company may elect to satisfy all or any portion of the Series 1 Debentures Interest Obligation by issuing PIK Series 1 Debentures. Although the Company will not be permitted to declare dividends of any kind on the Common Shares and will not be permitted to participate in any share buyback or redemption involving the Common Shares until the Company first pays any outstanding interest (or the unpaid portion thereof) to holders of Series 1 Debentures or resumes making subsequent interest payments on the Series 1 Debentures in full in cash, holders of Series 1 Debentures will not have an immediate right to receive such outstanding interest in cash. Instead, any unpaid interest may form part of the principal amount of such Series 1 Debentures and may only become due and payable on the occurrence of an event giving rise to the obligation of the Company to pay or cause the payment of the redemption price, as the case may be, as part of such price and not prior thereto. In addition, if the Company issues PIK Series 1 Debentures in lieu of cash interest on an interest payment date, holders will be required to include in their income the principal amount of such PIK Series 1 Debentures issued despite not having received any cash payment from the Company in satisfaction of the applicable Series 1 Debentures Interest Obligation.

Redemption of Series 1 Debentures. The Series 1 Debentures are redeemable annually, upon no more than five years’ and 15 days’ and no less than five years’ notice, and upon a Change of Control. Although the Company does not currently intend to exercise such redemption right, such redemption right could still be exercised. In such circumstances, redemption could occur when prevailing interest rates are lower than the rate born by the Series 1 Debentures. If prevailing rates are lower at the time of redemption, a purchaser would not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as the interest rate on the Series 1 Debentures being redeemed. The Company’s redemption right also may adversely impact a purchaser’s ability to sell Series 1 Debentures as the optional redemption date or period approaches.

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Exercise of Put Rights. A holder of Series 1 Debentures will have the right to require the Company to repurchase some or all of its Series 1 Debentures annually. However, in order to excise its put rights, a holder of Series 1 Debentures must provide the Company with no more than five years’ and 30 days’ and no less than five years’ and 15 days’ notice and must deposit its Puttable Series 1 Debentures with the Debenture Trustee during this 5 year period. During this time, the Puttable Series 1 Debentures will no longer be transferable over the facilities of the TSX or otherwise. In addition, holders of Series 1 Debentures who hold their Series 1 Debentures through a CDS Participant will, prior to exercising their right to have the Company repurchase such holder’s Series 1 Debentures, be required to withdraw their Series 1 Debentures from CDS and obtain a certificate for such Series 1 Debentures in registered form from the Subscription Agent.

Use of Proceeds of the Offering. As set out under “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus, the Company intends to use the proceeds of the Offering to pay down indebtedness under the Credit Facility, with any remaining proceeds to be used for future acquisitions. There is no minimum Offering size, and there can be no assurance of the amount of proceeds raised in the Offering. There may be circumstances that are not known at this time where a reallocation of the net proceeds of the Offering may be advisable for business reasons that the board of directors and management believe are in the Company’s best interests.

Prevailing Yields on Similar Securities. Prevailing yields on similar securities will affect the market value of the Series 1 Debentures. Assuming all other factors remain unchanged, the market value of the Series 1 Debentures will decline as prevailing yields for similar securities rise, and will increase as prevailing yields for similar securities decline.

Series 1 Debentures are Subject to the Credit Risk of the Company. The obligation to make payments under the Series 1 Debentures is an obligation of the Company. The likelihood that holders of Series 1 Debentures will receive payments owing to them under the Series 1 Debentures will depend on the financial health and creditworthiness of the Company.

Senior Indebtedness Refinancing Risk. The Company’s Credit Facility expires on November 5, 2026. Although the Company may enter into a new credit facility with one or more lenders on or prior to the expiry of the Credit Facility, the terms of such credit facility cannot be predicted and may contain terms or conditions that are more onerous or restrictive than the Credit Facility. The Company’s ability to replace the Credit Facility on favourable terms will be dependent on, among other factors, the operating performance of the Company, future debt market conditions, the level of future interest rate spreads, and prospective lenders’ assessment of the Company’s credit risk at such time. If the Company is unable to obtain a new credit facility on favourable terms, the Company’s ability to complete acquisitions may be negatively impacted, which may have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial performance.

There may be Changes in Legislation or Administrative Practices that adversely affect Holders of Series 1 Debentures. There can be no assurance that income tax, securities and other laws or the administrative practices of any government agency will not be amended or changed in a manner which adversely affects Series 1 Debentureholders.

Subscription Rights May Not be Revoked. Subject to the Company’s right to terminate the Offering at any time, upon delivery or mailing of the completed Rights Certificate to the Subscription Agent, the exercise of the Rights and the subscription for the Series 1 Debentures is irrevocable.

The Company May Terminate the Offering. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide not to continue with the Offering or to terminate the Offering at any time. This decision could be based on many factors, including market conditions. The Company currently has no intention to terminate the Offering, but reserves the right to do so. If the Company elects to cancel or terminate the Offering, nether the Company nor the Subscription Agent will have any obligation with respect to the subscription rights except to return, without interest, any subscription payments the Subscription Agent received.

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Inability of Company to Purchase Series 1 Debentures. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control of the Company, each Series 1 Debentureholder may require the Company to purchase, on the date which is 30 days following the giving of notice of the Change of Control, the whole or any part of such holder’s Series 1 Debentures at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the Change of Control Put Date. In addition, the Company may be required to redeem and/or repurchase Series 1 Debentures from Series 1 Debentureholders on a date which is approximately five years after the Company has exercised its right to redeem Series 1 Debentures and/or Series 1 Debentureholders have exercised their put rights. It is possible that upon a Change of Control, or upon a redemption or repurchase by the Company of some or all of the Series 1 Debentures, the Company will not have sufficient funds to make the required redemption or repurchase of Series 1 Debentures or that restrictions contained in other indebtedness will restrict those purchases. See “Description of the Series 1 Debentures – Put Right upon a Change of Control”.

EARNINGS COVERAGE RATIOS

The following earnings coverage ratios and pro forma earnings coverage ratios are calculated on a consolidated basis for the 12 month period ended December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, and are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2023, after adjustment for new financial liabilities. The pro forma earnings coverage ratios have been prepared to give effect to the issuance of the Series 1 Debentures as if such issuance had occurred at the beginning of the pro forma calculation period but do not take into account the use of proceeds from such Series 1 Debentures.

