Deferred Prosecution Agreement Between Us and Tenaris, S.A.
Tenaris, S.A., a Luxembourg-based NYSE-listed steel pipe manufacturer, entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the SEC in 2011 for bribing Uzbekistani officials between 2006 and 2008 to secure contracts, falsifying books and records, and failing to maintain internal controls, agreeing to pay $5.4 million in disgorgement and interest while committing to full cooperation and enhanced compliance measures.
Tenaris, S.A. violated Sections 13(b)(2)(A), 13(b)(2)(B), and 30A of the Securities Exchange Act by making illicit payments to Uzbekistani government officials between 2006 and 2008 to secure contracts, falsifying its books and records, and failing to maintain adequate internal controls. The company agreed to pay $5.4 million in disgorgement and interest, representing approximately $4.8 million in illicit profits, and committed to enhanced compliance measures including agent due diligence and FCPA training. The SEC deferred prosecution agreement, effective from May 17, 2011 to May 17, 2013, required full cooperation with ongoing investigations, tolled the statute of limitations, and did not shield Tenaris from other regulatory actions.
Tenaris, S.A., a Luxembourg-based global manufacturer of steel pipe products listed on the New York Stock Exchange, entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in May 2011 to resolve allegations of FCPA and securities law violations. Between 2006 and 2008, Tenaris made improper payments to Uzbekistani government officials to secure contracts, falsified its books and records to conceal these transactions, and failed to maintain internal controls sufficient to ensure compliance with accounting standards. The company self-reported the misconduct following an internal investigation and agreed to pay $5.4 million in disgorgement and interest, representing approximately $4.8 million in illicit profits derived from the scheme. The two-year deferred prosecution period, ending May 17, 2013, required Tenaris and its subsidiaries to fully cooperate with the SEC and other U.S. authorities, including producing documents and making employees available for interviews and testimony. The agreement tolled the statute of limitations during the deferred period and explicitly stated that any breach—including false or incomplete cooperation—would trigger enforcement action and render prior factual admissions admissible in court. Tenaris also committed to implementing enhanced compliance measures, such as agent due diligence and FCPA training, and agreed not to seek tax credits for the illicit payments. Importantly, the agreement did not shield Tenaris from potential actions by other U.S. agencies or from future violations, and the company neither admitted nor denied the allegations, though it accepted responsibility for its conduct.
Extracted insights
- $12.00B $12 billion ≥$1B
- $9.90B $9.9 billion ≥$1B
- $8.80M $8,797,980 $1M–$10M
- $6.38M $6,378,657 $1M–$10M
- $5.43M $5,428,338 $1M–$10M
- $4.79M $4,786,438 $1M–$10M
- $4.79M $4,786,438 $1M–$10M
- $4.59M $4,585,312 $1M–$10M
- $2.72M $2,719,720 $1M–$10M
- $2.70M $2,697,598 $1M–$10M
- $1.65M $1,651,663 $1M–$10M
- $1.50M $1,499,367 $1M–$10M
- agency fully and truthfully in investigation and related sec enforcement proceedings
- agency sec and tenaris, s.a.
- agency sec division of enforcement
- person uzbekistani government officials
- Tenaris, S.A. violated Sections 13(b)(2)(A), 13(b)(2)(B) and 30A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
- Tenaris, S.A. made payments to Uzbekistani government officials
- Tenaris, S.A. failed to keep accurate books and records relating to transactions
- Tenaris, S.A. failed to maintain internal controls to ensure proper authorization and financial statement conformity
- SEC Division of Enforcement alleges Tenaris, S.A. violated Exchange Act sections 13(b)(2)(A), 13(b)(2)(B) and 30A in 2006-2008
- SEC and Tenaris, S.A. entered into Deferred Prosecution Agreement effective May 17, 2011 to May 17, 2013
- Tenaris, S.A. agreed to cooperate fully and truthfully in Investigation and related SEC enforcement proceedings
- Tenaris, S.A. organized and operating under laws of Luxembourg
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
DEFERRED PROSECUTION AGREEMENT
1. In connection with an investigation, the Division ofEnforcement ("Division") of
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") alleges that
Tenaris, S.A. ("Respondent" or "Tenaris"), in or about 2006 through 2008, violated
Sections 13(b)(2)(A), 13(b)(2)(B) and 30A
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
("Exchange Act") by making payments to certain Uzbekistani government officials in
order to secure an improper advantage in the bidding process for Uzbekistani government
contracts and
by failing to keep accurate books and records relating to those transactions,
and
by failing to maintain internal controls to ensure that the transactions in Uzbekistan
were properly authorized by management and that the financial statements were prepared
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("Investigation"). Prior to a
public enforcement action being brought by the Commission against it, without admitting
or denying these allegations, Respondent has offered to accept responsibility for its
conduct and to not contest or contradict the factual statements contained in Paragraph 6 in
any future Commission enforcement action in the event it breaches this Agreement.
Accordingly, the Commission and the Respondent enter into a deferred prosecution
agreement ("Agreement") with the following terms and conditions:
TERM
2. The Respondent understands and agrees that the provisions of this Agreement are
in full force and effect from May 17,
2011 to May 17, 2013 ("Deferred Period"), unless
expressly stated otherWise.
COOPERA
nON
3. The Respondent, a corporation organized and operating under the laws of
Luxembourg and its subsidiaries ("Related Entities") agree to cooperate fully and
truthfully in the Investigation and any other related enforcement litigation or proceeding
to which the Commission is a party (the "Proceedings"), regardless ofthe time period in
which the cooperation is required. In addition, the Respondent agrees to cooperate fully
and truthfully, when directed by the Division's staff, in any other related official
investigation or proceeding by any
U.s. federal, state, or self-regulatory organization
("Other Proceedings"). The full, truthful, and continuing cooperation
ofthe Respondent
and Related Entities shall include, but not be limited to:
a. producing, in a responsive and prompt manner, all non-privileged
documents, information, and other materials to the Commission as requested by the
Division's staff, wherever located, in the possession, custody, or control
of the
Respondent or any
of its Related Entities; and
b. using its best efforts to secure the full, truthful, and continuing·
cooperation, as defined in Paragraph 4,
ofcurrent and former directors, officers,
employees and agents, including making these persons available, when requested to do so
by the Division's staff, at its expense, for interviews and the provision
oftestimony in the
investigation, trial and other judicial proceedings in connection with the Proceedings or
Other Proceedings.
