Use these links to rapidly review the document
Pros Supp TOC
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

Table of Contents

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration No. 333-152069


CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE CHART

       
 
Title of each class of
securities offered

  Maximum aggregate
offering price

  Amount of
registration fee

 

4.875% Senior Notes due 2021

  $250,000,000   $17,825(1)

 

(1)
The filing fee of $17,825 is calculated in accordance with Rule 457(r) of the Securities Act of 1933

Table of Contents

Prospectus Supplement
(To Prospectus dated June 26, 2009)

$250,000,000

LOGO

Tyco Electronics Group S.A.

4.875% Senior Notes due 2021

Fully and unconditionally guaranteed, as described herein, by

Tyco Electronics Ltd.



        Interest on the notes will be payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on July 15, 2011. The notes will mature on January 15, 2021. Tyco Electronics Group S.A. ("TEGSA") may redeem some or all of the notes at any time before maturity at the "make-whole" price discussed under the caption "Description of the Notes and the Guarantee—Redemption at TEGSA's Option." As described under "Description of the Notes and the Guarantee—Change of Control Triggering Event," if we experience a change of control and a below investment grade rating event, we will be required to offer to purchase the notes from holders unless we have previously redeemed the notes.

        The notes will be unsecured senior obligations of TEGSA and will rank equally with all of TEGSA's other unsecured senior debt from time to time outstanding. The notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by Tyco Electronics Ltd. ("Tyco Electronics"), the parent of TEGSA.

        The notes will not be listed on any exchange or quoted on any automated dealer quotation system. Currently, there is no public market for the notes.

        Investing in the notes involves risks. See "Supplemental Risk Factors" beginning on page S-5 herein and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2010, filed November 10, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein, for a discussion of factors you should consider carefully before investing in the notes.

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.



   
 
  Per Note
  Total
 
   
Price to public(1)     99.422 %   $248,555,000  
   
Underwriting discounts     0.650 %   $1,625,000  
   
Proceeds to TEGSA (before expenses)(1)     98.772 %   $246,930,000  
   
(1)
Plus accrued interest, if any, from December 20, 2010, if settlement occurs after that date.

        The underwriters expect to deliver the notes in book-entry form through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, and its participants Clearstream Banking S.A. and Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., on or about December 20, 2010. Interest on the notes will accrue from the date of issuance.



Joint Book-Running Managers
BofA Merrill Lynch   Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Citi   Deutsche Bank Securities   J.P. Morgan   UBS Investment Bank

Co-Managers

Banca IMI   Barclays Capital   BNP PARIBAS   Mizuho Securities USA Inc.   Scotia Capital

December 15, 2010



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

About This Prospectus Supplement

 
S-ii

Forward-Looking Statements

 
S-ii

Where You Can Find More Information

 
S-iii

Incorporation By Reference

 
S-iii

Summary

 
S-1

Supplemental Risk Factors

 
S-5

Use of Proceeds

 
S-6

Capitalization

 
S-7

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 
S-8

Description of the Notes and the Guarantee

 
S-9

Luxembourg, Switzerland and U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

 
S-31

Benefit Plan Investor Considerations

 
S-38

Underwriting

 
S-40

Legal Matters

 
S-43

Experts

 
S-43

PROSPECTUS

About This Prospectus

 
1

Where You Can Find More Information

 
1

Incorporation By Reference

 
2

Business

 
2

Risk Factors

 
4

Forward-Looking Statements

 
4

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 
4

Use of Proceeds

 
5

Description of Securities

 
5

Plan of Distribution

 
5

Enforcement of Civil Liabilities

 
5

Legal Matters

 
6

Experts

 
6

S-i


Table of Contents

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

        This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into the accompanying prospectus. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, gives more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering.

        If the description of this offering or the notes varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement. You should also read and consider the additional information under the captions "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Incorporation by Reference" in this prospectus supplement.

        We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide you with any information or to make any representation other than those contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any free writing prospectus with respect to the offering. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any free writing prospectus with respect to the offering filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

        The underwriters are offering to sell, and are seeking offers to buy, the notes only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the offering of the notes in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus must inform themselves about and observe any restrictions relating to the offering of the notes and the distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus outside the United States. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offer or solicitation.

        Unless otherwise stated, or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus supplement to "we," "us" and "our" are to Tyco Electronics and its consolidated subsidiaries, including TEGSA.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        We have made forward-looking statements in this prospectus supplement that are based on our management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, potential growth opportunities, potential operating performance improvements, the effects of competition and the effects of future legislation or regulations. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words "believe," "expect," "plan," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "may" and "should" or the negative of these terms or similar expressions.

S-ii


Table of Contents

        Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

        The risk factors discussed under "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Tyco Electronics' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2010, and under similar headings in Tyco Electronics' subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K, as well as the other risks and uncertainties described in the other documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. There may be other risks and uncertainties that we are unable to predict at this time or that we currently do not expect to have a material adverse effect on our business. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements other than as required by law.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and, in accordance with these requirements, we file reports and other information relating to our business, financial condition and other matters with the SEC. We are required to disclose in such reports certain information, as of particular dates, concerning our operating results and financial condition, officers and directors, principal holders of shares, any material interests of such persons in transactions with us and other matters. Our filed reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.

        The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports and other information regarding registrants like us that file electronically with the SEC. The address of such site is: http://www.sec.gov. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning our business may also be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, NY 10005.

        Our Internet website is www.tycoelectronics.com. We make available free of charge on our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, reports filed pursuant to Section 16 and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials to the SEC. In addition, we have posted the charters for our Audit Committee, Management Development and Compensation Committee and Nominating, Governance and Compliance Committee, as well as our Board Governance Principles, under the heading "Board of Directors" in the Investors section of our website. Other than any documents expressly incorporated by reference, the information on our website and any other website that is referred to in this prospectus supplement is not part of this prospectus supplement.


INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

        The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information into this prospectus supplement, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to those documents. This prospectus supplement incorporates by reference the documents set forth below, which Tyco Electronics has filed with the SEC, and any future filings made by Tyco Electronics and TEGSA with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus supplement and before the termination of this offering. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless specifically stated to the contrary, none of the information that Tyco Electronics discloses under Item 2.02 or 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K or exhibits relating to such disclosure that it has furnished or may from time to time furnish to the SEC will be incorporated by reference into, or otherwise included in, this prospectus supplement. The information we file later with the SEC will automatically update and in some cases supersede the information in this prospectus supplement and the documents listed below.

S-iii


Table of Contents

        Upon your oral or written request, we will provide you with a copy of any of these filings at no cost. Requests should be directed to Corporate Secretary, Tyco Electronics Ltd., 1050 Westlakes Drive, Berwyn, PA 19312, Telephone No. (610) 893-9560.

S-iv


Table of Contents


SUMMARY

        This summary highlights information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

Tyco Electronics Ltd.

        We are a leading global technology company. We design, manufacture and market products for customers in a broad array of industries including automotive; data communications equipment and consumer electronics; telecommunications; aerospace, defense, and marine; medical; energy; and lighting. Our products are produced in approximately 90 manufacturing sites in over 20 countries. We have approximately 7,000 engineers and worldwide manufacturing, sales and customer service capabilities.

        During the fiscal year ended September 24, 2010, we conducted our business through four operating segments: Electronic Components, Network Solutions, Specialty Products and Subsea Communications.

        Effective for the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we reorganized our segments to further align the organization around our strategy. The businesses in the Specialty Products Group—Aerospace, Defense, and Marine; Medical Products; Circuit Protection; and Touch Systems—have been moved into other segments. Also, the Subsea Communications segment has been included within the Network Solutions segment. The following represents the new segment structure:

        Tyco Electronics is a Swiss company. Its registered and principal office is located at Rheinstrasse 20, CH-8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and its telephone number at that address is +41 (0)52 633 66 61. Its executive office in the United States is located at 1050 Westlakes Drive, Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312, and its telephone number at that address is (610) 893-9560.

Tyco Electronics Group S.A.

        TEGSA is a Luxembourg company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tyco Electronics. TEGSA's registered and principal office is located at 17, Boulevard de la Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, L-1331 Luxembourg, and its telephone number at that address is (352) 464-340-1. TEGSA is a holding company established to directly and indirectly own all of the operating subsidiaries of Tyco Electronics, to issue debt securities and to perform treasury operations for Tyco Electronics. Otherwise, it conducts no independent business.

Recent Developments

        On December 9, 2010, we announced the completion of the offer to purchase (the "Offer") all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of ADC, at a purchase price of $12.75 per share in

S-1


Table of Contents


cash, which was followed by a merger of Tyco Electronics Minnesota, Inc., our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, with and into ADC.

        The consummation of the Offer constituted a "Fundamental Change" under the indentures relating to ADC's 3.50% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2015 and 3.50% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2017 and a "Change in Control" under the indenture relating to ADC's Floating Rate Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2013 (collectively the "Convertible Notes"). As a result, holders of the Convertible Notes have the right (1) to require ADC to repurchase their Convertible Notes at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest on a date specified by ADC or (2) to convert their Convertible Notes pursuant to the applicable indenture for cash at the then applicable conversion rate under the applicable indenture, as may be adjusted under the applicable indenture.

        As of December 10, 2010, there was $650 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes outstanding.

S-2


Table of Contents

The Offering

Issuer

  Tyco Electronics Group S.A., or TEGSA.

Guarantor

 

The notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by Tyco Electronics Ltd., the parent of TEGSA.

Securities Offered

 

$250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.875% Senior Notes due 2021.

Maturity Date

 

January 15, 2021

Interest

 

Interest on the notes will accrue from their date of issuance at a rate of 4.875% per year and will be payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on July 15, 2011.

Ranking

 

The notes will be TEGSA's unsecured senior obligations and will rank equally in right of payment with all of its existing and future senior debt and senior to any subordinated indebtedness that TEGSA may incur.

Optional Redemption

 

TEGSA may redeem some or all of the notes at its option at any time at a redemption price equal to the greater of the principal amount of the notes and the make-whole price described in "Description of the Notes and the Guarantee—Redemption at TEGSA's Option," plus accrued and unpaid interest.

 

TEGSA may also redeem all, but not less than all, of the notes in the event of certain tax changes affecting the notes, as described in "Description of the Notes and the Guarantee—Redemption Upon Changes in Withholding Taxes."

