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Exhibit 10.16    
    

 
 

OFFER UNDER THE
  NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN
  (EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 1998) AND THE
  2002 NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN OF IHS GROUP INC.    

 
 

THIS OFFER WILL EXPIRE
  AT 11:59 PM, EASTERN TIME, ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2004,
  UNLESS IHS GROUP INC. EXTENDS THE OFFER.    

        IHS
Group Inc., a Colorado corporation ("IHS"), is making this offer upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Offer Plan (this "Offer Plan") and in the related Letter of Transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal,"
which together with the Offer Plan, as they may be amended or supplemented from time to time, constitute the "Offer"). 

        THE
INFORMATION IN THIS OFFER IS CONFIDENTIAL, PARTICULARLY INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO A POTENTIAL INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING. YOU SHOULD NOT DISCLOSE THIS INFORMATION TO ANYONE OTHER THAN
YOUR LEGAL, INVESTMENT AND/OR TAX ADVISORS. 

        IHS
IS NOT MAKING THE OFFER TO, NOR WILL IHS ACCEPT ANY TENDER OF OPTIONS OR SHARES FROM OR ON BEHALF OF, ANY OPTION HOLDERS OR HOLDERS OF SHARES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE OFFER
OR THE ACCEPTANCE OF ANY TENDER OF OPTIONS OR SHARES, OR THE DELIVERY OF DEFERRED STOCK UNITS, WOULD NOT BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION. 

THE
DATE OF THIS OFFER PLAN IS NOVEMBER 22, 2004. 

  

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS    
    

	 
	 	 
	 	PAGE

	SUMMARY TERM SHEET	 	1
	

INTRODUCTION	
 	

8
	

THE OFFER	
 	

8
	

1.	
 	

The Offer; Number of Options; Expiration Date	
 	

8
	

2.	
 	

Purpose of the Offer	
 	

10
	

3.	
 	

Procedures for Tendering Options	
 	

10
	

4.	
 	

Acceptance of Options and/or IHS Shares	
 	

12
	

5.	
 	

Conditions of the Offer	
 	

12
	

6.	
 	

Terms of DSUs and Company Shares	
 	

13
	

7.	
 	

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences	
 	

15
	

8.	
 	

Non-U.S. Income Tax Consequences	
 	

16
	

9.	
 	

Extension of Offer; Termination; Amendment	
 	

16

i

 
 

SUMMARY TERM SHEET    
    

        The following are answers to some of the questions that you may have about the Offer. We urge you to read carefully the remainder of this Offer Plan and the
accompanying Letter of Transmittal because the information in this summary is not complete and additional important information is contained in the remainder of this document and the Letter of
Transmittal. 

WHAT ARE WE OFFERING?  

        We are offering to exchange all outstanding stock options to purchase shares of our Class A non-voting common stock
("IHS Shares") that were granted: 

	•
	to
our current employees or directors; and

	•
	under
the Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (effective December 1, 1998) and the 2002 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan of IHS Group Inc.
(each an "Option Plan" and together the "Option Plans"), 

and
IHS Shares previously acquired upon the prior exercise of such an option. If you are a current employee or director and you accept this offer, then you will receive the following: 

	•
	for
every IHS Share underlying your outstanding option with an exercise price lower than $9.42 per share granted under an Option Plan, regardless of whether such options are
vested or unvested, you will receive cash in the amount equal to the excess of $9.42 over the per share exercise price of such option;

	•
	for
every IHS Share that you previously acquired upon the exercise of an option granted under an Option Plan and currently hold, you will receive $9.42 in cash, which amount
(to the extent applicable) will be first applied to the repayment of the principal amount of your loan in connection with your prior option exercise (we will forgive the accrued interest on the
principal amount of the loan);

	•
	for
every IHS Share that you previously acquired and surrendered in order to satisfy your payroll tax withholding in connection with your prior exercise of an option granted
under an Option Plan, you will receive an additional $0.42 in cash; and

	•
	for
every three IHS Shares underlying your outstanding options granted under an Option Plan (or previously acquired upon the exercise of an option), regardless of whether
such options are vested or unvested, and regardless of their exercise price, you will receive one deferred stock unit ("DSU"), which, subject to
specified terms and conditions, represents your right to receive one share of the Class A common stock of IHS Group Inc., a Delaware corporation formerly known as "HAIC Inc." (the
"Company") ("Company Share") on October 17, 2005. 

        If
you wish to accept the Offer, then you must tender: 

	•
	all
of your outstanding options for the full number of IHS Shares subject to those options; and

	•
	if
you hold any IHS Shares previously acquired upon the exercise of an option, all of those IHS Shares, 

on
or before the expiration of the Offer, currently scheduled for Thursday, December 23, 2004. The Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum threshold number of options or IHS Shares being
tendered, but is subject to conditions that we describe in Section 5 of this Offer Plan. 

HOW DID WE ARRIVE AT THE $9.42 PER IHS SHARE AMOUNT?  

        In accordance with the terms of the Option Plans, the committee administering the Option Plans determined the fair market value of an IHS Share on the most recent
fair market value determination date under the Option Plans to be $9.42. 

 

WHY ARE WE MAKING THE OFFER?  

        We are currently considering a possible initial public offering (an "IPO"). Upon a review of our incentive
programs and consultation with our advisors, including our compensation consultants, we believe this Offer will more closely align our programs with the incentive programs of public companies. We are
also making this Offer in order to provide you with an opportunity to obtain an equity stake in the Company and, if applicable, cash. The Company is the indirect parent company of IHS and, if there
were to be an IPO of the IHS enterprise, it would likely be the Company stock that would be offered and sold to the public. 

UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES WILL I RECEIVE AN EQUITY STAKE IN THE IHS ENTERPRISE?  

        If you accept the Offer, then you will receive an equity stake in the IHS enterprise. For every three IHS Shares underlying your options granted under an Option
Plan (or previously acquired upon the exercise of such an option), you will receive one DSU representing the right to receive a Company Share upon terms and conditions specified in the next paragraph.
No fractional DSUs will be issued or delivered pursuant to this Offer. As a result, you may forfeit up to two IHS Shares underlying your options granted under an Option Plan (or previously acquired
upon the exercise of such an option) without the grant of a DSU in exchange. 

        You
will receive your DSUs regardless of whether your options are vested or unvested, and regardless of their exercise price, as soon as reasonably practicable following the expiration
of the Offer (unless
the Offer is extended). The expiration of the Offer is currently scheduled for Thursday, December 23, 2004. The Company Shares underlying your DSUs will be delivered to you on
October 17, 2005. 

        You
will not be required to be an employee or director of IHS or the Company to receive your DSUs or your Company Shares. 

UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES WILL I RECEIVE CASH?  

        If you accept the Offer, then you will receive: 

	•
	for
every IHS Share underlying your option, regardless of whether such options are vested or unvested, cash in the amount equal to the excess of $9.42  over the per share exercise price of such option;

	•
	for
every IHS Share that you previously acquired upon the exercise of an option granted under an Option Plan and currently hold, $9.42 regardless of the exercise price of
such option, which amount (to the extent applicable) will be first applied to the repayment of the principal amount of your loan in connection with your prior option exercise (we will forgive the
accrued interest on the principal amount of the loan); and

	•
	for
every IHS Share that you previously acquired and surrendered in order to satisfy your payroll tax withholding in connection with your prior exercise of an option granted
under an Option Plan, $0.42. 

        You
will not be required to be an employee or director of IHS or the Company to receive your cash. 

IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECEIVE BOTH DSUs AND CASH?  

        Yes. If (1) you have options with an exercise price lower than $9.42 per share or (2) you have IHS Shares from previously exercising options, and
you accept the Offer, then you will receive both DSUs and cash. 

2

 

CAN YOU SHOW ME SOME EXAMPLES?  

        Example 1:    You have an outstanding option to purchase 300 IHS Shares granted under an Option Plan. The exercise price of this
option is $5.38 per share. You have never exercised this option. If you accept the Offer, then you will tender this option to us and, in exchange, receive (1) DSUs for 100 Company Shares  plus
(2) $1,212 in cash, before any applicable withholding. The $1,212 in cash was derived by taking the excess of $9.42 over $5.38
(i.e., $4.04) and multiplying that by the number of IHS Shares underlying your option (i.e., 300 IHS
Shares). 

        Example 2:    You were granted an option to purchase 300 IHS Shares under an Option Plan. The exercise price of this option was
$5.38 per share, and in March 2004, you exercised this option in full (i.e., you previously
acquired 300 IHS Shares). You took a loan from IHS to purchase the IHS Shares in the amount of $1614 (i.e., $5.38 per share multiplied by 300). You
surrendered 50 IHS Shares to satisfy your payroll tax withholding. If you accept the Offer, then you will tender your IHS Shares to us and, in exchange, receive (1) DSUs for 100 Company Shares  plus
(2) $762 in cash, before any applicable withholding. The $762 in cash was derived by: 

	•
	taking
$9.42 and multiplying that by the number of IHS Shares that you previously acquired and currently hold (i.e., 250 IHS
Shares), which equals $2,355;

	•
	taking
$0.42 and multiplying that by the number of IHS Shares that you previously acquired and surrendered (i.e., 50 IHS
Shares), which equals $21;

	•
	repaying
your loan in the principal amount of $1614; and

	•
	adding
$2,355 and $21 and subtracting $1614, to get $762. 

        Example 3:    You were granted an option to purchase 300 IHS Shares under an Option Plan. The exercise price of this option was
$5.38 per share, and in March 2004, you exercised this option in part by acquiring 120 IHS Shares. You surrendered 20 IHS Shares to satisfy your
payroll tax withholding. You still hold an option to purchase 180 IHS Shares. If you accept the Offer, then you will tender your remaining option and your IHS Shares to us and, in exchange, receive
(1) DSUs for 100 Company Shares plus (2) $1,677.60 in cash, before any applicable withholding. The $1,677.60 in cash was derived by: 

	•
	taking
the excess of $9.42 over $5.38 (i.e., $4.04) and multiplying that by the number of IHS Shares underlying your
remaining option (i.e., 180 IHS Shares), which equals $727.20;

	•
	taking
$9.42 and multiplying that by the number of IHS Shares that you previously acquired and currently hold (i.e., 100 IHS
Shares), which equals $942.00;

	•
	taking
$0.42 and multiplying that by the number of IHS Shares that you previously acquired and surrendered (i.e., 20 IHS
Shares), which equals $8.40 and

	•
	adding
$727.20 and $942.00 and $8.40, to get $1,677.60. 

        Example 4:    You have an outstanding option to purchase 300 IHS Shares granted under an Option Plan. The exercise price of this
option is $13.42 per share. You have never exercised this option. If you accept the Offer, then you will tender this option to us and, in exchange, receive DSUs for 100 Company Shares. 

IF I CHOOSE TO ACCEPT THE OFFER, DO I HAVE TO TENDER ALL MY OPTIONS AND PREVIOUSLY ACQUIRED IHS SHARES?

        Yes.
If you choose to accept the Offer, you must tender all of your outstanding options, for the full number of IHS Shares subject to the option, and any IHS Shares that you previously
acquired upon exercise of an option. 

3

 

CAN I TENDER OPTIONS THAT I HAVE ALREADY EXERCISED?  

        No, you cannot tender an option that you have already fully exercised, but you can tender the IHS Shares that you previously acquired upon exercise of that option
and continue to hold. 