4. The full, truthful, and continuing cooperation
of each person described in
Paragraph 3 above will be subject to the procedures and protections
ofthis paragraph,
and shall include, but not be limited to:
a. producing all non-privileged documents and other materials as requested
by the Division's staff;·
b. appearing for interviews, at such times and places, as requested by the
Division's staff;
c. responding to all inquiries, when requested to do so by the Division's
staff, in connection with the Proceedings
or Other Proceedings; and
d. testifying at trial and other judicial proceedings, when requested to do so
by the Division's staff, in connection with the Proceedings or Other Proceedings.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
5. The Respondent agrees that the running ofany statute oflimitations applicable to
any action or proceeding against it authorized, instituted, or brought by or on behalf of
the Commission arising out ofthe Investigation ("Proceeding"), including any sanctions
or reliefthat may be
imposed therein, is tolled and suspended during the Deferred Period.
a. The Respondent and any of its attorneys or agents shall not include the
Deferred Period in the calculation
ofthe running ofany statute of limitations or for any
other time-related defense applicable to the Proceeding, including any sanctions or relief
that may be imposed therein, in asserting or relying upon any such time-related defense.
b. This agreement shall not affect any applicable statute
of limitations
defense or any other time-related defense that may be available to Respondent before the
commencement
ofthe Deferred Period or be construed to revive a Proceeding that may
be barred by any applicable statute oflimitations or any other time-related defense before
the commencement
ofthe Deferred Period.
c. The running
of any statute of limitations applicable to the Proceeding shall
commence again after the end
ofthe Deferred Period, unless there is an extension ofthe
Deferred Period executed in writing by or
on behalf of the parties hereto.
2
d. This agreement shall not be construed as an admission by the Commission
relating to the applicability
of any statute of limitations to the Proceeding, including any
sanctions or relief that may be imposed therein, or to the length
of any limitations period
that may apply, or to the applicability of any other time-related defense.
STATEMENT OF FACTS
l
6. If this case had gone to trial, the Commission would have presented evidence
sufficient to prove the following facts:
Tenaris, SA.
a. Tenaris, S.A. was a corporation organized under the laws of Luxembourg.
Tenaris was a global manufacturer and supplier
of steel pipe products and related
services. Tenaris's
ADS's were listed on the New York Stock exchange and Tenaris's
stock was listed on the exchanges
of Argentina, Italy, and Mexico. Tenaris had annual
revenues of $9.9 billion in 2007 and $12 billion in 2008, and had more than 24,000
employees worldwide. Tenaris, and through its
17 subsidiaries, operated in 12 countries
and its customers included the world's leading oil and gas companies, as well as
engineering companies engaged in constructing oil and gas gathering, transportation, and
processing facilities.
b. Tenaris's operations included steel pipe sales in the Caspian Sea region,
including Uzbekistan. The Caspian Sea region accounted for an average
of
approximately 5% of Tenaris's global oilfield services sales and approximately 1% of
Tenaris's total global sales and services from 2003 to 2008. Tenaris did not have an
office in Uzbekistan. Its Caspian Sea business was run from offices in Azerbaijan and
Kazakhstan.
c. Tenaris obtained steel pipe sales in the Caspian Sea region in part by
bidding on contracts solicited by government-owned companies, private companies or
quasi-governmental entities to provide pipeline used in the development and production
of oil and natural gas. Tenaris often used agents to assist in bidding on contracts in the
Caspian Sea region. Among other services, those agents provided Tenaris with access to
information and people that helped it tender bids that had a greater likelihood
of being
awarded by the governmental entities soliciting them.
DAD Contracts 2006-2007
d. Between in or around April 2006 through May 2007, Tenaris bid on a
series of contracts with OJSC O'ztashqineftgaz ("OAO"), to supply OAO with pipeline
for use in the development and production
of oil and natural gas in Uzbekistan. OAO
1 The facts set forth in this section are made pursuant to settlement negotiations associated with the
violations alleged by the Division in Paragraph 1 of this Agreement and are not binding against Tenaris in
any other legal proceeding or on any other person or entity.
3
was a subsidiary ofUzbekneftegaz, the state-owned holding company ofUzbekistan's oil
and gas industry.
e. OAO was an agency and instrumentality ofthe government ofUzbekistan
and its employees were "foreign officials" within the meaning
of Section 30A(f)(1)(A) of
the Exchange Act.
f. In or around December 2006, Tenaris was introduced to a potential agent
("Agent") to help Tenaris bid on certain contracts with OAO. As an incentive to retain
the Agent, the Agent offered Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel access to the
confidential bid information
of competitors obtained from officials in OAO's tender
department, who also would allow Tenaris to submit revised bids. Tenaris's then
regional sales personnel would use the confidential competitor bid information to submit
revised bids in order to increase the likelihood
of Tenaris being awarded the underlying
contract.
g.
In or around January 2007, Tenaris entered into an agreement with the
Agent to use its services in bidding on OAO contract M-07-53. Tenaris agreed to pay the
Agent a commission
of3.5% for its services related to that contract.
h.
In or around February 2007, Tenaris bid on contract M-07-53, utilizing the
Agent's services, which included obtaining confidential bid information
of Tenaris's
competitors through OAO officials and thereafter submitting a revised bid to OAO
through its officials who were cooperating with the Agent.
.
i. On or about April 30, 2007, Tenaris was awarded contract M-07-53 based
on its revised bid. Pursuant to the terms
of contract M-07-53, OAO agreed to pay Tenaris
$2,719,720 for pipe used in oil and gas development in Uzbekistan.
j. Between in or around April and May 2007, Tenaris bid
on 3 additional
contracts with OAO utilizing the Agent.
In bidding on those contracts, Tenaris's then
regional sales personnel again obtained the confidential bid information
of its competitors
from OAO officials and submitted revised bids to those officials utilizing that
confidential bid information.
k. As a result
of Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel's use ofthe bid
information
ofits competitors, Tenaris was awarded contracts M-07-70, M-07-71 and M
07-72 on
or around May 22, 2007. Tenaris agreed to pay the Agent a 3% commission for
its services related to contracts M-07-70, M-07-71, and M-07-72.