Sinking Fund

 

None.

Denominations

 

The notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

Form of Notes

 

The notes will be issued as fully registered notes, represented by one or more global notes deposited with or on behalf of The Depository Trust Company, or DTC. Investors may elect to hold interests in the global notes through any of DTC or, in their capacity as participants in DTC, Clearstream or Euroclear.

Covenants

 

The indenture limits TEGSA's ability to create liens to secure certain indebtedness without also securing the notes and to enter into sale and lease-back transactions. The indenture also limits TEGSA's and Tyco Electronics' ability to consolidate, merge or transfer assets. The covenants are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions. See "Description of the Notes and the Guarantee—Covenants."

S-3


Table of Contents

Repurchase upon Change of Control Trigger Event

 

If Tyco Electronics Ltd. experiences a change of control (defined herein) and as a result of that change of control the notes are rated below investment grade (defined herein) by at least two of Moody's, S&P and Fitch (or the equivalent under any successor rating categories of Moody's, S&P and Fitch, respectively), TEGSA will be required to offer to repurchase all of the notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date. See "Description of the Notes and the Guarantee—Change of Control Triggering Event."

Use of Proceeds

 

The net proceeds from the offering will be approximately $245.9 million, after expenses and underwriting discounts. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of outstanding debt.

Risk Factors

 

Your investment in the notes will involve risks. You should consider carefully all of the information set forth in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any free writing prospectus with respect to this offering filed by us with the SEC and the documents incorporated by reference herein and, in particular, you should evaluate the specific factors set forth in the section of this prospectus supplement entitled "Supplemental Risk Factors" and the section entitled "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2010, filed November 10, 2010, before deciding whether to purchase any notes in this offering.

Listing

 

The notes will not be listed on any exchange or quoted on any automated dealer quotation system.

Governing Law

 

The notes will be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

Trustee

 

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas.

S-4


Table of Contents


SUPPLEMENTAL RISK FACTORS

        You should carefully consider the supplemental risks described below in addition to the risks described in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2010, filed on November 10, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein, as well as the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before investing in the notes. You could lose part or all of your investment.

There is no public market for the notes, and we do not know if an active trading market will ever develop or, if a market does develop, whether it will be sustained.

        The notes will constitute a new issue of securities for which there is no existing trading market. We do not intend to apply for listing or quotation of the notes on any securities exchange or stock market. We cannot assure you as to the development or liquidity of any trading market for the notes. The underwriters have advised us that they currently intend to make a market in the notes. However, the underwriters are not obligated to do so, and any market-making with respect to the notes may be discontinued at any time without notice. If no active trading market develops, you may be unable to resell your notes at any price or at their fair market value.

If a trading market does develop, changes in our credit ratings or the debt markets could adversely affect the market price of the notes.

        The price for the notes will depend on a number of factors, including:

        The condition of the financial markets and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future. Such fluctuations could have an adverse effect on the price of the notes.

        In addition, credit rating agencies continually review their ratings for the companies that they follow, including us. The credit rating agencies also evaluate the industries in which we operate as a whole and may change their credit rating for us based on their overall view of such industries. A negative change in our rating could have an adverse effect on the price of the notes.

S-5


Table of Contents


USE OF PROCEEDS

        The net proceeds from the offering will be approximately $245.9 million, after expenses and underwriting discounts. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of outstanding debt.

S-6


Table of Contents


CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth our capitalization as of September 24, 2010 on an unaudited historical basis and as adjusted to give effect to the sale of the $250.0 million principal amount of notes offered hereby.

        You should read this information in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2010, filed November 10, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein.

 
  September 24, 2010  
(In millions)
  Historical   As adjusted  

Indebtedness:

             
 

Short-term borrowings:

             
   

Commercial paper

  $ 100   $ 100  
   

Other

    6     6  
           
 

Total short-term borrowings

    106     106  
           
 

Long-term debt and obligations under capital lease:

             
   

Notes offered hereby (par amount)

        250  
   

6.00% senior notes due 2012

    719     719  
   

5.95% senior notes due 2014

    300     300  
   

6.55% senior notes due 2017

    740     740  
   

7.125% senior notes due 2037

    475     475  
   

Unsecured senior revolving credit facility

         
   

Other

    73     73  
           
 

Total long-term debt

    2,307     2,557  
           

Total Indebtedness

    2,413     2,663  

Shareholders' Equity

    7,056     7,056  
           

Total Capitalization

  $ 9,469   $ 9,719  
           

S-7


Table of Contents


RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The following table sets forth information regarding our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods shown. For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of income from continuing operations before income taxes, plus distributed income of equity investees, fixed charges and amortization of capitalized interest, less interest capitalized. Fixed charges consist of interest expensed and capitalized and a portion of rent expense, which represents an appropriate interest factor.

Fiscal  
2010   2009   2008   2007   2006  
  9.50     (1)   9.75     1.88     5.63  

(1)
In fiscal 2009, fixed charges exceeded earnings by $3,660 million.

S-8


Table of Contents


DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEE

        The descriptions in this prospectus supplement contain a description of the material terms of the notes and the indenture but do not purport to be complete. Reference is hereby made to the indenture, the fifth supplemental indenture and the form of note that are filed as exhibits to the registration statement or will be incorporated by reference therein of which this prospectus supplement forms a part and to the Trust Indenture Act.

        The notes will be issued under the indenture, dated as of September 25, 2007, as supplemented by the fifth supplemental indenture, to be dated as of December 20, 2010, among Tyco Electronics Group S.A., Tyco Electronics Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee. References to the indenture in this description refer to the indenture as supplemented by the fifth supplemental indenture. In this description of the notes and the guarantee, we refer to Tyco Electronics Group S.A., the issuer of the notes, as TEGSA, and to Tyco Electronics Ltd., the guarantor of the notes, as TEL. References to TEL in this description refer to Tyco Electronics Ltd., not including its consolidated subsidiaries.

        The indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that may be issued thereunder. TEGSA may issue additional debt securities in the future without the consent of the holders of outstanding notes. If TEGSA issues additional notes of the series offered hereby, those notes will contain the same terms as and be deemed part of the same series as the series of notes offered hereby. The terms and provisions of other series of debt securities that may be issued under the indenture may differ. TEGSA may issue other debt securities separately, upon conversion of or in exchange for other securities or as part of a unit with other securities.

        The following description is subject to the detailed provisions of the indenture, copies of which can be obtained upon request from Tyco Electronics. See "Incorporation by Reference." The statements made in this section relating to the indenture, the notes and the guarantee are summaries, are not complete and are subject to all provisions of the indenture, the notes and the guarantee. For a full description of the notes and the guarantee, you should refer to the indenture.

General

        TEGSA will issue the notes in an initial aggregate principal amount of $250,000,000 of 4.875% Senior Notes due 2021. The notes will mature on January 15, 2021. The notes will be in registered form without coupons in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The notes will be TEGSA's direct, unconditional, unsecured and unsubordinated general obligations. The notes will rank equally among themselves, without any preference of one over another. The notes will be unsubordinated and unsecured obligations ranking equally with all of TEGSA's existing and future unsubordinated and unsecured obligations. Claims of holders of the notes will be effectively subordinated to the claims of holders of TEGSA's secured debt, if any, with respect to the collateral securing such claims.

        TEGSA is a holding company and it conducts substantially all of its operations through its subsidiaries. TEGSA's rights and the rights of its creditors, including holders of the notes, to participate in any distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon a liquidation or reorganization or otherwise of such subsidiary will be effectively subordinated to the claims of the subsidiary's creditors, except to the extent that TEGSA or any of its creditors may itself be a creditor of that subsidiary.

        The notes will bear interest at the rate of 4.875% per year from the date of issuance or from the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for. Interest on the notes will be payable on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing July 15, 2011, to the holders of record at the close of business on the January 1 and July 1 prior to each interest payment date.

S-9


Table of Contents


Interest on the notes will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. All dollar amounts resulting from this calculation will be rounded to the nearest cent.

        If any interest payment date, redemption date or maturity date would otherwise be a day that is not a business day, the related payment of principal and interest will be made on the next succeeding business day as if it were made on the date such payment was due. No interest will accrue on the amounts so payable for the period from and after such date to the date of such payment on the next succeeding business day.

        The notes will not be subject to any sinking fund.

Guarantee

        TEL will unconditionally guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the notes, when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at maturity, upon redemption, by acceleration or otherwise. TEL's guarantee is the unsecured, unsubordinated obligation of TEL and ranks equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of TEL. The guarantee provides that in the event of a default in payment on a note, the holder of the note may institute legal proceedings directly against TEL to enforce the guarantee without first proceeding against TEGSA.

Redemption at TEGSA's Option

        The notes will be redeemable as a whole or in part, solely at TEGSA's option, at any time, at a redemption price equal to the greater of:

        For purposes of this section "Redemption at TEGSA's Option," the following terms have the following meanings:

        "Adjusted Redemption Treasury Rate" with respect to any redemption date means the rate equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity or interpolated (on a 30/360 day count basis) yield to maturity of the Comparable Redemption Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Redemption Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Redemption Treasury Price for such redemption date.

        "Comparable Redemption Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security selected by the Quotation Agent as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the notes to be redeemed that will be utilized at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such notes.

        "Comparable Redemption Treasury Price" with respect to any redemption date means:

S-10


Table of Contents

        "Quotation Agent" means a Redemption Reference Treasury Dealer appointed as such agent by TEGSA.

        "Redemption Reference Treasury Dealer" means four primary U.S. Government securities dealers in the United States selected by TEGSA.

        "Redemption Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" with respect to each Redemption Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date means the average, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of the bid and offer prices at 11:00 a.m. New York City time for the Comparable Redemption Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) for settlement on the redemption date quoted in writing to the Quotation Agent by such Redemption Reference Treasury Dealer on the third business day preceding such redemption date.

Redemption Upon Changes in Withholding Taxes

        TEGSA may redeem all, but not less than all, of the notes under the following conditions:

S-11


Table of Contents

        Upon the occurrence of each of the bullet points above, TEGSA may redeem the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued interest, if any, to the redemption date.

Notice of Redemption

        Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 90 days before the redemption date to each holder of notes to be redeemed. If TEGSA elects to redeem a portion but not all of the notes, the trustee will select in a fair and appropriate manner the notes to be redeemed.