The borrowing costs of the Company, after adjustment for new financial liabilities, for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2022 were approximately US$79 million and for the twelve month period ended March 31, 2023 were approximately US$93 million. The borrowing costs of the Company for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2022 and the twelve month period ended March 31, 2023, in each case after adjustment for new financial liabilities and after giving effect to the issuance of the Series 1 Debentures, were approximately US$143 million and US$153 million respectively. The profit attributable to owners of the Company before borrowing costs and taxes for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2022 was approximately US$804 million and for the twelve month period ended March 31, 2023 was approximately US$627 million, in each case after giving effect to the expenses of the Offering. This represents earnings coverage ratios of 10.23 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2022 and 6.71 for the twelve month period ended March 31, 2023, in each case on a historical basis (after adjustment for new financial liabilities), and 5.63 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2022 and 4.11 for the twelve month period ended March 31, 2023, in each case after giving effect to the issuance of the Series 1 Debentures.

The earnings coverage ratios noted above include a deduction for amortization of approximately US$676 million in the 12 month period ended December 31, 2022 and approximately US$723 million in the 12 month period ended March 31, 2023. If the earnings coverage ratios were adjusted to add back this non-cash deduction, the historical earnings coverage ratio (after adjustment for new financial liabilities) would be 18.83 for the 12 month period ended December 31, 2022 and 14.44 for the 12 month period ended March 31, 2023, and the earnings coverage ratio after giving effect to the issuance of the Series 1 Debentures would be 10.36 for the 12 month period ended December 31, 2022 and 8.85 for the 12 month period ended March 31, 2023.

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters relating to the issue and sale of Series 1 Debentures offered hereby will be passed upon on behalf of the Company by McCarthy Tétrault LLP, as Canadian counsel to the Company, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, as United States counsel to the Company. As of the date of this prospectus, the partners and associates of McCarthy Tétrault LLP collectively own less than one percent of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares.

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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We and our subsidiaries are engaged in legal actions from time to time, arising in the ordinary course of business. None of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, are expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

AUDITORS, TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

The Company’s external auditors are KPMG LLP, located in 100 New Park Place, Suite 1400, Vaughan, ON Canada L4K 0J3. KPMG LLP has confirmed that they are independent of the Company within the meaning of the relevant rules and related interpretations prescribed by the relevant professional bodies in Canada and any applicable legislation or regulations.

The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Shares and the Series 1 Debentures is Computershare Trust Company of Canada at its principal transfer office in Toronto, Ontario.

DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

The following documents have been or will be filed with the SEC as part of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part: (i) the documents incorporated by reference herein; (ii) the consent of KPMG LLP; (iii) the consent of McCarthy Tétrault LLP; (iv) powers of attorney of our directors and officers; and (v) the Indenture.

ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS AGAINST FOREIGN PERSONS

The following individuals, as the Company’s directors, reside outside of Canada. The individuals named below have appointed the following agent for service of process:

Purchasers are advised that it may not be possible for investors to enforce judgements obtained in Canada against any person or company that is incorporated, continued or otherwise organized under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction or resides outside of Canada, even if the party has appointed an agent for service of process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information relating to our Company may be found on the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca).

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED TO BE SENT TO SHAREHOLDERS

EXHIBITS

II-1

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-7 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Toronto, Ontario, Canada on August 7, 2023.

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POWERS OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Mark Leonard and Jamal Baksh, and each of them, either of whom may act without the joinder of the other, the true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute in the name, place and stead of the undersigned, in any and all such capacities, any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement , and all instruments necessary or in connection therewith, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and hereby grants to each such attorney-in-fact and agent, each acting alone, full power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned each and every act and thing whatsoever necessary or advisable to be done, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by or on behalf of the following persons in the capacities indicated, on August 7, 2023.

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II-4

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 6(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the undersigned certifies that it is the duly authorized United States representative of the Registrant and has duly signed this Registration Statement on August 7, 2023.

II-5

Exhibit 2.1

CONSTELLATION SOFTWARE INC.

Annual Information Form

March 29, 2023

CONSTELLATION SOFTWARE INC.

ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONSTELLATION SOFTWARE INC.

ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM

All references in this Annual Information Form to ‘‘CSI’’, the ‘‘Company’’, ‘‘we’’, ‘‘us’’, ‘‘our’’ and ‘‘our company’’ refer to Constellation Software Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to dollar amounts herein are to United States dollars.

All information contained herein is as at December 31, 2022 unless otherwise noted.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this Annual Information Form may constitute “forward-looking” statements which involve risks (including those which may arise in the future), uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this Annual Information Form, such statements use such words as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend” and other similar terminology. These statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this Annual Information Form. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed under “Risk Factors”. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Information Form are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Annual Information Form and, except as may be required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

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CORPORATE STRUCTURE

Name and Incorporation

The Company was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on August 23, 1995. On March 7, 2000, the Company amalgamated with e2 Inc. and on June 29, 2000, the Company filed articles of arrangement, authorizing the transfer of all of the shares of Friedman Acquisition Corp., Creative Computer Solutions Inc. and Memory Lane Systems Inc., each a then wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, to Constellation Software USA Inc. In connection with the arrangement, the Company issued 85,672 common shares in exchange for 259,595 common shares of N. Harris Computer Corporation and 667,013 common shares in exchange for 250,691 common shares of Trapeze Software Inc. The Company amalgamated with Constellation Justice Systems Inc. on March 1, 2002.

Concurrently with the closing of its Initial Public Offering on May 18, 2006, the Company’s share capital was reorganized to remove the previously existing series 1 and series 2 common shares, and to redesignate the previously existing series 3 common shares as Common Shares (the “Common Shares”).

On October 2, 2013, the Company’s shareholders (i) adopted a special resolution authorizing and approving an amendment to the articles of the Company in order to remove the Class A Non-Voting Shares, and (ii) adopted a special resolution authorizing and approving an amendment to the articles of the Company in order to create a new class of preferred shares designated as Class A Preferred Shares (“Preferred Shares”), to be issuable at any time and from time to time at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board” or the “Board of Directors”) in one or more series. Articles of amendment reflecting these changes to the Company’s authorized capital were filed on March 28, 2014.

The Company’s head and registered office is located at 20 Adelaide Street East, Suite 1200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5C 2T6, telephone: (416) 861-2279, Web-site: www.csisoftware.com. The contents of the Company’s web-site are not incorporated by reference into this Annual Information Form.

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Intercorporate Relationships

The following list outlines, as at March 29, 2023, each of our material subsidiaries. Unless otherwise indicated, each material subsidiary is owned 100%, either directly or indirectly, by CSI.

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GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS

Overview

Constellation Software Inc. is a global provider of enterprise software solutions serving a variety of distinct vertical markets.

Effective in 2020, we have aggregated our six operating groups into one reportable segment, consistent with the objectives and basic principles of IFRS 8.

As at March 29, 2023, the vertical markets in which we participate include:

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Acquisitions

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company completed a number of acquisitions for aggregate cash consideration of $1,633 million plus cash holdbacks of $189 million, and contingent consideration with an estimated fair value of $53 million, resulting in total consideration of $1,875 million.