CAN I TENDER UNVESTED OPTIONS?  

        Yes, you may tender your options, regardless of whether such options are vested or unvested. 

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY DSUs AND, IF APPLICABLE, CASH?  

        You will receive your DSUs and, if applicable, cash as soon as reasonably practicable following the expiration of the Offer (unless the Offer is extended). If
your tender of options and/or IHS Shares is accepted prior to the expiration of the Offer, we may, in our sole discretion, pay your cash amount (if applicable) to you prior to the expiration of the
Offer. The expiration of the Offer is currently scheduled for Thursday, December 23, 2004. 

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE THE COMPANY SHARES UNDERLYING MY DSUs?  

        The Company Shares underlying your DSUs will be delivered to you on October 17, 2005. 

WHY WON'T I RECEIVE MY COMPANY SHARES SOONER?  

        While your DSUs will generally not be taxable to you upon your receipt, Company Shares will generally be taxable to you immediately upon your receipt. To try to
avoid a situation where you would have to pay your taxes, without having the immediate resources to do so, we have designed the Offer using our current best estimate of the date for a possible IPO to
try to establish a Company Share delivery date on which you will be liable for taxes at a time when you would actually be able to sell or otherwise transfer a sufficient number of Company Shares to
cover your tax liability. 

DO I NEED TO BE AN EMPLOYEE OR DIRECTOR OF IHS OR THE COMPANY IN ORDER TO RECEIVE MY DSUs, MY COMPANY SHARES OR MY CASH?

        No.
If you are a current employee or director on the date of this Offer Plan, you will not be required to be an employee or director of IHS or the Company to receive your DSUs, your
Company Shares or your cash. 

WILL I BE ABLE TO TRANSFER MY DSUs?  

        No, you will not be able to sell, transfer, pledge, assign or otherwise alienate or hypothecate your DSUs, other than by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution, unless the board of directors of the Company (or a committee thereof) permits their transfer. Currently, we do not anticipate that the board of directors of the Company (or a committee
thereof) will permit such transferability. 

WILL I BE ABLE TO TRANSFER MY COMPANY SHARES PRIOR TO THE OCCURRENCE OF AN IPO OR A CHANGE IN CONTROL?

        Except
for Company Shares withheld in order to satisfy your tax liability, if you receive Company Shares prior to the occurrence of an IPO of the IHS enterprise or a Change in Control
(as defined in Section 1 of the Offer Plan), you will not be able to sell, transfer, pledge, assign or otherwise alienate or hypothecate your Company Shares, other than by will or by the laws
of descent and distribution, unless the board of directors of the Company (or a committee thereof) permits their transfer. Currently, we do not anticipate that the board of directors of the Company
(or a committee thereof) will permit such transferability. 

4

 

        If
an IPO of the IHS enterprise or a Change in Control (as defined in Section 1 of the Offer Plan) has not occurred on or prior to October 1, 2007, you will have an
opportunity to sell your Company Shares to the Company (and the Company will have an opportunity to buy your Company Shares) upon your notification to the Company (or upon the Company's notification
to you), which notification must be delivered within 20 calendar days following such third anniversary of the date of this Offer. 

WILL I BE ABLE TO TRANSFER MY COMPANY SHARES FOLLOWING AN IPO?

        Yes,
subject to whatever securities and other applicable laws and policies of the Company (e.g., a trading policy) or contractual
obligations (e.g., an underwriters' lock-up following an IPO), which may apply to you or a transfer of Company Shares by you. 

WHAT ARE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES IF I TENDER MY OPTIONS?  

        Generally, if you are a U.S. resident holder you will have the following tax consequences under current U.S. tax law for federal income tax purposes: 

	•
	you
will not be required to recognize income at the time that you tender your options or receive your DSUs in respect of those options;

	•
	when
you receive Company Shares in respect of your DSUs, you will recognize ordinary income (subject to withholding in the same manner as other compensation) equal to the
fair market value of the Company Shares at the time of their delivery; and

	•
	if
you receive any cash in respect of tendered options, then your cash will be taxable as ordinary income. 

You
will, however, be liable for the employee share of FICA taxes (i.e., Social Security and Medicare) at the time you receive your DSUs and, if
applicable, cash. You will not be liable for any further FICA taxes at the time you receive Company Shares in respect of your DSUs. 

While
this is generally the case, we recommend that you consult with your own tax advisor to determine the specific tax consequences to you of receiving DSUs. 

WHAT ARE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES IF I TENDER MY PREVIOUSLY ACQUIRED IHS SHARES?

        Generally,
if you are a U.S. resident holder you will have the following tax consequences under current U.S. tax law for federal income tax purposes: 

	•
	you
will not be required to recognize income at the time that you receive your DSUs in respect of the IHS Shares that you tender;

	•
	when
you receive Company Shares in respect of your DSUs, you will recognize ordinary income (subject to withholding in the same manner as other compensation) equal to the
fair market value of the Company Shares at the time of their delivery;

	•
	you
will recognize short-term capital gain (taxable at ordinary income rates) when you receive proceeds (i.e.,
$9.42 per share) in respect of your tendered IHS Shares in an amount equal to the proceeds received minus your tax basis in your IHS Shares
(i.e., the fair market value of the IHS Shares when you received them upon exercise of options); and

	•
	when
you receive $0.42 per IHS Share that you previously acquired and surrendered in order to satisfy your payroll tax withholding in connection with your prior exercise of
an option granted under an Option Plan, such cash will be taxable as ordinary income (subject to withholding in the same manner as other compensation). 

5

 

You
will, however, be liable for the employee share of FICA taxes (i.e., Social Security and Medicare) at the time you receive your DSUs. You will not
be liable for any further FICA taxes at the time you receive Company Shares in respect of your DSUs. 

While
this is generally the case, we recommend that you consult with your own tax advisor to determine the specific tax consequences to you of receiving DSUs. 

WHAT ARE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES IF THE ACCRUED INTEREST ON MY LOAN IS FORGIVEN?

        Generally,
if you are a U.S. resident holder, you will have the following tax consequences under current U.S. tax law for federal income tax purposes. The accrued interest on the
principal amount of your loan that we forgive will be taxable to you as ordinary income at the end of the taxable year in which the forgiveness occurred (subject to withholding in the same manner as
other compensation). While this is generally the case, we recommend that you consult with your own tax advisor to determine the specific tax consequences to you of our forgiving the accrued interest
on the principal amount of your loan. 

WHAT ARE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES IF I AM GOVERNED BY NON-U.S. TAX LAW?  

        Tax laws in other countries may differ from those in the United States. We recommend that you consult your own tax advisor with respect to the foreign tax
consequences of participating in the Offer. 

ARE THERE ANY CONDITIONS TO THE OFFER?  

        The Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum threshold number of options or IHS Shares being tendered. However, the Offer is subject to a number of other
conditions with regard to events that could occur before the expiration of the Offer. These events include a change in accounting principles or a lawsuit challenging the Offer. These and various other
conditions are more fully described in Section 5 of this Offer Plan. 

WHAT HAPPENS IF A CHANGE IN CONTROL OF IHS OCCURS DURING THE PERIOD AFTER I HAVE TENDERED MY OPTIONS OR IHS SHARES BUT BEFORE I RECEIVE MY COMPANY
SHARES?

        If
we are acquired during the period between the date when you receive your DSUs (and, if applicable, cash) and the date when you receive the Company Shares underlying your DSUs, subject
to the next paragraph, your right to receive the Company Shares underlying your DSUs will be accelerated such that you will receive your Company Shares immediately prior to the closing of the
acquisition transaction (at which time your DSUs will automatically be cancelled), and you will participate in the acquisition to the extent of and in the same manner as all other stockholders of the
Company. 

        The
delivery date of your Company Shares will accelerate only if such acceleration is permitted under regulations promulgated by the Treasury Secretary pursuant to federal legislation
currently referred to as the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (H.R. 4520). If the acceleration of your Company Share delivery date is not permitted under such regulations, then on October 17,
2005, for each IHS Share underlying your DSUs, you will receive the same per share consideration received by our stockholders for each Company Share in the acquisition (at which time your DSUs will
automatically be cancelled). 

6

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF I TENDER MY OPTIONS AND/OR IHS SHARES BUT THEY ARE NOT ACCEPTED?  

        We reserve the right to reject any or all tenders of options and/or shares that we determine are not in appropriate form or that we determine are unlawful to
accept. Otherwise, we will accept all properly and timely tendered options and/or shares. 

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO DECIDE WHETHER TO TENDER OPTIONS AND/OR IHS SHARES IN THE OFFER? CAN THE OFFER BE EXTENDED, AND IF SO, HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED IF IT IS
EXTENDED?

        You
have until 11:59 pm, Eastern Time, on Thursday, December 23, 2004 to tender your options and/or shares in the Offer. This means that you will be able to tender your options
and/or shares at any time on or before Thursday, December 23, 2004, including during business hours on that Thursday; however, any options and/or Shares tendered on or after midnight on Friday,
December 24, 2004 will not be accepted. 

        We
may, in our sole discretion, extend the Offer at any time, but we cannot assure you that the Offer will be extended or, if extended, for how long. If we extend the Offer, we will make
a company-wide announcement (including to subsidiaries and our direct parent company) of the extension no later than 9:00 am, Eastern Time, on the next business day following the
previously scheduled expiration date. If we extend the Offer, we may delay the acceptance of any options and/or IHS Shares that have been tendered. 

HOW DO I TENDER MY OPTIONS AND/OR IHS SHARES?  

        If you decide to tender your options and/or IHS Shares, we must receive, before the Offer expires, a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal,
including any stock certificate(s) if applicable. Please mail, fax or hand deliver it to: 

Susan
Auxer

IHS Group Inc.

15 Inverness Way East,

Englewood, Colorado 80112

Telephone No. 303-397-2949

Facsimile No.: 303-792-9034

E-mail: susan.auxer@ihs.com 

WHAT DOES OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS THINK OF THE OFFER?  

        Although our Board of Directors has approved the Offer, neither IHS, the Company nor our or their Board of Directors makes any recommendation as to whether or not
you should tender your options and/or IHS Shares for exchange. You must make your own decision whether or not to tender your options and/or IHS Shares for exchange. For questions regarding tax
implications or other investment-related questions, you should talk to your own legal, investment and/or tax advisors. 

WHY AM I RECEIVING SO MANY DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFER? DO I HAVE TO REVIEW EVERYTHING?

        We
are required to provide you with these documents to satisfy our legal obligations and the disclosure requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. While the documents may be
lengthy, for your benefit as well as for our own, we recommend that you read this entire document and the related Letter of Transmittal carefully before deciding whether or not to exchange your
options and/or IHS Shares. 

7

 

WHO CAN I TALK TO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OFFER?  

        You should direct questions about the Offer or requests for assistance or additional copies of the Offer Plan or the Letter of Transmittal to Susan Auxer at
303-397-2949 (tel) or susan.auxer@ihs.com (e-mail). 

 
 

INTRODUCTION    
    

        We are making this offer upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Offer Plan and in the related Letter of Transmittal. 

        All
tendered options and IHS Shares accepted by us pursuant to the Offer will be canceled and terminated. 