        Unless TEGSA defaults in payment of the redemption price and accrued and unpaid interest on the notes to be redeemed, on and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on such notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

        If any redemption date would otherwise be a day that is not a business day, the related payment of principal and interest will be made on the next succeeding business day as if it were made on the date such payment was due, and no interest will accrue on the amounts so payable for the period from and after such date to the next succeeding business day.

Payment of Additional Amounts

        Unless otherwise required by law, neither TEGSA nor TEL will deduct or withhold from payments made with respect to the notes and the guarantee on account of any present or future taxes, duties, levies, imposts, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature imposed or levied by or on behalf of any Taxing Jurisdiction ("Taxes"). In the event that TEGSA or TEL is required to withhold or deduct any amount for or on account of any Taxes from any payment made under or with respect to any notes or the guarantee, as the case may be, TEGSA or TEL, as the case may be, will pay such additional amounts so that the net amount received by each holder of notes, including the additional amounts, will equal the amount that such holder would have received if such Taxes had not been required to be withheld or deducted. However, additional amounts will not be paid with respect to a payment to a holder of notes where such holder is subject to taxation on such payment by a relevant Taxing Jurisdiction for any reason other than the holder's mere ownership of a note, nor will we pay additional amounts for or on the account of:

S-12


Table of Contents

        Additional Amounts also will not be payable to a holder of a note that is a fiduciary, partnership, limited liability company or other fiscally transparent entity, or to a beneficial owner of a note that is not the sole beneficial owner of such note, as the case may be. This exception, however, will apply only to the extent that a beneficiary or settlor with respect to the fiduciary, or a beneficial owner or member of the partnership, limited liability company or other fiscally transparent entity, would not have been entitled to the payment of an additional amount had the beneficiary, settlor, beneficial owner or member received directly its beneficial or distributive share of the payment.

        We refer to the amounts that TEGSA or TEL are required to pay on account of Taxes to preserve the net amount receivable by the holders of notes as "Additional Amounts." Whenever in the indenture, the notes, the guarantee or in this "Description of the Notes and the Guarantee" there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of principal, premium, if any, redemption price, interest or any other amount payable under or with respect to any note, such mention includes the payment of Additional Amounts to the extent payable in the particular context. The foregoing provisions will survive any termination or the discharge of the indenture and will apply to any jurisdiction in which any successor to TEGSA or TEL, as the case may be, is organized or is engaged in business for tax purposes or any political subdivision or taxing authority or agency thereof or therein.

S-13


Table of Contents

        Each of TEGSA and TEL, as applicable, also:

        At least 30 days prior to each date on which any payment under or with respect to the notes or the guarantee is due and payable, if TEGSA or TEL will be obligated to pay Additional Amounts with respect to such payment, TEGSA or TEL will deliver to the trustee an officer's certificate stating the fact that such Additional Amounts will be payable, the amounts so payable and such other information as is necessary to enable the trustee to pay such Additional Amounts to holders of the notes on the payment date.

        In addition, TEGSA will pay any stamp, issue, registration, documentary or other similar taxes and duties, including interest, penalties and Additional Amounts with respect thereto, payable in Luxembourg or the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority of or in the foregoing in respect of the creation, issue, offering, enforcement, redemption or retirement of the notes.

Change of Control Triggering Event

        Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event with respect to a series of notes, unless TEGSA has exercised its right to redeem such notes as described under "—Redemption at TEGSA's Option" or "—Redemption Upon Changes in Withholding Taxes," each holder of such notes will have the right to require that TEGSA purchase all or a portion of such holder's notes pursuant to the offer described below (the "Change of Control Offer"), at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.

        Within 30 days following the date upon which the Change of Control Triggering Event occurred, or at TEGSA's option, prior to any Change of Control, but after the public announcement of the Change of Control, TEGSA must send, by first class mail, a notice to each holder of the notes, with a copy to the trustee, which notice shall govern the terms of the Change of Control Offer. Such notice shall state, among other things, the purchase date, which must be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed, other than as may be required by law (the "Change of Control Payment Date"). The notice, if mailed prior to the date of consummation of the Change of Control, shall state that the Change of Control Offer is conditioned on the Change of Control Triggering Event occurring on or prior to the Change of Control Payment Date. Holders of notes electing to have notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender their notes, with the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse of the note completed, or transfer their notes by book-entry transfer, to the paying agent at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third business day prior to the Change of Control Payment Date.

        TEGSA will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer if a third party makes such an offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements for such an offer made by TEGSA and such third party purchases all notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under its offer.

S-14


Table of Contents

        Consummation of any such transaction in certain circumstances may require redemption or repurchase of the notes, and TEGSA or the acquiring party may not have sufficient financial resources to effect such redemption or repurchase. Provisions in the indenture relating to a Change of Control Triggering Event may, in certain circumstances, make it more difficult or discourage any leveraged buyout of TEL or any of its subsidiaries. The indenture may not afford the holders of notes protection in all circumstances from the adverse aspects of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, restructuring, merger or similar transaction.

        TEGSA will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer. To the extent that any securities laws or regulations conflict with the "Change of Control" provisions of the indenture, TEGSA shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall be deemed not to have breached its obligations under the "Change of Control" provisions of the indenture by virtue thereof.

        "Below Investment Grade Rating Event" means the notes are rated below an Investment Grade Rating by at least two of the Rating Agencies on any date from the date of the public notice of an arrangement that could result in a Change of Control until the end of the 60-day period following public notice of the occurrence of the Change of Control (which 60-day period shall be extended so long as the rating of such notes is under publicly-announced consideration for possible downgrade by any of the Rating Agencies); provided that a Below Investment Grade Rating Event otherwise arising by virtue of a particular reduction in rating shall be deemed not to have occurred in respect of a particular Change of Control (and thus shall be deemed not to be a Below Investment Grade Rating Event for purposes of the definition of Change of Control Triggering Event) if the rating agencies making the reduction in rating to which this definition would otherwise apply do not announce or publicly confirm or inform the trustee in writing at its request that the reduction was the result, in whole or in part, of any event or circumstance comprised of or arising as a result of, or in respect of, the applicable Change of Control (whether or not the applicable Change of Control shall have occurred at the time of the Below Investment Grade Rating Event).

        "Change of Control Triggering Event" means the occurrence of both a Change of Control and a Below Investment Grade Rating Event.

        "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following events:

S-15


Table of Contents

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction effected to create a holding company for TEL will not be deemed to involve a Change of Control if: (1) pursuant to such transaction TEL becomes a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of such holding company; and (2) the direct or indirect holders of the voting stock of such holding company immediately following that transaction are substantially the same as the holders of TEL's voting stock immediately prior to that transaction. Following any such transaction, references in this definition to TEL shall be deemed to refer to such holding company. For purposes of this definition, "voting stock" of any specified "person" (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) as of any date means the capital stock of such person that is at the time entitled to vote generally in the election of the board of directors of such person.

        "Fitch" means Fitch Ratings Ltd.

        "Investment Grade Rating" means a rating equal to or higher than BBB- (or the equivalent) by Fitch, Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody's and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P.

        "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Services Inc.

        "Rating Agencies" means (1) each of Fitch, Moody's and S&P; and (2) if any of Fitch, Moody's or S&P ceases to rate the notes or fails to make a rating of the notes publicly available for reasons outside of our control, a "nationally recognized statistical rating organization" within the meaning of Rule 15c3-1(c)(2)(vi)(F) under the Exchange Act, selected by TEGSA (as certified by a resolution of TEGSA's Board of Directors) as a replacement agency for Fitch, Moody's or S&P, or all of them, as the case may be.

        "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Covenants

        Under the indenture, TEGSA will:

        The indenture provides that so long as any of the notes remain outstanding (but subject to defeasance, as provided in the indenture), TEGSA will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, issue, assume or guarantee any Indebtedness that is secured by a mortgage, pledge, security interest, lien or encumbrance (each a "lien") upon any property that at the time of such issuance, assumption or guarantee constitutes a Principal Property, and TEGSA will not, and will not permit any U.S. subsidiary that at the time of such issuance, assumption or guarantee is a Qualifying

S-16


Table of Contents

Subsidiary to, issue, assume or guarantee any Indebtedness that is secured by a lien upon such Qualifying Subsidiary's Accounts Receivable, or any shares of stock of or Indebtedness issued by any such Restricted Subsidiary or such Qualifying Subsidiary, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in each case without effectively providing that, for so long as such lien shall continue in existence with respect to such secured Indebtedness, the notes (together with, if TEGSA determines, any other Indebtedness of TEGSA ranking equally with the notes, it being understood that for purposes hereof, Indebtedness which is secured by a lien and Indebtedness which is not so secured shall not, solely by reason of such lien, be deemed to be of different ranking) shall be equally and ratably secured by a lien ranking ratably with or equal to (or at TEGSA's option prior to) such secured Indebtedness. The foregoing covenant shall not apply to:

S-17


Table of Contents

S-18


Table of Contents

        Although this covenant limits TEGSA's and any Restricted Subsidiary's or Qualifying Subsidiary's ability to incur indebtedness that is secured by liens on the shares of stock of or indebtedness issued by any Restricted Subsidiary or Qualifying Subsidiary, it would not prevent other of our subsidiaries from incurring Indebtedness secured by liens on shares of stock of or Indebtedness issued by Restricted Subsidiaries or Qualifying Subsidiary.

        The indenture provides that so long as any of the notes remain outstanding (but subject to defeasance, as provided in the indenture), TEGSA will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction unless:

        For purposes of this section "Negative Covenants," the following terms have the following meanings:

        "Accounts Receivable" of any person means the accounts receivable of such person generated by the sale of inventory to third-party customers in the ordinary course of business.

        "Attributable Debt" in connection with a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction, as of any particular time, means the aggregate of present values (discounted at a rate that, at the inception of the lease, represents the effective interest rate that the lessee would have incurred to borrow over a similar term the funds necessary to purchase the leased assets) of the obligations of TEGSA or any Restricted Subsidiary for net rental payments during the remaining term of the applicable lease, including any period for which such lease has been extended or, at the option of the lessor, may be extended. The term "net rental payments" under any lease of any period shall mean the sum of the rental and other payments required to be paid in such period by the lessee thereunder, not including any amounts required to be paid by such lessee, whether or not designated as rental or additional rental, on account

S-19


Table of Contents


of maintenance and repairs, reconstruction, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges required to be paid by such lessee thereunder or any amounts required to be paid by such lessee thereunder contingent upon the amount of sales, maintenance and repairs, reconstruction, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges.

