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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April&nbsp;16, 2002  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B> Registration Number 333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Washington, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>FORM S-8  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Delaware<BR> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(State of incorporation)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>41-0129150<BR> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification Number)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>4666 Faries Parkway<BR>
Decatur, Illinois 62526<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Address of principal executive offices) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY<BR>
VOLUNTARY EMPLOYEE PAYROLL DEDUCTION STOCK PURCHASE PLAN<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full title of the plan) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>David J. Smith<BR>
Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel<BR>
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company<BR>
4666 Faries Parkway<BR>
Decatur, Illinois 62526<BR>
(217)&nbsp;424-5200<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Calculation of Registration Fee  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="32%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of Securities<BR>
to be<BR>
registered</B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount<BR>
to be<BR>
registered</B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed<BR>
maximum<BR>
offering<BR>
price per<BR>
share (1)</B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed<BR>
maximum<BR>
aggregate<BR>
offering<BR>
price (1)</B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of<BR>
Registration<BR>
fee</B></FONT><BR></TH>
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<TD WIDTH="32%"><FONT SIZE=2>Common Stock<BR>
(without par value)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>300,000 shares</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$13.98</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$4,194,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$385.85</FONT></TD>
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<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Estimated
pursuant to Rule&nbsp;457(h) solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee and based upon the average of the high and low prices of the Registrant's Common
Stock on April&nbsp;12, 2002. </FONT></DD></DL>
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Part&nbsp;II&#151;Information Required in the Registration Statement    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1856_item_3._incorporation_of_documents_by_reference"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1856_2"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Incorporation of Documents by Reference    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") by Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (the "Company") are incorporated in
this Registration Statement by reference: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Company's Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended June&nbsp;30, 2001;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>All
other reports filed by the Company pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") since June&nbsp;30, 2001; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
description of the Company's Common Stock which is included in registration statements and reports filed under the Exchange Act from time to time. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
reports and other documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Registration Statement
and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed
to be incorporated by reference in and to be a part of this Registration Statement from the date of filing of such documents. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any
statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein shall be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement if it is modified or superseded by a
statement in this Registration Statement or in a document which is also incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as
so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1856_item_4._description_of_securities"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1856_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Description of Securities    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1856_item_5._interests_of_named_experts_and_counsel"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1856_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interests of Named Experts and Counsel    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1856_item_6._indemnification_of_directors_and_officers"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1856_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indemnification of Directors and Officers    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under Delaware law, a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to an action (other than an action by or in
the right of the corporation) by reason of his service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or his service, at the corporation's request, as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees) that are actually and reasonably incurred by him ("Expenses"), and judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement of the action, provided that he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests, and, with respect to any criminal
action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. Although Delaware law permits a corporation to indemnify any person referred to above against Expenses in
connection with the defense or settlement of an action by or in the right of the corporation, provided that he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
corporation's best interests, if the person has been judged liable to the corporation, indemnification is only permitted to the extent that the Court of Chancery (or the court in which the action was
brought) determines that, despite the adjudication of liability, the person is entitled to indemnity for such Expenses as the court deems proper. Delaware law also provides for mandatory
indemnification of any director or officer against Expenses to the extent such person has been successful in any proceeding covered by the statute. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>1</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware
law also permits (i)&nbsp;corporations to include a provision in their certificates of incorporation limiting or eliminating the personal liability of a director to a
corporation or its stockholders, under certain circumstances, for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director and (ii)&nbsp;the general authorization of advancement of a director's
or officer's litigation expenses, including by means of a mandatory charter or bylaw provision to that effect, in lieu of requiring the authorization of such advancement by the board of directors in
specific cases. In addition, Delaware law provides that indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by the statute shall not be deemed exclusive of
any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement or otherwise. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Article
Fourteenth of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Article&nbsp;VI of its Bylaws provide for the broad indemnification of the Company's officers and directors and
limit the personal monetary liability of the Company's directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. The Company has also entered into indemnification contracts with certain of its
directors and officers and maintains insurance coverage relating to certain liabilities of its directors and officers. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1856_item_7._exemption_from_registration_claimed"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1856_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exemption from Registration Claimed    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1856_item_8._exhibits"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1856_7"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibits    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following is a complete list of Exhibits filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Registration
Statement:</FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="89%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Composite Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3(i)&nbsp;to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter ended September&nbsp;30, 2001, filed November&nbsp;13,
2001).</FONT></TD>
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&nbsp;&nbsp;4.2</FONT></TD>
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Bylaws, as amended and restated, of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3(ii)&nbsp;to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter ended March&nbsp;31, 2000, filed May&nbsp;12, 2000).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP.</FONT></TD>
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24&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Powers of Attorney.</FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1856_item_9._undertakings"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1856_8"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Undertakings    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Company hereby undertakes: </FONT></DD></DL>
<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;To
include any prospectus required by section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment
thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement; </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such
information in the Registration Statement; </FONT></P>