        If
you choose to accept the Offer, you must tender all of your outstanding options, for the full number of IHS Shares subject to the option, and any IHS Shares that you previously
acquired upon exercise of an option. The Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum threshold number of options and/or IHS Shares being tendered. The Offer is subject to conditions that we describe in
Section 5 of this Offer Plan. 

 
 

THE OFFER    
    

	1.
	THE OFFER; NUMBER OF OPTIONS; EXPIRATION DATE.

        In
this offer, IHS is offering to exchange all outstanding stock options to purchase IHS Shares that were granted: 

	•
	to
our current employees or directors; and

	•
	under
an Option Plan, 

and
IHS Shares previously acquired upon the prior exercise of such an option. If you are a current employee or director and you accept this offer, then you will receive the following: 

	•
	for
every IHS Share underlying your outstanding option with an exercise price lower than $9.42 per share granted under an Option Plan, regardless of whether such options are
vested or unvested, you will receive cash in the amount equal to the excess of $9.42 over the per share exercise price of such option;

	•
	for
every IHS Share that you previously acquired upon the exercise of an option granted under an Option Plan and currently hold, you will receive $9.42 in cash, which amount
(to the extent applicable) will be first applied to the repayment of the principal amount of your loan in connection with your prior option exercise (we will forgive the accrued interest on the
principal amount of the plan);

	•
	for
every IHS Share that you previously acquired and surrendered in order to satisfy your payroll tax withholding in connection with your prior exercise of an option granted
under an Option Plan, you will receive an additional $0.42 in cash; and

	•
	for
every three IHS Shares underlying your options granted under an Option Plan (or previously acquired upon the exercise of such an option), regardless of whether such
options are vested or unvested, and regardless of their exercise price, you will receive one DSU representing the right to receive a Company Share. 

        No
fractional DSUs will be issued or delivered pursuant to this Offer. As a result, you may forfeit up to two IHS Shares underlying your options granted under an Option Plan (or
previously acquired upon the exercise of such an option) without the grant of a DSU in exchange. 

8

 

        To
participate in the Offer, your options and/or IHS Shares must be properly tendered before the Expiration Date (as defined below in Section 3 of this Offer Plan). If you choose
to accept the Offer, you must tender all of your outstanding options, for the full number of IHS Shares subject to the option, and any IHS Shares that you previously acquired upon exercise of an
option. 

        If
your options and/or IHS Shares are properly tendered and accepted for exchange, then unless we terminate the Offer pursuant to its terms and conditions: 

 DSUs and Company Shares  

        You will receive your DSUs as soon as reasonably practicable following the Expiration Date. The Company Shares underlying your DSUs will be delivered to you on
October 17, 2005. 

        You
will not be required to be an employee or director of IHS or the Company to receive your DSUs or your Company Shares. 

 Cash  

        You will receive your applicable cash amount as soon as reasonably practicable following the Expiration Date. If your tender of options and/or IHS shares is
accepted prior to the expiration of the Offer, we may, in our sole discretion, pay your cash amount (if applicable) to you prior to the expiration of the Offer. 

        You
will not be required to be an employee or director of IHS or the Company to receive your cash. 

 Reservation of Rights; Compliance with Law  

        We reserve the right to terminate the Offer upon the occurrence of certain events. If the Offer is so terminated, any tendered options and/or IHS Shares will be
returned. 

        We
are not making the Offer to, nor will we accept any tender of options or IHS Shares from or on behalf of, any option holders or holders of IHS Shares in any jurisdiction in which the
Offer or the acceptance of any tender of options or shares, or the delivery of DSUs, would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in
order to comply with the laws in which option holders or holders of IHS Shares reside or to which they are subject, our board or the board of directors of the Company, as applicable (or a committee
thereof), has the power and authority to: 

	(a)
	determine
that specified option holders or holders of IHS Shares are not eligible to participate in the Offer;

	(b)
	modify
the terms and conditions of the Offer with respect to any option holders or holders of IHS Shares to comply with applicable law;

	(c)
	establish
sub-plans, modify procedures relating to the Offer and otherwise make changes to other terms and conditions of the Offer to the extent such actions may be
necessary or advisable; and

	(d)
	take
any action (including making any necessary or advisable filings) that it deems advisable to obtain approval or comply with any necessary local government regulatory exemptions or
approvals. 

        Notwithstanding
the above, no person may take any action with respect to the Offer that would violate applicable law. 

9

 

        FOR
GEORGIA RESIDENTS ONLY: The DSUs and the Company Shares underlying the DSUs will be issued or sold in reliance on Paragraph (13) of Code
Section 10-5-9 of the "Georgia Securities Act of 1973" and may not be sold or transferred except in a transfer which is exempt under such Act or pursuant to an effective
registration under such Act. 

 Change in Control of Us  

        If we are acquired (i.e., there is a Change in Control, as defined in the next paragraph) during the period
between the date when you receive your DSUs (and, if applicable, cash) and the date when you receive the Company Shares underlying your DSUs, subject to the next paragraph, your right to receive the
Company Shares underlying your DSUs will be accelerated such that you will receive your Company Shares immediately prior to the closing of the acquisition transaction (at which time your
DSUs will automatically be cancelled), and you will participate in the acquisition to the extent of and in the same manner as all other stockholders of the Company. 

        The
delivery date of your Company Shares will accelerate only if such acceleration is permitted under regulations promulgated by the Treasury Secretary pursuant to federal legislation
currently referred to as the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (H.R. 4520). If the acceleration of your Company Share delivery date is not permitted under such regulations, then on October 17,
2005, for each IHS Share underlying your DSUs, you will receive the same per share consideration received by our stockholders for each Company Share in the acquisition (at which time your DSUs will
automatically be cancelled). 

        For
purposes of the Offer, a Change in Control of us will occur upon the occurrence of an event that constitutes a "Change in Control" under the 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan of the
Company. 

	2.
	PURPOSE OF THE OFFER.

        We
are currently considering a possible initial public offering. Upon a review of our incentive programs and consultation with our advisors, including our compensation consultants, we
believe this Offer will more closely align our programs with the incentive programs of public companies. We are also making this Offer in order to provide you with an opportunity to obtain an equity
stake in the Company and, if applicable, cash. The Company is the indirect parent company of IHS and, if there were to be an IPO of the IHS enterprise, it would likely be the Company stock that would
be offered and sold to the public. 

        NEITHER
WE NOR OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHETHER OR NOT YOU SHOULD TENDER YOUR OPTIONS AND/OR IHS SHARES, NOR HAVE WE AUTHORIZED ANY PERSON TO MAKE ANY SUCH
RECOMMENDATION. YOU ARE URGED TO EVALUATE CAREFULLY ALL OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS OFFER PLAN AND THE RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND TO CONSULT YOUR OWN LEGAL, INVESTMENT AND/OR TAX ADVISORS. YOU
MUST MAKE YOUR OWN DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO TENDER YOUR OPTIONS AND/OR SHARES. 

	3.
	PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING OPTIONS.

        Proper Tender of Options.    To validly tender your options and/or IHS Shares under the Offer, you must, in accordance with the
terms of the Letter of Transmittal, properly complete, duly execute and deliver to us the Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile. If you possess stock certificate(s) representing IHS
Shares that you are tendering, you must also deliver to us the original copy of each such stock certificate together with your Letter of Transmittal. We must  receive your Letter of Transmittal, and
stock certificate(s) if applicable, before the Expiration Date. You should mail, fax or hand deliver it to: 

Susan
Auxer

IHS Group Inc.

15 Inverness Way East,

Englewood, Colorado 80112

Telephone No. 303-397-2949

Facsimile No.: 303-792-9034

E-mail: susan.auxer@ihs.com 

10

 

        The
term "Expiration Date" means 11:59 pm, Eastern Time, on Thursday, December 23, 2004, unless and until we, in our sole
discretion, have extended the period of time during which the Offer will remain open, in which event the term "Expiration Date" refers to the latest time and date when the Offer, as so extended,
expires. See Section 9 of this Offer Plan for a description of our rights to extend, delay, terminate or amend the Offer. If we do not extend the Offer, you will be able to tender your options
and/or IHS Shares at any time on or before Thursday, December 23, 2004, including during business hours on that Thursday; however, any options and/or IHS Shares tendered on or after midnight on
Friday, December 24, 2004 will not be accepted. 

        THE
METHOD OF DELIVERY OF YOUR LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, AND STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) IF APPLICABLE, IS AT YOUR ELECTION AND RISK. IF YOU DELIVER BY MAIL, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU USE REGISTERED
MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED AND PROPERLY INSURE THE DOCUMENTS. IN ALL CASES, YOU SHOULD ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY. 

        Determination of Validity; Rejection of Options; Waiver of Defects; No Obligation to Give Notice of Defects.    We will
determine, in our sole discretion, all questions as to form of documents and the validity (including eligibility and time of receipt), form and acceptance of any tender of options and/or IHS Shares.
Our determination of these matters will be final and binding on all interested persons, including you. We reserve the right to reject any or all tenders of options and/or shares that we determine are
not in appropriate form or that we determine are unlawful to accept. Otherwise, we will accept all properly and timely tendered options and/or shares. 

        We
also reserve the right to waive any of the conditions of the Offer or any defect or irregularity in any tender with respect to any particular options and/or IHS Shares or any
particular option holder or holder of IHS Shares. 

        No
tender of options and/or IHS Shares will be deemed to have been properly made until all defects or irregularities have been cured by the tendering holder or waived by us. Neither we
nor any other person is or will be obligated to give notice of any defects or irregularities in tenders, nor will anyone incur any liability for failure to give any such notice. 

        Our Acceptance Constitutes an Agreement.    Your tender of options and/or IHS Shares pursuant to the procedures described above
constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Offer. Our acceptance for exchange of your options and/or IHS Shares tendered by you pursuant to the Offer will constitute a binding
agreement between us and you, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer. 

        No Employment or Other Rights.    The Offer will not confer upon you any right with respect to continuation of employment,
consulting relationship or directorship with IHS, the Company or any affiliate thereof, nor shall it interfere in any way with your right or your employer's right to increase or decrease compensation
or terminate your employment, consulting relationship or directorship at any time. 

        Withholding.    By accepting the Offer, you acknowledge that IHS or the Company, as applicable, is authorized to withhold from
any cash, Company Shares or other compensation or other amount owing to you the amount of withholding taxes due in respect of any tax liability that you incur in connection with the Offer and that IHS
or the Company, as applicable, may take such other action (including providing for elective payment of such amount in cash or otherwise by you) as may be necessary or advisable to satisfy all
obligations for the payment of such taxes. 

        Governing law; Jurisdiction and Venue:    By accepting the Offer, you acknowledge that the Offer and any documents ancillary
thereto (including this Offer Plan and your Letter of Transmittal) will be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, excluding any conflicts or choice of law rule or principle 

11

 

that
might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of the Offer or of such ancillary document, and you are deemed to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the federal or state
courts of Delaware, to resolve any and all issues that may arise out of or relate to the Offer or such ancillary document. 

        Subject
to our rights to extend, delay, terminate or amend the Offer, we currently expect that we will accept as soon as reasonably practicable following the Expiration Date all properly
tendered options and/or IHS Shares. 

	4.
	ACCEPTANCE OF OPTIONS AND/OR IHS SHARES.

        Upon
the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer and as soon as reasonably practicable following the Expiration Date, we will accept for exchange and will cancel options and/or
IHS Shares properly tendered before the Expiration Date. 