Topicus.com Inc.:

On December 31, 2013, the Company acquired 100% of the shares of Netherlands based Total Specific Solutions (TSS) B.V. (“TSS”). TSS is one of the largest vertical market software (“VMS”) businesses based in the Netherlands, with offerings for the general practitioner, pharmacy, long term care, mental care, property tax and civil affairs markets. It also owns several non-VMS businesses, primarily involved in information technology services. Total consideration for the transaction was €240 million before adjusting for net tangible asset adjustments and claims under the representations and warranties of the purchase and sale agreement. The Company filed a business acquisition report on Form 51-102F4 in respect of the acquisition of TSS on March 6, 2014. On December 23, 2014, in accordance with the terms of the purchase and sale agreement for the TSS acquisition, the sellers of TSS along with certain members of TSS’ executive management team (collectively, the “Minority Owners” or the “Joday Group”) entered into a members agreement with CSI (the “Members Agreement”) pursuant to which the Minority Owners acquired 33.29% of the voting interests in Constellation Software Netherlands Holdings Cooperatief U.A. (the “Coop”). Proceeds from this transaction in the amount of €39.4 million (US$48.5 million) were utilized to repay, in part, a term loan facility obtained for the purpose of funding the TSS acquisition. In accordance with IFRS, 100% of the financial results for TSS are included in the consolidated financial results of the Company. Prior to January 5, 2021, each of the Minority Owners had the right, at any time, to exercise a put option to sell all or a portion of their interests in the Coop back to CSI for an amount calculated in accordance with a valuation methodology described within the Members Agreement. Accordingly, the Company classified the proceeds from the Members Agreement as a liability. The main valuation driver in such calculation is the maintenance and other recurring revenue of the Coop. Upon the exercise of a put option, Constellation would have been obligated to redeem up to 33.33% of the Minority Owners’ interests that were subject to the put, no later than 30 business days from the date the notice was received (classified as a current liability), and up to 33.33% on each of the first and second anniversaries of the date the first redemption payment was made. Commencing at any time after December 31, 2023, CSI was entitled to exercise a call option to purchase all of the Minority Owners’ interests in the Coop, for an amount calculated in accordance with a valuation methodology described within the Members Agreement. Upon exercise of the call option, the full purchase price would have been paid within 30 business days of the notice date, following which the Minority Owners’ membership in the Coop would be terminated. There was a valuation premium if the call option was exercised versus the put option.

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On January 4, 2021 (in anticipation of the acquisition of Topicus.com B.V. (“Topicus B.V.”) described further below), the Company’s subsidiary, the Coop, which principally held the TSS Operating Group, completed a corporate reorganization. In conjunction with the reorganization, the following steps were completed:

On May 20, 2020, the Company entered into a binding agreement, subject to certain closing conditions, with IJssel B.V. (the “Seller”) to purchase 100% of the shares of Topicus B.V., a Netherlands-based diversified vertical market software provider. On January 5, 2021, the Company completed this transaction. Annual gross revenues of Topicus B.V. for 2019 were approximately €101 million and total tangible assets at December 31, 2019 were approximately €7 million. In connection with the acquisition the Company paid cash of €133.6 million. Furthermore, Topicus Coop issued 5,842,882 preferred units of Topicus Coop to the Seller for an initial subscription price of €83.8 million plus an additional subscription amount of €27.589 million which will be owed by the Seller to Topicus Coop and payable to Topicus Coop under certain conditions. Topicus Coop also issued 5,842,882 ordinary units of Topicus Coop to the Seller. The aggregate estimated total consideration is €217.400 million. Under certain conditions, the preferred units were retractable at the option of the holder for a retraction price of approximately €19.06 per unit and were classified as a liability on the balance sheet of Topicus.com Inc. and the Company. The preferred units were also convertible into ordinary units of Topicus Coop at a conversion ratio of 1:1 and the ordinary units are exchangeable for Topicus.com Inc. subordinate voting shares at a conversion ratio of 1:1. The preferred unit holders were also be entitled to a fixed annual cumulative dividend of 5% per annum. On February 1, 2022, the preferred units were converted to ordinary units of Topicus Coop.

On January 5, 2021, the parties to the Members Agreement agreed to terminate such Members Agreement, and it was replaced by an Investor Rights and Governance Agreement (“IRGA”).

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The IRGA contains special provisions between the Company and the Minority Owners, including put options and call options applicable to units of Topicus Coop that are held by the Minority Owners as of January 5, 2021 (and any units or shares into which such units or shares have been converted or exchanged). The Minority Owners include Joday Investments II B.V., an entity controlled by Robin van Poelje (a director of the Company and the Chairman of the board of directors of Topicus.com Inc.) and Tjitske Strikwerda. Commencing any time after January 5, 2021, each of the Minority Owners may (i) exercise a put option to sell all or a portion of their interests in Topicus Coop, (ii) in the event of a change of control of the Company, sell all or a portion of their interests in Topicus Coop, and (iii) in the event the Company reduces its economic interest in Topicus.com Inc., sell the corresponding amount of their interests in Topicus Coop, in each case, to the Company for an amount calculated in accordance with a valuation methodology described in the IRGA. At any time after December 31, 2023, CSI has the right, at its option, to buy all of the Topicus Coop units and Topicus shares held by certain members of the Joday Group (excluding Joday Investments II B.V.) at a cash price per Topicus Coop unit determined in accordance with the IRGA. After December 31, 2043, CSI has the same right to buy all of the Topicus Coop units held by the remaining members of the Joday Group, including Joday Investment II B.V. Similar to the Members Agreement, the main valuation driver in such calculation is the maintenance and other recurring revenue of Topicus Coop. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the IRGA, which is available at www.sedar.com on Topicus.com Inc.’s issuer profile.

Lumine Group Inc.:

On February 22 and 23, 2023 (as part of a series of transactions relating to the acquisition of WideOrbit Inc. (“WideOrbit”) described further below), the Company’s subsidiary, Lumine Group Inc. (“Lumine”), completed a corporate reorganization. After the reorganization was completed, the Company now owns 1 super voting share, 6 subordinate voting shares and 63,582,712 preferred shares of Lumine. Furthermore, the Company distributed 63,582,706 of the subordinate voting shares to its common shareholders pursuant to a dividend-in-kind on February 23, 2022. The steps performed in conjunction with the reorganization consisted of the following:

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On February 23, 2023, the Company purchased 100% of the shares of WideOrbit, a US-based vertical market software provider. Annual gross revenues of WideOrbit for 2022 were approximately $169 million. The gross purchase price for the transaction was $490 million, subject to customary adjustments, as a result of, but not limited to, minimum cash requirements of $10 million, target net indebtedness of $86.7 million, and claims under the representations and warranties of the purchase agreement. The Company has the ability to reduce the cash portion of the purchase consideration by $10 million for net indebtedness up to $96.7 million. If net indebtedness is greater than $96.7 million, excess repayment would be funded by the Company and added to the gross purchase price. Furthermore, Lumine issued 10,204,294 special shares of Lumine to the sellers of WideOrbit for an initial subscription price of approximately $222 million which will be included in the purchase consideration. Under certain conditions, the special shares are retractable at the option of the holder for a retraction price of approximately $21.74 per special share plus one subordinate voting share of Lumine for each special share held and will be classified as a liability on the balance sheet of Lumine and the Company. The special shares are also convertible into subordinate voting shares of Lumine at a conversion ratio of 1:3.43 at any time. The holders of the special shares are also entitled to a fixed annual cumulative dividend of 5% per annum.