        "Consolidated Net Worth" at any date means total assets less total liabilities, in each case appearing on the most recently prepared consolidated balance sheet of TEL and its subsidiaries as of the end of a fiscal quarter of TEL, prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles as in effect on the date of the consolidated balance sheet.

        "Consolidated Tangible Assets" at any date means total assets less all intangible assets appearing on the most recently prepared consolidated balance sheet of TEL and its subsidiaries as of the end of a fiscal quarter of TEL, prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles as in effect on the date of the consolidated balance sheet. "Intangible assets" means the amount (if any) stated under the heading "Intangible Assets, Net" or under any other heading of intangible assets separately listed, in each case on the face of such consolidated balance sheet.

        "Funded Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness maturing by its terms more than one year from the date of the determination thereof, including any Indebtedness renewable or extendible at the option of the obligor to a date later than one year from the date of the determination thereof.

        "Indebtedness" means, without duplication, the principal amount (such amount being the face amount or, with respect to original issue discount bonds or zero coupon notes, bonds or debentures or similar securities, determined based on the accreted amount as of the date of the most recently prepared consolidated balance sheet of TEL and its subsidiaries as of the end of a fiscal quarter of TEL prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles as in effect on the date of such consolidated balance sheet) of (i) all obligations for borrowed money, (ii) all obligations evidenced by debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (iii) all obligations in respect of letters of credit or bankers' acceptances or similar instruments or reimbursement obligations with respect thereto (such instruments to constitute Indebtedness only to the extent that the outstanding reimbursement obligations in respect thereof are collateralized by cash or cash equivalents reflected as assets on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles), (iv) all obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services, except (A) trade and similar accounts payable and accrued expenses, (B) employee compensation, deferred compensation and pension obligations, and other obligations arising from employee benefit programs and agreements or other similar employment arrangements, (C) obligations in respect of customer advances received and (D) obligations in connection with earnout and holdback agreements, in each case in the ordinary course of business, (v) all obligations as lessee to the extent capitalized in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, and (vi) all Indebtedness of others consolidated in such balance sheet that is guaranteed by TEGSA or any of its subsidiaries or for which TEGSA or any of its subsidiaries is legally responsible or liable (whether by agreement to purchase indebtedness of, or to supply funds or to invest in, others).

        "Principal Property" means any U.S. manufacturing, processing or assembly plant or any U.S. warehouse or distribution facility of TEL or any of its subsidiaries that is used by any U.S. subsidiary of TEGSA and (A) is owned by TEL or any subsidiary of TEL on the date hereof, (B) the initial construction of which has been completed after the date hereof, or (C) is acquired after the date hereof, in each case, other than any such plants, facilities, warehouses or portions thereof, that in the opinion of the Board of Directors of TEGSA, are not collectively of material importance to the total business conducted by TEL and its subsidiaries as an entirety, or that has a net book value (excluding any capitalized interest expense), on the date hereof in the case of clause (A) of this definition, on the date of completion of the initial construction in the case of clause (B) of this definition or on the date of acquisition in the case of clause (C) of this definition, of less than the greater of $50,000,000 and

S-20


Table of Contents


0.50% of Consolidated Tangible Assets on the consolidated balance sheet of TEL and its subsidiaries as of the applicable date.

        "Qualifying Subsidiary" means a U.S. subsidiary, the total Accounts Receivable of which exceeds the greater of $2.5 million and 0.20% of the amount stated under the heading "Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts," or equivalent, appearing on the most recently prepared consolidated balance sheet of TEL and its subsidiaries as of the end of a fiscal quarter of TEL, prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.

        "Restricted Subsidiary" means any subsidiary of TEGSA that owns or leases a Principal Property.

        "Sale and Lease-Back Transaction" means an arrangement with any person providing for the leasing by TEGSA or a Restricted Subsidiary of any Principal Property whereby such Principal Property has been or is to be sold or transferred by TEGSA or a Restricted Subsidiary to such person other than TEL, TEGSA or any of their respective subsidiaries; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to any such arrangement involving a lease for a term, including renewal rights, for not more than three years.

Limitation on TEL's and TEGSA's Ability to Consolidate, Merge and Sell Assets

        The indenture provides that neither TEGSA nor TEL will merge or consolidate with any other person and will not sell or convey all or substantially all of its assets to any person, unless:

Events of Default

        The following are events of default under the indenture with respect to the notes:

S-21


Table of Contents

        For purposes of this section "Events of Default," the following terms have the following meanings:

        "Indebtedness" has the definition given to it in the section "Negative Covenants."

        "Non-Recourse Indebtedness" means Indebtedness upon the enforcement of which recourse may be had by the holder(s) thereof only to identified assets of TEL or TEGSA or any subsidiary of TEL or TEGSA and not to TEL or TEGSA or any subsidiary of TEL or TEGSA personally (subject to, for

S-22


Table of Contents


the avoidance of doubt, customary exceptions contained in non-recourse financings to the non-recourse nature of the obligations thereunder).

        Any failure to perform, or breach of, any covenant or agreement of TEL or TEGSA in respect of the notes and the guarantee with respect to the filing with the trustee of the information filed or required to be filed with the SEC shall not be a default or an Event of Default. Remedies against TEL and TEGSA for any such failure or breach will be limited to liquidated damages. If there is such a failure or breach and continuance of such failure or breach for a period of 90 days after the date on which there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to TEL and TEGSA by the trustee or to TEL, TEGSA and the trustee by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series, a written notice specifying such failure or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Reporting Noncompliance" under the indenture, TEGSA will pay liquidated damages to all holders of notes, at a rate per year equal to 0.25% of the principal amount of such notes from the 90th day following such notice to and including the 150th day following such notice and at a rate per year equal to 0.5% of the principal amount of such Securities from and including the 151st day following such notice, until such failure or breach is cured.

        In any event of default with respect to the notes, unless the principal of all such notes has already become due and payable, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes of such series, by notice in writing to TEGSA and TEL, and to the trustee if notice is given by such holders, may declare the unpaid principal of all such notes to be due and payable immediately.

        The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes of a series may waive any default in the performance of any of the covenants contained in the indenture with respect to the notes of such series and its consequences, except a default regarding payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest. Any such waiver shall cure such default.

        Subject to the terms of the indenture, if an event of default under the indenture shall occur and be continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the notes if the trustee determines in good faith that the proceeding could result in personal liability. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes of a series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, with respect to the notes of such series, provided that:

        A holder of the notes will only have the right to institute a proceeding under the indenture or to appoint a receiver or trustee, or to seek other remedies if:

S-23


Table of Contents

        The right of any holder to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest or to institute a suit for such payment shall not be impaired without the consent of such holder.

Modification of the Indenture

        TEGSA, TEL and the trustee may enter into a supplemental indenture or indentures without the consent of any holders of the notes with respect to certain matters, including:

        In addition, under the indenture, the rights of holders may be changed by TEGSA, TEL and the trustee with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series at the time outstanding that are affected. However, the

S-24


Table of Contents


following changes may only be made with the consent of each holder of outstanding debt securities affected:

        An amendment of a provision included solely for the benefit of one or more series of debt securities does not affect the interests of the holders of any other series of debt securities.

        It will not be necessary for the consent of the holders to approve the particular form of any proposed supplement, amendment or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if the consent approves the substance of it.

Information Concerning the Trustee

        Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, an affiliate of one of the underwriters, serves as trustee under the indenture. Pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act, if a default occurs with respect to any series of the notes, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas would be required to resign as trustee within 90 days of default unless such default were cured, duly waived or otherwise eliminated.

        The trustee, upon an event of default under the indenture, must use the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. The trustee is not required to spend or risk its own money or otherwise become financially liable while performing its duties if there is reasonable ground for believing that the repayment of such funds or liability is not reasonably assured to it under the terms of the indenture or adequate indemnity against such risk is not reasonably assured it.

        The trustee may resign with respect to one or more series of debt securities by giving a written notice to TEGSA and to the holders of that series of debt securities. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a particular series may remove the trustee by notifying TEGSA and the trustee. TEGSA may remove the trustee if:

S-25


Table of Contents

        If the trustee resigns or is removed or if the office of the trustee is otherwise vacant, TEGSA will appoint a successor trustee in accordance with the provisions of the indenture.

        A resignation or removal of the trustee and appointment of a successor trustee shall become effective only upon the successor trustee's acceptance of the appointment as provided in the indenture.

Payment and Paying Agents

        The interest on the notes on any interest payment date will be paid to the person in whose name such notes (or one or more predecessor notes) are registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest.

        TEGSA may appoint one or more paying agents, other than the trustee, for all or any series of the debt securities. The debt securities of a particular series will be surrendered for payment at the office of the paying agents designated by TEGSA. If TEGSA does not designate such an office, the corporate trust office of the trustee will serve as the office of the paying agent for such series.

        All funds paid by TEL or TEGSA to a paying agent or the trustee for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the notes which remains unclaimed at the end of one year after such principal, premium, if any, or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to TEL or TEGSA, as the case may be, and the holder of the notes thereafter may look only to TEL and TEGSA for payment thereof.

Governing Law

        The indenture and the notes are deemed to be a contract made under the internal laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes will be construed in accordance with the laws of New York without regard to conflicts of laws principles that would require the application of any other law except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act is applicable.

Satisfaction and Discharge

        TEGSA's obligations with respect to the notes will be discharged upon TEL or TEGSA's irrevocable deposit with the trustee, in trust, of funds or governmental obligations sufficient to pay at maturity within one year or upon redemption within one year all of such notes which have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation, including:

        Notwithstanding the above, TEGSA may not be discharged from the following obligations which will survive until such notes mature:

        TEGSA also may not be discharged from the following obligations which will survive the satisfaction and discharge of such notes:

S-26


Table of Contents

Defeasance of Covenants Under Certain Circumstances

        Upon compliance with specified conditions, TEGSA will not be required to comply with some covenants contained in the indenture and the fifth supplemental indenture, and any omission to comply with the obligations will not constitute a default or event of default relating to such notes, or, if applicable, TEGSA's obligations with respect to such notes will be discharged. These conditions include:

Compliance Certificates and Opinions of Counsel

        The indenture requires TEL or TEGSA to furnish the following to the trustee under certain circumstances:

S-27


Table of Contents

Trustee

        Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas will serve as the trustee for the notes. The address of the corporate trust office of the trustee is 60 Wall Street, 27th Floor, New York, New York 10005.