        For
purposes of the Offer, we will be deemed to have accepted for exchange options and/or IHS Shares that are validly tendered when we give oral or written notice to you of our
acceptance for exchange of such options and/or IHS Shares, which may be by company-wide (including subsidiaries and our direct parent company) e-mail. Subject to our rights to
extend, delay, terminate or amend the Offer, we currently expect that we will accept as soon as reasonably practicable following the Expiration Date all properly tendered options and/or IHS Shares. 

        As
soon as reasonably practicable after we accept tendered options and/or IHS Shares, we will send to each tendering holder a notice indicating our acceptance of your options and/or IHS
Shares 

	5.
	CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER.

        Notwithstanding
any other provision of the Offer, we will not be required to accept any options and/or IHS Shares tendered for exchange, and we may terminate or amend the Offer, or
postpone our acceptance and cancellation of any options and/or IHS Shares tendered for exchange, if at any time on or after the commencement date of the Offer and before the Expiration Date: 

	•
	any
of the following events has occurred, or has been determined by us to have occurred, and

	•
	in
our reasonable judgment in any such case and regardless of the circumstances giving rise thereto (including any action or omission to act by us), the occurrence of such
event(s) makes it
inadvisable for us to proceed with the Offer or with such acceptance and cancellation of options tendered for exchange: 

        (a)   there
shall have been any action or proceeding (pending or threatened) or any approval withheld, or any statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order or injunction
threatened, proposed, sought, promulgated, enacted, entered, amended, enforced or deemed to be applicable to the Offer or IHS or any of our affiliates, by any court or any agency, authority or
tribunal that, in our reasonable judgment, would or might directly or indirectly: 

        (1)   make
the acceptance for exchange of, or grant of DSUs for, some or all of the tendered options and/or IHS Shares illegal or otherwise restrict or prohibit consummation
of the Offer or otherwise relates in any manner to the Offer; 

        (2)   delay
or restrict our ability, or render us unable, to accept for exchange, or grant DSUs for, some or all of the tendered options and/or IHS Shares; 

        (3)   materially
impair the contemplated benefits of the Offer to us; or 

        (4)   materially
and adversely affect the business, condition (financial or other), income, operations or prospects of IHS or any of our affiliates, or otherwise materially
impair in any way the contemplated future conduct of our business or the business of any of our affiliates; 

12

 

        (b)   there
shall have occurred any change, development, clarification or position taken in generally accepted accounting principles which could or would require us to record
any unexpected compensation expense against our earnings in connection with the Offer for financial reporting purposes; or 

        (c)   any
change or changes shall have occurred in the business, condition (financial or other), assets, income, operations, prospects or stock ownership of IHS or any of our
affiliates that, in our reasonable judgment, is or may be material to IHS or any of our affiliates and which materially impairs or may materially impair the contemplated benefits of the Offer to us. 

        The
conditions to the Offer are for our benefit. Before the Expiration Date, we may assert them in our sole discretion, regardless of the circumstances giving rise to them. We may waive
them, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time before the Expiration Date, in our sole discretion, whether or not we waive any other condition to the Offer. Our failure at any time to
exercise any of these rights will not be deemed a waiver of any such rights. The waiver of any of these rights with respect to particular facts and circumstances will not be deemed a waiver with
respect to any other facts and circumstances. Any determination we make concerning the events described in this Section 5 will be final and binding upon all interested persons, including you. 

	6.
	TERMS OF DSUs AND COMPANY SHARES.

        Number of Company Shares Available for this Offer.    The maximum number of Company Shares available for grant to be represented
as DSUs, and to be delivered under such DSUs, to be received by those whose tendered options and/or IHS Shares have been accepted is the number of Company Shares required to be delivered under such
DSUs to all such individuals pursuant to the terms of this Offer. Together with the maximum number of Company Shares available for grant under the Offer Plan for certain senior executives and the
Offer Plan for California executives, we currently estimate the maximum number of Company Shares available for grant to be approximately 2,825,000, subject to adjustments for any stock splits, stock
dividends and similar events that occur before the grant date of the DSUs or the delivery of Company Shares thereunder. 

        Transferability of DSUs.    You will not be able to sell, transfer, pledge, assign or otherwise alienate or hypothecate your
DSUs, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, unless the board of directors of the Company (or a committee thereof) permits their transfer. 

        Transferability of Company Shares Following an IPO.    Following an IPO of the IHS enterprise, you will be able to freely
transfer your Company Shares subject to whatever securities and other applicable laws and policies of the Company (e.g., a trading policy) or
contractual obligations (e.g., an underwriters' lock-up following an IPO), which may apply to you or a transfer of Company Shares by you. 

        Transferability of Company Shares Prior to the Occurrence of an IPO.    Except for Company Shares withheld in order to satisfy
your tax liability (and subject to the "Put Right", "Call Right" and "Drag-Along Right" described below), if you receive Company Shares prior to the occurrence of an IPO of the IHS
enterprise or a Change in Control, you will not be able to sell, transfer, pledge, assign or otherwise alienate or hypothecate your Company Shares, other than by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution, unless the board of directors of the Company (or a committee thereof) permits their transfer. 

 "Put", "Call" and "Drag-Along" Rights Relating to Company Shares. 

        If
no IPO or Change in Control occurs on or prior to October 1, 2007 (the "Relevant Date"), then you will have the right and option
to sell to the Company, and to cause the Company to purchase, all of the Company Shares held by you as of such date (the "Put Right"). The Put Right may
be exercised 

13

 

by
you delivering to the Company within 20 calendar days following the Relevant Date written notice (the "Put Notice"). The Company will, by written
notice to you, fix a closing date (the "Put Closing Date") for the purchase, which will be not less than two (2) days, but in no event longer
than ten (10) days after the date of receipt of the Put Notice. The Company Shares subject to the Put Notice will be purchased by the Company at a purchase price (the
"Put Purchase Price") equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined below) of such Company Shares at the Fair Market Value Determination Date (as defined
below) immediately preceding the date of the Put Notice. The Put Purchase Price will be payable in cash on the Put Closing Date. 

        If
no IPO or Change in Control occurs on or prior to the Relevant Date, then the Company has the exclusive right and option to purchase from you, and to cause you to sell, all or a
portion of the Company Shares held by you as of such date (the "Call Right"). The Call Right may be exercised by the Company delivering to you within 20
calendar days following the Relevant Date written notice (the "Call Notice"). The Call Notice will indicate the number of Company Shares which the
Company intends to purchase from you and the closing date (the "Call Closing Date") for the purchase, which will be not less than two (2) days,
but in no event longer than ten (10) days after the date of the Call Notice. The Company Shares subject to the Call Notice will be purchased by the Company at a purchase price (the
"Call Purchase Price") equal to the Fair Market Value of such shares at the Fair Market Value Determination Date immediately preceding the date of the
Call Notice. The Call Purchase Price will be payable in cash on the Call Closing Date. 

        If
a Change in Control occurs prior to an IPO, and Company Shares have been delivered in connection with DSUs, then the Company has the exclusive right and option to require you to sell
or otherwise transfer to the acquiring party(ies) effecting such Change in Control (the "Acquiror") all or a portion of such Company Shares held as of
the effective date of such Change in Control, in each case for the same consideration per Company Share and on the same terms and conditions as all other Company stockholders (the
"Drag-Along Right"). The Drag-Along Right may be exercised by the Company delivering to you written notice (the
"Drag-Along Notice"), specifying the number of shares of Common Stock which will be sold or otherwise transferred by you to the Acquiror,
the consideration per Company Share and the closing date for such sale or other transfer, which will be not less than two (2) days after the date of the Drag-Along Notice. The
Company Shares subject to the Drag-Along Notice will be sold or otherwise transferred to the Acquiror in accordance with the terms of the Drag-Along Notice. 

        For
purposes of the Offer, the following terms will have definitions set forth below: 

	•
	"Fair Market Value" will mean the fair market value of a Company Share, as determined in good faith by the board of directors
of the Company (or a committee thereof). In determining Fair Market Value, such board (or committee) may consider such valuation methodologies and factors as it deems appropriate, which may include
one or more of the methodologies and/or factors listed in Exhibit A attached hereto, and, if desired by such board (or committee), may take into
consideration the advice of third-party advisors.

	•
	"Fair Market Value Determination Date" will mean the applicable date on which Fair Market Value is determined by the board of
directors of the Company (or a committee thereof) for purposes described in the Offer. 

        Investment Representations.    The Company may require any person to whom a DSU is granted, as a condition of receiving such
DSU, to give written assurances to the Company to the effect that such person will acquire the Company Shares underlying such DSU for his or her own account for investment and not with any present
intention of selling or otherwise distributing the same, and to such other effects as the Company deems necessary or appropriate in order to comply with applicable federal, state and foreign
securities and other laws. 

14

 

        No Stockholder Rights.    The holder of a DSU shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any Company
Shares underlying the DSU until such Company Shares are delivered to such holder. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the board of directors of the Company (or a committee thereof), no
adjustment will be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date of such delivery. 

	7.
	MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES.

        The
following is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exchange of options and/or IHS Shares applicable to U.S. resident holders. This discussion
is based on the Internal Revenue Code, its legislative history, Treasury regulations thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof as of the date of this Offer Plan, all of which
are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it
intended to be applicable in all respects to all categories of option holders and holders of IHS Shares (e.g., this summary does not discuss
consequences to non-U.S. holders of options or IHS Shares). Therefore, we strongly encourage you to consult your own tax advisor with respect to your individual tax consequences by virtue
of participating in the Offer. 

        If
you tender your options, generally you will have the following tax consequences under current U.S. tax law for federal income tax purposes: 

	•
	you
will not be required to recognize income at the time that you tender your options or receive your DSUs in respect of those options;

	•
	when
you receive Company Shares in respect of your DSUs, you will recognize ordinary income (subject to withholding in the same manner as other compensation) equal to the
fair market value of the Company Shares at the time of their delivery; and

	•
	if
you receive any cash in respect of tendered options, then your cash will be taxable as ordinary income. 

You
will, however, be liable for the employee share of FICA taxes (i.e., Social Security and Medicare) at the time you receive your DSUs and, if
applicable, cash. You will not be liable for any further FICA taxes at the time you receive Company Shares in respect of your DSUs. 

        If
you tender your previously acquired IHS Shares, generally you will have the following tax consequences under current U.S. tax law for federal income tax purposes: 

	•
	you
will not be required to recognize income at the time that you receive your DSUs in respect of the IHS Shares that you tender;

	•
	when
you receive Company Shares in respect of your DSUs, you will recognize ordinary income (subject to withholding in the same manner as other compensation) equal to the
fair market value of the Company Shares at the time of their delivery;

	•
	you
will recognize short-term capital gain (taxable at ordinary income rates) when you receive proceeds in respect of your tendered IHS Shares in an amount equal
to the proceeds received minus you tax basis in your IHS Shares (i.e., the fair market value of the IHS Shares when you received them upon exercise of
options); and

	•
	when
you receive $0.42 per IHS Share that you previously acquired and surrendered in order to satisfy your payroll tax withholding in connection with your prior exercise of
an option granted under an Option Plan, such cash will be taxable as ordinary income (subject to withholding in the same manner as other compensation). 

15

 

You
will, however, be liable for the employee share of FICA taxes (i.e., Social Security and Medicare) at the time you receive your DSUs. You will not
be liable for any further FICA taxes at the time you receive Company Shares in respect of your DSUs. 