1. OAO agreed to pay Tenaris $1,499,367 under contract M-07-70,
$6,378,657 under contract M-07-71 and $8,797,980 under contract M-07-72, for pipe and
related services.
m. Tenaris paid the Agent commissions for its services related to contracts
M-07-53, M-07-70, M-07-71 and M-07-72. In making such payments, Tenaris made use
4
ofthe means and instrumentalities ofinterstate commerce in furtherance of such
payments, including a payment to the Agent on or about July 2, 2007, via same day
transfer
of approximately $32,140.67 through an intermediary bank:, Wachovia Bank: NY
International, utilizing routing number xxx9 and account number 3xxxxxx1.
n. Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel understood that a portion of the
commission Tenaris paid to the Agent for services related to contracts M-07-53, M-07
70, M-07-71 and M-07-72 would be used to pay OAO officials for opening competitors'
bids, providing confidential bid information to Tenaris, and replacing Tenaris's original
bids with its revised bids.
o. The conduct of the OAO officials in providing Tenaris with confidential
bid information and allowing Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel to resubmit revised
bids was in violation
of the OAO officials' lawful duty and was done in order to assist
Tenaris in obtaining or retaining business in Uzbekistan.
p. According to e-mails written by Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel, in
or around November 2007, the Agent informed Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel
that Tenaris's competitors in Uzbekistan had complained to an Uzbekistani government
agency, Uzbekexpertiza JSC ("Uzbekexpertiza"), that Tenaris had obtained access to
competitor bid information for contracts M-07-70, M-07-71, and M-07-72.
q. Uzbekexpertiza was an agency and instrumentality of the government of
Uzbekistan and its employees were "foreign officials" within the meaning of Section
30A(f)(1)(A)
of the Exchange Act.
r. Uzbekexpertiza had the authority to cause an investigation ofthe bidding
process in which Tenaris bid for contracts M-07-70, M-07-71, and M-07-72.
s. According to e-mails written by Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel, in
an effort to avert the potential investigation
of the bidding process, the Agent
recommended that Tenaris and the Agent pay Uzbekexpertiza officials to refrain from
recommending an investigation against Tenaris or re-opening the bidding process to
Tenaris's competitors.
t. Certain e-mails suggest that Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel agreed
to pay the recommended payment to Uzbekexpertiza officials by the end
of December
2007 in order to avert an investigation into the bidding process
of contracts M-07-70, M
07-71, and M-07-72.
It is unknown whether Tenaris ever made any such payment, and
Tenaris has found no records evidencing any payment.
u. The agreement among Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel to pay the
payment to the Uzbekexpertiza officials as recommended by the Agent was described by
Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel as having been made to assist Tenaris in obtaining
or retaining business in Uzbekistan.
5
v. In the summer of2008, the M-07-70 contract and all outstanding portions
of the M-07-72 contract were cancelled. In total, OAO paid Tenaris approximately
$2,697,598 on the 07-53 contract, $4,585,312 on the 07-71 contract, and $1,651,663 on
the 07-72 contract. Tenaris's combined profits on OAO contracts M-07-53, M-07-71, and
M-07-72 were approximately $4,786,438.
w. In or around 2007, the books, records and accounts reflecting Tenaris's
transactions related to the OAO contracts, which involved payments to OAO foreign
officials, were incorporated into Tenaris's consolidated year-end financial statements for
the respective year.
x. In or around 2007, Tenaris failed to make and keep books, records, and
accounts which accurately and fairly reflected Tenaris's transactions with the agent
described above, and which failed to accurately record the payments to OAO officials.
y. In or around 2007, Tenaris's system of internal controls failed to detect or
prevent payments to OAO officials in an effort to obtain and retain business in
Uzbekistan, including a failure to ensure that proper and effective due diligence was
conducted on the Agent for the OAO contracts, and that the review process for
authorization or approval
ofpayments to the Agent failed to detect or prevent the illegal
payments to OAO officials. Tenaris's policies, procedures and training related to
anticorruption and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") compliance in place at
that time warranted further strengthening to ensure effective compliance with the related
laws.
Tenaris's Disclosure
z. In or about March 2009, a third party disclosed to Tenaris that it had
become aware that certain sales agency payments made by Tenaris may have improperly
benefited employees
of the third party. In response to that information the Audit
Committee ofTenaris's Board
ofDirectors retained Sullivan & Cromwell LLP to
investigate the allegations. Thereafter, in a Form 20-F filed with the Commission on or
about June 30, 2009, Tenaris disclosed the customer's allegations, Tenaris's internal
investigation, andthatit hadinformedstaff
ofthe DivisionandDepartment ofJustice
("DOl") about the allegations by the third party.
aa. InoraboutJuly2009,counselforTenarismetwiththestaff
ofthe
DivisionandDepartment
ofJustice ("DOJ"),anddisclosedpreliminaryfindings ofthe
internal investigation. Such disclosure was not related to the facts concerning
transactions in Uzbekistan. Tenaris counsel informed staff
of the Division and DOJ that
it would conduct a more detailed internal investigation, and would report its findings to
the staff.
bb. Tenaris's internal investigation included a world-wide investigation
of its
business operations and controls. Beginning in or about July 2010, Tenaris counsel met
with the staff
of the Division and DOJ to disclose facts related to its internal
6
investigation. Tenaris provided extensive, thorough, real-time cooperation with the staff
ofthe Division and DOl which included timely, voluntary and complete disclosure of
certain conduct, including the facts described above. As a result of its internal
investigation, Tenaris discovered facts and transactions in Uzbekistan which Tenaris
included in the report provided to the staff. Tenaris also thoroughly reviewed its
pre-existing compliance program and undertook steps to update and improve its
compliance program, and to continue to implement enhanced compliance measures.
These steps included, in part, adoption
ofa strengthened Code ofConduct, Business
Conduct Policy, and Agent Retention Procedure that address anticorruption and
compliance with the FCPA, and provide for enhanced due diligence procedures related to
the retention
ofthird party agents and review ofpayments to third party agents. Tenaris
has agreed to provide real and meaningful cooperation with the Commission,
DOl and
any law enforcement agency in connection with this matter.
PROHIBITIONS
7. During the Deferred Period, the Respondent understands and agrees to comply
with the following prohibitions:
a. to refrain from violating the U.S. federal and state securities laws;
b. to refrain from seeking
or accepting a U.S. federal or state tax credit or
deduction for any monies paid pursuant to this Agreement; and
c. to refrain from seeking or accepting reimbursement or indemnification
from any source, including, but not limited to, payment made pursuant to
an insurance
policy
or employment contract, with regard to any monies paid pursuant to this
Agreement.