Agent for Service of Process

        Our agent for service of process in the State of New York for any action relating to the indenture or the notes is CT Corporation System, which currently maintains a New York City office at 111 Eighth Ave., 13th Floor, New York, New York 10011.

Book-Entry, Delivery and Form

        The notes will be issued in registered, global form in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Notes will be issued at the closing of this offering only against payment in immediately available funds.

        The notes initially will be represented by one or more notes in registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively, the "Global Notes"). The Global Notes will be deposited upon issuance with the trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), in New York, New York, and registered in the name of DTC's nominee, Cede & Co., in each case for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant in DTC as described below. Global Notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the Global Notes may be held through the Euroclear System ("Euroclear") and Clearstream Banking, S.A. ("Clearstream") (as indirect participants in DTC).

        Beneficial interests in the Global Notes may not be exchanged for notes in certificated form ("Certificated Notes") except in the limited circumstances described below. See "—Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated Notes."

        Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC and its direct or indirect participants (including, if applicable, those of Euroclear and Clearstream), which may change from time to time.

        A Global Note is exchangeable for Certificated Notes in minimum denominations of $2,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof if:

        In all cases, Certificated Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests in Global Notes will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the depositary (in accordance with its customary procedures).

S-28


Table of Contents

        The following description of the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream are provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of the respective settlement systems and are subject to changes by them. TEGSA takes no responsibility for these operations and procedures and urges investors to contact the system or their participants directly to discuss these matters.

        DTC has advised TEGSA that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the "Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities between the Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations (including Euroclear and Clearstream) and certain other organizations. Access to DTC's system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the "Indirect Participants"). Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the Indirect Participants. The ownership interests in, and transfers of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of the Participants and Indirect Participants. Euroclear and Clearstream will hold interests in the Global Notes on behalf of their participants through customers' securities accounts in their respective names on the books of their respective depositories, which are Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. as operator of Euroclear, and Citibank, N.A., as operator of Clearstream.

        DTC has also advised TEGSA that, pursuant to procedures established by it:

        The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Note to such persons will be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of the Participants, which in turn act on behalf of the Indirect Participants, the ability of a person having beneficial interests in a Global Note to pledge such interests to persons that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests.

        Except as described above, owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will not have notes registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery of notes in certificated form and will not be considered the registered owners or "Holders" thereof under the indenture for any purpose.

        Payments in respect of the principal of, and interest and premium, if any, on a Global Note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be payable to DTC in its capacity as the registered holder of the notes under the indenture. Under the terms of the indenture, TEGSA and the trustee will treat the persons in whose names the notes, including the Global Notes, are registered as the owners of the notes for the purpose of receiving payments and for all other purposes. Consequently, neither TEGSA, the trustees nor any of TEGSA's or the trustees' agents have or will have any responsibility or liability for:

S-29


Table of Contents

        DTC has advised TEGSA that its current practice, upon receipt of any payment in respect of securities such as the notes, is to credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with the payment on the payment date unless DTC has reason to believe it will not receive payment on such payment date. Each relevant Participant is credited with an amount proportionate to its beneficial ownership of an interest in the principal amount of the relevant security as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by the Participants and the Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of notes will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of the Participants or the Indirect Participants and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the trustee or TEGSA. Neither TEGSA nor the trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or any of the Participants or the Indirect Participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the notes, and TEGSA and the trustee may conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes.

        Transfers between the Participants will be effected in accordance with DTC's procedures and will be settled in same-day funds, and transfers between participants in Euroclear and Clearstream will be effected in accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.

        Cross-market transfers between the Participants in DTC, on the one hand, and Euroclear and Clearstream participants, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTC's rules on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by its respective depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by the counterparty in such system in accordance with the rules and procedures and within the established deadlines (Brussels time) of such system. Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its respective depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in the relevant Global Note in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear participants and Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositories for Euroclear and Clearstream.

        DTC has advised TEGSA that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes only at the direction of one or more Participants to whose account DTC has credited the interests in the Global Notes and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the notes as to which such Participant or Participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an event of default under the notes, DTC reserves the right to exchange the Global Notes for Certificated Notes, and to distribute such notes to the Participants.

        Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of interests in the Global Notes among participants in DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, they are under no obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and may discontinue such procedures at any time. None of TEGSA, the trustee or any of their respective agents will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

S-30


Table of Contents


LUXEMBOURG, SWITZERLAND AND U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Luxembourg

        The following information is of a general nature only and is based on the laws currently in force in Luxembourg. It does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all tax implications that might be relevant to an investment decision. Holders of notes who are in doubt as to their tax position should consult a professional tax adviser.

        Under Luxembourg general tax laws currently in force and subject to the laws of June 21, 2005 mentioned below, there is no withholding tax on payments of principal, premium or interest made to non-resident holders of notes, nor on accrued but unpaid interest in respect of the notes, nor is any Luxembourg withholding tax payable upon redemption or repurchase of the notes held by non-resident holders of notes.

        Under the laws implementing the Council Directive 2003/48/EC of June 3, 2003 on taxation of savings income in the form of interest payments and ratifying the treaties entered into by Luxembourg and certain dependent and associated territories of European Union Member States, known as the Territories, payments of interest or similar income made or ascribed by a paying agent established in Luxembourg to or for the immediate benefit of an individual beneficial owner or a residual entity, as defined by the laws of June 21, 2005, which is a resident of, or established in, a European Union Member State, other than Luxembourg, or one of the Territories will be subject to a withholding tax unless the relevant recipient has adequately instructed the relevant paying agent to provide details of the relevant payments of interest or similar income to the fiscal authorities of his country of residence or establishment, or, in the case of an individual beneficial owner, has provided a tax certificate issued by the fiscal authorities of his country of residence in the required format to the relevant paying agent. Where withholding tax is applied, it is currently levied at a rate of 20% and will be levied at a rate of 35% after July 1, 2011. Responsibility for the withholding of the tax will be assumed by the Luxembourg paying agent. Payments of interest under the notes coming within the scope of the laws would at present be subject to withholding tax of 20%.

        Under Luxembourg general tax laws currently in force and subject to the law of December 23, 2005 mentioned below, there is no withholding tax on payments of principal, premium or interest made to Luxembourg resident holders of notes, nor on accrued but unpaid interest in respect of notes, nor is any Luxembourg withholding tax payable upon redemption or repurchase of notes held by Luxembourg resident holders of notes.

        Under this law, payments of interest or similar income made or ascribed by a paying agent established in Luxembourg to, or for the immediate benefit of, an individual beneficial owner who is resident of Luxembourg will be subject to a withholding tax of 10%. Such withholding tax will be in full discharge of income tax if the beneficial owner is an individual acting in the course of the management of his or her private wealth. Responsibility for the withholding of the tax will be assumed by the Luxembourg paying agent. Payments of interest under the notes coming within the scope of the law would be subject to withholding tax of 10%.

        A corporate holder of notes who is a resident of Luxembourg for tax purposes, or who has a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business in Luxembourg to which the notes are

S-31


Table of Contents

attributable, is subject to Luxembourg corporation taxes in respect of the interest paid or accrued on the notes.

        Gains realized by a corporate holder of notes who is a resident of Luxembourg for tax purposes or who has a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business in Luxembourg to which the notes are attributable, on the sale or disposal of the notes, are subject to Luxembourg corporation taxes.

        A Luxembourg holder of notes that is governed by the law on pure holding companies and on family estate management companies or by the laws on regulated investment funds and on specialized investment funds or by the law on venture capital companies will not be subject to any Luxembourg income tax in respect of interest received or accrued on the notes, or on gains realized on the sale or disposal of notes.

        Gains realized by a non-resident holder of notes who does not have a permanent establishment or fixed place of business in Luxembourg to which the notes are attributable, on the sale or disposal of notes, are not subject to Luxembourg income tax.

        Under present Luxembourg tax laws, a holder of notes who is a resident of Luxembourg for tax purposes, or a non-resident holder of notes who has a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business in Luxembourg to which the notes are attributable, has to take into account the notes for purposes of the Luxembourg wealth tax, with the exception of certain holders falling within the laws on pure holding companies, on family estate management companies, on regulated investment funds, on specialized investment funds, on securitization companies and on venture capital companies. There is, however, no wealth tax for individuals.

        An individual holder of notes who is a resident of Luxembourg for tax purposes, is subject to income tax in respect of interest paid on the notes, except where such interest has been subject to withholding tax under the law.

        Under Luxembourg tax laws, a gain realized by an individual holder of notes who acts in the course of the management of his private wealth and who is a resident of Luxembourg for tax purposes, on the sale or disposal of the notes is not subject to Luxembourg income tax, provided this sale or disposal took place at least six months after the acquisition of the notes. An individual holder of notes, who acts in the course of the management of his private wealth and who is a resident of Luxembourg for tax purposes, has further to include the portion of the gain corresponding to accrued but unpaid income in respect of the notes in his taxable income, except where such interest has been subject to withholding tax under the law of December 23, 2005.

        Gains realized by an individual holder of notes, who acts in the course of the management of a professional or business undertaking, who is a resident of Luxembourg for tax purposes or who has a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business in Luxembourg to which the notes are attributable, are subject to Luxembourg income tax at ordinary rates.

        Gains realized by a non-resident holder of notes who does not have a permanent establishment or fixed place of business in Luxembourg to which the notes are attributable, are not subject to Luxembourg income tax on the sale or disposal of notes, subject to the above comment in relation to withholding tax.

S-32


Table of Contents

        Under present Luxembourg tax laws, in the case where a holder of notes is a resident for tax purposes of Luxembourg at the time of his death, the notes are included in his taxable estate for inheritance tax purposes and gift tax may be due on a gift or donation of notes if a deed is registered in Luxembourg.