        If
we forgive the accrued interest on the principal amount of your loan, generally under current U.S. tax law for federal income tax purposes, you will recognize ordinary income in the
amount of the accrued interest for the taxable year in which the accrued interest was forgiven (subject to withholding in the same manner as other compensation). 

        WE
RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFER. 

	8.
	NON-U.S. INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES.

        Tax
laws in other countries may differ from those in the United States. We recommend that you consult your own tax advisor with respect to the foreign tax consequences of participating
in the Offer. 

	9.
	EXTENSION OF OFFER; TERMINATION; AMENDMENT.

        We
expressly reserve the right, in our sole discretion, at any time and from time to time, and regardless of whether or not any event set forth in Section 5 of this Offer Plan has
occurred or is deemed by us to have occurred, to extend the period of time during which the Offer is open, and thereby delay the acceptance for exchange of any options and/or IHS Shares, by giving
oral or written notice of such an extension to the option holders and holders of IHS Shares and making a public announcement of such an extension. 

        We
also expressly reserve the right, in our sole discretion, before the Expiration Date, to terminate or amend the Offer and to postpone our acceptance and cancellation of any options
and/or IHS Shares tendered for exchange upon the occurrence of any of the conditions specified in Section 5 of this Offer Plan, by giving oral or written notice of such termination or
postponement to the option holders and holders of IHS Shares and making a public announcement thereof. 

        Amendments
to the Offer may be made, at any time and from time to time, by public announcement of the amendment. In the case of an extension, the amendment must be issued no later than
9:00 am, Eastern Time, on the next business day after the last previously scheduled or announced Expiration Date. Any company-wide announcement made pursuant to the Offer will be
disseminated promptly to option holders and holders of IHS Shares in a manner reasonably designed to inform holders of such change. Any company-wide announcement most likely would be made
by e-mail. 

        If
we materially change the terms of the Offer or the information concerning the Offer, or if we waive a material condition of the Offer, we may extend the Offer. 

16

 
 
 

EXHIBIT A
  
    VALUATION METHODOLOGIES    
    

        The board of directors of the Company (or a committee thereof) will determine the Fair Market Value of Company Shares in good faith in its sole discretion. In
order to determine Fair Market Value in the absence of a public trading market, such board (or committee) will consider the following methodologies in determining Fair Market Value. 

	1.
	A
specific valuation calculation using the Discounted Future Returns approach will be completed. This approach is based on historical and projected financial performance, normalized
for non-recurring gains and losses. This methodology presumes that the value of the Company is equal to the present value of projected future earnings, plus the present value of the
estimated residual worth.

	2.
	An
analysis of the valuation of competitors and/or comparable public company's will be completed. This approach will emphasize the ratios of: a) price to normalized EBITDA,
b) price to normalized net income, and c) price to sales. Consideration will then be given to whether any adjustments are necessary to more closely align the valuation multiples with the
Company.

	3.
	Such
board (or committee) will assess relevant economic and industry factors applicable to each of the major divisions and consider their impact on valuation.

	4.
	Such
board (or committee) will assess whether there are other known purchase / sale transactions of analogous businesses or business segments where specific information is public or
otherwise available and assess the affect this information may have on the valuation of the Company.

	5.
	Such
board (or committee) will evaluate current offers to purchase the Company, if any, and determine what effect this information may have on the valuation of the Company.

	6.
	Such
board (or committee) may consider the range of valuation of the Company's equity using one or more other equity valuation techniques, as such board (or committee) deems
appropriate. Such board (or committee) may also, if it deems appropriate, take into consideration the advice of third party advisors.

	7.
	In
the case of a Change in Control, the Fair Market Value of the Company will equal the sale price received for the Company by the selling entity, net of transaction expenses. In the
event the Change in Control involves the sale of the Company, together with affiliates that are not the Company's subsidiaries, such board (or committee) will determine in its sole discretion the
amount of the sale price allocable to the sale of the Company. 

Such
board (or committee) will assess the range of valuations indicated by the above methodologies and select what it deems to be the most representative indicator of fair market value. 

17

QuickLinks

Exhibit 10.16

OFFER UNDER THE NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN (EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 1998) AND THE 2002 NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN OF IHS GROUP INC.

THIS OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 11:59 PM, EASTERN TIME, ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2004, UNLESS IHS GROUP INC. EXTENDS THE OFFER.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY TERM SHEET

INTRODUCTION

THE OFFER

EXHIBIT A VALUATION METHODOLOGIESQuickLinks
 -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

 
 

Exhibit 10.17    
    

 
 

IHS SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME PLAN
  (Effective November 30, 2004)    
    

  

IHS SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME PLAN

(Effective November 30, 2004)  

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS    
    

	ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS
	

1.01	

Administrator	
 	

2
	1.02	Beneficiary	 	2
	1.03	Benefit Payment Date	 	2
	1.04	Code	 	2
	1.05	Early Retirement Date	 	2
	1.06	Effective Date	 	2
	1.07	Employer	 	2
	1.08	Excess Benefit	 	2
	1.09	Excess Compensation Benefit	 	2
	1.10	Normal Retirement Date	 	2
	1.11	Participant	 	2
	1.12	Plan Year	 	2
	1.13	Regulations	 	2
	1.14	Retirement Benefit	 	2
	1.15	Retirement Income Plan	 	2
	1.16	Separation from Service	 	3
	1.17	Sponsor	 	3
	1.18	Supplemental Income Benefit	 	3
	
ARTICLE 2. PARTICIPATION
	

2.01	

Participation	
 	

4
	
ARTICLE 3. SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME BENEFITS
	

3.01	

Benefit Amount	
 	

5
	3.02	Excess Benefit	 	5
	3.03	Excess Compensation Benefit	 	5
	3.04	Early Retirement Reduction Factors	 	5
	3.05	Special Rules	 	5
	
ARTICLE 4. VESTING AND PAYMENT OF PLAN BENEFITS
	

4.01	

Vesting	
 	

6
	4.02	Benefit Payment Date	 	6
	4.03	Form of Payment of Plan Benefits to Participants	 	6
	4.04	Form of Payment of Plan Benefits to Beneficiaries	 	7
	4.05	Facility of Payment	 	7
	4.06	Benefits May Not Be Assigned or Alienated	 	7
	4.07	Permitted Acceleration of Payment	 	7
	
ARTICLE 5. ADMINISTRATION
	

5.01	

Administrator	
 	

8
	5.02	Allocation and Delegation of Administrator Responsibilities and Powers	 	8
	5.03	Information to be Furnished to Administrator	 	8
	5.04	Applying for Benefits	 	8
	 	 	 	 

i

 

	5.05	Administrator's Decision Final	 	13
	
ARTICLE 6. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
	

6.01	

Amendment and Termination	
 	

14
	6.02	Merger	 	14
	
ARTICLE 7. GENERAL
	

7.01	

Plan Not Contract of Employment	
 	

15
	7.02	Unsecured General Creditor	 	15
	7.03	Participating Employers	 	15
	7.04	Funding	 	15
	7.05	Tax Liability	 	16
	7.06	Indemnification and Exculpation	 	16
	7.07	Action by Employers	 	16
	7.08	Notices	 	16
	7.09	Construction	 	16
	7.10	Severability of Plan Provisions	 	16
	7.11	Applicable Laws	 	16

Appendix A

ii

  

IHS SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME PLAN

(Effective November 30, 2004)  

 
 

INTRODUCTION    
    

        IHS Sponsor Inc., a Delaware corporation, establishes the Supplemental Income Plan to the IHS Retirement Income Plan (the "Plan") to enable the eligible
Employees of the Employer to receive retirement income and other benefits in addition to the retirement income and other benefits payable under the IHS Retirement Income Plan (the "Retirement Income
Plan"). The Plan was designed and implemented as an "excess benefit plan" within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(36), maintained solely to provide certain participants in the Retirement Income
Plan with benefits in excess of those benefits allowed under Code Section 415 in compliance with Code Section 409A. 

        The
Plan is not intended to qualify under Code Section 401(a), or be subject to Parts 2, 3 or 4 of Title I of ERISA. For purposes of applying Title I of ERISA, the Plan
constitutes a plan maintained primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees within the meaning of ERISA
Section 301(a)(3). 

1

 
 
 

ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS    
    

        Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Retirement Income Plan. 

	1.01
	Administrator means the individual or committee appointed to administer the Plan, having the powers and duties specified in
Article 5. If the Administrator is a committee consisting of one or more members appointed by the Sponsor, the committee shall act by a majority of its then current members, by meeting or by
writing filed without meeting. The Administrator will be the Administrative Committee appointed under the Retirement Income Plan unless otherwise specified by the Sponsor.

	1.02
	Beneficiary means a Participant's beneficiary determined under the terms of the Retirement Income Plan; provided, however, that each
Participant may designate in writing any legal or natural person or persons as Beneficiary of any benefits payable under the Plan after his death. A Beneficiary designation made with respect to
benefits payable under the Plan will be effective only after it is filed in writing with the Administrator or its delegate while the Participant is alive and will cancel all Beneficiary designation
forms filed earlier.

	1.03
	Benefit Payment Date means the date determined under Section 4.02.

	1.04
	Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

	1.05
	Early Retirement Date means the first day of the month coincident with or next following a Participant's Separation from Service after
the later of his attainment of age 55 and the date he is credited with a Vesting Period of Service (as that term is defined in the Retirement Income Plan) of 10 years.

	1.06
	Effective Date means November 30, 2004.

	1.07
	Employer means IHS Sponsor Inc. and any of its subsidiaries or affiliates that adopts the Plan with the consent of the Board of
Directors of IHS Sponsor Inc., which are referred to collectively as the "Employers" and individually as an "Employer."

	1.08
	Excess Benefit means the benefit payable under the Plan to a Participant as a result of his benefits under the Retirement Income Plan
being limited pursuant to Code Section 415.

	1.09
	Excess Compensation Benefit means the benefit payable under the Plan to a Participant as a result of his benefits under the Retirement
Income Plan being limited pursuant to Code Section 401(a)(17).

	1.10
	Normal Retirement Date the first day of the month coincident with or next following a Participant's attainment of age 65.

	1.11
	Participant means each employee of an Employer eligible to participate in accordance with Section 2.01.

	1.12
	Plan Year means the 12-month period beginning each January 1.

	1.13
	Regulations means the rules, regulations, interpretations and procedures promulgated under the Code, as modified from time to time.

	1.14
	Retirement Benefit means all benefits payable to a Participant under the Retirement Income Plan, as amended from time to time.

	1.15
	Retirement Income Plan means the IHS Retirement Income Plan, as amended from time to time. Provisions under this Plan shall in no way
alter provisions under the Retirement Income Plan. 

2

 
	1.16
	Separation from Service means the termination of employment or association of the Participant as an eligible employee of the Employer,
and includes termination by way of resignation, removal or death. A Participant who is on temporary leave of absence, whether with or without pay, shall be deemed not to have terminated employment or
association. In the event of a conflict or an inconsistency between this definition and the definition of "separation from service" or similar term provided in Code Section 409A or related
Regulations, the definition of Code Section 409A and related Regulations shall govern.

	1.17
	Sponsor means IHS Sponsor Inc. or its successor.

	1.18
	Supplemental Income Benefit means all benefits payable to a Participant under the Plan, including any Excess Benefit and Excess
Compensation Benefit payable to the Participant. 

