Use these links to rapidly review the document
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Table of Contents

Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-187504

         PROSPECTUS

Huntsman International LLC

Offer to exchange $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
4.875% Senior Notes due 2020
which have been registered under the Securities Act
for
$250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
4.875% Senior Notes due 2020

This exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City Time,
on May 6, 2013 unless extended.

Terms of the exchange offer:

•

On November 19, 2012, we issued $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.875% Senior Notes due 2020 (the "initial notes") under an indenture dated November 19, 2012 among our Company, the guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.



•

On March 4, 2013, we issued $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of additional notes under the indenture dated November 19, 2012 (the "old notes"). The old notes are treated together with the initial notes as a single series of debt securities for all purposes under the indenture, including, without limitation, waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase, and have terms identical to the initial notes, other than the issue date and offering price.



•

We will exchange all old notes that are validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.



•

The terms of the new 4.875% Senior Notes due 2020 (the "new notes") to be issued in this exchange offer are substantially identical to the terms of the old notes, except for transfer restrictions and registration rights relating to the old notes. The old notes and the new notes are collectively referred to herein as the "notes." The new notes will be unconditionally guaranteed by substantially all of our domestic subsidiaries and certain of our foreign subsidiaries. All references to the notes include reference to the related guarantees.



•

You may withdraw tendered old notes at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.



•

The exchange of old notes will not be a taxable event for United States federal income tax purposes.



•

We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer.



•

There is no existing market for the new notes, and we have not and will not apply to list the new notes on any securities exchange.

         See the "Description of New Notes" section on page 179 for more information about the new notes to be issued in this exchange offer.

         This investment involves risks. See the section entitled "Risk Factors" that begins on page 13 for a discussion of the risks that you should consider prior to tendering your old notes for exchange.

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

The date of this prospectus is April 5, 2013

Table of Contents

        Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the new notes it receives. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of new notes received in exchange for old notes where such old notes were acquired by the broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of 120 days after the consummation of the exchange offer, we will make this prospectus, as amended and supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See "Plan of Distribution."

TABLE OF CONTENTS

        We file annual, quarterly and certain other reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission jointly with our parent, Huntsman Corporation. Because Huntsman Corporation is not an obligor or guarantor under the notes and is not a registrant under the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, certain notes to the financial statements included in this prospectus that relate solely to Huntsman Corporation have been omitted and are marked "[Reserved]."

        This prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about our Company that is not included in or delivered with this prospectus. This information is available without charge upon written or oral request. See "Where You Can Find More Information." To obtain this information in a timely fashion, you must request such information no later than five business days before the expiration of the exchange offer. UNLESS WE EXTEND THE EXCHANGE OFFER, THE LATEST YOU SHOULD REQUEST COPIES OF THESE DOCUMENTS IS APRIL 29, 2013.

i

Table of Contents

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

        The following summary highlights selected information from this prospectus and may not contain all the information that is important to you. This prospectus contains information regarding our business and detailed financial information. You should carefully read this entire document.

        We are a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntsman Corporation, which we refer to in this prospectus as our "parent." Unless the context otherwise requires: references in this prospectus to "we," "us," "our" or "our Company" refer to Huntsman International LLC, together with its subsidiaries, and not to Huntsman Corporation and its other subsidiaries; references to "guarantors" or "guarantor subsidiaries" refer to our subsidiaries that have guaranteed our debt obligations, including the notes, consisting of substantially all of our domestic subsidiaries and certain of our foreign subsidiaries; "HPS" refers to Huntsman Polyurethanes Shanghai Ltd. (our consolidated splitting joint venture with Shanghai Chlor-Alkali Chemical Company, Ltd); "SLIC" refers to Shanghai Liengheng Isocyanate Investment BV (our unconsolidated manufacturing joint venture with BASF AG and three Chinese chemical companies); "Sasol-Huntsman" refers to Sasol-Huntsman GmbH and Co. KG (our consolidated joint venture with Sasol that owns and operates a maleic anhydride facility in Moers, Germany); and "HCCA" refers to Huntsman Chemical Company Australia Pty Limited (our 100% owned subsidiary).

        In this prospectus, we may use, without definition, the common names of competitors or other industry participants. We may also use the common names or abbreviations for certain chemicals or products. Many of these terms are defined in the Glossary of Chemical Terms on page 109 below.

Overview

        We are a global manufacturer of differentiated organic chemical products and of inorganic chemical products. Jon M. Huntsman founded the predecessor to our Company as a small polystyrene plastics packaging company. Since then, we have grown through a series of significant acquisitions and now own a global portfolio of businesses. In 2005, our parent completed an initial public stock offering. Our products comprise a broad range of chemicals and formulations, which we market globally to a diversified group of consumer and industrial customers. Our products are used in a wide range of applications, including those in the adhesives, aerospace, automotive, construction products, personal care and hygiene, durable and non-durable consumer products, electronics, medical, packaging, paints and coatings, power generation, refining, synthetic fiber, textile chemicals and dye industries. We are a leading global producer in many of our key product lines, including MDI, amines, surfactants, epoxy-based polymer formulations, textile chemicals, dyes, maleic anhydride and titanium dioxide. Our administrative, research and development and manufacturing operations are primarily conducted at the facilities listed below under "Business—Properties," which are located in 30 countries. As of December 31, 2012, we employed approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. Our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $11,187 million, $11,221 million and $9,250 million, respectively.

        Our company was organized in 1999 as a Delaware limited liability company. Our principal executive offices are located at 500 Huntsman Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, and our telephone number at that location is (801) 584-5700.

        We operate in five segments: Polyurethanes, Performance Products, Advanced Materials, Textile Effects and Pigments. In a series of transactions beginning in 2006, we sold our North American polymers and base chemicals operations and substantially shutdown all of our Australian styrenics operations. We report the results of these businesses as discontinued operations in our statements of operations. See "Note 25. Discontinued Operations" to our audited consolidated financial statements.

1

Table of Contents

        The chart below generally illustrates our organizational structure:

Recent Developments

        For a discussion of recent developments, see "Business—Recent Developments" below.

Our Products

        We produce differentiated organic chemical and inorganic chemical products. Our Polyurethanes, Performance Products, Advanced Materials and Textile Effects segments produce differentiated organic chemical products and our Pigments segment produces inorganic chemical products.

        Growth in our differentiated products has been driven by the substitution of our products for other materials and by the level of global economic activity. Accordingly, the profitability of our differentiated products has been somewhat less influenced by the cyclicality that typically impacts the petrochemical industry. Our Pigments business, while cyclical, is influenced by seasonal demand patterns in the coatings industry.

2

Table of Contents

(1)

Percentage allocations in this chart do not give effect to Corporate and other unallocated items and eliminations. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income and cash provided by operating activities, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations."