UNDERTAKINGS
8. During the Deferred Period, the Respondent understands and agrees to perform
the following undertakings:
a. to provide written notification to the Division, within fourteen days, if it
(1) has been charged or convicted ofan offense by any U.S. federal, state, or local law
enforcement organization
or regulatory agency, or (2) has been charged or convicted of
an offense by any foreign law enforcement organization or regulatory agency relating to
any anti-bribery or securities law, regulation or rule;
b. to provide written notification to the Division, within fourteen days,
if a
formal or informal complaint has been made against it, or disciplinary action has been
taken against it by any
self regulatory organization relating to any anti-bribery or
securities law, regulation or rule;
7
c. to pay disgorgement obtained or retained as a result ofthe violations
alleged in Paragraph 1 in the amount
of $4,786,438 plus prejudgment interest of an
estimated $641,900 for a total of$5,428,338 within 30 days by delivering or mailing by
next-day mail a certified check, bank cashier's check, or United States postal money
order, payable to the Securities and Exchange Commission, to the Office
of Financial
Management, Securities and Exchange Commission, Operations Center, 6432 General
Green Way, Mail Stop 0-3, Alexandria, Virginia 22312 along with a letter identifying the
Respondent and specifying that the payment is made pursuant to a deferred prosecution
agreement entered into with the Commission on May 17, 2011 and send an additional
copy
oftheletterandcheckinaccordancewiththe servicerequirements ofParagraph 11;
d. to provide the Division with a written certification of compliance with the
prohibitions and undertakings in this Agreement between forty-five and sixty days before
the end
of the Deferred Period;
e. to review annually and update, as appropriate, the Code of Conduct
beginning on February 1,2012;
f. to require that each director, officer, and management-level employee
certify compliance with the Code
of Conduct on an annual basis beginning on February
1,2011; and
g. to conduct effective training regarding anticorruption and compliance with
the FCPA for (1) all current officers and managers, (2) all employees working in Finance,
Accounting, Internal Audit, Sales, and Government Relations, (3) all other employees
working in positions Tenaris deems to involve activities implicated by Tenaris's policies
regarding anticorruption and compliance with the FCPA, on or before December 31,
2011, and (4) all such future employees within 90 days
oftheir affiliation with Tenaris.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
9. After the Deferred Period begins, on May 17,2011, the Respondent agrees not to
take any action or to make or permit any public statement through present or future
attorneys, employees, Agents, or other persons authorized to speak for it, except in legal
proceedings in which the Commission is not a party, denying, directly or indirectly, any
aspect
ofthis Agreement or creating the impression that the allegations in Paragraph 6 of
this Agreement are without factual basis. This paragraph is not intended to apply to any
statement made by an individual in the course
ofany criminal, civil, or regulatory
proceeding initiated by the government or self-regulatory organization against such
individual, unless such individual is speaking on behalf ofthe Respondent. Ifit is
determined by the Commission that a public statement by the Respondent or any related
person contradicts in whole or in part this Agreement, at its sole discretion, the
Commission may bring an enforcement action in accordance with Paragraphs 12 through
15.
8
10. Prior to issuing a press release concerning this Agreement, the Respondent agrees
to have the text
of the release approved by the staff of the Division.
SERVICE
11. The Respondent agrees to serve by hand delivery or by next-day mail all written
notices and correspondence required by or related to this Agreement to Karen L.
Martinez,
15 W. South Temple, Suite 1800, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, (801) 524-5796,
unless otherwise directed in writing by the staff
of the Division.
VIOLA
nON OF AGREEMENT
12. The Respondent understands and agrees that it shall be a violation ofthis
Agreement
if it knowingly provides false or misleading information or materials in
connection with the Proceedings or Other Proceedings. In the event
of such misconduct,
the Division will advise the Commission
ofthe Respondent's misconduct and may make
a criminal referral for providing false information (18 U.S.C. § 1001), contempt (18
U.S.c.
§§ 401-402) and/or obstructing justice (18 U.S.C. § 1503 et seq.).
13. The Respondent understands and agrees that, should the Division determine that
the Respondent has failed to comply with any term or condition
of this Agreement, the
Division will notify the Respondent or its counsel
of the fact and provide an opportunity
for the Respondent to make a Wells submission pursuant to the Securities Act
of 1933
Release No. 5310. Under these circumstances, the Division may, in its sole discretion
and not subject to judicial review, recommend to the Commission an enforcement action
against the Respondent for any securities law violations, including, but not limited to, the
substantive offenses relating to the Investigation.
14. The Respondent understands and agrees that in any future enforcement action
resulting from its violation
ofthe Agreement, any documents, statements, information,
testimony, or evidence provided by it during the Proceedings or Other Proceedings, and
any leads derived there from, may be used against it in future legal proceedings.
15. In the event it breaches this Agreement, the Respondent agrees not to contest or
contradict in any future Commission enforcement action the factual statements contained
in Paragraph 6 above as admissions pursuant to Federal Rule
ofEvidence 801(d)(2).
COMPLIANCE WITH AGREEMENT
16. Subject to the full, truthful, and continuing cooperation ofthe Respondent, as
described in Paragraphs 3 and 4, and compliance by Respondent with all obligations,
prohibitions and undertakings in the Agreement during the Deferred Period, the
Commission agrees not to bring any enforcement action or proceeding against the
Respondent arising from the Investigation, after the conclusion
of the Deferred Period.
9
17. The Respondent understands and agrees that this Agreement does not bind other
U.S. federal, state or self-regulatory organizations, but the Commission may, at its
discretion, issue a letter to these organizations detailing the fact, manner, and extent
of its
cooperation during the Proceedings or Other Proceedings, upon the written request
of the
Respondent.
18. The Respondent understands and agrees that
if it sells, merges, or transfers all or
substantially all
ofits business operations as they exist as ofthe date ofthis Agreement,
whether such a sale is structured as a stock or asset sale, merger, or transfer during the
Deferred Period, it shall include in any contract for sale, merger, or transfer a provision
binding the purchaser or successor in interest to the obligations set forth in this
Agreement.
19. The Respondent understands and agrees that the Agreement only provides
protection against enforcement actions arising from the Investigation and does not relate
to any other violations or any individual or entity other than the Respondent.
VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT
20. The Respondent's decision to enter into this Agreement is freely and voluntarily
made and is not the result
of force, threats, assurances, promises, or representations other
than those contained in this Agreement.