* * * End of Article 1 * * *

3

 
 
 

ARTICLE 2. PARTICIPATION    
    

	2.01
	PARTICIPATION. Subject to the conditions and limitations of the Plan, each employee of an Employer who is a Participant in the Plan on
the Effective Date will continue to be a Participant, and each other employee of an Employer will automatically be enrolled in and become a Participant in the Plan on the first day on or after the
Effective Date upon which he is—

	(a)
	a
participant in the Retirement Income Plan and his Retirement Benefits are limited pursuant to Code Section 415; and/or

	(b)
	(1)
for the Plan Year, a participant in the Retirement Income Plan and his Retirement Benefits are limited pursuant to Code Section 401(a)(17), and (2) a member of a
select group of management or highly compensated employees within the meaning of ERISA Section 301(a)(3). 

* * * End of Article 2 * * *

4

 
 
 

ARTICLE 3. SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME BENEFITS    
    

	3.01
	BENEFIT AMOUNT. A Participant in the Plan shall be entitled to Supplemental Income Benefits payable from this Plan in the amounts
described in Sections 3.02 and 3.03, as applicable.

	3.02
	EXCESS BENEFIT. A Participant described in Section 2.01(a) shall be eligible for an Excess Benefit payable under the Plan in an
amount equal to—

	(a)
	the
amount of the Retirement Benefit, expressed in the form of a single life annuity, that the Participant would have been entitled to receive under the Retirement Income Plan,
if—

	(1)
	distribution
of his Retirement Benefit had commenced on his Benefit Payment Date, and

	(2)
	his
Retirement Benefits were determined without regard to the limitations imposed by Code Section 415, 

REDUCED
BY 

	(b)
	the
amount of the Retirement Benefit, expressed in the form of a single life annuity, that the Participant would have been entitled to receive under the Retirement Income Plan if
distribution of his Retirement Benefit had commenced on his Benefit Payment Date. 

The
Excess Benefit shall be determined without consideration of ancillary benefits commencing on Normal Retirement Date. 

	3.03
	EXCESS COMPENSATION BENEFIT. A Participant described in Section 2.01(a)(2) shall be eligible for an Excess Compensation Benefit
payable under the Plan in an amount equal to:

	(a)
	the
amount of the Retirement Benefit, expressed in the form of a single life annuity, that the Participant would have been entitled to receive under the Retirement Income Plan,
if—

	(1)
	distribution
of his Retirement Benefit had commenced on his Benefit Payment Date, and

	(2)
	his
Retirement Benefits were determined without regard to the limitations imposed by Code Section 401(a)(17), 

REDUCED
BY 

	(b)
	the
amount of the Retirement Benefit, expressed in the form of a single life annuity, that the Participant would have been entitled to receive under the Retirement Income Plan if
distribution of his Retirement Benefit had commenced on his Benefit Payment Date, and 

FURTHER
REDUCED BY 

	(c)
	the
amount of the Excess Benefit payable to the Participant pursuant to Section 3.02. 

The
Excess Compensation Benefit shall be determined without consideration of ancillary benefits commencing on Normal Retirement Date. 

	3.04
	EARLY RETIREMENT REDUCTION FACTORS. For purposes of Section 3.02 and 3.03, the Excess Benefit and the Excess Compensation
Benefit under the Plan, and the Retirement Benefit received under the Retirement Income Plan, shall be subject to the early retirement reduction factors specified in the Retirement Income Plan.

	3.05
	SPECIAL RULES. Service or other assumptions used in determining Supplemental Income Benefits may be adjusted with respect to certain
Participants as specified in Appendix A to the Plan. 

* * * End of Article 3 * * *

5

 
 
 

ARTICLE 4. VESTING AND PAYMENT OF PLAN BENEFITS    
    

	4.01
	VESTING. A Participant shall become vested and have a nonforfeitable interest in his benefits under the Plan when and to the extent
that his accrued Retirement Benefits becomes vested and nonforfeitable except to the extent that vesting occurs due to a Code Section 420 transfer. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of
this Section 4.01, a Participant or his Beneficiary shall have no right to any benefits under the Plan if the Administrator or his Employer determines that he engaged, either during or after
employment, in a willful, deliberate or grossly negligent act of commission or omission which is substantially injurious to the finances or reputation of any of the Employers or engaged in the
material breach of a contract between him and the Employer either during or after employment. If it is determined that there has been a willful, deliberate or grossly negligent act or a material
breach of contract after employment as described in the preceding sentence, and if the Participant has already received payments under the Plan, the Participant shall be obligated to repay those
amounts to the Employer.

	4.02
	BENEFIT PAYMENT DATE.

	(a)
	Separation from Service on or after the Effective Date. A Participant who has a Separation from Service on or after the Effective Date
shall receive distribution of his Supplemental Income Benefits as soon as administratively practicable following the date that is 6 months after his Separation from Service.

	(b)
	Separation from Service prior to the Effective Date. A Participant who has a Separation from Service prior to the Effective Date shall
commence distribution of his Supplemental Income Benefits at the same time as he commences distribution of his Retirement Benefits under the Retirement Income Plan.

	4.03
	FORM OF PAYMENT OF PLAN BENEFITS TO PARTICIPANTS.

	(a)
	Separation from Service on or after the Effective Date. A Participant who has a Separation from Service on or after the Effective Date
shall receive the entire amount of his Supplemental Income Benefits in the form of a single lump sum payment. The determination of the lump sum payment amount shall be based on the Supplemental Income
Benefits that would be payable if the benefits calculated under Sections 3.02 and 3.03 had been reduced for payment on the Benefit Payment Date under the terms of the Retirement Income Plan,
regardless of whether the Participant is actually eligible to receive a Retirement Benefits on such date. For payments to be made prior to the Participant attaining age 55, the lump sum payment shall
be the actuarial equivalent of the benefit that would be payable upon the Participant attaining age 55 if the Participant were eligible for payment on such date based on the reductions applicable
under the Retirement Income Plan. 

For
purposes of this section, actuarial equivalence shall be based on— 

	(1)
	the
applicable mortality table under Code Section 417(e) for the Benefit Payment Date, and

	(2)
	an
interest rate equal to 80% of the average of the monthly applicable interest rates under Code Section 417(e) for the twelve-months prior to the Benefit Payment Date.

	(b)
	Separation from Service prior to the Effective Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Participants receiving payments as of the Effective
Date, shall be entitled to receive payments as follows:

	(1)
	Retirement Income Plan Forms. A Participant's vested benefit under the Plan will be paid to him in the same form, on the same dates and
for the same period during which benefits are payable to him under the Retirement Income Plan, using the same actuarial 

6

 

factors
used by the Retirement Income Plan for the purposes of converting the Retirement Benefit into different forms of distribution. 

	(2)
	De Minimis Lump Sum. A Participant will receive the entire amount of his Supplemental Income Benefits in the form of a single lump sum
payment if the actuarial equivalent of that lump sum benefit is less than $100 per month in the form of a single life annuity for the life expectancy of the Participant at the date Supplemental Income
Benefits are to commence. 

No
benefits under the Plan shall be payable to a Participant sooner than 30 days after the Participant (and his spouse or Beneficiary, as applicable) has made all elections required to commence
distributions under the terms of the Retirement Income Plan. 

	4.04
	FORM OF PAYMENT OF PLAN BENEFITS TO BENEFICIARIES. If a Participant dies before his Benefit Payment Date, his Beneficiary shall
receive a death benefit, if any, in the form of a lump sum payment, calculated based on the form of death benefits available to the Beneficiary under the Retirement Income Plan, subject to all
applicable reductions and limitations, provided that the Beneficiary is eligible for death benefits or preretirement surviving spouse benefits under the Retirement Income Plan. Death benefits payable
under the Plan shall be subject to the provisions of Section 4.03. If a Participant dies on or after his Benefit Payment Date, there are no death benefits payable under the Plan.

	4.05
	FACILITY OF PAYMENT. If, in the Administrator's opinion, a Participant or other person entitled to benefits under the Plan is under a
legal disability or is in any way incapacitated so as to be unable to manage his financial affairs, payment will be made to the conservator or other person legally charged with the care of his person
or his estate or, if no such legal conservator will have been appointed, then to any individual (for the benefit of such Participant or other person entitled to benefits under the Plan) whom the
Administrator may from time to time approve.

	4.06
	BENEFITS MAY NOT BE ASSIGNED OR ALIENATED. No employee, retired employee, or other Beneficiary hereunder shall have any right to
assign, alienate, pledge, hypothecate, anticipate, or in any way create a lien upon any part of this Plan, nor shall the interest of any Beneficiary or any distributions due or accruing to such
Beneficiary be liable in any way for the debts, defaults, or obligations of such Beneficiary, whether such obligations arise out of contract or tort, or out of duty to pay alimony or to support
dependents, or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, the alternate payee shall take distribution as a single lump sum payment or such other
form of payment as determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator no earlier than and within 180 days following the Participant's Benefit Payment Date.

	4.07
	PERMITTED ACCELERATION OF PAYMENT. To the extent permitted by Code Section 409A and related Regulations, the Company may, in
the sole discretion of the Administrator, commence distribution to a Participant, Participant's Beneficiary or other appropriate payee the portion of Participant's Supplemental Income Benefits
authorized for distribution in accordance with Code Section 409A and related Regulations, including amounts payable to an individual other than the Participant under a domestic relations order
approved by the Administrator. 

* * * End of Article 4 * * *

7

 
 
 

ARTICLE 5. ADMINISTRATION    
    

	5.01
	ADMINISTRATOR. The Administrator shall have with respect to the Plan the discretionary authority, powers, rights and duties granted to
the Administrator under the Retirement Income Plan, including, not by way of limitation, the following in addition to those vested in it elsewhere in the Plan:

	(a)
	to
adopt and apply in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner to all persons similarly situated, such rules of procedure and regulations as, in its opinion, may be necessary for the
proper and efficient administration of the Plan and as are consistent with the provisions of the Plan;

	(b)
	to
enforce the Plan in accordance with its terms and with such applicable rules and regulations as may be adopted by the Administrator;

	(c)
	to
determine conclusively all questions arising under the Plan, including the power to determine the eligibility of employees and the rights of Participants and other persons entitled
to benefits under the Plan and their respective benefits, to make factual findings and to remedy ambiguities, inconsistencies or omissions of whatever kind;

	(d)
	to
maintain and keep adequate records concerning the Plan and concerning its proceedings and acts in such form and detail as the Administrator may decide;

	(e)
	to
direct all payments of benefits under the Plan; and

	(f)
	to
employ agents, attorneys, accountants or other persons (who may also be employed by or represent the Employers) for such purposes as the Administrator considers necessary or
desirable to discharge its duties. 

The
certificate of a majority of the members of the Administrator, certifying that the Administrator has taken or authorized any action, shall be conclusive in favor of any person relying on the
certificate. 

	5.02
	ALLOCATION AND DELEGATION OF ADMINISTRATOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND POWERS. In exercising its authority to control and manage the
operation and administration of the Plan, the Administrator may allocate all or any part of its responsibilities and powers to any one or more of its members and may delegate all or any part of its
responsibilities and powers to any person or persons selected by it. Any such allocation or delegation may be revoked at any time.