On December 12, 2022, the Company, Trapeze Software ULC and Eric Mathewson and certain investors affiliated therewith (collectively, the “Majority Rollover Shareholders”) entered a shareholders agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”). Any Sellers who were not Majority Rollover Shareholders (collectively, the “Minority Rollover Shareholders”) became parties to the Shareholders Agreement pursuant to joinders entered into in connection with the issuance of special shares described above. The Shareholders Agreement includes a number of contractual provisions which impact the exercise by the Company, Trapeze Software ULC, the Majority Rollover Shareholders, Minority Rollover Shareholders and Lumine, as applicable, of certain rights and obligations. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the Shareholders Agreement, which is available at www.sedar.com on Lumine Group Inc.’s issuer profile.

Rights Offerings

In 2014, the Company completed a rights offering (the “2014 Rights Offering”) pursuant to which each holder of Common Shares was issued one right for each Common Share held. For every 21.192 rights held, holders of rights were entitled to subscribe for C$100 principal amount of unsecured subordinated floating rate debentures, Series 1 of the Company at a price of C$95 per C$100 of principal amount of Debentures purchased.

On October 1, 2014 and November 19, 2014, the Company issued two tranches of Debentures in connection with the 2014 Rights Offering, with a total principal amount of C$96.0 million for total proceeds to the Company of C$91.2 million. The proceeds were used by the Company to pay down $81.2 million of its existing bank indebtedness.

In 2015, the Company completed another rights offering (the “2015 Rights Offering”) pursuant to which each holder of Common Shares was issued one right for each Common Share held. For every 10.596 rights held, holders of rights were entitled to subscribe for C$100 principal amount of unsecured subordinated floating rate debentures, Series 1 of the Company at a price of C$115 per C$100 of principal amount of Debentures purchased.

On September 30, 2015, the Company issued one tranche of Debentures in connection with the 2015 Rights Offering with a total principal amount of C$186.2 million for total proceeds to the Company of C$214.1 million. The proceeds were used by the Company to pay down its existing bank indebtedness. The Debentures issued in connection with the 2015 Rights Offering were issued as an additional tranche of, and are treated as a single series with, the outstanding C$96.0 million aggregate principal amount of Debentures issued in connection with the 2014 Rights Offering.

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See “Description of Capital Structure – Debentures”.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

Overview

We acquire, manage and build VMS businesses. Generally, these businesses provide mission critical software solutions that address the specific needs of our customers in particular vertical markets. Our focus on acquiring businesses with growth potential, managing them well and then building them has allowed us to generate significant cash flow and revenue growth.

Using a combination of proprietary software and market expertise, we provide software solutions designed to enable our customers to boost productivity, operate more cost effectively, increase sales and improve customer service and satisfaction.

Many of the VMS businesses that we acquire have the potential to be leaders within their particular markets. We target the VMS sector because of the attractive economics that it provides and our belief that our management teams have a deep understanding of those economics.

Business Strategy

Given our extensive acquisition experience and successful track record, we believe that we are well positioned to identify, acquire, manage and build attractive VMS businesses in new markets. We seek acquisitions that provide software solutions to either the public or private sectors.

When one of our acquired VMS businesses is being operated efficiently, we encourage their management to build their business through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions of other VMS businesses in the same vertical market. We often enter new vertical markets through acquisitions of VMS businesses in markets in which we do not currently operate.

We believe that we will continue to expand our existing businesses through organic growth initiatives aimed at increasing our market share and product breadth. We will also continue to identify and complete acquisitions in our existing vertical markets. Our decentralized VMS management teams have extensive knowledge of their markets and deep customer relationships. This enables them to successfully identify, pursue, structure, acquire and then coach businesses post-acquisition.

We also seek to acquire attractive VMS businesses in new markets to deploy our free cash flow at attractive returns. Historically, we have retained the majority of the managers from the businesses that we have acquired, which has allowed us to retain the knowledge needed to manage and successfully build these businesses.

Our VMS businesses typically generate significant cash flows which we redeploy to build our existing VMS businesses and acquire new ones.

We prefer to acquire VMS businesses with the following characteristics: Growing business with a diversified customer base, high relative market share and capital constrained competitors. We sometimes acquire VMS businesses with declining revenue, concentrated customer bases, low relative market share and well-funded competitors. We do so when we believe that the correct combination of customer relationship management and market segmentation will lead to attractive returns.

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Our decentralized management structure is key to our continued revenue growth. We have experienced management teams operating in each VMS business, backed by infrastructure at the operating group level and a small corporate head office. The corporate head office provides financial and strategic expertise with respect to capital allocation, acquisitions, finance, tax, and compensation policy, and attempts to identify and share best practices.

We have six operating groups which currently service customers in more than 125 different vertical markets worldwide. There are many VMS business units within each of our operating groups. Each VMS business unit has a manager and separately tracked financial reporting. We monitor and measure each VMS business unit’s performance through operating ratios and metrics including profitability and growth. The majority of our senior managers’ incentive compensation is linked to these two performance metrics.

Each of our VMS business managers is motivated to administer their business in a highly-focused manner. They are encouraged to leverage their respective market knowledge in order to maximize the growth opportunities, profitability and return on invested capital within their business. Our corporate head office sets investment return objectives.

Our decentralized management structure allows us to have business unit management teams with strong customer relationships and deep market knowledge that are more focused and responsive than would be the case under a centralized management model. These teams provide our corporate head office and operating group managers with the ability to concentrate on issues such as capital allocation, identifying best practices, and helping recruit and coach high potential employees, while the VMS business managers concentrate on operating efficiency, and pursuing organic initiatives and acquisitions in our existing vertical markets.

We establish from time to time, what we consider to be an acceptable after-tax internal rate of return (“IRR”) as a hurdle rate for all of our new initiatives and acquisitions.