21. The Respondent has read and understands this Agreement. Furthermore, the
Respondent has reviewed all legal and factual aspects
of this matter with its attorney and
is fully satisfied with its attorney's legal representation. The Respondent has thorougWy
reviewed this Agreement with its attorney and has received satisfactory explanations
concerning each paragraph
ofthe Agreement. After conferring with its attorney and
considering all available alternatives, the Respondent has made a knowing decision to
enter into the Agreement.
22. The Respondent represents that its Board
ofDirectors has duly authorized, in a
the resolution attached as Exhibit A, the execution and delivery
ofthis Agreement, and
that the person signing this Agreement has authority to bind the Respondent.
ENTIRETY OF AGREEMENT
23. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Commission and the
Respondent, and supersedes all prior understandings,
if any, whether oral or written,
relating to the subject matter herein.
24. This Agreement cannot be modified except in writing, signed by the Respondent
and a representative
ofthe Commission.
10
25. In the event an ambiguity or a question ofintent or interpretation arises, tbis
Agreement shall be coostmed as ifdrafted jointlybythepartieshereto. andno
presumption or burdenofproofshallarisefavoringordisfavoringthe Commission orthe
Respondent byvirtue ofthe authorship ofany ofthe provisions ofthe Agreement.
The signatories below aclmowledge acceptance of1hc foregoing terms and conditions.
RESPONDENT
Ricardo Soler
ChiefFinancial Officer
Tenaris
SA.
46A, avenue John F. Kennedy
L-1855 Lux.embomg
Attached hereto is the Ce~ateofthe Secretary10 ~ Board ofDiJ:ectDrs ofTe:naris
S.A.,
certifying thatRicardo Soler is, and atthe timeofthe signing and deliveryofthe
Agreement was, the duly appointed, qualified and acting ChiefFinanciaI Officerofthe
Company anddulyauthorized to execute the Agreement on behalfofthe Company, and
thattbe signatureofRicardo Solerappearing on the. Agreement is his genuine signature.
RESPONDENTS COUNSEL
Approved as 10 form:
fi1:1i.~f}
Sullivan & Cromwell ILl'
125 Broad Street
NewYor~NY10004-2498
(212) 558-3121
SECURII1ES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
DIVISION OF ENFORCEMENT
tfl::t j 7, ;;<DIJ
11 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
DEFERRED PROSECUTION AGREEMENT
1. In connection with an investigation, the Division ofEnforcement ("Division") of
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") alleges that
Tenaris, S.A. ("Respondent" or "Tenaris"), in or about 2006 through 2008, violated
Sections 13(b)(2)(A), 13(b)(2)(B) and 30A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
("Exchange Act") by making payments to certain Uzbekistani government officials in
order to secure an improper advantage in the bidding process for Uzbekistani government
contracts and by failing to keep accurate books and records relating to those transactions,
and by failing to maintain internal controls to ensure that the transactions in Uzbekistan
were properly authorized by management and that the financial statements were prepared
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("Investigation"). Prior to a
public enforcement action being brought by the Commission against it, without admitting
or denying these allegations, Respondent has offered to accept responsibility for its
conduct and to not contest or contradict the factual statements contained in Paragraph 6 in
any future Commission enforcement action in the event it breaches this Agreement.
Accordingly, the Commission and the Respondent enter into a deferred prosecution
agreement ("Agreement") with the following terms and conditions:
TERM
2. The Respondent understands and agrees that the provisions of this Agreement are
in full force and effect from May 17, 2011 to May 17, 2013 ("Deferred Period"), unless
expressly stated otherWise.
COOPERAnON
3. The Respondent, a corporation organized and operating under the laws of
Luxembourg and its subsidiaries ("Related Entities") agree to cooperate fully and
truthfully in the Investigation and any other related enforcement litigation or proceeding
to which the Commission is a party (the "Proceedings"), regardless ofthe time period in
which the cooperation is required. In addition, the Respondent agrees to cooperate fully
and truthfully, when directed by the Division's staff, in any other related official
investigation or proceeding by any U.s. federal, state, or self-regulatory organization
("Other Proceedings"). The full, truthful, and continuing cooperation of the Respondent
and Related Entities shall include, but not be limited to:
a. producing, in a responsive and prompt manner, all non-privileged
documents, information, and other materials to the Commission as requested by the
Division's staff, wherever located, in the possession, custody, or control of the
Respondent or any of its Related Entities; and
b. using its best efforts to secure the full, truthful, and continuing·
cooperation, as defined in Paragraph 4, of current and former directors, officers,
employees and agents, including making these persons available, when requested to do so
by the Division's staff, at its expense, for interviews and the provision of testimony in the
investigation, trial and other judicial proceedings in connection with the Proceedings or
Other Proceedings.
4. The full, truthful, and continuing cooperation of each person described in
Paragraph 3 above will be subject to the procedures and protections of this paragraph,
and shall include, but not be limited to:
a. producing all non-privileged documents and other materials as requested
by the Division's staff;·
b. appearing for interviews, at such times and places, as requested by the
Division's staff;
c. responding to all inquiries, when requested to do so by the Division's
staff, in connection with the Proceedings or Other Proceedings; and
d. testifying at trial and other judicial proceedings, when requested to do so
by the Division's staff, in connection with the Proceedings or Other Proceedings.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
5. The Respondent agrees that the running of any statute of limitations applicable to
any action or proceeding against it authorized, instituted, or brought by or on behalf of
the Commission arising out of the Investigation ("Proceeding"), including any sanctions
or reliefthat may be imposed therein, is tolled and suspended during the Deferred Period.
a. The Respondent and any of its attorneys or agents shall not include the
Deferred Period in the calculation of the running ofany statute of limitations or for any
other time-related defense applicable to the Proceeding, including any sanctions or relief
that may be imposed therein, in asserting or relying upon any such time-related defense.
b. This agreement shall not affect any applicable statute of limitations
defense or any other time-related defense that may be available to Respondent before the
commencement of the Deferred Period or be construed to revive a Proceeding that may
be barred by any applicable statute oflimitations or any other time-related defense before
the commencement of the Deferred Period.
c. The running of any statute of limitations applicable to the Proceeding shall
commence again after the end of the Deferred Period, unless there is an extension of the
Deferred Period executed in writing by or on behalf of the parties hereto.
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d. This agreement shall not be construed as an admission by the Commission
relating to the applicability of any statute of limitations to the Proceeding, including any
sanctions or relief that may be imposed therein, or to the length of any limitations period
that may apply, or to the applicability of any other time-related defense.