	5.03
	INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED TO ADMINISTRATOR. The Employers shall furnish the Administrator such data and information as may be
required for it to discharge its duties and the records of the Employers shall be conclusive on all persons unless determined to be incorrect. Participants and other persons entitled to benefits under
the Plan must furnish to the Administrator such evidence, data or information as the Administrator considers desirable to carry out the Plan.

	5.04
	APPLYING FOR BENEFITS. The following claims procedures are generally applicable to claims filed under the Plan. To the extent required
by law and to the extent the Administrator is ruling on a claim for benefits on account of a disability, the Plan will follow, with respect to that claim, claims procedures required by law for plans
providing disability benefits.

	(a)
	General Procedures. Subject to the provisions of subsection (b), the following procedures shall apply in the determination of claims
under the Plan.

	(1)
	Filing a Claim. All applications and claims for benefits shall be filed in writing by the Participant, his beneficiary, or the
authorized representative of the claimant, by completing the procedures required by the Administrator. The procedures shall be 

8

 

reasonable
and may include the completion of forms and the submission of documents and additional information. 

	(2)
	Review of Claim. The Administrator or its delegate shall review all applications and claims for benefits and shall decide whether to
approve or deny the claim in whole or in part. If a claim is denied in whole or in part, the Administrator shall provide written notice of denial to the claimant within a reasonable period of time no
later than 90 days after the Administrator receives the claim, unless special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim. If an extension is required, the Administrator
shall notify the claimant in writing (including by electronic media) by the end of the initial 90-day period and indicate the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the
date by which the Administrator expects to render a decision on the claim. The extension shall not exceed an additional 90 days. The notice of denial shall be written (including in electronic
media) in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant and shall include the following:

	(A)
	specific
reasons for the denial;

	(B)
	specific
references to pertinent Plan provisions;

	(C)
	description
of any additional material or information necessary for the claimant to perfect his claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and

	(D)
	appropriate
information as to the steps the claimant should take if he wishes to submit the denied claim for review, including any applicable time limits and including a statement of
the claimant's right to bring a civil action under ERISA § 502(a) following a denied claim on review.

	(3)
	Appealing a Claims Denial. If the claimant wishes a review of the denied claim, he shall notify the Administrator in writing within
60 days of the claimant's receipt of notification of the denied claim. The claimant or the claimant's representative may review pertinent Plan documents and may submit issues or comments to the
Administrator in writing. The claimant or the claimant's representative may provide the Administrator with a written statement of the claimant's position and with written materials in support of his
position, including documents, records and other information relating to the claim. The claimant or the claimant's representative may have, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and
copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to the claim. A document, record or other information shall be considered relevant to the claim if such document, record or other
information (A) was relied upon in making the benefit determination, (B) was submitted, considered or generated in the course of making the benefit determination, without regard to
whether such document, record or other information was relied upon in making the benefit determination, or (C) demonstrates compliance with the administrative processes and safeguards designed
to ensure and verify that benefit claim determinations are made in accordance with the Plan and that, where appropriate, the Plan provisions have been applied consistently with respect to similarly
situated claimants.

	(4)
	Review of Appeal. The Administrator or its delegate shall forward all requests for review of a denied claim together with all
associated documents to the Chairman of the Administrator promptly after receipt. The Chairman of the Administrator shall make its decision on review solely on the basis of the written record,
including documents and written materials submitted by the claimant and/or the claimant's representative. The Administrator shall make a decision on review within a reasonable period of time, not 

9

 

later
than 60 days after the Administrator receives the claimant's written request for review unless special circumstances require additional time for review of the claim. If the Administrator
needs an extension of time to review the claim, it shall notify the claimant in writing before the end of the initial 60-day period, and shall indicate the special circumstances requiring
an extension of time and the date by which the Administrator expects to render the determination on review. The extension shall not be longer than an additional 60 days. The decision on review
will be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant. If the claim is denied, the written noticed shall include specific reasons for the decision as well as specific references to
pertinent Plan provisions on which the decision is based, a statement of the claimant's right to bring an action under ERISA § 502(a) and a statement that the claimant is entitled to
receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to the claimant's claim for benefits, with "relevant" defined as
provided in the previous subsection. 

	(b)
	Determination of Disability. To the extent the Administrator is determining a claims for benefits under the Plan on account of
disability, the following procedures shall apply.

	(1)
	Notice of Denial. If any person claiming benefits under the Plan on account of disability is denied such benefits by the Administrator,
no later than 45 days after receipt of his claim by the Administrator (or within 75 days if special circumstances require an extension and if written (including electronic) notice of
such extension and circumstances is given to such person within the initial 45-day period), he shall be furnished with written notification from the Administrator stating the following:
The notice of denial shall be written (including in electronic media) in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant and shall include the following:

	(A)
	specific
reasons for the denial;

	(B)
	specific
references to pertinent Plan provisions on which the adverse determination is based;

	(C)
	description
of the Plan's review procedures and time limits applicable to such procedures, including a statement of the claimant's right to bring a civil action under ERISA
Section 502(a) following an adverse benefit determination on review;

	(D)
	if
an internal rule, guideline, protocol or other similar criterion (a "Guideline") was relied upon in making the adverse determination, either (A) a copy of the Guideline, or
(B) a statement that such Guideline was relied upon in making the adverse determination and a statement that a copy of such Guideline will be provided free of charge to the claimant upon
request; and

	(E)
	if
the adverse benefit determination is based on a medical necessity or experimental treatment or similar exclusion or limit, either an explanation of the scientific or clinical
judgment for the determination, applying the terms of the Plan to the claimant's medical circumstances, or a statement that such explanation will be provided free of charge upon request. 

In
the case of any extension, the notice of extension shall specifically explain the standards on which entitlement to a benefit is based, the unresolved issues that prevent a decision on the claim,
and the additional information needed to resolve those issues, and the claimant shall be afforded at least 45 days within which to provide the specified information. 

10

 

In
the event that a period of time is extended due to a claimant's failure to submit necessary information, the period for making the benefit determination shall be tolled from the date on which the
notification of the extension is sent to the claimant until the date on which the claimant responds to the request for additional information. 

	(2)
	Appeal Process. A claimant shall have 180 days following receipt of a notification of an adverse benefit determination within
which to appeal the determination. A claimant shall be entitled to submit on appeal written comments, documents, records and other information relating to the claim. During the time the claimant has
for filing an appeal, the claimant shall be provided, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records and other information relevant to the claim. The
Administrator shall forward all requests for review of a denied claim together with all associated documents to the Chair of the Administrator promptly after receipt. The Administrator's review of the
claim shall take into account all comments, documents, records and other information submitted by the claimant relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or
considered in the initial benefit determination. The review shall not give deference to the initial adverse benefit determination. If the initial benefit determination was, in whole or in part, based
on medical judgment (including determinations with regard to whether a particular treatment, drug or other item is experimental, investigational, or not medically necessary or appropriate), in
deciding the appeal the Administrator shall consult with a health care professional who has appropriate training and experience in the field of medicine involved in the medical judgment. Such
professional shall be an individual who is neither an individual who was consulted in connection with the adverse benefit determination that is the subject of the appeal, nor the subordinate of any
such individual. If the Plan obtained advice from any medical or vocational experts in making the initial benefit determination, the Administrator shall identify such experts to the claimant,
regardless of whether the advice was relied upon in making the initial benefit determination. 

The
Administrator shall notify the claimant of the benefit determination on review within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 45 days after receipt by the Plan of the claimant's request
for review, unless the Administrator determines that special circumstances (such as the need to hold a hearing, if the Plan's procedures provide for a hearing) require an extension of time for
processing the claim. If the Administrator determines that an extension of time for processing is required, written notice of the extension shall be furnished to the claimant prior to the termination
of the initial 45-day period. In no event shall such extension exceed a period of 45 days from the end of the initial period. The extension notice shall indicate the special
circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Plan expects to render the determination on review. 

Notwithstanding
the previous paragraph, if the Administrator holds regularly scheduled meetings at least quarterly, the Administrator shall instead make a benefit determination no later than the date
of such meeting that immediately follows the Plan's receipt of a request for review, unless the request for review is filed within 30 days preceding the date of such meeting. In such case, a
benefit determination may be made by no later than the date of the second meeting following the Plan's receipt of the request for review. If special circumstances (such as the need to hold a hearing,
if the Plan's procedures provide for a hearing) require a further extension of time for processing, a benefit determination shall be rendered not later than the third meeting of the Administrator
following the Plan's receipt of the request for review. If such an extension of time for review is required because of special circumstances, the Administrator shall provide the 

11

 

claimant
with written notice of the extension, describing the special circumstances and the date as of which the benefit determination will be made, prior to the commencement of the extension. The
Administrator shall notify the claimant of the benefit determination as soon as possible, but not later than 5 days after the benefit determination is made. 

The
period of time within which a benefit determination on review is required to be made shall begin at the time an appeal is filed in accordance with the reasonable procedures of the Plan, without
regard to whether all the information necessary to make a benefit determination on review accompanies the filing. In the event that a period of time is extended due to a claimant's failure to submit
information necessary to decide a claim, the period for making the benefit determination on review shall be tolled from the date on which the notification of the extension is sent to the claimant
until the date on which the claimant responds to the request for additional information. 

	(3)
	Notification of Benefit Determination on Review. The Administrator shall provide the claimant with written notification of the Plan's
benefit determination on review. If on review the initial denial of benefits is affirmed, the notification shall set forth, in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant, the following:

	(A)
	specific
reason for the adverse determination;

	(B)
	specific
references to pertinent Plan provisions on which the adverse determination is based;

	(C)
	statement
that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the
claimant's claim for benefits;

	(D)
	statement
describing the Plan's voluntary appeal procedures, if any, and describing the claimant's right to obtain the information about such procedures, and a statement of the
claimant's right to bring an action under ERISA Section 502(a);

	(E)
	if
a Guideline was relied upon in making the adverse determination, either (A) a copy of the Guideline, or (B) a statement that such Guideline was relied upon in making
the adverse determination and a statement that a copy of such Guideline will be provided free of charge to the claimant upon request;

	(F)
	if
the adverse benefit determination is based on a medical necessity or experimental treatment or similar exclusion or limit, either an explanation of the scientific or clinical
judgment for the determination, applying the terms of the Plan to the claimant's medical circumstances, or a statement that such explanation will be provided free of charge upon request; and

	(G)
	the
following statement: "You and your Plan may have other voluntary alternative dispute resolution options, such as mediation. One way to find out what may be available is to contact
your local U.S. Department of Labor Office and your State insurance regulatory agency."

	(c)
	The
Administrator shall have full discretionary authority to consider claims filed under the Plan and to determine eligibility, status and rights of all individuals under the Plan and
to construe any and all terms of the Plan.

	(d)
	Following
the approval of a claim for benefits under this Plan, pursuant to the claims procedure set forth in this section, the Administrator shall have the authority to construe and
administer the Plan in a manner that is consistent with the payment of benefits in accordance with the approved claim. 

12

 

	5.05
	ADMINISTRATOR'S DECISION FINAL. Any interpretation of the Plan and any decision on any matter within the discretion of the
Administrator made by the Administrator shall be binding on all persons. A misstatement or other mistake of fact shall be corrected when it becomes known, and the Administrator shall make such
adjustment on account thereof as it considers equitable and practicable. 