        The issue of notes by the Issuer will not be subject to a Luxembourg registration or stamp duty. The sale or disposal of such notes will not be subject to a Luxembourg registration or stamp duty.

Switzerland

        The notes will be classified as ordinary bonds in accordance with Circular No 15 issued by the Swiss Federal Tax Administration on February 7, 2007. Therefore, for private holders resident in Switzerland who hold the notes as private assets (Privatvermögen), the interest payments are treated as taxable interest and, thus, subject to Swiss federal, cantonal and municipal income taxes. Capital gains realized on the sale or redemption of the notes are exempt from Swiss federal, cantonal and municipal income taxes.

        Swiss residents who hold the notes as business assets and foreign residents who hold the notes through a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business (Geschäftsvermögen) are in general taxed according to Swiss statutory accounting principles (Massgeblichkeitsprinzip) for purposes of Swiss federal, cantonal and municipal income taxes. Interest payments are in general part of the taxable business profit. Capital gains realized on the sale or redemption of the notes are part of their taxable business profit subject to Swiss federal, cantonal and municipal income taxes. This provision also applies to individuals who qualify as so-called professional securities dealers (gewerbsmässige Wertschriftenhändler) for tax purposes.

        A holder who is not resident in Switzerland and who during the taxable year has not engaged in trade or business through a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business within Switzerland and who is not subject to taxation in Switzerland for any other reason will (with the exception of the EU Savings Tax Retention described below) not be subject to any Swiss federal, cantonal or municipal income or other taxes on income realized on interest payments received or on capital gains resulting from a sale or redemption of the notes.

        Under current Swiss law and practice, there will be no Swiss federal capital issuance stamp duty (Emissionsabgabe) in connection with the issuance of the notes, provided that the net proceeds are used exclusively outside Switzerland.

S-33


Table of Contents

        The issuance of the notes is not subject to Swiss federal transfer stamp duty (Umsatzabgabe). The sale or transfer of the notes after issuance may, however, be subject to Swiss transfer stamp duty at the current rate of up to 0.3% if such sale or transfer is made by or through the intermediary of a professional securities dealer as defined in the Swiss Federal Stamp Duty Act and no exception applies. In addition, the sale or transfer of the notes by or through a member of the SWX may be subject to a stock exchange levy.

        Under current Swiss law and practice, the payments in respect of the notes by TEGSA are not subject to Swiss Federal Withholding Tax (Verrechnungssteuer), provided that the net proceeds of the notes are used exclusively outside Switzerland.

        On July 1, 2005, Switzerland introduced a tax retention on interest payments or similar income paid by a Swiss paying agent as defined in Articles 1 and 6 of the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation providing for measures equivalent to those laid down in Council Directive 2003/48/EC on taxation of savings income in the form of interest payments to the beneficial owner who is an individual and resident in the EU unless the interest payments are made on debt-claims issued by debtors who are residents of Switzerland or pertaining to permanent establishments of non-residents located in Switzerland. The tax retention may be withheld at the rate of 15% during the first three years from the date of application of the EC-Agreement, 20% for the subsequent three years and 35% thereafter. The Swiss paying agent may be explicitly authorized by the beneficial owner of the interest payments to report interest payments to the Swiss Federal Tax Administration. Such report will then substitute the tax retention. The interest payments will be subject to such tax retention.

United States

        This section summarizes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"), regulations issued under the Code, judicial authority and administrative rulings and practice, changes to any of which subsequent to the date of this prospectus supplement may affect the tax considerations described herein, possibly with retroactive effect. We have not sought any rulings from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") nor an opinion of counsel with respect to the U.S. federal income tax considerations discussed below. The discussion below is not binding on the IRS or the courts. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not take a different position concerning the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership or disposition of the notes or that any such position would not be sustained.

        This summary generally applies only to investors that purchase the notes pursuant to this offering at the offer price set forth on the front cover hereof, and hold the notes as "capital assets" (generally, for investment). This discussion does not purport to deal with all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a particular holder in light of the holder's circumstances, including, without limitation, financial institutions, dealers in securities, commodities or currencies, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting, partnerships (including other entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes), regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, S-corporations or other pass-through entities, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, tax-deferred or other retirement accounts, persons that actively or constructively own 10% or more of our voting shares, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code, expatriates and certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States,

S-34


Table of Contents


"controlled foreign corporations" and "passive foreign investment companies," as defined in the Code, persons holding notes as part of a hedging or conversion transaction or a straddle, or persons deemed to sell notes under the constructive sale provisions of the Code. Finally, this summary does not describe the effect of the U.S. federal estate and gift tax laws or the effects of any applicable foreign, state or local laws.

        Persons considering the purchase of notes should consult their own tax advisors concerning the application of U.S. federal tax laws to their particular situations, as well as any consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes arising under the laws of any other jurisdiction.

        As used herein, the term "Non-U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of notes that is not a U.S. holder for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If a partnership (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of a note, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners of partnerships that are considering the purchase of notes should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of notes.

        Under applicable Treasury regulations, a remote contingency will be ignored in determining whether a debt instrument is issued with original issue discount, or OID. We believe that the likelihood that we will be required to pay Additional Amounts or a redemption premium (upon a Change of Control Triggering Event) is remote within the meaning of the Treasury regulations.

        Based on the foregoing, we believe that the notes will not be considered to be issued with OID at the time of their original issuance and interest on the notes, if you are a U.S. Holder, will be includible in your gross income as ordinary income when received or accrued by you in accordance with your regular method of accounting for federal income tax purposes. In addition to interest on the notes, you will be required to include in income any Additional Amounts and any tax withheld from interest payments, notwithstanding that such withheld tax is not in fact received by you.

        If the IRS determines that the likelihood that we will be required to pay Additional Amounts (as a result of the imposition of withholding taxes on payments under the notes) or a redemption premium (under a Change of Control Triggering Event) was not remote at the time of issuance, the notes may be treated as issued with OID at the time of their original issuance. Because the IRS has not defined the meaning of a remote contingency, the IRS could take a position contrary to the position described in this prospectus supplement. If the IRS were successful in this regard, you may be required to include OID in income as interest income on an economic accrual basis at a rate higher than the stated interest rate on the note, regardless of your method of tax accounting. Additionally, on a sale, exchange or redemption of a note, you would be required to treat gain as ordinary income rather than capital

S-35


Table of Contents


gain. We urge you to consult your own tax advisors regarding the potential application to the notes of the rules governing OID.

        Interest on the notes (including any OID) should constitute foreign source interest income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If any non-U.S. income taxes were to be paid or withheld in respect of payments on the notes, you may be eligible, subject to a number of complex limitations, for a foreign tax credit. With certain exceptions, interest on the notes included in your gross income will be treated separately, together with your other items of passive income, for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable under the Code.

        For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, certain U.S. Holders who are individuals, estates or trusts will be subject to a 3.8% tax on, among other things, interest (including any OID) and capital gains from the sale or other dispositions of notes. If you are a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate or trust, you are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the applicability of the Medicare tax to your income and gains in respect of your investment in the notes.

        If you are a U.S. Holder, upon the sale, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of a note, you generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount received on such disposition (other than amounts representing accrued and unpaid interest not previously included in income, which will be treated as interest income) and your tax basis in the note. Your tax basis in the note will be, in general, the cost of the note. Gain or loss realized on the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of the notes generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss. Gain or loss realized on the sale, exchange or retirement of a note generally will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of such sale, exchange or retirement, the note has been held for more than one year. Net long-term capital gain recognized by a non-corporate U.S. Holder generally is subject to U.S. federal income tax at a preferential rate. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

        When required, we will report to the holders of the notes and the IRS amounts paid on or with respect to the notes and the amount of any tax withheld from such payments. Certain U.S. Holders may be subject to backup withholding on payments made on or with respect to the notes and on payment of the proceeds from the disposition of a note. In general, backup withholding will apply to you only if you:

        You will be eligible for an exemption from backup withholding upon providing a properly completed IRS Form W-9 (or substitute form) to us or our paying agent. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided you timely furnish the required information to the IRS. The information reporting requirements may apply regardless of whether withholding is required.

S-36


Table of Contents

        Recently enacted legislation requires certain U.S. Holders to report information to the IRS with respect to their investment in the notes if the notes are not held through a custodial account with a U.S. financial institution. Investors who fail to report required information could become subject to substantial penalties. Prospective investors are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this new legislation on their investment in the notes.

        In general and subject to the discussion below under "—Backup Withholding and Information Reporting," if you are a Non-U.S. Holder, you will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on stated interest of the notes or gain upon the disposition of the notes, unless:

        U.S. trade or business income generally will be subject to regular U.S. income tax in generally the same manner as if it were realized by a U.S. Holder. If you realize U.S. trade or business income with respect to the notes, you should consult your tax advisor as to the treatment of such income or gain. In addition, U.S. trade or business income of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a non-U.S. corporation may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30%, or such lower rate provided by an applicable income tax treaty.

        The U.S. Congress has in the past considered legislation that, if enacted, could cause companies such as Tyco Electronics and/or TEGSA to be treated as U.S. corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In such a case, interest paid on the notes may be subject to withholding at a rate of 30%, unless you establish eligibility for a reduced rate of withholding or an exemption from withholding, generally by providing certification of your status as a Non-U.S. Holder on a Form W-8BEN or a substantially similar form.

        If you are a Non-U.S. Holder holding the notes through the non-U.S. office of a non-U.S.-related broker or financial institution, information reporting and backup withholding generally would not be required. Information reporting, and possibly backup withholding in certain circumstances, may apply if the notes are held by you through a U.S., or U.S.-related, broker or financial institution, or the U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker or financial institution and you fail to provide appropriate information. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the application of these rules.

        The U.S. federal tax discussion set forth above is included for general information only and may not be applicable depending upon a holder's particular situation. Holders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences to them of the purchase of notes and the beneficial ownership and disposition of the notes, including the tax consequences under state, local, non-U.S. and other tax laws and the possible effects of changes in U.S. federal or other tax laws.

S-37


Table of Contents


BENEFIT PLAN INVESTOR CONSIDERATIONS

        The following discussion was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding United States federal tax penalties. This discussion was written in connection with the promotion or marketing of the notes.