STATEMENT OF FACTS l
6. If this case had gone to trial, the Commission would have presented evidence
sufficient to prove the following facts:
Tenaris, SA.
a. Tenaris, S.A. was a corporation organized under the laws of Luxembourg.
Tenaris was a global manufacturer and supplier of steel pipe products and related
services. Tenaris's ADS's were listed on the New York Stock exchange and Tenaris's
stock was listed on the exchanges of Argentina, Italy, and Mexico. Tenaris had annual
revenues of $9.9 billion in 2007 and $12 billion in 2008, and had more than 24,000
employees worldwide. Tenaris, and through its 17 subsidiaries, operated in 12 countries
and its customers included the world's leading oil and gas companies, as well as
engineering companies engaged in constructing oil and gas gathering, transportation, and
processing facilities.
b. Tenaris's operations included steel pipe sales in the Caspian Sea region,
including Uzbekistan. The Caspian Sea region accounted for an average of
approximately 5% of Tenaris's global oilfield services sales and approximately 1% of
Tenaris's total global sales and services from 2003 to 2008. Tenaris did not have an
office in Uzbekistan. Its Caspian Sea business was run from offices in Azerbaijan and
Kazakhstan.
c. Tenaris obtained steel pipe sales in the Caspian Sea region in part by
bidding on contracts solicited by government-owned companies, private companies or
quasi- governmental entities to provide pipeline used in the development and production
of oil and natural gas. Tenaris often used agents to assist in bidding on contracts in the
Caspian Sea region. Among other services, those agents provided Tenaris with access to
information and people that helped it tender bids that had a greater likelihood of being
awarded by the governmental entities soliciting them.
DAD Contracts 2006-2007
d. Between in or around April 2006 through May 2007, Tenaris bid on a
series of contracts with OJSC O'ztashqineftgaz ("OAO"), to supply OAO with pipeline
for use in the development and production of oil and natural gas in Uzbekistan. OAO
1 The facts set forth in this section are made pursuant to settlement negotiations associated with the
violations alleged by the Division in Paragraph 1 of this Agreement and are not binding against Tenaris in
any other legal proceeding or on any other person or entity.
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was a subsidiary ofUzbekneftegaz, the state-owned holding company of Uzbekistan's oil
and gas industry.
e. OAO was an agency and instrumentality of the government of Uzbekistan
and its employees were "foreign officials" within the meaning of Section 30A(f)(1 )(A) of
the Exchange Act.
f. In or around December 2006, Tenaris was introduced to a potential agent
("Agent") to help Tenaris bid on certain contracts with OAO. As an incentive to retain
the Agent, the Agent offered Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel access to the
confidential bid information of competitors obtained from officials in OAO's tender
department, who also would allow Tenaris to submit revised bids. Tenaris's then
regional sales personnel would use the confidential competitor bid information to submit
revised bids in order to increase the likelihood of Tenaris being awarded the underlying
contract.
g. In or around January 2007, Tenaris entered into an agreement with the
Agent to use its services in bidding on OAO contract M-07-53. Tenaris agreed to pay the
Agent a commission of3.5% for its services related to that contract.
h. In or around February 2007, Tenaris bid on contract M-07-53, utilizing the
Agent's services, which included obtaining confidential bid information of Tenaris's
competitors through OAO officials and thereafter submitting a revised bid to OAO
through its officials who were cooperating with the Agent.
.
i. On or about April 30, 2007, Tenaris was awarded contract M-07-53 based
on its revised bid. Pursuant to the terms of contract M-07-53, OAO agreed to pay Tenaris
$2,719,720 for pipe used in oil and gas development in Uzbekistan.
j. Between in or around April and May 2007, Tenaris bid on 3 additional
contracts with OAO utilizing the Agent. In bidding on those contracts, Tenaris's then
regional sales personnel again obtained the confidential bid information of its competitors
from OAO officials and submitted revised bids to those officials utilizing that
confidential bid information.
k. As a result of Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel's use of the bid
information of its competitors, Tenaris was awarded contracts M-07-70, M-07-71 and M
07-72 on or around May 22, 2007. Tenaris agreed to pay the Agent a 3% commission for
its services related to contracts M-07-70, M-07-71, and M-07-72.
1. OAO agreed to pay Tenaris $1,499,367 under contract M-07-70,
$6,378,657 under contract M-07-71 and $8,797,980 under contract M-07-72, for pipe and
related services.
m. Tenaris paid the Agent commissions for its services related to contracts
M-07-53, M-07-70, M-07-71 and M-07-72. In making such payments, Tenaris made use
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of the means and instrumentalities of interstate commerce in furtherance of such
payments, including a payment to the Agent on or about July 2, 2007, via same day
transfer of approximately $32,140.67 through an intermediary bank:, Wachovia Bank: NY
International, utilizing routing number xxx9 and account number 3xxxxxx1.
n. Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel understood that a portion of the
commission Tenaris paid to the Agent for services related to contracts M-07-53, M-07
70, M-07-71 and M-07-72 would be used to pay OAO officials for opening competitors'
bids, providing confidential bid information to Tenaris, and replacing Tenaris's original
bids with its revised bids.
o. The conduct of the OAO officials in providing Tenaris with confidential
bid information and allowing Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel to resubmit revised
bids was in violation of the OAO officials' lawful duty and was done in order to assist
Tenaris in obtaining or retaining business in Uzbekistan.
p. According to e-mails written by Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel, in
or around November 2007, the Agent informed Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel
that Tenaris's competitors in Uzbekistan had complained to an Uzbekistani government
agency, Uzbekexpertiza JSC ("Uzbekexpertiza"), that Tenaris had obtained access to
competitor bid information for contracts M-07-70, M-07-71, and M-07-72.
q. Uzbekexpertiza was an agency and instrumentality of the government of
Uzbekistan and its employees were "foreign officials" within the meaning of Section
30A(f)(1)(A) of the Exchange Act.
r. Uzbekexpertiza had the authority to cause an investigation of the bidding
process in which Tenaris bid for contracts M-07-70, M-07-71, and M-07-72.
s. According to e-mails written by Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel, in
an effort to avert the potential investigation of the bidding process, the Agent
recommended that Tenaris and the Agent pay Uzbekexpertiza officials to refrain from
recommending an investigation against Tenaris or re-opening the bidding process to
Tenaris's competitors.
t. Certain e-mails suggest that Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel agreed
to pay the recommended payment to Uzbekexpertiza officials by the end of December
2007 in order to avert an investigation into the bidding process of contracts M-07-70, M
07-71, and M-07-72. It is unknown whether Tenaris ever made any such payment, and
Tenaris has found no records evidencing any payment.
u. The agreement among Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel to pay the
payment to the Uzbekexpertiza officials as recommended by the Agent was described by
Tenaris's then-regional sales personnel as having been made to assist Tenaris in obtaining
or retaining business in Uzbekistan.