3

Table of Contents

        The following table identifies the key products, their principal end markets and applications and representative customers of each of our segments:

4

Table of Contents

THE EXCHANGE OFFER

5

Table of Contents

6

Table of Contents

7

Table of Contents

THE NEW NOTES

        The terms of the new notes and those of the old notes are identical in all material respects, except:

(1)

the new notes will have been registered under the Securities Act;



(2)

the new notes will not contain transfer restrictions and registration rights that relate to the old notes; and



(3)

the new notes will not contain provisions relating to the payment of liquidated damages to be made to the holders of the old notes under circumstances related to the timing of the exchange offer.

8

Table of Contents

        A brief description of the material terms of the new notes follows:

9

Table of Contents

10

Table of Contents

        For additional information regarding the new notes, see "Description of New Notes."

FAILURE TO EXCHANGE YOUR OLD NOTES

        The old notes which you do not tender or we do not accept will, following the exchange offer, continue to be restricted securities. Therefore, you may only transfer or resell them in a transaction registered under or exempt from the Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws. We will issue the new notes in exchange for the old notes under the exchange offer only following the satisfaction of the procedures and conditions described under the caption "The Exchange Offer."

11

Table of Contents

        Because we anticipate that most holders of the old notes will elect to exchange their old notes, we expect that the liquidity of the markets, if any, for any old notes remaining after the completion of the exchange offer will be substantially limited. Any old notes tendered and exchanged in the exchange offer will reduce the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the old notes.

OTHER DEBT

        The indenture governing the notes limits our ability to incur additional debt. Consequently, we would be required to obtain an amendment of the indenture before we incurred any additional debt, other than the types of debt specifically identified in the indenture as permitted.

SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA

        The summary historical financial data set forth below presents our historical financial data as of and for the dates and periods indicated. You should review this summary historical financial data in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.

12

Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS

        You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties below and the other information contained in this prospectus before you decide whether to exchange your old notes for new notes. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In this section of the prospectus, references to the notes mean the new notes.

Risks Related to Our Business

Our industry is affected by global economic factors including risks associated with volatile economic conditions.

        Our financial results are substantially dependent on overall economic conditions in the United States, Europe and Asia. Declining economic conditions in all or any of these locations—or negative perceptions about economic conditions—could result in a substantial decrease in demand for our products and could adversely affect our business. In particular, our operations in Europe continue to be impacted by the uncertain European economy. While we currently anticipate that, in the aggregate, our business in Europe will grow slowly, a currency or financial crisis in Europe could precipitate a significant decline in the European economy, which would likely result in a decrease in demand for our products in Europe.

        Uncertain economic conditions and market instability make it particularly difficult for us to forecast demand trends. The timing and extent of any changes to currently prevailing market conditions is uncertain, and supply and demand may be unbalanced at any time. As a consequence, we may not be able to accurately predict future economic conditions or the effect of such conditions on our financial condition or results of operations. We can give no assurances as to the timing, extent or duration of the current or future economic cycles impacting the chemical industry.

The markets for many of our products are cyclical and volatile, and we may experience depressed market conditions for such products.

        Historically, the markets for many of our products have experienced alternating periods of tight supply, causing prices and profit margins to increase, followed by periods of capacity additions, resulting in oversupply and declining prices and profit margins. The volatility these markets experience occurs as a result of changes in the supply and demand for products, changes in energy prices and changes in various other economic conditions around the world. For example, demand for our products depends in part on the housing and construction industries. These industries are cyclical in nature and have historically been impacted by downturns in the economy. The cyclicality and volatility of our industry results in significant fluctuations in profits and cash flow from period to period and over the business cycle.

Disruptions in production at our manufacturing facilities, both planned and unplanned, may have a material impact on our business, results of operations and/or financial condition.

        Manufacturing facilities in our industry are subject to planned and unplanned production shutdowns, turnarounds and outages. Unplanned production disruptions may occur for external reasons including natural disasters, weather, disease, strikes, transportation interruption, government regulation, political unrest or terrorism, or internal reasons, such as fire, unplanned maintenance or other manufacturing problems. Alternative facilities with sufficient capacity may not be available, may cost substantially more or may take a significant time to increase production or qualify with our customers, each of which could negatively impact our business, results of operations and/or financial condition. Long-term production disruptions may cause our customers to seek alternative supply which could further adversely affect our profitability.

13

Table of Contents

Our results of operations may be adversely affected by international business risks, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates, legal restrictions and taxes.

        We conduct a majority of our business operations outside the U.S., and these operations are subject to risks normally associated with international operations. These risks include the need to convert currencies that may be received for our products into currencies in which we purchase raw materials or pay for services, which could result in a gain or loss depending on fluctuations in exchange rates. In addition, we translate our local currency financial results into U.S. dollars based on average exchange rates prevailing during the reporting period or the exchange rate at the end of that period. During times of a strengthening U.S. dollar, our reported international sales and earnings may be reduced because the local currency may translate into fewer U.S. dollars. Because we currently have significant operations located outside the U.S., we are exposed to fluctuations in global currency rates which may result in gains or losses on our financial statements.

        Other risks of international operations include trade barriers, tariffs, exchange controls, national and regional labor strikes, social and political risks, general economic risks and required compliance with a variety of U.S. and foreign laws, including tax laws, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (and foreign equivalents), export controls and OFAC regulations. In addition, although we maintain an anti-corruption compliance program throughout our Company, violations of our compliance program may result in criminal or civil sanctions, including material monetary fines, penalties and other costs against us or our employees, and may have a material adverse effect on our business. Furthermore, in foreign jurisdictions where process of law may vary from country to country, we may experience difficulty in enforcing agreements. In jurisdictions where bankruptcy laws and practices may vary, we may experience difficulty collecting foreign receivables through foreign legal systems. The occurrence of these risks, among others, could disrupt the businesses of our international subsidiaries, which could significantly affect their ability to make distributions to us.

        We operate in a significant number of jurisdictions, which contributes to the volatility of our effective tax rate. Changes in tax laws or the interpretation of tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate may affect our effective tax rate. In addition, generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP" or "U.S. GAAP") has required us to place valuation allowances against our net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in a significant number of tax jurisdictions. These valuation allowances result from analysis of positive and negative evidence supporting the realization of tax benefits. Negative evidence includes a cumulative history of pre-tax operating losses in specific tax jurisdictions. Changes in valuation allowances have resulted in material fluctuations in our effective tax rate. Economic conditions may dictate the continued imposition of the current valuation allowances and potentially the establishment of new valuation allowances. While significant valuation allowances remain, our effective tax rate will likely continue to experience significant fluctuations.

If we are unable to execute our cost reduction plans successfully, our total operating costs may be greater than expected, which may adversely affect our profitability.