</UL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>Provided</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>, </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>however</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i)&nbsp;and (a)(1)(ii)&nbsp;do not apply if the
Registration Statement is on Form&nbsp;S-3 or Form&nbsp;S-8 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed by the Company pursuant to section&nbsp;13 or section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the Registration
Statement. </FONT></P>

<UL>

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


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering. </FONT></P>

</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Company hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Company's annual report pursuant to
section&nbsp;13(a) or section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section&nbsp;15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. </FONT></DD></DL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
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<A NAME="toc_jc1856_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Decatur,
State of Illinois, on April&nbsp;15, 2002. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2>ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="46%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DAVID J. SMITH</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> David J. Smith<BR>
Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on April&nbsp;15, 2002. </FONT></P>

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/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>G. ALLEN ANDREAS, JR.*</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> G. Allen Andreas, Jr.<BR>
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer<BR>
(Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="47%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DOUGLAS J. SCHMALZ</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Douglas J. Schmalz<BR>
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer<BR>
(Principal Financial Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="47%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>STEVEN R. MILLS</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Steven R. Mills<BR>
Group Vice President and Controller<BR>
(Principal Accounting Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TH WIDTH="72%" ALIGN="LEFT"><BR><FONT SIZE=1><B>Signature<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=1><B><BR>&nbsp;</B></FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B><BR>
Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="72%"><FONT SIZE=2>Mollie H. Carter*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%"><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="72%"><FONT SIZE=2>Herman de Boon*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%"><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="72%"><FONT SIZE=2>Roger S. Joslin*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%"><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="72%"><FONT SIZE=2>Sandra Andreas McMurtrie*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%"><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="72%"><FONT SIZE=2>David J. Mimran*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%"><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="72%"><FONT SIZE=2>M. Brian Mulroney*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%"><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="72%"><FONT SIZE=2>John K. Vanier*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%"><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="72%"><FONT SIZE=2>O. Glenn Webb*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%"><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
David J. Smith, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this document on behalf of each of the above named directors of the Registrant pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed
by each person. </FONT></P>

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&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DAVID J. SMITH</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> David J. Smith<BR>
Attorney-in-Fact</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
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<A NAME="toc_ka1856_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT INDEX    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="76%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="11%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Method of<BR>
Filing</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="76%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Composite Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of the Company</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="11%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
IBR</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;4.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="76%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Bylaws, as amended and restated, of the Company</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="11%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
IBR</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="76%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Ernst &amp; Young LLP.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="11%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
E</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
24&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="76%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Powers of Attorney.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="11%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
E</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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Legend:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
E</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
=</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Electronic Filing</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="23%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2>IBR</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE=2>=</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=2>Incorporated by Reference</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></P>