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v. In the summer of2008, the M-07-70 contract and all outstanding portions
of the M-07-72 contract were cancelled. In total, OAO paid Tenaris approximately
$2,697,598 on the 07-53 contract, $4,585,312 on the 07-71 contract, and $1,651,663 on
the 07-72 contract. Tenaris's combined profits on OAO contracts M-07-53, M-07-71, and
M-07-72 were approximately $4,786,438.
w. In or around 2007, the books, records and accounts reflecting Tenaris's
transactions related to the OAO contracts, which involved payments to OAO foreign
officials, were incorporated into Tenaris's consolidated year-end financial statements for
the respective year.
x. In or around 2007, Tenaris failed to make and keep books, records, and
accounts which accurately and fairly reflected Tenaris's transactions with the agent
described above, and which failed to accurately record the payments to OAO officials.
y. In or around 2007, Tenaris's system of internal controls failed to detect or
prevent payments to OAO officials in an effort to obtain and retain business in
Uzbekistan, including a failure to ensure that proper and effective due diligence was
conducted on the Agent for the OAO contracts, and that the review process for
authorization or approval ofpayments to the Agent failed to detect or prevent the illegal
payments to OAO officials. Tenaris's policies, procedures and training related to
anticorruption and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") compliance in place at
that time warranted further strengthening to ensure effective compliance with the related
laws.
Tenaris's Disclosure
z. In or about March 2009, a third party disclosed to Tenaris that it had
become aware that certain sales agency payments made by Tenaris may have improperly
benefited employees of the third party. In response to that information the Audit
Committee ofTenaris's Board ofDirectors retained Sullivan & Cromwell LLP to
investigate the allegations. Thereafter, in a Form 20-F filed with the Commission on or
about June 30, 2009, Tenaris disclosed the customer's allegations, Tenaris's internal
investigation, and that it had informed staffof the Division and Department of Justice
("DOl") about the allegations by the third party.
aa. In or about July 2009, counsel for Tenaris met with the staff of the
Division and Department of Justice ("DOJ"), and disclosed preliminary findings of the
internal investigation. Such disclosure was not related to the facts concerning
transactions in Uzbekistan. Tenaris counsel informed staff of the Division and DOJ that
it would conduct a more detailed internal investigation, and would report its findings to
the staff.
bb. Tenaris's internal investigation included a world-wide investigation of its
business operations and controls. Beginning in or about July 2010, Tenaris counsel met
with the staff of the Division and DOJ to disclose facts related to its internal
6
investigation. Tenaris provided extensive, thorough, real-time cooperation with the staff
of the Division and DOl which included timely, voluntary and complete disclosure of
certain conduct, including the facts described above. As a result of its internal
investigation, Tenaris discovered facts and transactions in Uzbekistan which Tenaris
included in the report provided to the staff. Tenaris also thoroughly reviewed its
pre-existing compliance program and undertook steps to update and improve its
compliance program, and to continue to implement enhanced compliance measures.
These steps included, in part, adoption of a strengthened Code of Conduct, Business
Conduct Policy, and Agent Retention Procedure that address anticorruption and
compliance with the FCPA, and provide for enhanced due diligence procedures related to
the retention ofthird party agents and review ofpayments to third party agents. Tenaris
has agreed to provide real and meaningful cooperation with the Commission, DOl and
any law enforcement agency in connection with this matter.
PROHIBITIONS
7. During the Deferred Period, the Respondent understands and agrees to comply
with the following prohibitions:
a. to refrain from violating the U.S. federal and state securities laws;
b. to refrain from seeking or accepting a U.S. federal or state tax credit or
deduction for any monies paid pursuant to this Agreement; and
c. to refrain from seeking or accepting reimbursement or indemnification
from any source, including, but not limited to, payment made pursuant to an insurance
policy or employment contract, with regard to any monies paid pursuant to this
Agreement.
UNDERTAKINGS
8. During the Deferred Period, the Respondent understands and agrees to perform
the following undertakings:
a. to provide written notification to the Division, within fourteen days, if it
(1) has been charged or convicted of an offense by any U.S. federal, state, or local law
enforcement organization or regulatory agency, or (2) has been charged or convicted of
an offense by any foreign law enforcement organization or regulatory agency relating to
any anti-bribery or securities law, regulation or rule;
b. to provide written notification to the Division, within fourteen days, if a
formal or informal complaint has been made against it, or disciplinary action has been
taken against it by any self regulatory organization relating to any anti-bribery or
securities law, regulation or rule;
7
c. to pay disgorgement obtained or retained as a result of the violations
alleged in Paragraph 1 in the amount of $4,786,438 plus prejudgment interest of an
estimated $641,900 for a total of$5,428,338 within 30 days by delivering or mailing by
next-day mail a certified check, bank cashier's check, or United States postal money
order, payable to the Securities and Exchange Commission, to the Office of Financial
Management, Securities and Exchange Commission, Operations Center, 6432 General
Green Way, Mail Stop 0-3, Alexandria, Virginia 22312 along with a letter identifying the
Respondent and specifying that the payment is made pursuant to a deferred prosecution
agreement entered into with the Commission on May 17, 2011 and send an additional
copy of the letter and check in accordance with the service requirements of Paragraph 11;
d. to provide the Division with a written certification of compliance with the
prohibitions and undertakings in this Agreement between forty-five and sixty days before
the end of the Deferred Period;
e. to review annually and update, as appropriate, the Code of Conduct
beginning on February 1,2012;
f. to require that each director, officer, and management-level employee
certify compliance with the Code of Conduct on an annual basis beginning on February
1,2011; and
g. to conduct effective training regarding anticorruption and compliance with
the FCPA for (1) all current officers and managers, (2) all employees working in Finance,
Accounting, Internal Audit, Sales, and Government Relations, (3) all other employees
working in positions Tenaris deems to involve activities implicated by Tenaris's policies
regarding anticorruption and compliance with the FCPA, on or before December 31,
2011, and (4) all such future employees within 90 days of their affiliation with Tenaris.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
9. After the Deferred Period begins, on May 17,2011, the Respondent agrees not to
take any action or to make or permit any public statement through present or future
attorneys, employees, Agents, or other persons authorized to speak for it, except in legal
proceedings in which the Commission is not a party, denying, directly or indirectly, any
aspect of this Agreement or creating the impression that the allegations in Paragraph 6 of
this Agreement are without factual basis. This paragraph is not intended to apply to any
statement made by an individual in the course ofany criminal, civil, or regulatory
proceeding initiated by the government or self-regulatory organization against such
individual, unless such individual is speaking on behalf of the Respondent. If it is
determined by the Commission that a public statement by the Respondent or any related
person contradicts in whole or in part this Agreement, at its sole discretion, the
Commission may bring an enforcement action in accordance with Paragraphs 12 through
15.