        We have commenced a number of actions to restructure our Polyurethanes, Textile Effects and Advanced Materials segments to improve our earnings profile. We are in the process of implementing these programs and have realized a portion of the anticipated benefits. While we continue to search for opportunities to reduce our costs and expenses to improve operating profitability without jeopardizing the quality of our products or the effectiveness of our operations, our success in achieving targeted cost and expense reductions depends upon a number of factors. If we do not successfully execute on our cost reduction initiatives or if we experience delays in completing the implementation of these initiatives, our results of operations or financial condition could be adversely affected.

14

Table of Contents

Our efforts to grow our businesses may require significant investments; if our growth strategies are unsuccessful, our business, results of operations and/or financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

        We continuously evaluate growth opportunities. Our growth initiatives may involve making acquisitions, entering into partnerships and joint ventures, and building new facilities—any of which could require a significant investment. We have incurred indebtedness to finance growth initiatives, and we may incur additional indebtedness to finance future growth initiatives. We could also issue additional shares of stock to finance such initiatives. If our growth strategies are not successful, we could face increased financial pressure, such as increased cash flow demands, reduced liquidity and diminished access to financial markets.

        In addition, the implementation of growth strategies may create additional risks, including:

•

diversion of management focus away from existing operations;



•

impairment of the operation of our business due to capital or equity commitments;



•

inability to accurately predict the costs and benefits of acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures or new facilities;



•

inability to efficiently operate new businesses or to integrate acquired businesses;



•

disruptions to important business relationships;



•

increased operating costs;



•

difficulties in realizing projected synergies;



•

exposure to unanticipated liabilities, including for illegal activities conducted by an acquired company or a joint venture partner; and



•

usage of limited investment and other baskets under our debt covenants.

All of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Significant price volatility or interruptions in supply of our raw materials may result in increased costs that we may be unable to pass on to our customers, which could reduce our profitability.

        The prices of the raw materials that we purchase from third parties are cyclical and volatile. We purchase a substantial portion of our raw materials from third- party suppliers. The cost of these raw materials represents a substantial portion of our operating expenses. The prices for a number of these raw materials generally follow price trends of, and vary with market conditions for, crude oil and natural gas feedstocks, which are highly volatile and cyclical.

        In general, the feedstocks and other raw materials we consume are organic commodity products that are readily available at market prices. However, ore feedstocks for our Pigments segment are periodically in short supply. We frequently enter into supply agreements with particular suppliers, but disruptions of existing supply arrangements or expiration of favorable supply contracts could substantially impact our profitability. If certain of our suppliers are unable to meet their obligations under present supply agreements, we may be forced to pay higher prices to obtain the necessary raw materials from other sources and we may not be able to increase prices for our finished products to recoup the higher raw materials costs. In addition, if raw materials become unavailable within a geographic area from which they are now sourced, then we may not be able to obtain suitable or cost effective substitutes. Any interruption in the supply of raw materials could increase our costs or decrease our revenues, which could reduce our cash flow.

15

Table of Contents

        Our supply agreements typically provide for market-based pricing and provide us only limited protection against price volatility. While we attempt to match cost increases with corresponding product price increases, we are not always able to raise product prices immediately or at all. Timing differences between raw material prices, which may change daily, and contract product prices, which in many cases are negotiated only monthly or less often, have had and may continue to have a negative effect on our cash flow. Any cost increase that we are not able to pass on to our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Financial difficulties and related problems at our customers, vendors, suppliers and other business partners could have a material adverse effect on our business.

        During periods of economic disruption, more of our customers than normal may experience financial difficulties, including bankruptcies, restructurings and liquidations, which could affect our business by reducing sales, increasing our risk in extending trade credit to customers and reducing our profitability. A significant adverse change in a customer relationship or in a customer's financial position could cause us to limit or discontinue business with that customer, require us to assume more credit risk relating to that customer's receivables or limit our ability to collect accounts receivable from that customer. In addition, we rely on a number of vendors and suppliers and collaborations with other industry participants to provide us with chemicals, feedstocks and other raw materials, along with energy sources and, in certain cases, facilities, that we need to operate our business. During periods of economic disruption, some of these companies could be forced to reduce their output, shut down their operations or file for bankruptcy protection. If this were to occur, it could adversely affect their ability to provide us with the raw materials, energy sources or facilities that we need, which could materially disrupt our operations, including the production of certain of our products. Moreover, it could be difficult to find replacements for certain of our business partners without incurring significant delays or cost increases. All of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

The industries in which we compete are highly competitive, and we may not be able to compete effectively with our competitors that have greater financial resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

        The industries in which we operate are highly competitive. Among our competitors are some of the world's largest chemical companies and major integrated petroleum companies that have their own raw material resources. Changes in the competitive landscape could make it difficult for us to retain our leadership position in various products and markets throughout the world. In addition, some of the companies with whom we compete may be able to produce products more economically than we can. Furthermore, some of our competitors have greater financial resources, which may enable them to invest significant capital into their businesses, including expenditures for research and development. Some of our competitors are owned or partially owned by foreign governments which may provide a competitive advantage to those competitors. While we are engaged in a range of research and development programs to develop new products and processes, to improve and refine existing products and processes, and to develop new applications for existing products, the failure to develop new products, processes or applications could make us less competitive. Moreover, if any of our current or future competitors develops proprietary technology that enables them to produce products at a significantly lower cost, our technology could be rendered uneconomical or obsolete. Further, it is possible we could be named in future litigation for the infringement or misappropriation of a competitor's or other third party's intellectual property rights, which could include a claim for injunctive relief and damages, and, if so, the adverse results could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position.

16

Table of Contents

        In addition, certain of our businesses use technology that is widely available. Accordingly, barriers to entry, apart from capital availability, may be low in certain product segments of our business, and the entrance of new competitors into the industry may reduce our ability to capture improving profit margins in circumstances where capacity utilization in the industry is increasing. Further, petroleum-rich countries have become more significant participants in the petrochemical industry and may expand this role significantly in the future. Increased competition in any of our businesses could compel us to reduce the prices of our products, which could result in reduced profit margins and loss of market share and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Natural or other disasters could disrupt our business and result in loss of revenue or in higher expenses.

        Any serious disruption at any of our facilities due to hurricane, fire, earthquake, flood or any other natural or man-made disaster could impair our ability to use our facilities and have a material impact on our revenues and increase our costs and expenses. If there is a natural disaster or other serious disruption at any of these facilities, it could impair our ability to adequately supply our customers and negatively impact our operating results. In addition, many of our current and potential customers are concentrated in specific geographic areas including the U.S. Gulf Coast, which is subject to hurricanes. A disaster in one of these regions could have a material impact on our operations, operating results and financial condition.