        The following is a summary of certain considerations associated with the purchase of the notes by employee benefit plans that are subject to the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), by plans that are subject to Section 4975 of the Code or by persons whose underlying assets are considered to include "plan assets" of such plans (each, an "ERISA Plan"). Certain benefit plans may be subject to federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws that are similar to such provisions of ERISA or the Code (collectively, "Similar Laws") and, accordingly, may be subject to similar risks (together with ERISA Plans, "Plans").

Prohibited Transaction Issues

        Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code prohibit ERISA Plans from engaging in specified transactions involving plan assets with persons who are "parties in interest" (as defined in ERISA) or "disqualified persons" (as defined in Section 4975 of the Code), unless an exemption applies. A non-exempt prohibited transaction may have to be rescinded, and a fiduciary of an ERISA Plan that permits such a transaction may be subject to penalties and liabilities under ERISA.

        Each underwriter may be a party in interest or disqualified person with respect to ERISA Plans from time to time, and the extension of credit is a transaction to which Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code applies. The acquisition of notes by an ERISA Plan with respect to which any underwriter is considered a party in interest or a disqualified person may result in a direct or indirect prohibited transaction under ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Code, unless a statutory, class or individual prohibited transaction exemption applies.

        Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code exempt the involvement of the assets of an ERISA Plan in connection with the sale or exchange of property if: (i) such person is a party in interest or disqualified person solely by reason of providing services to the ERISA Plan or by reason of certain relationships to such a service provider and is not a fiduciary (including by reason of rendering investment advice) with respect to the investment of plan assets involved in the transaction and (ii) the ERISA Plan pays no more and no less than adequate consideration (as defined in such Sections).

        In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor has issued prohibited transaction class exemptions, or PTCEs, that may apply to the acquisition and holding of the notes. These class exemptions include, without limitation, PTCE 84-14 (relating to transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTCE 90-1 (relating to transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTCE 91-38 (relating to transactions involving bank collective investment funds), PTCE 95-60 (relating to transactions involving life insurance company general accounts) and PTCE 96-23 (relating to transactions determined by in-house asset managers). A purchaser of any notes should be aware that there can be no assurance that all of the conditions of any such exemptions will be satisfied and that the scope of the exemptive relief provided by any such exemption might not cover all acts which might be construed as prohibited transactions.

        The notes should not be purchased or held by any Plan unless such purchase and holding will not constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code or a similar violation under any applicable Similar Laws.

S-38


Table of Contents

Representation

        By acceptance of a note, a purchaser will be deemed to have represented and warranted that either: (i) no portion of the assets used by such purchaser to acquire or hold the note constitutes assets of any Plan or (ii) the purchase and holding of the note by such purchaser will not constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, or a similar violation under any applicable Similar Laws.

        The preceding discussion is general in nature and is not intended to be all-inclusive. Fiduciaries or other persons considering purchasing the notes on behalf of, or with the assets of, any Plan should consult with their counsel regarding the potential applicability of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code and any Similar Laws to such investment, including the applicability of any exemption thereto. Each purchaser and holder of the notes has exclusive responsibility for ensuring that its purchase and holding of the notes does not violate the fiduciary and prohibited transaction rules of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code and any Similar Laws. The sale of any notes to any Plan is in no respect a representation by us or any of our affiliates or representatives that such an investment meets all relevant legal requirements with respect to investments by Plans generally or any particular Plan, or that such an investment is appropriate for Plans generally or any particular Plan.

S-39


Table of Contents


UNDERWRITING

        We and the underwriters named below have entered into an underwriting agreement with respect to the notes. Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated are acting as representatives of the several underwriters. Subject to certain conditions, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the principal amount of notes indicated in the following table.

Underwriters
  Principal Amount of Notes  
Goldman, Sachs & Co.    $ 40,000,000  
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                      Incorporated
    40,000,000  
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.      30,000,000  
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.      30,000,000  
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC     30,000,000  
UBS Securities LLC     30,000,000  
Banca IMI S.p.A.      10,000,000  
Barclays Capital Inc.      10,000,000  
BNP Paribas Securities Corp.      10,000,000  
Mizuho Securities USA Inc.      10,000,000  
Scotia Capital (USA) Inc.      10,000,000  
       
  Total   $ 250,000,000  
       

        The underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the notes being offered, if any are taken.

        Notes sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement. Any notes sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount from the initial public offering price of up to 0.40% of the principal amount of the notes. Any such securities dealers may resell any notes purchased from the underwriters to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount from the initial public offering price of up to 0.25% of the principal amount of the notes. If all the notes are not sold at the initial offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling terms. The offering of the notes by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters' right to reject any order in whole or in part.

        The notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We have been advised by the underwriters that the underwriters intend to make a market in the notes but are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the notes.

        In connection with this offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell notes in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of notes than they are required to purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the notes while the offering is in progress.

        The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased notes sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

        These activities by the underwriters, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own accounts, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the notes. As a result, the price of the notes may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be discontinued by the underwriters at any time. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

S-40


Table of Contents

        In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a "Relevant Member State"), each underwriter has represented and agreed that with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the "Relevant Implementation Date") it has not made and will not make an offer of notes to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the notes which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that it may, with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, make an offer of notes to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time:

        For the purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer of notes to the public" in relation to any notes in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the notes, as the same may be varied in that Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member State and the expression Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC of the European Union and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State.

        Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:

        The notes may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), or (ii) to "professional investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the notes may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to notes which are or are intended to be disposed of only to

S-41


Table of Contents


persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.

        The notes have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (the Securities and Exchange Law) and each underwriter has agreed that it will not offer or sell any securities, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.

        This prospectus supplement has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the notes may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the notes be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the "SFA"), (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

        Where the notes are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries' rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the notes under Section 275 except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (2) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (3) by operation of law.

        We estimate that our share of the total expenses of the offering, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be less than $1 million.

        We have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.

        The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. Certain of the underwriters and their respective affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various financial advisory and investment banking services for the issuer, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.

        In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of the issuer. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

S-42


Table of Contents


LEGAL MATTERS

        Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, New York, New York will pass upon the validity of the notes and the guarantee on behalf of TEGSA and Tyco Electronics. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, New York, New York. Certain matters under the laws of Switzerland related to the guarantee will be passed upon for Tyco Electronics by Bär & Karrer AG, Zurich, Switzerland, Swiss counsel to Tyco Electronics. Certain matters under the laws of Luxembourg related to the notes will be passed upon by Allen & Overy Luxembourg, Luxembourg counsel to TEGSA.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements, and the related financial statement schedule, incorporated herein by reference from the Tyco Electronics Ltd. and its subsidiaries' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2010, and the effectiveness of Tyco Electronics Ltd. and its subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

S-43


Table of Contents

PROSPECTUS

GRAPHIC

TYCO ELECTRONICS LTD.

REGISTERED SHARES
WARRANTS
UNITS
GUARANTEES

TYCO ELECTRONICS GROUP S.A.

DEBT SECURITIES
UNITS

        Tyco Electronics Ltd. ("Tyco Electronics") may from time to time offer to sell its registered shares, either separately or represented by warrants, as well as units that include any of these securities or securities of other entities. Warrants and units may be convertible or exercisable or exchangeable for registered shares or warrants of Tyco Electronics or other securities described below.

        Tyco Electronics Group S.A. ("TEGSA") may from time to time offer to sell its debt securities as well as units that include its debt securities and securities of Tyco Electronics. The debt securities may consist of debentures, notes or other types of debt. The debt securities issued by TEGSA may be convertible or exchangeable for registered shares or other securities of Tyco Electronics. The debt securities issued by TEGSA may also be investment grade. If the debt securities issued by TEGSA are either convertible or exchangeable or are not investment grade, such securities shall be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Tyco Electronics.

        Tyco Electronics and TEGSA may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. Tyco Electronics and TEGSA will provide the specific plan of distribution for any securities to be offered in supplements to this prospectus. Tyco Electronics and TEGSA will provide specific terms of any securities to be offered in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest.

        The principal executive offices of Tyco Electronics are located at Rheinstrasse 20, CH-8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and its telephone number at that address is +41 (0)52 633 66 61. The principal executive offices of TEGSA are located at 17, Boulevard de la Grande Duchesse Charlotte, L-1331 Luxembourg, and its telephone number at that address is (352) 464-340-1.



        Investing in the securities involves risks. See "Risk Factors" on page 4 of this prospectus to read about factors you should consider before investing in the securities.



        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission, or similar authority in Switzerland or Luxembourg, has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

        This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement that contains a description of those securities.



The date of this prospectus is June 26, 2009


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

  1

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 
1

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 
2

BUSINESS

 
2

RISK FACTORS

 
4

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 
4

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 
4

USE OF PROCEEDS

 
5

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

 
5

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 
5

ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

 
5

LEGAL MATTERS

 
6

EXPERTS

 
6

i


Table of Contents

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is part of an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that Tyco Electronics and TEGSA have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). By using a shelf registration statement, we may sell, at any time and from time to time, in one or more offerings, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus. As allowed by the SEC rules, this prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. For further information, we refer you to the registration statement, including its exhibits. Statements contained in this prospectus about the provisions or contents of any agreement or other document are not necessarily complete. If the SEC's rules and regulations require that an agreement or document be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, please see that agreement or document for a complete description of these matters.

        You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with any additional information you may need to make your investment decision. You should also read and carefully consider the information in the documents we have referred you to in "Where You Can Find More Information" below. Information incorporated by reference after the date of this prospectus is considered a part of this prospectus and may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Any information in such subsequent filings that is inconsistent with this prospectus will supersede the information in this prospectus or any earlier prospectus supplement.

        You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus and any supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with other information. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any document incorporated herein by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the applicable document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

        Unless otherwise stated, or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to "we," "us" and "our" are to Tyco Electronics and its consolidated subsidiaries, including TEGSA.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and, in accordance with these requirements, we file reports and other information relating to our business, financial condition and other matters with the SEC. We are required to disclose in such reports certain information, as of particular dates, concerning our operating results and financial condition, officers and directors, principal holders of shares, any material interests of such persons in transactions with us and other matters. Our filed reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.

        The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports and other information regarding registrants like us that file electronically with the SEC. The address of such site is: http://www.sec.gov. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning our business may also be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, NY 10005.