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10. Prior to issuing a press release concerning this Agreement, the Respondent agrees
to have the text of the release approved by the staff of the Division.
SERVICE
11. The Respondent agrees to serve by hand delivery or by next-day mail all written
notices and correspondence required by or related to this Agreement to Karen L.
Martinez, 15 W. South Temple, Suite 1800, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, (801) 524-5796,
unless otherwise directed in writing by the staff of the Division.
VIOLAnON OF AGREEMENT
12. The Respondent understands and agrees that it shall be a violation of this
Agreement if it knowingly provides false or misleading information or materials in
connection with the Proceedings or Other Proceedings. In the event of such misconduct,
the Division will advise the Commission of the Respondent's misconduct and may make
a criminal referral for providing false information (18 U.S.C. § 1001), contempt (18
U.S.c. §§ 401-402) and/or obstructing justice (18 U.S.C. § 1503 et seq.).
13. The Respondent understands and agrees that, should the Division determine that
the Respondent has failed to comply with any term or condition of this Agreement, the
Division will notify the Respondent or its counsel of the fact and provide an opportunity
for the Respondent to make a Wells submission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933
Release No. 5310. Under these circumstances, the Division may, in its sole discretion
and not subject to judicial review, recommend to the Commission an enforcement action
against the Respondent for any securities law violations, including, but not limited to, the
substantive offenses relating to the Investigation.
14. The Respondent understands and agrees that in any future enforcement action
resulting from its violation of the Agreement, any documents, statements, information,
testimony, or evidence provided by it during the Proceedings or Other Proceedings, and
any leads derived there from, may be used against it in future legal proceedings.
15. In the event it breaches this Agreement, the Respondent agrees not to contest or
contradict in any future Commission enforcement action the factual statements contained
in Paragraph 6 above as admissions pursuant to Federal Rule ofEvidence 801(d)(2).
COMPLIANCE WITH AGREEMENT
16. Subject to the full, truthful, and continuing cooperation of the Respondent, as
described in Paragraphs 3 and 4, and compliance by Respondent with all obligations,
prohibitions and undertakings in the Agreement during the Deferred Period, the
Commission agrees not to bring any enforcement action or proceeding against the
Respondent arising from the Investigation, after the conclusion of the Deferred Period.
9
17. The Respondent understands and agrees that this Agreement does not bind other
U.S. federal, state or self-regulatory organizations, but the Commission may, at its
discretion, issue a letter to these organizations detailing the fact, manner, and extent of its
cooperation during the Proceedings or Other Proceedings, upon the written request of the
Respondent.
18. The Respondent understands and agrees that if it sells, merges, or transfers all or
substantially all of its business operations as they exist as of the date of this Agreement,
whether such a sale is structured as a stock or asset sale, merger, or transfer during the
Deferred Period, it shall include in any contract for sale, merger, or transfer a provision
binding the purchaser or successor in interest to the obligations set forth in this
Agreement.
19. The Respondent understands and agrees that the Agreement only provides
protection against enforcement actions arising from the Investigation and does not relate
to any other violations or any individual or entity other than the Respondent.
VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT
20. The Respondent's decision to enter into this Agreement is freely and voluntarily
made and is not the result of force, threats, assurances, promises, or representations other
than those contained in this Agreement.
21. The Respondent has read and understands this Agreement. Furthermore, the
Respondent has reviewed all legal and factual aspects of this matter with its attorney and
is fully satisfied with its attorney's legal representation. The Respondent has thorougWy
reviewed this Agreement with its attorney and has received satisfactory explanations
concerning each paragraph of the Agreement. After conferring with its attorney and
considering all available alternatives, the Respondent has made a knowing decision to
enter into the Agreement.
22. The Respondent represents that its Board ofDirectors has duly authorized, in a
the resolution attached as Exhibit A, the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and
that the person signing this Agreement has authority to bind the Respondent.
ENTIRETY OF AGREEMENT
23. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Commission and the
Respondent, and supersedes all prior understandings, if any, whether oral or written,
relating to the subject matter herein.
24. This Agreement cannot be modified except in writing, signed by the Respondent
and a representative of the Commission.
10
25. In the event an ambiguity or a question ofintent or interpretation arises, tbis
Agreement shall be coostmed as ifdrafted jointly bythe parties hereto. and no
presumption or burden ofproofshall arise favoring or disfavoring the Commission or the
Respondent by virtue ofthe authorship ofany ofthe provisions of the Agreement.
The signatories below aclmowledge acceptance of1hc foregoing terms and conditions.
RESPONDENT
Ricardo Soler
ChiefFinancial Officer
Tenaris SA.
46A, avenue John F. Kennedy
L-1855 Lux.embomg
Attached hereto is the Ce~ateofthe Secretary10 ~ Board ofDiJ:ectDrs ofTe:naris
S.A., certifying thatRicardo Soler is, and at the time ofthe signing and delivery ofthe
Agreement was, the duly appointed, qualified and acting ChiefFinanciaI Officerofthe
Company and dulyauthorized to execute the Agreement on behalfofthe Company, and
thattbe signature ofRicardo Soler appearing on the. Agreement is his genuine signature.
RESPONDENTS COUNSEL
Approved as 10 form:
fi1:1i.~f}
Sullivan & Cromwell ILl'
125 Broad Street
NewYor~NY10004-2498
(212) 558-3121
SECURII1ES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
DIVISION OF ENFORCEMENT
tfl::t j 7, ;;<DIJ
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