* * * End of Article 5 * * *

13

 
 
 

ARTICLE 6. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION    
    

	6.01
	AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. The Sponsor and the Administrator have the right to amend the Plan from time to time, and the right to
terminate it; provided, however, that no such amendment or termination of the Plan will:

	(a)
	reduce
or impair the interests of Participants in benefits being paid under the Plan as of the date of amendment or termination, as the case may be; or

	(b)
	reduce
the aggregate amount of benefits payable from the Plan and from any other plan, program or arrangement established to supplement or replace the Plan to or on account of any
employee of an Employer to an amount which is less than the amount to which he would be entitled in accordance with the provisions of the Plan if the employee terminated employment immediately prior
to the date of the amendment or termination, as the case may be. 

Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if the Plan is not terminated earlier, the Plan shall terminate automatically as of the effective date of the termination of the Retirement Income Plan. 

	6.02
	MERGER. No Employer will merge or consolidate with any other corporation, or liquidate or dissolve, without making suitable
arrangements, satisfactory to the Administrator, for the payment of any benefits payable under the Plan. 

* * * End of Article 6 * * *

14

 
 
 

ARTICLE 7. GENERAL    
    

	7.01
	PLAN NOT CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT. The Plan does not constitute a contract of employment, and participation in the Plan will not give
any employee the right to be retained in the employ of any Employer nor any right or claim to any benefit under the Plan, unless such right or claim has specifically accrued under the terms of the
Plan.

	7.02
	UNSECURED GENERAL CREDITOR. Neither the Participant nor the Beneficiary shall have any interest whatsoever in any specific asset of
the Employer on account of any benefits provided under this Plan. The Participant's (or Beneficiary's) right to receive benefit payments under this Plan shall be no greater than the right of any
unsecured general creditor of the Employer.

	7.03
	PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS. Any subsidiary or affiliate of the Sponsor may adopt the Plan with the consent of the Board of Directors of
the Sponsor, effective as of the date of such adoption, as a "participating Employer," with such participation conditioned on the timely payment by the participating Employer of benefits payable to
eligible employees or former employees as such benefits become payable, and on the timely payment by the participating Employer of its proportional share of expenses resulting from administration of
the Plan.

	(a)
	Sponsor as Agent. Subject to a participating Employer's right to withdraw from the Plan, the participating Employer has no power or
obligation to amend or consent to any amendment made by the Sponsor, and agrees to be bound by all the provisions, conditions, and limitations of the Plan, as amended from time to time, as fully as if
the participating Employer was an original party to the Plan. For the purpose of this Plan, each participating Employer, by adopting the Plan, irrevocably designates the Sponsor as its agent.

	(b)
	Employer's Contribution. A participating Employer shall be responsible for paying benefits accrued under the Plan by a Participant who
is an employee of a participating Employer for all service performed for the participating Employer and credited for benefit accrual purposes under the Plan. The Administrator shall keep separate
books and records concerning the affairs of each participating Employer hereunder and as to the benefits of the employees of each participating Employer.

	(c)
	Withdrawal and Removal. A participating Employer, by action of its board of directors or other governing body, may withdraw from the
Plan at any time upon prior notice in writing to the Administrator (the effective date of such withdrawal being the "withdrawal date"), and shall thereupon cease to be an Employer for all purposes of
the Plan. The Administrator may remove a participating Employer from the Plan at any time upon prior notice in writing to the participating Employer (the effective date of such withdrawal being the
"removal date"), and shall thereupon cease to be an Employer for all purposes of the Plan. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, a withdrawing or removed Employer shall remain solely
responsible for paying benefits for its eligible employees who, as Participants, accrued such benefits under the Plan prior to the withdrawal date or removal date.

	7.04
	FUNDING. All amounts paid under this Plan shall be paid in cash from the general assets of the Employers or from one or more trusts,
the assets of which are subject to the claims of the Employer's general creditors. Such amounts shall be reflected on the accounting records of the Employer, but shall not be construed to create, or
require the creation of, a trust, custodial or escrow account. No Participant shall have any right, title or interest whatever in or to any investment reserves, accounts or funds that the Employer may
purchase, establish or accumulate to aid in providing the benefits under this Plan. Nothing contained in this Plan, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, shall create a trust or fiduciary
relationship of any kind between the Employer and a Participant or any other person. Neither shall an employee acquire any interest greater than that of an unsecured creditor. 

15

 
	7.05
	TAX LIABILITY. The Employers shall withhold from any payment of benefits hereunder any taxes required to be withheld and such sum as
the Employers may reasonably estimate to be necessary to cover any taxes for which the Employers may be liable and which may be assessed with regard to such payment. Deferred compensation such as the
Supplemental Income Benefit are "wages" as defined in Code Section 3121(v) subject to Social Security tax withholding under Code Section 3101(a) and (b) as provided for in
Code Section 3102, and to federal income tax withholding as provided for in Code Sections 3401(a), 3402 and 3405(a). In addition, various state income tax withholding requirements will result
in a further reduction of the actual amount distributed.

	7.06
	INDEMNIFICATION AND EXCULPATION. The members of the Administrator, and its agents, and the officers, directors, and employees of any
Employer and its affiliates shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Employer against and from any and all loss, costs, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by
them in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which they may be a party or in which they may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the
Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by them in settlement (with the Employer's written approval) or paid by them in satisfaction of a judgment in any such action, suit, or proceeding.
The foregoing provisions shall not be applicable to any person if the loss, costs, liability, or expense is due to such person's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

	7.07
	ACTION BY EMPLOYERS. Any action required of or permitted by the Sponsor or the Employers under the Plan shall be by approval of the
Administrator or any person or persons authorized by the Administrator.

	7.08
	NOTICES. Any notice or document required to be filed with the Administrator under the Plan will be properly filed if delivered or
mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Administrator (or its delegate), in care of the Sponsor, at its principal executive offices. The person entitled to notice may waive any notice
required under the Plan.

	7.09
	CONSTRUCTION. Where the context admits, words in any gender shall include any other gender, words in the singular shall include the
plural and the plural shall include the singular. Terms used frequently with the same meaning are indicated by initial capital letters, and are defined throughout the Plan.

	7.10
	SEVERABILITY OF PLAN PROVISIONS. In the event any provision of the Plan shall be held invalid or illegal for any reason, any
invalidity or illegality shall not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, but the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the invalid or illegal provision had never been inserted, and the Sponsor
shall have the right to correct and remedy such questions of invalidity or illegality by amendment as provided in the Plan.

	7.11
	APPLICABLE LAWS. The Plan shall be construed and administered in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware to the
extent that the laws of the United States of America do not preempt such laws. 

* * * End of Article 7 * * *

16

 

        The
Sponsor has caused the IHS Supplemental Income Plan to be executed in the name of and on behalf of the Employers on this      day of December, 2004, amended and restated
effective as of November 30, 2004. 

	 	 	IHS SPONSOR INC.
 SPONSOR
	

 	
 	

By:	

    

	 	 	Title:	    

17

  

 
 

APPENDIX A
  SPECIAL RULES    
    

With
respect to the Participants indicated in this Appendix A, the specified adjustments to Excess Benefits and/or Excess Compensation Benefits shall be made under the Plan. 

	A.01
	CHARLES PICASSO: Under the following circumstances, for purposes of calculating the Supplemental Income Benefits payable under the
Plan to Charles Picasso, the specified adjustments shall be made in accordance with the employment agreement dated October 15, 2004, by and between Charles Picasso and IHS Group Inc.
("IHS"), as amended from time to time (the "Employment Agreement"). Capitalized terms not defined in this Plan or the Retirement Income Plan shall have the meaning given them in the Employment
Agreement.

	(a)
	In
the event (i) he continues to be employed by IHS until the date he attains age 65, or (ii) his employment is terminated by IHS prior to such date other than for
Cause, (iii) he terminates employment prior to such date for Good Reason, (iv) his employment terminates prior to such date by reason of death or disability, or (v) he terminates
employment prior to such date following a Change in Control, for purposes of calculating the Supplemental Income Benefits payable under the Plan—

	(1)
	in
Section 3.02(a) and 3.03(a), the Benefit Accrual Periods of Service credited to Charles Picasso shall include 10 years in addition to his performed Benefit Accrual
Periods of Service, as determined under the Retirement Income Plan before taking into account any enhanced Retirement Benefit or qualified supplemental executive retirement plan benefit; and

	(2)
	in
Section 3.02(b) and 3.03(b), the offset of Supplemental Income Benefits by Retirement Benefits shall take into account any enhanced Retirement Benefit or qualified
supplemental executive retirement plan benefit payable to Charles Picasso.

	(b)
	In
the event, at any time during the Term and in the absence of a Change in Control, (i) his employment is terminated by IHS other than for Cause, or (ii) he terminates
employment for Good Reason, for purposes of calculating the Supplemental Income Benefits payable under the Plan—

	(1)
	in
Section 3.02(a) and 3.03(a), the Benefit Accrual Periods of Service credited to Charles Picasso shall include 2 years in addition to his performed Benefit Accrual
Periods of Service, as determined under the Retirement Income Plan before taking into account any enhanced Retirement Benefit or qualified supplemental executive retirement plan benefit; and

	(2)
	in
Section 3.02(b) and 3.03(b), the offset of Supplemental Income Benefits by Retirement Benefits shall take into account any enhanced Retirement Benefit or qualified
supplemental executive retirement plan benefit payable to Charles Picasso.

	(c)
	In
the event there is a Change in Control and, within 1 year of the Change in Control, (i) his employment is terminated by IHS other than for Cause, or (ii) he
terminates employment for CIC Good Reason, for purposes of calculating the Supplemental Income Benefits payable under the Plan—

	(1)
	in
Section 3.02(a) and 3.03(a), the Benefit Accrual Periods of Service credited to Charles Picasso shall include 2 years in addition to his performed Benefit Accrual
Periods of Service, as determined under the Retirement Income Plan before taking into account any enhanced Retirement Benefit or qualified supplemental executive retirement plan benefit; and 

A1

 

	(2)
	in
Section 3.02(b) and 3.03(b), the offset of Supplemental Income Benefits by Retirement Benefits shall take into account any enhanced Retirement Benefit or qualified
supplemental executive retirement plan benefit payable to Charles Picasso.

	A.02
	JERRE STEAD: For purposes of calculating the Supplemental Income Benefits payable under the Plan—

	(a)
	in
Section 3.02(a) and 3.03(a), the Benefit Accrual Periods of Service credited to Jerre Stead shall include 25 years in addition to his performed Benefit Accrual
Periods of Service, as determined under the Retirement Income Plan before taking into account any enhanced Retirement Benefit or qualified supplemental executive retirement plan benefit; and

	(b)
	in
Section 3.02(b) and 3.03(b), the offset of Supplemental Income Benefits by Retirement Benefits shall take into account any enhanced Retirement Benefit or qualified
supplemental executive retirement plan benefit payable to Jerre Stead. 

A2

QuickLinks

Exhibit 10.17

IHS SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME PLAN (Effective November 30, 2004)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS

ARTICLE 2. PARTICIPATION

ARTICLE 3. SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME BENEFITS

ARTICLE 4. VESTING AND PAYMENT OF PLAN BENEFITS

ARTICLE 5. ADMINISTRATION

ARTICLE 6. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

ARTICLE 7. GENERAL

APPENDIX A SPECIAL RULES

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