        Our Internet website is www.tycoelectronics.com. We make available free of charge on our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, reports filed pursuant to Section 16 and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials to the SEC. In addition, we have posted the charters for our Audit Committee, Management Development and Compensation Committee and

1


Table of Contents


Nominating, Governance and Compliance Committee, as well as our Board Governance Principles, under the heading "Board of Directors" in the Investors section of our website.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

        The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to those documents. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents set forth below, which Tyco Electronics has filed with the SEC, and any future filings made by Tyco Electronics with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as amended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless specifically stated to the contrary, none of the information that Tyco Electronics discloses under Items 2.02 or 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K or exhibits relating to such disclosure that it has furnished or may from time to time furnish to the Commission will be incorporated by reference into, or otherwise included in, this prospectus.

        The information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and in some cases supersede the information in this prospectus and the documents listed above.

        Upon your oral or written request, we will provide you with a copy of any of these filings at no cost. Requests should be directed to Corporate Secretary, Tyco Electronics Ltd., 1050 Westlakes Drive, Berwyn, PA 19312, Telephone No. (610) 893-9560.


BUSINESS

Tyco Electronics Ltd.

        We are a leading global provider of engineered electronic components, network solutions, specialty products, and undersea telecommunication systems.

        We design, manufacture and market products for customers in a broad array of industries including automotive; data communication systems and consumer electronics; telecommunications; aerospace, defense, and marine; medical; and alternative energy and lighting. Our products are produced in approximately 100 manufacturing sites in approximately 25 countries. With approximately 7,000 engineers and worldwide manufacturing, sales and customer service capabilities, Tyco Electronics' commitment is our customers' advantage.

        Effectively for the fiscal third quarter ending June 26, 2009, we conduct our business through four reporting segments:

2


Table of Contents

        On April 16, 2009, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our Wireless Systems business for $675 million in cash, subject to certain working capital adjustments. We completed the sale on May 29, 2009. The Wireless Systems business will be reported as a discontinued operation beginning in the fiscal quarter ending June 26, 2009.

        Tyco Electronics is a Swiss company. Its registered and principal office is located at Rheinstrasse 20, CH-8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and its telephone number at that address is +41 (0)52 633 66 61. Its executive office in the United States is located at 1050 Westlakes Drive, Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312, and its telephone number at that address is (610) 893-9560.

Tyco Electronics Group S.A.

        TEGSA is a Luxembourg company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tyco Electronics. TEGSA's registered and principal office is located at 17, Boulevard de la Grande Duchesse Charlotte, L-1331 Luxembourg, and its telephone number at that address is (352) 464-340-1. TEGSA is a holding company established to directly and indirectly own all of the operating subsidiaries of Tyco Electronics, to issue debt securities and to perform treasury operations for Tyco Electronics. Otherwise, it conducts no independent business.

Change of Place of Incorporation by Tyco Electronics Ltd.

        Tyco Electronics previously operated as an exempt company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda. Effective June 25, 2009, Tyco Electronics discontinued its existence as a Bermuda company as provided in Section 132G of The Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda and, according to article 161 of the Swiss Federal Code on International Private Law, continuing its existence under articles 620 et seq. of the Swiss Code of Obligations as a Swiss company. The Swiss Continuation did not result in any change to the business, management, assets, liabilities or net worth of Tyco Electronics. As a result of the Swiss Continuation, holders of common shares, par value US$ 0.20 per share, of Tyco Electronics (as a Bermuda company) became holders of registered shares, par value CHF 2.60 per share, of Tyco Electronics (as a Swiss company), and their rights as holders of Tyco Electronics registered shares are now governed by the Swiss Code of Obligations and Tyco Electronics' articles of association and organizational regulations (constituting Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2 to this Registration Statement).

3


Table of Contents


RISK FACTORS

        Investing in our securities involves risks. Before deciding to purchase any of our securities, you should carefully consider the discussion of risks and uncertainties under "Part I, Item 1ARisk Factors" in Tyco Electronics' Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2008, "Part II, Item 1ARisk Factors" in Tyco Electronics' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 26, 2008 and "Part II, Item 1ARisk Factors" in Tyco Electronics' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 27, 2009, all of which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and under similar headings in Tyco Electronics' subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K, as well as the other risks and uncertainties described in any applicable prospectus supplement and in the other documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. See the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" in this prospectus. The risks and uncertainties discussed in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus are those we currently believe may materially affect us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        We have made forward-looking statements in this prospectus that are based on our management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements include, among others, information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, potential growth opportunities, potential operating performance improvements, the effects of competition and the effects of future legislation or regulations. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words "believe," "expect," "plan," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "may," "should" or the negative of these terms or similar expressions.

        Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

        The risk factors discussed under "Part I, Item 1ARisk Factors" in Tyco Electronics' Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2008, "Part II, Item 1ARisk Factors" in Tyco Electronics' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 26, 2008, "Part II, Item 1ARisk Factors" in Tyco Electronics' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 27, 2009, and in Tyco Electronics' Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-156927) relating to the Swiss Continuation, and under similar headings in Tyco Electronics' subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K, as well as the other risks and uncertainties described in any applicable prospectus supplement and in the other documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. There may be other risks and uncertainties that we are unable to predict at this time or that we currently do not expect to have a material adverse effect on our business. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements other than as required by law.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The following table sets forth information regarding our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods shown. For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest, distributed income of equity investees, and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, amortization of debt

4


Table of Contents


premiums and discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness, and an appropriate interest factor on operating leases.

For The Six Months Ended    
   
   
   
   
 
  Fiscal  
March 27,
2009(1)
  March 28,
2008
 
  2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
      12.52     10.53     2.12     5.95     4.78     3.85  

(1)
In the six months ended March 27, 2009, fixed charges exceeded earnings by $3,891 million.

USE OF PROCEEDS

        Unless otherwise stated in the prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of any registered shares, warrants, debt securities or units that may be offered hereby for general corporate purposes. Such general corporate purposes may include, but are not limited to, reducing or refinancing our indebtedness or the indebtedness of our subsidiaries, financing possible acquisitions and redeeming outstanding securities. The prospectus supplement relating to an offering will contain a more detailed description of the use of proceeds of any specific offering of securities.

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

        We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement a description of the registered shares, warrants, debt securities or units that may be offered under this prospectus.


PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        Tyco Electronics and TEGSA may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. Tyco Electronics and TEGSA will provide the specific plan of distribution for any securities to be offered in supplements to this prospectus.


ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

        TEGSA is a Luxembourg company and Tyco Electronics is a Swiss company. TEGSA and Tyco Electronics have consented in the indenture to jurisdiction in the U.S. federal and state courts in The City of New York and to service of process in The City of New York in any legal suit, action or proceeding brought to enforce any rights under or with respect to the indenture, the notes and the guarantee. A substantial majority of Tyco Electronics' directly held assets consists of shares in TEGSA. Accordingly, any judgment against TEGSA or Tyco Electronics in respect of the indenture, the notes or the guarantee, including for civil liabilities under the U.S. federal securities laws, obtained in any U.S. federal or state court may have to be enforced in the courts of Luxembourg or Switzerland. Investors should not assume that the courts of Luxembourg or Switzerland would enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against TEGSA or Tyco Electronics predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws or that such courts would enforce, in original actions, liabilities against TEGSA or Tyco Electronics predicated solely upon such laws.

Luxembourg

        TEGSA is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg. Certain members of the board of directors are non-residents of the United States and a substantial portion of TEGSA's assets and those of such directors are located outside the United States. As a result, you may not be able to effect a service of process within the United States on TEGSA or on such persons or to enforce in Luxembourg courts

5


Table of Contents


judgments obtained against TEGSA or such persons in U.S. courts, including actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal and state securities laws or other laws. Likewise, it may also be difficult for an investor to enforce in U.S. courts judgments obtained against TEGSA or such persons in courts in jurisdictions outside the United States, including actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws.

        TEGSA has been advised by Allen & Overy Luxembourg, its Luxembourg counsel, that the United States and the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg are not currently bound by a treaty providing for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments (other than arbitral awards) rendered in civil and commercial matters. According to such counsel, an enforceable judgment for the payment of monies rendered by any U.S. federal or state court based on civil liability, whether or not predicated solely upon the U.S. securities laws, would not directly be enforceable in Luxembourg. However, a party who received such favorable judgment in a U.S. court may initiate enforcement proceedings in Luxembourg (exequatur) by requesting enforcement of the U.S. judgment to the president of the District Court (Tribunal d'Arrondissement) of Luxembourg pursuant to Section 678 of the New Luxembourg Code of Civil Procedure. The president of the District Court will authorize the enforcement in Luxembourg of the U.S. judgment if it is satisfied that all of the following conditions are met:

LEGAL MATTERS

        Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, New York, New York will pass upon the validity of the debt securities, guarantees, warrants for debt securities and units containing debt securities offered by Tyco Electronics or TEGSA. The validity of the registered shares offered by Tyco Electronics will be passed upon by Bär & Karrer, Zurich, Switzerland, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

        The consolidated and combined financial statements of Tyco Electronics Ltd. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of September 26, 2008 and September 28, 2007, and for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 26, 2008, and the related financial statement schedule, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 5, 2009, and the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference, and which reports (1) express an unqualified opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule and includes explanatory paragraphs referring to a) related party transactions with Tyco International Ltd. and allocations of corporate overhead, net class action settlement costs, other expenses, debt and related interest expense from Tyco International which may not be reflective of the actual level of costs or debt which would have been incurred had Tyco Electronics operated as a separate entity apart from Tyco International, b) the adoption of

6


Table of Contents


Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, c) the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R), in 2007, d) certain guarantee commitments with Tyco International and Covidien Ltd. and e) the retrospective adjustment of the notes to the consolidated and combined financial statements for a change in reportable segments) and (2) express an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting because of a material weakness. Such consolidated and combined financial statements and financial statement schedule have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

7


Table of Contents

$250,000,000

LOGO

Tyco Electronics Group S.A.

4.875% Senior Notes due 2021
Fully and unconditionally guaranteed,
as described herein, by Tyco Electronics Ltd.


PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

December 15, 2010


Joint Book-Running Managers

BofA Merrill Lynch
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Citi
Deutsche Bank Securities
J.P. Morgan
UBS Investment Bank

Co-Managers

Banca IMI
Barclays Capital
BNP PARIBAS
Mizuho Securities USA Inc.
Scotia Capital