        While we maintain business recovery plans that are intended to allow us to recover from natural disasters or other events that could disrupt our business, we cannot provide assurances that our plans would fully protect us from all such disasters or events that might result due to climate change. In addition, insurance may not adequately compensate us from any losses incurred as a result of natural or other disasters. Furthermore, in areas prone to frequent natural or other disasters, insurance may become increasingly expensive or not available at all.

Our operations involve risks that may increase our operating costs, which could reduce our profitability.

        Although we take precautions to enhance the safety of our operations and minimize the risk of disruptions, our operations are subject to hazards inherent in the manufacturing and marketing of chemical products. These hazards include: chemical spills, pipeline leaks and ruptures, storage tank leaks, discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases and other hazards incident to the manufacturing, processing, handling, transportation and storage of dangerous chemicals. We are also potentially subject to other hazards, including natural disasters and severe weather; explosions and fires; transportation problems, including interruptions, spills and leaks; mechanical failures; unscheduled downtimes; labor difficulties; remediation complications; and other risks. Many potential hazards can cause bodily injury and loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment and environmental damage, and may result in suspension of operations and the imposition of civil or criminal penalties and liabilities. Furthermore, we are subject to present and future claims with respect to workplace exposure, exposure of contractors on our premises as well as other persons located nearby, workers' compensation and other matters.

        We maintain property, business interruption, products liability and casualty insurance policies which we believe are in accordance with customary industry practices, as well as insurance policies covering other types of risks, including pollution legal liability insurance, but we are not fully insured against all potential hazards and risks incident to our business. Each of these insurance policies is subject to customary exclusions, deductibles and coverage limits, in accordance with industry standards and practices. As a result of market conditions, premiums and deductibles for certain insurance policies can increase substantially and, in some instances, certain insurance may become unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage. If we were to incur a significant liability for which we were not

17

Table of Contents

fully insured, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

        In addition, we are subject to various claims and litigation in the ordinary course of business. We are a party to various pending lawsuits and proceedings. For more information, see "Business—Legal Proceedings—Antitrust Matters" below. It is possible that judgments could be rendered against us in these cases or others in which we could be uninsured or not covered by indemnity and beyond the amounts that we currently have reserved or anticipate incurring for such matters.

Our operations, financial condition and liquidity could be adversely affected by legal claims against us, including antitrust claims.

        We face risks arising from various legal actions, including matters relating to antitrust, product liability, intellectual property and environmental claims. Over the past few years, antitrust claims have been made against chemical companies, and we have been named as a defendant in the antitrust suits discussed in "Business—Legal Proceedings—Antitrust Matters" below. In this type of litigation, the plaintiffs generally seek treble damages, which may be significant. An adverse outcome in any antitrust claim could be material and significantly impact our operations, financial condition and liquidity.

We are subject to many environmental, health and safety ("EHS") regulations that may result in unanticipated costs or liabilities, which could reduce our profitability.

        We are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to pollution, protection of the environment and human health and safety, and the generation, storage, handling, transportation, treatment, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances and waste materials. Actual or alleged violations of EHS laws or permit requirements could result in restrictions or prohibitions on plant operations and substantial civil or criminal sanctions, as well as, under some EHS laws, the assessment of strict liability and/or joint and several liability.

        Governmental, regulatory and societal demands for increasing levels of product safety and environmental protection could result in increased pressure for more stringent regulatory control with respect to the chemical industry. In addition, these concerns could influence public perceptions regarding our products and operations, the viability of certain products, our reputation, the cost to comply with regulations, and the ability to attract and retain employees. Moreover, changes in EHS regulations could inhibit or interrupt our operations, or require us to modify our facilities or operations. Accordingly, environmental or regulatory matters may cause us to incur significant unanticipated losses, costs or liabilities, which could reduce our profitability.

        We could incur significant expenditures in order to comply with existing or future EHS laws. Capital expenditures and costs relating to EHS matters will be subject to evolving regulatory requirements and will depend on the timing of the promulgation and enforcement of specific standards which impose requirements on our operations. Capital expenditures and costs beyond those currently anticipated may therefore be required under existing or future EHS laws.

        Furthermore, we may be liable for the costs of investigating and cleaning up environmental contamination on or from our properties or at off-site locations where we disposed of or arranged for the disposal or treatment of hazardous materials or from disposal activities that pre-dated our purchase of our businesses. We may therefore incur additional costs and expenditures beyond those currently anticipated to address all such known and unknown situations under existing and future EHS laws.

18

Table of Contents

We are subject to risks relating to our information technology systems, and any failure to adequately protect our critical information technology systems could materially affect our operations.

        We rely on information technology systems across our operations, including for management, supply chain and financial information and various other processes and transactions. Our ability to effectively manage our business depends on the security, reliability and capacity of these systems. Information technology system failures, network disruptions or breaches of security could disrupt our operations, causing delays or cancellation of customer orders or impeding the manufacture or shipment of products, processing of transactions or reporting of financial results. An attack or other problem with our systems could also result in the disclosure of proprietary information about our business or confidential information concerning our customers or employees, which could result in significant damage to our business and our reputation.

        We have put in place security measures designed to protect against the misappropriation or corruption of our systems, intentional or unintentional disclosure of confidential information, or disruption of our operations. Current employees have, and former employees may have, access to a significant amount of information regarding our operations which could be disclosed to our competitors or otherwise used to harm us. Moreover, our operations in certain locations, such as China, may be particularly vulnerable to security attacks or other problems. Any breach of our security measures could result in unauthorized access to and misappropriation of our information, corruption of data or disruption of operations or transactions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

        In addition, we could be required to expend significant additional amounts to respond to information technology issues or to protect against threatened or actual security breaches. We may not be able to implement measures that will protect against all of the significant risks to our information technology systems.

Regulatory or market changes with respect to MTBE may materially reduce our sales and/or materially increase our costs.

        We produce MTBE, an oxygenate that is blended with gasoline to reduce vehicle air emissions and to enhance the octane rating of gasoline. Because MTBE has contaminated some water supplies, its use has become controversial in the U.S. and elsewhere, and its use has been effectively eliminated in the U.S. market. We currently market MTBE, either directly or through third parties, to gasoline additive customers located outside the U.S. This business has been profitable to us over time, and future legislative or regulatory initiatives outside the U.S. restricting MTBE could materially adversely affect our ability to market and sell MTBE and our profitability. We have recently announced a joint venture with Sinopec involving the construction and operation of a PO/MTBE facility in China, which will further expose us to these risks

        While we could use all or a portion of our precursor TBA to produce saleable products other than MTBE, this would require significant capital expenditures to modify our facilities. Moreover, the sale of other products would produce a lower level of cash flow than that historically produced from the sale of MTBE.

Our business is dependent on our intellectual property. If our intellectual property rights cannot be enforced or our trade secrets become known to our competitors, our ability to compete may be adversely affected.

        Proprietary protection of our processes, apparatuses and other technology is important to our business. While a presumption of validity exists with respect to patents issued to us in the U.S., there can be no assurance that any of our patents will not be challenged, invalidated, circumvented or rendered unenforceable. Furthermore, if any pending patent application filed by us does not result in an issued patent, or if patents are issued to us, but such patents do not provide meaningful protection

19

Table of Contents

of our intellectual property, then our ability to compete may be adversely affected. Additionally, our competitors or other third parties may obtain patents that restrict or preclude our ability to lawfully produce or sell our products in a competitive manner, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

        We also rely upon unpatented proprietary know-how and continuing technological innovation and other trade secrets to develop and maintain our competitive position. While it is our policy to enter into agreements imposing confidentiality obligations upon our employees and third parties to protect our intellectual property, these confidentiality obligations may be breached, may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets or proprietary know-how, or adequate remedies may not be available in the event of an unauthorized access, use or disclosure of our trade secrets and know-how. In addition, others could obtain knowledge of our trade secrets through independent development or other access by legal means.

        We may have to rely on judicial enforcement of our patents and other proprietary rights. We may not be able to effectively protect our intellectual property rights from misappropriation or infringement in countries where effective patent, trademark, trade secret and other intellectual property laws and judicial systems may be unavailable, or may not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as U.S. law.

        The failure of our patents or confidentiality agreements to protect our processes, apparatuses, technology, trade secrets or proprietary know-how or the failure of adequate legal remedies for related actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Loss of key members of our management could disrupt our business.

        We depend on the continued employment and performance of our senior executives and other key members of management. If any of these individuals resigns or becomes unable to continue in his or her present role and is not adequately replaced, our business operations and our ability to implement our growth strategies could be materially disrupted. We generally do not have employment agreements with, and we do not maintain any "key person" life insurance for, any of our executive officers.

Conflicts, military actions, terrorist attacks and general instability, in particular in certain energy-producing nations, along with increased security regulations related to our industry, could adversely affect our business.

        Conflicts, military actions and terrorist attacks have precipitated economic instability and turmoil in financial markets. Instability and turmoil, particularly in energy-producing nations, may result in raw material cost increases. The uncertainty and economic disruption resulting from hostilities, military action or acts of terrorism may impact any or all of our facilities and operations or those of our suppliers or customers. Accordingly, any conflict, military action or terrorist attack that impacts us or any of our suppliers or customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

        In addition, a number of governments have instituted regulations attempting to increase the security of chemical plants and the transportation of hazardous chemicals, which could result in higher operating costs and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and liquidity.

If our subsidiaries do not make sufficient distributions to us, then we will not be able to make payment on our debts.

        Our debt is generally the exclusive obligation of our Company and our guarantor subsidiaries. Because a significant portion of our operations are conducted by nonguarantor subsidiaries, our cash flow and our ability to service indebtedness, including our ability to pay the interest on our debt when

20

Table of Contents

due and principal of such debt at maturity, are dependent to a large extent upon cash dividends and distributions or other transfers from such nonguarantor subsidiaries. Any payment of dividends, distributions, loans or advances by our nonguarantor subsidiaries to us could be subject to restrictions on dividends or repatriation of earnings under applicable local law, monetary transfer restrictions and foreign currency exchange regulations in the jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries operate, and any restrictions imposed by the current and future debt instruments of our nonguarantor subsidiaries. In addition, payments to us by our subsidiaries are contingent upon our subsidiaries' earnings.

        Our subsidiaries are separate legal entities and, except for our guarantor subsidiaries, have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due on our debt or to make any funds available for those amounts, whether by dividends, loans, distributions or other payments, and do not guarantee the payment of interest on, or principal of, our debt. Any right that we have to receive any assets of any of our subsidiaries that are not guarantors upon the liquidation or reorganization of any such subsidiary, and the consequent right of holders of notes to realize proceeds from the sale of their assets, will be structurally subordinated to the claims of that subsidiary's creditors, including trade creditors and holders of debt issued by that subsidiary.

Regulatory requirements to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

        Globally, our operations are increasingly subject to regulations that seek to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, or GHGs, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which may be contributing to changes in the Earth's climate. At the most recent negotiations of the Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, a limited group of nations, including the EU, agreed to a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty that provides for reductions in GHG emissions. More significantly, the European Union GHG Emissions Trading System, established pursuant to the Kyoto Protocol to reduce GHG emissions in the EU, has just entered its third phase and ongoing reforms at the EU level—including measures to prop up carbon credit prices and ban the use of certain types of certified emission reductions—may increase our operating costs. Australia has also adopted a carbon trading system that has been recognized for formal linkage with the EU trading system by 2018. Australia's GHG cap-and-trade program may impose compliance obligations upon our operations that may increase our operating costs. In the United States, California has commenced the first compliance period of its cap-and-trade program.

        Federal climate change legislation in the United States appears unlikely in the near-term. As a result, domestic efforts to curb GHG emissions will be led by the EPA's GHG regulations and the efforts of states. To the extent that our domestic operations are subject to the EPA's GHG regulations, we may face increased capital and operating costs associated with new or expanded facilities. Expansions of our existing facilities or construction of new facilities may be subject to the Clean Air Act's Prevention of Significant Deterioration requirements under the EPA's GHG "Tailoring Rule." Our facilities are also subject to the EPA's Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases rule, and the collection and reporting of GHG data may increase our operational costs.

        Under a consent decree with states and environmental groups, the EPA is due to propose new source performance standards (NSPS) for GHG emissions from refineries. These standards could significantly increase the costs of constructing or adding capacity to refineries and may ultimately increase the costs or decrease the supply of refined products. Either of these events could have an adverse effect on our business.

        We are already managing and reporting GHG emissions, to varying degrees, as required by law for our sites in locations subject to Kyoto Protocol obligations and/or EU emissions trading scheme requirements. Although these sites are subject to existing GHG legislation, few have experienced or anticipate significant cost increases as a result of these programs, although it is possible that GHG

21

Table of Contents

emission restrictions may increase over time. Potential consequences of such restrictions include capital costs to modify operations as necessary to meet GHG emission limits and/or additional energy costs, as well as direct compliance costs. Currently, however, it is not possible to estimate the likely financial impact of potential future regulation on any of our sites.

        Finally, it should be noted that some scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of GHGs in the Earth's atmosphere may produce climate changes that have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, droughts, floods and other climatic events. If any of those effects were to occur, they could have an adverse effect on our facilities and operations.

Risks Related to Our Indebtedness and the Notes

Our significant debt level, a portion of which is subject to variable interest rates, makes us vulnerable to downturns and may limit our ability to respond to market conditions or to obtain additional financing.

        We have significant outstanding debt. As of December 31, 2012, our total consolidated outstanding debt was approximately $4.4 billion (including a note payable to our parent); our debt to total capitalization ratio was approximately 78%; our combined outstanding variable rate borrowings were approximately $2.8 billion; and our current portion of debt totaled approximately $288 million. Our debt level, and the fact that a significant percentage of our cash flow is required to make payments on our debt, could have important consequences for our business, including but not limited to the following:

•

we may be more vulnerable to business, industry or economic downturns, making it more difficult to respond to market conditions;



•

cash flow available for other purposes, including the growth of our business, may be reduced;



•

our ability to obtain additional financing may be constrained, particularly during periods when the capital markets are unsettled;



•

our competitors with lower debt levels may have a competitive advantage relative to us; and



•

part of our debt is subject to variable interest rates, which makes us more vulnerable to increases in interest rates (for example, a 1% increase in interest rates, without giving effect to interest rate hedges or other offsetting items, would increase our annual interest rate expense by approximately $28 million).

        Our debt level also impacts our credit ratings. Any decision by credit rating agencies to downgrade our debt ratings could restrict our ability to obtain additional financing and could result in increased interest and other costs.

Despite our current levels of indebtedness, we may incur substantially more debt, which could further increase the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness.

        Although the agreements governing our outstanding indebtedness contain and the indenture governing the notes contains restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness by us and our restricted subsidiaries, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and the indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately $4.4 billion of indebtedness (including a note payable to our parent). We may incur substantial additional indebtedness from time to time for a variety of purposes. Although a covenant in the indenture governing the notes restricts our ability to incur additional secured indebtedness, this covenant is subject to certain significant exceptions. See "Description of Notes—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Secured Debt" and "—Certain Definitions." Since the operating results of many of our businesses are cyclical, we could incur significant amounts of

22

Table of Contents

additional indebtedness at the peak of the operating cycle. If new debt is added to the current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.

The indenture governing the notes and other agreements governing our debt may restrict our ability to engage in certain business activities or to obtain additional financing.

        The agreements governing our debt arrangements and the indenture governing the notes contain certain restrictive covenants. These covenants may limit or prohibit our ability to incur more debt; make certain prepayments of debt; pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions; issue stock; make investments; create liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; merge or consolidate; and transfer or sell assets.

        Our failure to comply with any of our debt covenants, or our failure to make payments of principal or interest on our debt, could result in a default, or trigger cross-default or acceleration provisions, under our debt agreements. An event of default could result in our debt obligations becoming immediately due and payable, cause our creditors to terminate their lending commitments, or force us or one or more of our subsidiaries into bankruptcy or liquidation. Any of the foregoing occurrences could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. For more information regarding our debt covenants, see "Note 14. Debt—Compliance with Covenants" to our audited consolidated financial statements.

The instruments governing our debt contain cross default provisions that may cause all of the debt issued under such instruments to become immediately due and payable as a result of a default under an unrelated debt instrument.

        The indentures governing our outstanding senior notes and senior subordinated notes contain numerous covenants, and the agreements governing our Senior Credit Facilities and our A/R Programs contain numerous covenants and require us to meet certain financial ratios and tests. Our failure to comply with the obligations contained in the indentures governing our outstanding senior notes and senior subordinated notes, our Senior Credit Facilities and A/R Programs or other instruments governing our indebtedness could result in an event of default under the applicable instrument, which could result in the related debt and the debt issued under other instruments becoming immediately due and payable. In such event, we would need to raise funds from alternative sources, which funds may not be available to us on favorable terms, on a timely basis or at all. Alternatively, such a default could require us to sell our assets and otherwise curtail operations in order to pay our creditors.

The notes and the subsidiary guarantees are unsecured and effectively subordinated to our and the subsidiary guarantors' secured debt.

        The notes are not secured. The borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities are secured by liens on substantially all of our assets and the assets of the subsidiary guarantors. If we or any of our guarantors liquidates, dissolves or declares bankruptcy, or if payment under the credit agreement or any of our other secured debt is accelerated, our secured creditors would be entitled to exercise the remedies available to a secured creditor under applicable law and will have a claim on those assets that is effectively senior to the claims of holders of the notes. The guarantees of the notes are unsecured senior obligations of the guarantors, effectively subordinated to secured debt of the guarantors to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, and in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of a guarantor, such guarantor's secured creditors will have a prior secured claim to any collateral securing the debt owed to them. As of December 31, 2012, we and the guarantors had approximately $1.6 billion of secured debt outstanding to which the notes and the guarantees are effectively subordinated. In addition, under the indenture governing the notes, we may incur additional secured debt.

23

Table of Contents

The notes are structurally subordinated to all indebtedness of our subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the notes.

        We derive substantially all of our revenue from our consolidated subsidiaries. While certain of our subsidiaries guarantee the notes, other subsidiaries are not guaranteeing the notes. You will not have any claim as a creditor against our other subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the notes. Accordingly, all obligations of our nonguarantor subsidiaries, including trade payables, will have to be satisfied before any of the assets of such subsidiaries would be available for distribution, upon a liquidation or otherwise, to us or a guarantor of the notes. As of December 31, 2012, our nonguarantor subsidiaries had approximately $661 million of total indebtedness, excluding intercompany subsidiary indebtedness. Under the indenture, if we meet a specified fixed charge coverage ratio, our nonguarantor subsidiaries may incur additional indebtedness, which would be structurally senior to the notes. See "Note 28. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information" to our audited consolidated financial statements for certain financial information about our nonguarantor subsidiaries.

We may not have the ability to repurchase notes upon a change of control as required by the indenture.

        Upon the occurrence of certain change of control events (which, as defined in our indentures, generally exclude transactions approved by our board of managers), each holder of notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of its notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount plus accrued interest to the date of purchase. Our ability to repurchase the notes upon a change of control is restricted by the terms of our Senior Credit Facilities. As such, prior to repurchasing the notes upon a change of control, we would have to either repay outstanding indebtedness under our Senior Credit Facilities or obtain the consent of lenders thereunder. If we do not obtain the required consents or repay our outstanding indebtedness under our Senior Credit Facilities, we would remain effectively prohibited from offering to purchase the notes. In any event, we cannot assure you that we will have sufficient funds to repurchase the notes upon a change of control. Our failure to repurchase the notes upon a change of control would result in a default under the indenture governing the notes, which would, in turn, result in a default under our Senior Credit Facilities and our outstanding senior notes and senior subordinated notes.

The notes and guarantees may be void, avoided or subordinated under laws governing fraudulent transfers and insolvency.

        We have incurred substantial debt, including our outstanding senior notes and senior subordinated notes and our Senior Credit Facilities. Various fraudulent conveyance laws enacted for the protection of creditors may apply to our issuance of the notes and the guarantors' issuance of the guarantees. To the extent that a court were to find that:

•

the notes were issued or a guarantee was incurred with actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud any present or future creditor; or



•

we or a guarantor did not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value for issuing the notes or guarantees;

        and that we or a guarantor

•

was insolvent;



•

was rendered insolvent by reason of the issuance of the notes or a guarantee;



•

was engaged or about to engage in a business or transaction for which our or its remaining assets or those of a guarantor constituted unreasonably small capital; or



•

intended to incur, or believed that we or it would incur, debts beyond our or its ability to pay those debts as they matured;

24

Table of Contents

then the court could void the notes and the guarantees or subordinate the notes or the guarantees in favor of our or the guarantor's other creditors. Furthermore, to the extent that the notes or a guarantee were voided as a fraudulent conveyance or held unenforceable for any other reason:

•

claims of holders of the notes against us or a guarantor would be adversely affected;



•

the notes or the guarantees would be effectively subordinated to all obligations of our other creditors or the creditors of the guarantor; and



•

the other creditors would be entitled to be paid in full before any payment could be made on the notes or the guarantees.

You may find it difficult to sell your notes because no public trading market for the notes exists.

        The notes constitute a new class of securities for which there is no established trading market. We cannot assure you that an active trading market will develop for the notes. If no active trading market develops, you may not be able to resell your notes at their fair market value or at all. Future trading prices of the notes will depend on many factors, including, among other things, prevailing interest rates, our operating results and the market for similar securities.

        Historically, the market for non-investment grade debt has been subject to disruptions that have caused substantial volatility in prices. The market for the notes, if any, may be subject to similar disruptions. A disruption may have a negative effect on you as a holder of the notes, regardless of our prospects or performance.

We may purchase a portion of our debt securities, which could impact the market for our debt securities and likely would negatively affect our liquidity.

        During 2012, we redeemed certain of our debt securities. We may from time to time seek to repurchase or redeem more of our debt securities in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, partial or full call for redemption or otherwise. Any such repurchases or redemptions and the timing and amount thereof would depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. Such transactions could negatively affect our liquidity.

25

Table of Contents

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this prospectus, including, without limitation, statements regarding our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions or dispositions and other information that is not historical information, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "anticipates" or "intends" or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology or by discussions of strategy. We may also make additional forward-looking statements from time to time. All such subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, by us or on our behalf, are also expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.

        All forward-looking statements, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them, but there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will occur or be achieved. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements apply only as of the date made. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments, except as required by law.

        There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in or contemplated by this prospectus. Any forward-looking statements should be considered in light of the risks set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus.

        This prospectus includes information with respect to market share, market position, industry conditions and forecasts that we obtained from internal industry research, publicly available information (including industry publications and surveys), and surveys and market research provided by consultants. The publicly available information and the reports, forecasts and other research provided by consultants generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. We have not independently verified any of the data from third party sources, nor have we ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon therein. Similarly, our internal research and forecasts are based upon our management's understanding of industry conditions, and such information has not been verified by any independent sources.

26

Table of Contents

THE EXCHANGE OFFER

Purpose of the Exchange Offer

        When we sold the old notes in March of 2013, we conveyed the rights contained in an exchange and registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of those notes. Under the exchange and registration rights agreement, we agreed to file the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part regarding the exchange of the old notes for new notes which are registered under the Securities Act. We also agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to cause the registration statement to become effective with the SEC no later than November 29, 2013, and to commence and complete this exchange offer within 45 days after the date the registration statement was declared effective. We will use our best efforts to keep the registration statement effective until the exchange offer is completed. The exchange and registration rights agreement provides that we will be required to pay liquidated damages to the holders of the old notes if the exchange offer has not been completed within 45 business days after the effective date of the registration statement. A copy of the exchange and registration rights agreement is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Terms of the Exchange Offer

        This prospectus and the accompanying letter of transmittal together constitute the exchange offer. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal, we will accept for exchange old notes that are properly tendered on or before the expiration date and are not withdrawn as permitted below. The expiration date for this exchange offer is 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 6, 2013, or such later date and time to which we, in our sole discretion, extend the exchange offer. The exchange offer, however, will be in effect no longer than 45 days from the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

        The form and terms of the new notes being issued in the exchange offer are the same as the form and terms of the old notes, except that:

•

the new notes will have been registered under the Securities Act;



•

the new notes will not contain transfer restrictions and registration rights that relate to the old notes; and



•

the new notes will not contain provisions relating to the payment of liquidated damages to be made to the holders of the old notes under circumstances related to the timing of the exchange offer.

        Old notes tendered in the exchange offer must be in denominations of the principal amount of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

        We expressly reserve the right, in our sole discretion:

•

to extend the expiration date;



•

if any of the conditions set forth below under "—Conditions to the Exchange Offer" have not been satisfied, to delay accepting any old notes or to terminate the exchange offer and not accept any notes for exchange; and



•

to amend the exchange offer in any manner.

        We will give notice of any extension, delay, non-acceptance, termination or amendment as promptly as practicable in writing or by a public announcement, and in the case of an extension, no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date. Any notice relating to the extension of the exchange offer will disclose the number of securities tendered as of the date of the notice, as required by Rule 14e-1(d) under the Exchange Act.

27

Table of Contents

        During an extension, all old notes previously tendered will remain subject to the exchange offer and may be accepted for exchange by us. Any old notes not accepted for exchange for any reason will be returned without cost to the holder that tendered them promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

        If we delay accepting any old notes or terminate the exchange offer, we will promptly pay the consideration offered, or return any old notes deposited, pursuant to the exchange offer as required by Rule 14e-1(c).

How to Tender Old Notes for Exchange

        We have forwarded to you, along with this prospectus, a letter of transmittal relating to this exchange offer. Because all of the old notes are held in book-entry accounts maintained by the relevant exchange agent at DTC, a holder need not submit a letter of transmittal if the holder tenders old notes in accordance with the procedures mandated by DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program, or ATOP. To tender old notes without submitting a letter of transmittal, the electronic instructions sent to DTC and transmitted to the exchange agent must contain your acknowledgment of receipt of, and your agreement to be bound by and to make all of the representations contained in, the letter of transmittal. In all other cases, a letter of transmittal must be manually executed and delivered as described in this prospectus. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association has been appointed as the exchange agent with responsibility for the tender and exchange of all old notes for new notes.