All of our operating group cash flow (excluding operating cash flows from those entities which have stand-alone debt without recourse to Constellation Software Inc.) is notionally available to our corporate head office. Capital is allocated amongst individual management teams based upon projected IRR which is influenced by the relative attractiveness of a market, the strategic position of the VMS business and the management team’s performance. Corporate head office approves all acquisitions that involve the investment of more than $20 million, unless certain criteria are met for acquisitions between $20 million and $50 million. In practice, the operating group cash flow is offset against their approved investments in acquisitions and internal investment initiatives and only the remainder is returned to head office.

The objective of our compensation plan is to reward employees for working towards our corporate goal of increasing shareholder value. We believe that shareholder value is created by managing two financial components over the long term: profitability and growth. As such, our bonus plan compensates employees at many levels of our organization based upon the profitability and revenue growth of their operating group or business unit, as applicable. The long-term focus is accomplished by mandating that at least 25% of the incentive compensation for the majority of our senior employees who earn in excess of $75,000 per annum and have bonuses in excess of $10,000 per annum be reinvested in shares of the Company that are subject to restrictions on resale for a period of three to ten years. At a minimum, these restrictions require employees to hold 100% of their shares for the first two years following acquisition, and then one third of such shares may be sold in each of years three, four and five. Senior executives are required to invest 75% of their bonus in shares of the Company that are subject to the same restrictions on resale for a period of three to ten years. Once every five years, employees may elect to receive 100% of their bonus in cash.

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Our bonus plan encourages employees to participate through share ownership in the value that they have created.

Operating Groups

The primary geographic markets that CSI operates in are North America, Continental Europe, UK, South America, Africa, and Australia (“Primary Geographic Markets”). The following table shows, as at March 29, 2023, our six operating groups, the Primary Geographic Markets, location of significant offices, and the primary vertical markets in which they operate:

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Products

We have numerous software products that we sell, service, support and enhance. We have at least one software product in each of our vertical markets and often develop and support multiple product lines in a particular vertical market. In addition, and as a complement to our acquired and internally developed software products, we license certain technologies used in our software products from third parties, generally on a non-exclusive basis. Our products are typically designed to assist our customers in automating as many aspects of their business processes as is practical. While our strategy is to provide mission critical software solutions to all of our customers, the particular software products that we develop can vary substantially across vertical markets. For example, in the public transit market one of the mission critical aspects of the business that we help automate is the scheduling and routing of vehicles. In the private club market we focus on providing membership accounting and point of sale solutions. Our goal is to continue to focus our efforts on software products specialized for specific vertical markets.

Sales and Distribution Strategy

We use direct sales forces in most of our major markets as our primary distribution channel. We believe that direct sales teams increase our visibility and market penetration, encourage long-term customer contact and facilitate sales of additional products. Our sales and marketing teams work primarily within dedicated sales groups for each of the vertical markets that we currently serve. Our sales and marketing strategy is to provide relevant business expertise directly to target customers by using sales representatives with strong industry specific knowledge. We use a combination of field sales and inside sales where appropriate. Part of our ongoing revenue growth is achieved through selling complementary products and/or services to existing customers. We also support our sales efforts with marketing that creates awareness of our products through appearances at major trade shows, advertising in trade magazines, hosting users’ group meetings, and the creation of informative websites.

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Research and Development

Our product development strategy combines innovation and the introduction of new technologies, with a commitment to the long-term support of our customers’ current systems. Our research and development activities are focused on designing, developing, testing and integrating new add-on products which enhance the features and functionality of our existing software solutions. We also seek to offer streamlined upgrade and migration tools for our customers.

We rely primarily on our in-house capabilities to develop our software solutions using industry standard software development tools. However, when it is not strategic to our business and is more cost effective, we will license certain technology components from third party providers.

Intellectual Property

In accordance with industry practice, we rely on a combination of contractual provisions and patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws to protect our proprietary rights in our products. We generally license the use of our products to our customers rather than transferring title to them. These licenses contain terms and conditions prohibiting the unauthorized reproduction, disclosure, reverse engineering or transfer of our products. In addition, we attempt to protect our trade secrets and other proprietary information through agreements with suppliers, employees and consultants. All material components of our products have been developed by individuals most of whom have assigned all rights to us, except for commercially-available components.

Foreign Operations

For fiscal 2022, approximately 44% of our revenues were transacted in the United States, 10% in Canada, 33% in UK/Europe and 13% in the rest of the world. No single customer accounted for more than 2% of our total revenues in fiscal 2022. For more details, see the financial statement note entitled “Operating Segments” included in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, a copy of which is filed and is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Competition

Competition for the licensing of vertical market software is generally based upon several factors including product features, the availability of high-quality maintenance and support, price and the knowledge of the software vendor’s sales team. We operate in many different verticals and our competitive position varies depending on the specific vertical.

Our significant competitors include Oracle Corporation, Tyler Technologies, Inc., INFOR, Cisco Systems Inc, Nokia, Amdocs, Epic Systems Corporation, Temenos AG, Palantir Technologies, CGI Group Inc., Salesforce, Inc., Fiserv, Inc., Fidelity, Jack Henry and Associates Inc., Sage Software Inc., Accenture plc, Experian plc, Intuit, Roper Industries, Inc. and athenahealth Inc.

Employees

For fiscal 2022, we had an average of approximately 41,000 full-time employees globally. As at December 31, 2022, we had approximately 45,000 full-time employees. No union represents any of our employees in their employment relationship with us, although a number of our European businesses have workers’ councils.

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Risk Factors

The Company’s business is subject to a number of risk factors, including those risk factors set forth below. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also impair our business and operations and cause the price of our securities to decline. The Company’s external counsel advise us that securities regulations require that we provide a list of risk factors which might influence an investor’s decision to purchase CSI’s securities. As managers and directors, we do not believe that the next several pages of risk factors will add materially to your understanding of our business, but they are in form and substance, similar to what other companies like CSI provide. They do include quite a number of possible, though not necessarily probable, reasons for future setbacks.

We cannot assure you that we will sustain profitability in the future. If we do not maintain profits our share price may decline.

As we continue to grow our business, our operating expenses and capital expenditures may increase, and as a result, we will need to generate additional revenue to maintain profitability. If our revenues decline, we may not be able to sustain profitability because many of our expenses are fixed in the short term and cannot be easily or quickly reduced. A failure to maintain profitability could materially and adversely affect our business.

We periodically review the estimated value of acquired intangibles and goodwill to determine whether any impairment exists and we could write-down a portion of our intangible assets and goodwill as part of any such future review, which occurs when impairment indicators exist or, in the case of goodwill, at least once annually. We occasionally review opportunities to reorganize operations and may record restructuring charges in connection with any such reorganization. Any write-down of intangible assets or goodwill or restructuring charges in the future could affect our results of operations materially and adversely and as a result our share price may decline.