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<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="02STP1856_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1856_1">Part II&#151;Information Required in the Registration Statement</A></FONT><BR>
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1856_2">Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1856_3">Item 4. Description of Securities</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1856_4">Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1856_5">Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1856_6">Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1856_7">Item 8. Exhibits</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1856_8">Item 9. Undertakings</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc1856_1">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ka1856_1">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></FONT><BR>
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[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "a2076761zs-8.htm", "description": "S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 30154}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND CO", "cik": "0000007084", "assigned-sic": "2070", "irs-number": "410129150", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "0630"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-86344", "film-number": "02612650"}, "business-address": {"street1": "4666 FARIES PKWY", "city": "DECATUR", "state": "IL", "zip": "62526", "phone": "2174244798"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "4666 FARIES PKWY", "city": "DECATUR", "state": "IL", "zip": "62526"}}
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 16, 2002
Registration Number 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State of incorporation)
41-0129150
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
4666 Faries Parkway
Decatur, Illinois 62526
(Address of principal executive offices)
ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
VOLUNTARY EMPLOYEE PAYROLL DEDUCTION STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
(Full title of the plan)
David J. Smith
Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
4666 Faries Parkway
Decatur, Illinois 62526
(217) 424-5200
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
Calculation of Registration Fee
Title of Securities
to be
registered
Amount
to be
registered
Proposed
maximum
offering
price per
share (1)
Proposed
maximum
aggregate
offering
price (1)
Amount of
Registration
fee
Common Stock
(without par value)
300,000 shares
$13.98
$4,194,000
$385.85
(1)
Estimated
pursuant to Rule 457(h) solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee and based upon the average of the high and low prices of the Registrant's Common
Stock on April 12, 2002.
Part II—Information Required in the Registration Statement
Item 3.    Incorporation of Documents by Reference
The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") by Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (the "Company") are incorporated in
this Registration Statement by reference:
(1)
The
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001;
(2)
All
other reports filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") since June 30, 2001; and
(3)
The
description of the Company's Common Stock which is included in registration statements and reports filed under the Exchange Act from time to time.
All
reports and other documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Registration Statement
and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed
to be incorporated by reference in and to be a part of this Registration Statement from the date of filing of such documents.
Any
statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein shall be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement if it is modified or superseded by a
statement in this Registration Statement or in a document which is also incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as
so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.
Item 4.    Description of Securities
Not applicable.
Item 5.    Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
Item 6.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Under Delaware law, a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to an action (other than an action by or in
the right of the corporation) by reason of his service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or his service, at the corporation's request, as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees) that are actually and reasonably incurred by him ("Expenses"), and judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement of the action, provided that he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests, and, with respect to any criminal
action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. Although Delaware law permits a corporation to indemnify any person referred to above against Expenses in
connection with the defense or settlement of an action by or in the right of the corporation, provided that he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
corporation's best interests, if the person has been judged liable to the corporation, indemnification is only permitted to the extent that the Court of Chancery (or the court in which the action was
brought) determines that, despite the adjudication of liability, the person is entitled to indemnity for such Expenses as the court deems proper. Delaware law also provides for mandatory
indemnification of any director or officer against Expenses to the extent such person has been successful in any proceeding covered by the statute.
1
Delaware
law also permits (i) corporations to include a provision in their certificates of incorporation limiting or eliminating the personal liability of a director to a
corporation or its stockholders, under certain circumstances, for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director and (ii) the general authorization of advancement of a director's
or officer's litigation expenses, including by means of a mandatory charter or bylaw provision to that effect, in lieu of requiring the authorization of such advancement by the board of directors in
specific cases. In addition, Delaware law provides that indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by the statute shall not be deemed exclusive of
any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement or otherwise.
Article
Fourteenth of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Article VI of its Bylaws provide for the broad indemnification of the Company's officers and directors and
limit the personal monetary liability of the Company's directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. The Company has also entered into indemnification contracts with certain of its
directors and officers and maintains insurance coverage relating to certain liabilities of its directors and officers.
Item 7.    Exemption from Registration Claimed
Not applicable.
Item 8.    Exhibits
The following is a complete list of Exhibits filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Registration
Statement:
Exhibit
Description
4.1
Composite Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001, filed November 13,
2001).
4.2
Bylaws, as amended and restated, of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000, filed May 12, 2000).
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
24
Powers of Attorney.
Item 9.    Undertakings
(a)
The
Company hereby undertakes:
(1)  To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i)  To
include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii)  To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment
thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement;
(iii)  To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such
information in the Registration Statement;
2
Provided
,
however
, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the
Registration Statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed by the Company pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the Registration
Statement.
(2)  That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3)  To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
(b)
The
Company hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Company's annual report pursuant to
section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c)
Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
3
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Decatur,
State of Illinois, on April 15, 2002.
ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
By:
/s/
DAVID J. SMITH
David J. Smith
Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on April 15, 2002.
/s/
G. ALLEN ANDREAS, JR.*
G. Allen Andreas, Jr.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/
DOUGLAS J. SCHMALZ
Douglas J. Schmalz
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/
STEVEN R. MILLS
Steven R. Mills
Group Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Signature
Title
Mollie H. Carter*
Director
Herman de Boon*
Director
Roger S. Joslin*
Director
Sandra Andreas McMurtrie*
Director
David J. Mimran*
Director
M. Brian Mulroney*
Director
John K. Vanier*
Director
O. Glenn Webb*
Director
*
David J. Smith, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this document on behalf of each of the above named directors of the Registrant pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed
by each person.
By:
/s/
DAVID J. SMITH
David J. Smith
Attorney-in-Fact
4
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Description
Method of
Filing
4.1
Composite Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of the Company
IBR
4.2
Bylaws, as amended and restated, of the Company
IBR
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
E
24
Powers of Attorney.
E
Legend:
E
=
Electronic Filing
IBR
=
Incorporated by Reference
5
QuickLinks
Part II—Information Required in the Registration Statement
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference
Item 4. Description of Securities
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed
Item 8. Exhibits
Item 9. Undertakings
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX