# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001304421
**File Stem:** 0001558370-23-002630
**Filing Date:** 2023-3
**Character Count:** 16954
**Document Hash:** 52e05202e43d4b95df893950b63f751b
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001558370-23-002630.hdr.sgml**: 20230302

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001558370-23-002630

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: S-8

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 5

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230302

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230301

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20230302

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001304421
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS (NO RADIO TELEPHONE) [4813]
- **IRS NUMBER:** 020636095
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** S-8
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-270202
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23696079

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 121 SOUTH 17TH STREET
- **CITY:** MATTOON
- **STATE:** IL
- **ZIP:** 61938
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** (217) 235-3311

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 121 SOUTH 17TH STREET
- **CITY:** MATTOON
- **STATE:** IL
- **ZIP:** 61938

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Consolidated Communications Illinois Holdings, Inc.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20040927

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2023 <br> <u>Registration No. 333-</u>

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

**FORM S-8** 

**Registration Statement under**

**The Securities Act of 1933**

------

**CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Delaware** | **02-0636095** |
| (State or other jurisdiction of<br>incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer<br>Identification No.) |
| **2116 South 17**<sup>th</sup> **Street, Mattoon, Illinois** | **61938** |
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (ZIP Code) |

---

**Amended and Restated Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan** 

(Full title of the plan)

**J. Garrett Van Osdell**

**Chief Legal Officer**

**Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.**

**2116 South 17th Street**

**Mattoon, Illinois 61938** 

(Name and address of agent for service)

**(217) 235-3311** 

(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

**Copy to:** 

**David J. Miller**

**Latham & Watkins LLP** 

**301 Congress Avenue, Suite 900**

**Austin, Texas 78701**

**(737) 910-7363** 

------

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☒ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ |
|  |  | Emerging growth company | ☐ |

---

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐

------

**EXPLANATORY NOTE** 

This Registration Statement on Form S-8 is being filed for the purpose of registering an additional 10,680,000 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "<u>Shares</u>") all of which is issuable or may become issuable in the future pursuant to the Registrant's Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "<u>Plan</u>").

**INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENTS ON FORM** 

**S-8** 

The contents of the Registration Statements on Forms S-8 (File Nos. [333-128934](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1304421/000095012305012053/y13515sv8.htm), [333-166757](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1304421/000089581310000123/x0512-s8.txt), [333-203974](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1304421/000110465915035738/a15-11116_1s8.htm), and [333-228199](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1304421/000117184318007643/fs8_110618.htm)), including any amendments thereto, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "<u>SEC</u>") and relating to the Plan, are incorporated herein by reference.

**Item 8.** **Exhibits.**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Exhibit Index** |
| 4.1 | [Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 7 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated July 19, 2005).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1304421/000095012305008626/e69344a7exv3w1.htm) |
| 4.2 | [Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 4, 2011)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1304421/000117184311001276/exh_31.htm) |
| 4.3 | [Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2021)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1304421/000155837021005404/cnsl-20210426xex3d1.htm) |
| 4.4 | [Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2021)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1304421/000155837021005404/cnsl-20210426xex3d2.htm) |
| 4.5 | [Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2021)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1304421/000155837021005404/cnsl-20210426xex3d3.htm) |
| 4.6 | [Amended and Restated Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit C to the Registrant's Proxy Statement filed on March 17, 2021)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1304421/000110465921037668/tm219040-3_def14a.htm) |
| 5.1\* | [Opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP](tmb-20230301xex5d1.htm) |
| 23.1\* | [Consent of Ernst & Young LLP](tmb-20230301xex23d1.htm) |
| 23.2\* | [Consent of Latham & Watkins LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)](tmb-20230301xex5d1.htm) |
| 24 | [Power of Attorney (included on the signature page hereto)](#Signature_Page) |
| 107\* | [Filing Fee Table](tmb-20230301xexfilingfees.htm) |

---

\* Filed herewith.

------

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Mattoon, State of Illinois, on the 1st day of March, 2023.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;By: | &nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ J. Garrett Van Osdell</u> <br> J. Garrett Van Osdell<br> Chief Legal Officer |

---

**POWER OF ATTORNEY** 

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints C. Robert Udell and J. Garrett Van Osdell, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully and to all intents and purposes such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 1st day of March, 2023.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Signature** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Title** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Date**<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ C. Robert Udell, Jr.</u> <br>C. Robert Udell, Jr.<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;March 1, 2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ Fred A. Graffam III</u> <br>Fred A. Graffam III<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | &nbsp;&nbsp;March 1, 2023 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ Robert J. Currey</u> <br>Robert J. Currey<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;Chairman of the Board | &nbsp;&nbsp;March 1, 2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ Andrew S. Frey</u> <br>Andrew S. Frey | &nbsp;&nbsp;Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;March 1, 2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ David G. Fuller</u> <br>David G. Fuller<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;March 1, 2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ Thomas A. Gerke</u> <br>Thomas A. Gerke<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;March 1, 2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ Roger H. Moore</u> <br>Roger H. Moore<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;March 1, 2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ Maribeth S. Rahe</u> <br>Maribeth S. Rahe<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;Director  | &nbsp;&nbsp;March 1, 2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ Marissa M. Solis</u> <br>Marissa M. Solis<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;March 1, 2023 |

---

------

## Exhibit 5.1

#### EXHIBIT 5.1

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1271 Avenue of the Americas<br>New York, New York 10020-1401<br>Tel: +1.212.906.1200 Fax: +1.212.751.4864<br>www.lw.com |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;![Graphic](tmb-20230301xex5d1002.jpg) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;FIRM / AFFILIATE OFFICES<br>AustinMilan<br>BeijingMunich<br>BostonNew York<br>BrusselsOrange County<br>Century CityParis |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;March 1, 2023 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ChicagoRiyadh<br>DubaiSan Diego<br>DüsseldorfSan Francisco<br>FrankfurtSeoul<br>HamburgShanghai<br>Hong KongSilicon Valley<br>HoustonSingapore<br>LondonTel Aviv<br>Los AngelesTokyo<br>MadridWashington, D.C. |

---

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.

2116 South 17<sup>th</sup> Street

Mattoon, Illinois 61938

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Re: | <u>Registration Statement on Form S-8; 10,680,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.</u> |

---

To the addressee set forth above:

We have acted as special counsel to Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "<u>Company</u>"), in connection with the registration by the Company of an aggregate of 10,680,000 shares of its common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the "<u>Shares</u>"), issuable under the Amended and Restated Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The Shares are included in a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "<u>Act</u>"), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "<u>Commission</u>") on March 1, 2023 (the "<u>Registration Statement</u>"). This opinion is being furnished in connection with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Act, and no opinion is expressed herein as to any matter pertaining to the contents of the Registration Statement or the prospectus forming a part thereof, other than as expressly stated herein with respect to the issuance of the Shares.

As such counsel, we have examined such matters of fact and questions of law as we have considered appropriate for purposes of this letter. With your consent, we have relied upon the foregoing and upon certificates and other assurances of officers of the Company and others as to factual matters without having independently verified such factual matters. We are opining herein only as to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended (the "<u>DGCL</u>"), and we express no opinion with respect to any other laws.

------

March 1, 2023

![Graphic](tmb-20230301xex5d1002.jpg)

Subject to the foregoing and the other matters set forth herein, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, when the Shares shall have been duly registered on the books of the transfer agent and registrar therefor in the name or on behalf of the recipients thereof, and have been issued by the Company for legal consideration in excess of par value in the circumstances contemplated by the Plan, assuming in each case that the individual grants or awards under the Plan are duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and duly granted or awarded and exercised in accordance with the requirements of law and the Plan (and the agreements and awards duly adopted thereunder and in accordance therewith), the issue and sale of the Shares will have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company, and the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. In rendering the foregoing opinion, we have assumed that the Company will comply with all applicable notice requirements regarding uncertificated shares provided in the DGCL.

This opinion is for your benefit in connection with the Registration Statement and may be relied upon by you and by persons entitled to rely upon it pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Act. We consent to your filing this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

Sincerely,

/s/ Latham & Watkins LLP

------

## Exhibit 23.1

**EXHIBIT 23.1**

**Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.'s registering additional shares, all of which is issuable or may become issuable in the future pursuant to the Registrant's Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, of our report dated March 4, 2022, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc., and subsidiaries included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

St. Louis, Missouri<br>March 1, 2023

------

## Ex-Filing

**Exhibit 107**

**Calculation of Filing Fee Table**

**Form S-8**

(Form Type)

**CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.**

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

<u>Table 1: Newly Registered Securities</u>

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Plan** | **Security Type** | **Security Class Title** | **Fee Calculation Rule** | **Maximum Aggregate Offering Price** | **Fee Rate** | **Amount of Registration Fee** |
| Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan | Equity | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | Rule 457(c) <br>and 457(h)<br>10680000 <sup>(2)</sup><br>$3.31 <sup>(3)</sup> | $35350800 | $110.20 per million dollars | $3895.66 |
|  | **Total Offering Amounts** | **Total Offering Amounts** | **Total Offering Amounts** | $35350800 |  | $3895.66 |
|  | **Total Fee Offsets**<sup>(4)</sup> | **Total Fee Offsets**<sup>(4)</sup> | **Total Fee Offsets**<sup>(4)</sup> |  |  | $— |
|  | **Net Fee Due** | **Net Fee Due** | **Net Fee Due** |  |  | $3895.66 |

---

(1) In accordance with Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement shall be deemed to cover any additional securities that may from time to time be offered or issued under the Registrant's Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "<u>Plan</u>") to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.

(2) Consists of an additional 10,680,000 shares of the Registrant's common stock, par value $0.01 per share, all of which are issuable or may become issuable in the future pursuant to the Plan.

(3) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rules 457(c) and 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and based upon the average of the high and low prices of the Registrant's common stock as reported on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on February 28, 2023.

(4) The Registrant does not have any fee offsets.

------