Our quarterly revenues and operating results may fluctuate.

Factors which may cause our revenues and operating results to fluctuate include:

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In addition, we expect that a substantial portion of our revenue will continue to be derived from renewals of maintenance arrangements with our customers. These maintenance arrangements typically last from three months to 12 months, and the timing of cash collections of related revenues varies from quarter to quarter.

In addition, our new license revenue may fluctuate significantly on a quarterly and annual basis in the future, as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control. The sale of a new license generally requires a customer to make a purchase decision that involves a significant commitment of capital.

We may be unable to identify and complete suitable platform acquisitions and acquisitions in our existing vertical markets.

We cannot be certain that we will be able to identify suitable new acquisition candidates that are available for purchase at reasonable prices. Even if we are able to identify such candidates, we may be unable to consummate an acquisition on suitable terms. When evaluating an acquisition opportunity, we cannot assure you that we will correctly identify the risks and costs inherent in the business that we are acquiring. If we were to proceed with one or more significant future acquisitions in which the consideration consisted of cash, a substantial portion of our available cash resources may be used or we may have to seek additional financing to complete such acquisitions.

Any failure to manage our growth through acquisitions effectively or integrate other businesses we acquire may lead to a disruption in our operations and adversely affect our operating results.

Since our inception we have made hundreds of acquisitions and we plan to continue to make acquisitions in the future. Growth and expansion resulting from future acquisitions may place a significant demand on our management resources. Integration of our completed acquisitions and any future acquisitions involves a number of special risks, including the following:

Future acquisitions are accompanied by the risk that the obligations and liabilities of an acquired company may not be adequately reflected in the historical financial statements of such company and the risk that such historical financial statements may be based on assumptions, which are incorrect or inconsistent with our assumptions or approach to accounting policies. We may not be able to manage such expansion effectively and any failure to do so could lead to a disruption in our business, a loss of customers and revenue, and increased expenses.

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We may acquire contingent liabilities through acquisitions that could adversely affect our operating results.

We may acquire contingent liabilities in connection with acquisitions we have completed, which may be material. Although management uses its best efforts to estimate the risks associated with these contingent liabilities and the likelihood that they will materialize, their estimates could differ materially from the liabilities actually incurred.

Demand for our software solutions may fluctuate with market conditions which may reduce our profitability in the future.

We depend upon the capital spending budgets of our customers. World and regional economic conditions have, in the past, adversely affected our licensing and support revenue. If economic or other conditions reduce our customers’ capital spending levels, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected. In addition, the purchase and implementation of our software solutions can constitute a major portion of our customers’ overall IT budget, and the amount customers are willing to invest in acquiring and implementing such software solutions has tended to vary in response to economic, financial or other business conditions. Challenging economic conditions may also impair the ability of our customers to pay for software solutions they have purchased. As a result, reserves for doubtful accounts may increase.

If our customers demand performance guarantees, the costs and risks associated with offering our software solutions may increase.

We and our competitors are sometimes requested to provide specific performance guarantees with respect to the functionality of certain aspects of our software solutions. Similarly, we have been requested to quote fixed-price bids for our software solutions. These requests present risks, because implementations of our software solutions are rarely identical, and therefore we cannot accurately predict precisely what will be required to meet these performance standards. If these guarantees and fixed price bids become more common, our profitability may be affected.

We face competition from other software solutions providers, which may reduce our market share or limit the prices we can charge for our software solutions.

Given that we serve numerous vertical markets, we face competition from a large number of competitors ranging in size from small private companies with annual revenues of less than $1 million per year to the larger enterprise resource planning vendors. As a result, in certain market segments, competition can be intense, and significant pricing pressure may exist. To maintain and improve our competitive position, we must continue to develop and to introduce, in a timely and cost-effective manner, new software solutions. In addition, we expect that a substantial portion of our revenue will continue to be derived from renewals of maintenance arrangements with our customers. Although we have experienced relatively stable and predictable attrition relating to these arrangements, increased competition could reduce the need for our maintenance services, as customers could decide to replace our software applications with a competitor’s applications or arrange for a third party to provide maintenance services.

We anticipate additional competition as other established and emerging companies enter the market for our software products and as new products and technologies are introduced. For example, companies that historically have not competed in one of our market segments could introduce new applications based on newer product architectures that could provide for functionality similar to or better than our software products. In addition, current and potential competitors may make strategic acquisitions or establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties, thereby increasing the ability of their products to better address the needs of our prospective customers. This risk has increased as our industry trends toward consolidation. Accordingly, it is possible that new competitors or alliances among current and new competitors may emerge and rapidly gain significant market share. This competition could result in price reductions, fewer customer orders, reduced gross margins and loss of market share for our software products.

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Some of our competitors and potential competitors have greater financial, technical, marketing, and other resources, greater name recognition, and a larger installed base of customers than we do. The products of some of our competitors are based on more advanced product architectures or offer performance advantages compared with some of our more mature products. Our competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements or may devote greater resources to the development, promotion, and sale of their products than we do. Many competitive factors affect the market for our products and our ability to earn maintenance, professional services and new license revenue. Some of these factors are: vendor and product reputation; industry-specific expertise; cost of ownership; ease and speed of implementation; customer support; product architecture, quality, price and performance; product performance attributes, such as flexibility, scalability, compatibility, functionality and ease of use; and vendor financial stability.

If we cannot attract and retain qualified sales personnel, customer service personnel, and software developers, we may not be able to sell and to support our existing products or to develop new products.

We depend on key technical, sales, and senior management personnel. Many of these individuals would be difficult to replace if they were to leave our employment. In addition, our success is highly dependent on our continuing ability to identify, hire, train, assimilate, motivate, and retain highly qualified personnel, including recently hired officers and other employees. Any such new hire may require a significant transition period prior to making a meaningful contribution to the Company. Periodically, competition for qualified employees is intense in the technology industry, and we have in the past experienced difficulty recruiting qualified employees. Our failure to attract and to retain the necessary qualified personnel could seriously harm our operating results and financial condition.

Our future growth depends, in part, upon our ability to develop new products and to improve existing software products. Our ability to develop new software solutions and to enhance our existing software solutions will depend, in part, on our ability to recruit and to retain top quality software programmers. If we are unable to hire and to retain sufficient numbers of qualified programming personnel, we may not be able to develop new software solutions or to improve our existing software solutions in the time frame necessary to execute our business plan.

The loss of our rights to use software currently licensed to us by third parties could increase our operating expenses by forcing us to seek alternative technology and adversely affect our ability to compete.

We license certain technologies used in our products from third parties, generally on a non-exclusive basis. The termination of any of these licenses, or the failure of the licensors to adequately maintain or update their products, could delay our ability to ship our products while we seek to implement alternative technology offered by other sources and require significant unplanned investments on our part. In addition, alternative technology may not be available on commercially reasonable terms. In the future, it may be necessary or desirable to obtain other third-party technology licenses relating to one or more of our products or relating to current or future technologies to enhance our product offerings. There is a risk that we will not be able to obtain licensing rights to the needed technology on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

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Several members of our senior management team are important to our business and if these individuals do not remain with us in the future it may have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our future success depends on the continued efforts and abilities of our senior management team. Their skills, experience and industry contacts significantly benefit us. Although we have employment and non-competition agreements with members of our senior management team, we cannot assure you that they or our other key employees will all choose to remain employed by us. If we lose the services of one or more of these individuals, or if one or more of them decide to join a competitor or otherwise compete directly or indirectly with us, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be harmed. We do not maintain key man life insurance on any of our employees.

We may experience customer attrition, which could affect our revenues more adversely than we expect, and we may be unable to adapt quickly to such attrition. Any significant reduction in revenues as a result of such attrition may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

We expect that a substantial portion of our revenue will continue to be derived from renewals of quarterly and annual maintenance arrangements with our customers, and, to a lesser extent, from professional services engagements for these customers. Although we believe we have strong customer retention rates, attrition in our customer base does occur when existing customers elect not to renew their maintenance arrangements and cease purchasing professional services from us. Customer attrition occurs for a variety of reasons, including a customer’s decision to replace our software product with that of a competing vendor, to purchase maintenance or consulting services from a third-party service provider, or to forego maintenance services altogether. It can also occur when a customer is acquired or ceases operations.

Historically, we have been able to replace more than the revenue lost through attrition with new revenue from maintenance services as well as from price increases for maintenance services. However, any factors that adversely affect the ability of our software products to compete with those available from others, such as availability of competitors’ products offering more advanced product architecture, superior functionality or performance or lower prices, or factors that reduce demand for our maintenance services, such as intensifying price competition, could lead to increased rates of customer attrition.

Currency exchange rate fluctuations and other risks associated with our international operations may adversely affect our operating results.

We are subject to risks of doing business internationally, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates, increases in duty rates, difficulties in obtaining export licenses, difficulties in the enforcement of intellectual property rights and political uncertainties. Our most significant international operations are in the United States, United Kingdom, Continental Europe and Australia. We currently do not typically use derivative instruments to mitigate our exposure to those risks. Although most of our businesses are organized geographically so that many of our expenses are incurred in the same currency as our revenues thus mitigating some of our exposure to currency fluctuations, we are still subject to some foreign currency risk. We may choose to enter into forward foreign exchange contracts from time to time with the objective of mitigating volatility in profit or loss but there is no assurance that these hedging strategies will be effective.

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Revenues and expenses generated in foreign currencies are translated at exchange rates during the month in which the transaction occurs. We cannot predict the effect of foreign exchange losses in the future; however, if significant foreign exchange losses are experienced, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. In addition, fluctuations in exchange rates could affect the pricing of our products and negatively influence customer demand.

Additional risks we face in conducting business internationally include longer payment cycles and difficulties in managing international operations. These include constraints associated with local laws regarding employment, difficulty in enforcing our agreements through foreign legal systems, complex international tax and financial reporting compliance requirements, and the adverse effects of tariffs, duties, price controls or other restrictions that impair trade.

We may have exposure to unforeseen tax liabilities.

We are subject to income taxes as well as non-income based taxes, in Canada, the United States and various foreign jurisdictions and our tax structure is subject to review by numerous taxation authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities. In the ordinary course of a global business, there are many inter-company transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Although we strive to ensure that our tax estimates and filing positions are reasonable, we cannot assure you that the final determination of any tax audits and litigation will not be different from what is reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals, and any such differences may materially affect our operating results for the affected period or periods.

The Company is subject to income tax audits by various authorities in respect of prior periods that could result in additional tax expense in future periods. While the outcome of such outstanding audits and claims remains uncertain, it is expected that they will be resolved without a material impact to the Company’s financial position.

We also have exposure to additional non-income tax liabilities. We are subject to non-income taxes, such as payroll, sales, use, value-added, net worth, property and goods and services taxes, in Canada, the United States and various foreign jurisdictions.

Impact of geopolitical and other global or local events may have a significant effect on our operations.

Various events, including natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, labour disputes, civil unrest, war and political instability, terrorism, contagious illness outbreaks (including, most recently, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)), and environmental disasters or the perceived threat or fear of these events, may cause a disruption of our normal operations, including staff shortages, mobility restrictions and other quarantine measures (including as a result of government regulation and prevention measures) and may disrupt the domestic and international travel of our sales and other personnel. The sales cycle for our products includes a period of education for potential customers on the use and benefits of our software solutions, as well as the integration of our software solutions with additional applications utilized by individual customers. Any disruption in the ability of our personnel to travel could have a material and adverse impact on our ability to complete this process and to service these customers or to negotiate new merger and acquisition transactions, which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, these events or the perceived threat or fear of these events may require us to reorganize our day-to-day operations to minimize the associated risks. Any expense related to the reorganization of our day-to-day operations, even on a short-term basis, could also have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has had disruptive effects in countries in which we operate and has adversely impacted many of our business units’ operations to date, including through the cancellation by certain customers of their ongoing software maintenance contracts and the suspension or cancellation of new software purchases. The pandemic may also have an adverse impact on many of our customers, including their ability to satisfy ongoing payment obligations to the Company, which could increase our bad debt exposure. The future impacts of the pandemic and any resulting economic impact are largely unknown. It is possible that the COVID-19 pandemic, the measures taken by the governments of countries affected and the resulting economic impact may continue to adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial position as well as its customers in future periods, and this impact could be material.

Potential divestitures of majority owned software businesses may reduce revenues in the short term and create uncertainty among our employees, customers and potential customers, which could harm our business.

Excluding spinouts, we have in the past divested one majority owned software business. Although we have not divested any material businesses in the last ten years, any divestitures could result in a short-term reduction in revenue and could harm our results of operations if we were not able to reduce expenses accordingly or to generate offsetting sources of revenue. To the extent that our consideration of these potential divestitures became known prior to their completion, we could face the risk, among others, that customers and potential customers of the VMS business in question might be reluctant to purchase our software solutions during this period. In addition, we face the risk that we may be unable to retain qualified personnel within the applicable VMS business during this period. Poor economic conditions and a lack of access to the credit markets may lead to difficulty in finding interested buyers for any proposed divestitures. These risks could prevent us from successfully completing on favourable terms, or at all, divestitures that would otherwise be beneficial to us, and may in the process weaken business divisions that we are considering for divestiture. Any of these events could result in a loss of customers, revenues, and employees and could harm our results of operations.

Some of the markets for our software products are characterized by periodic technological advances, and we must improve our software products to remain competitive.

Periodic technological change and associated new product introductions and enhancements characterize the software industry in general. Our current and potential customers increasingly require greater levels of functionality and more sophisticated product offerings. In addition, the life cycles of many of our software products are difficult to estimate. While we believe some of our software products may be nearing the end of their product life cycles, we cannot estimate the decline in demand from our customers for maintenance related to these software products. Accordingly, we believe that our future success depends upon our ability to enhance current software products and to develop and to introduce new products offering enhanced performance and functionality at competitive prices in a timely manner, and on our ability to enable our software products to work in conjunction with other products from other suppliers that our customers may utilize. Our failure to develop and to introduce or to enhance products in a timely manner could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

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We may be unable to respond on a timely basis to the changing needs of our customer base and the new applications we design for our customers may prove to be ineffective. Our ability to compete successfully will depend in large measure on our ability to bring to market effective new products or services, to maintain a technically competent research and development staff, and to adapt to technological changes and advances in the industry. Our software products must remain compatible with evolving computer hardware and software platforms and operating environments. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in these efforts. In addition, competitive or technological developments and new regulatory requirements may require us to make substantial, unanticipated investments in new products and technologies, and we may not have sufficient resources to make these investments. If we were required to expend substantial resources to respond to specific technological or product changes, our operating results would be adversely affected.

If we are unable to protect our proprietary technology and that of the VMS businesses that we acquire, our competitive position could be adversely affected.

We have relied, and expect to continue to rely, on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade-secret laws, confidentiality procedures, and contractual provisions to establish, maintain, and protect our proprietary rights. Although patents generally provide greater protection of software products than do trade secrets or copyrights, we currently possess only a limited number of patents. We typically enter into agreements with our employees, consultants, customers, partners and vendors in an effort to control ownership of our intellectual property and access to and distribution of our software, documentation and other proprietary information. Despite these precautions, there may be authors of some of the intellectual property that form parts of our software products who have not assigned their intellectual property rights to us and who have not waived their moral rights with respect thereto. The steps we take may not prevent misappropriation of our intellectual property, and the agreements we enter into may not be enforceable. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights in our intellectual property and that of other businesses we may acquire, unauthorized parties may copy or otherwise obtain and use our proprietary technology or obtain information we regard as proprietary. Policing unauthorized use of our technology, if required, may be difficult, time-consuming, and costly. Our means of protecting our technology may be inadequate.

Third parties may apply for and obtain patent protection for products and services that are similar to our software solutions. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our products or services or to obtain and to use information that we regard as proprietary. Third parties may also independently develop similar or superior technology without violating our proprietary rights. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent, as do the laws of Canada and the United States.

Trademark protection is an important factor in establishing product recognition. Our inability to protect our trademarks from infringement could result in injury to any goodwill which may be developed in our trademarks. Moreover, we may be unable to use one or more of our trademarks because of successful third-party claims.

Claims of infringement are becoming increasingly common as the software industry develops and legal protections, including patents, are applied to software products. Although we believe that our software products and technology do not infringe proprietary rights of others, litigation may be necessary to protect our proprietary technology and third parties may assert infringement claims against us with respect to their proprietary rights.

Any claims or litigation can be time consuming and expensive regardless of their merit. Infringement claims against us could cause product release delays, require us to redesign our products or to enter into royalty or license agreements that may not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

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Software product development delays could harm our competitive position and reduce our revenues.

If we experience significant delays in releasing new or enhanced software products, our position in the market could be harmed and our revenue could be substantially reduced, which would adversely affect our operating results. We have experienced software product development delays in the past and may experience delays in the future. In particular, we may experience software product development delays associated with the integration of recently acquired software products and technologies. Delays may occur for many reasons, including the inability to hire a sufficient number of developers, discovery of bugs and errors, or the inability of our current or future software products to conform to customer and industry requirements.

Our software products may contain errors or defects that could result in lost revenue, delayed or limited market acceptance, or product liability claims with substantial litigation costs.

As a result of their complexity, software products may contain undetected errors or failures when entering the market. Despite testing performed by us and testing and use by current and potential customers, defects and errors may be found in new software products after commencement of commercial shipments or the offering of a network service using these software products. In these circumstances, we may be unable to successfully correct the errors in a timely manner or at all. The occurrence of errors and failures in our software products could result in negative publicity and a loss of, or delay in, market acceptance of those software products. Such publicity could reduce revenue from new licenses and lead to increased customer attrition. Alleviating these errors and failures could require significant expenditure of capital and other resources by us. The consequences of these errors and failures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Because many of our customers use our software products for business-critical applications, any errors, defects, or other performance problems could result in financial or other damage to our customers. Our customers or other third parties could seek to recover damages from us in the event of actual or alleged failures of our software solutions. We have in the past been, and may from time to time continue to be, subject to these kinds of claims. Although our license agreements with customers typically contain provisions designed to limit our exposure to potential claims, as well as any liabilities arising from these claims, the provisions may not effectively protect against these claims and the liability and associated costs. Accordingly, any such claim could have a material adverse effect upon our business, results of operations, and financial condition. In addition, defending this kind of claim, regardless of its merits, or otherwise satisfying affected customers, could entail substantial expense and require the devotion of significant time and attention by key management personnel.

The hosting services of some of our products are dependent on the uninterrupted operation of data centers. Any unexpected interruption in the operation of data centers used could result in customer dissatisfaction and a loss of revenues.

Some of our VMS businesses provide hosting services in respect of some of our software products. These hosting services depend upon the uninterrupted operation of data centers and the ability to protect computer equipment and information stored in these data centers against damage that may be caused by natural disaster, fire, power loss, telecommunications or internet failure, unauthorized intrusion, computer viruses and other similar damaging events. If any of the data centers we use were to become inoperable for an extended period, we might be unable to provide our customers with contracted services. Although we take what we believe to be reasonable precautions against such occurrences, we can give no assurance that damaging events such as these will not result in a prolonged interruption of our services, which could result in customer dissatisfaction, loss of revenue and damage to our business.

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As a provider of hosted services, we receive confidential information, including credit card and other financial and accounting data. There can be no assurance that this information will not be subject to loss, destruction, computer break-ins, theft, or other improper activity that could jeopardize the security of information for which we are responsible. Any such lapse in security could expose us to litigation, loss of customers, or otherwise harm our business. In addition, any person who is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate proprietary or confidential customer information or cause interruptions in our operations.

We are currently, and may in the future become, subject to civil litigation, which if decided against us, could require us to pay judgments, settlements or other penalties and could potentially result in the dilution of our Common Shares.