        Only a holder of record of old notes may tender old notes in the exchange offer. To tender in the exchange offer, a holder must comply with the procedures of DTC, and either:

•

complete, sign and date the letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal; have the signature on the letter of transmittal guaranteed if the letter of transmittal so requires; and deliver the letter of transmittal or facsimile to the exchange agent prior to the expiration date; or



•

in lieu of delivering a letter of transmittal, comply with the instructions and procedures of DTC for the transmittal on behalf of the holder of a computer-generated message to the exchange agent in which the holder of the old notes acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal, which computer-generated message shall be received by the exchange agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

        In addition, the exchange agent must receive, before expiration of the exchange offer, certificates for old notes to which such letter of transmittal relates or timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of old notes into the exchange agent's account at DTC, according to the procedure for book-entry transfer described below.

        With respect to any old notes, letters of transmittal or other documents that must be physically delivered to the exchange agent, such documents must be received by the exchange agent at the exchange agent's address set forth below under the caption "—The Exchange Agent" before expiration of the exchange offer. To receive confirmation of valid tender of old notes, a holder should contact the exchange agent at the telephone number listed under the caption "—The Exchange Agent." If old notes, the letter of transmittal or any other required documents are physically delivered to the exchange agent, the method of delivery is at the holder's election and risk. Rather than mail these items, we recommend that holders use an overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, holders should allow sufficient time to assure delivery to the exchange agent before expiration of the exchange offer. Holders should not send the letter of transmittal or old notes to us. Holders may request their respective brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or other nominees to effect the above transactions for them.

28

Table of Contents

        The tender by a holder that is not withdrawn before expiration of the exchange offer will constitute an agreement between that holder and us in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal. Only a registered holder of old notes may tender the old notes in the exchange offer. If a holder completing a letter of transmittal tenders less than all of the old notes held by such holder, such tendering holder should fill in the applicable box of the letter of transmittal. The amount of old notes delivered to the exchange agent will be deemed to have been tendered, unless otherwise indicated.

        Any beneficial owner whose old notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes to tender should contact the registered holder promptly and instruct it to tender on the owner's behalf. If the beneficial owner wishes to tender on its own behalf, it must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering its old notes, either:

•

make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the old notes in the owner's name; or



•

obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder of old notes.

        The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time and may not be completed prior to the expiration date.

        If the letter of transmittal is signed by the record holder(s) of the old notes tendered, the signature must correspond with the name(s) written on the face of the old note without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever. If the letter of transmittal is signed by a participant in DTC, the signature must correspond with the name as it appears on the security position listing as the holder of the old notes.

        Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, must be guaranteed unless the old notes surrendered for exchange are tendered:

(1)

by a holder of old notes who has not completed the box entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" on the letter of transmittal; or



(2)

for the account of an "eligible institution."

        An "eligible institution" is a financial institution, including most banks, savings and loan associations and brokerage houses, that is a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program.

        If signatures on a letter of transmittal or notice of withdrawal are required to be guaranteed, the guarantor must be an eligible institution. If old notes are registered in the name of a person other than the signer of the letter of transmittal, the old notes surrendered for exchange must be endorsed by the registered holder, or accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer or exchange, in satisfactory form as determined by us in our sole discretion, duly executed by the registered holder, in either case, with the holder's signature guaranteed by an eligible institution.

        If trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity sign the letter of transmittal or any old notes or any power of attorney, such persons should so indicate when signing, and you must submit proper evidence satisfactory to us of such person's authority to so act unless we waive this requirement.

        We will determine all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of old notes tendered for exchange in our sole discretion. Our determination will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to:

(1)

reject any and all tenders of any old note improperly tendered;

29

Table of Contents

(2)

refuse to accept any old note if, in our judgment or the judgment of our counsel, acceptance of the old note may be deemed unlawful; and



(3)

waive any defects or irregularities or conditions of tender as to any particular old note either before or after the expiration date, including the right to waive the ineligibility of any holder who seeks to tender old notes in the exchange offer. The waiver of any such defect, irregularity or condition of tender as to any particular old note shall apply to all old notes tendered in connection with the exchange offer.

        Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of tender as to any particular old note either before or after the expiration date, including the letter of transmittal and the instructions to it, will be final and binding on all parties. Holders must cure any defects and irregularities in connection with tenders of old notes for exchange within such reasonable period of time as we will determine, unless we waive such defects or irregularities. Neither we, the exchange agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give notification of any defect or irregularity with respect to any tender of old notes for exchange, nor shall any of us incur any liability for failure to give such notification.

        By tendering, each holder will represent to us, among other things, that (i) any new notes to be received by such holder will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business, (ii) at the time of the commencement of the exchange offer, such holder has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the new notes issued in this exchange offer and (iii) such holder is not an "affiliate," as defined under Rule 405 of the Securities Act, of our Company. A holder that uses the exchange offer to participate in a distribution of the new notes:

(1)

may not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC; and



(2)

must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.

        Each holder will be required to represent to us in a letter of transmittal that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, the distribution of the new notes. In addition, each broker-dealer who acquired its old notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and thereafter receives new notes issued for its own account in this exchange offer may be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and must represent to us in a letter of transmittal that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such new notes issued in this exchange offer, and a broker-dealer that is not able to make this representation will not be permitted to participate in the exchange offer. The letter of transmittals states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. See "Plan of Distribution" for a discussion of the exchange and resale obligations of broker-dealers in connection with this exchange offer.

Acceptance of Old Notes for Exchange; Delivery of New Notes

        Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to this exchange offer, we will accept, promptly after the expiration date, all old notes properly tendered and will issue the new notes registered under the Securities Act. For purposes of this exchange offer, we shall be deemed to have accepted properly tendered old notes for exchange when, as and if we have given oral or written notice to the exchange agent, with written confirmation of any oral notice to be given promptly thereafter. See "—Conditions to the Exchange Offer" for a discussion of the conditions that must be satisfied before we accept any old notes for exchange.

        For each old note accepted for exchange, the holder will receive a new note registered under the Securities Act having a principal amount equal to, and in the denomination of, that of the surrendered old note. Accordingly, registered holders of new notes on the relevant record date for the first interest

30

Table of Contents

payment date following the consummation of this exchange offer will receive interest accruing from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid on the old notes, from the respective dates such old notes were originally issued. Old notes that we accept for exchange will cease to accrue interest from and after the date of consummation of this exchange offer. Under the exchange and registration rights agreement, we may be required to make additional payments in the form of liquidated damages to the holders of the old notes under circumstances relating to the timing of this exchange offer.

        In all cases, we will issue new notes in this exchange offer for old notes that are accepted for exchange only after the exchange agent timely receives:

(1)

certificates for such old notes or a timely book-entry confirmation of such old notes into the exchange agent's account at DTC;



(2)

a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal or facsimile thereof, with any required signature guarantees, or an agent's message; and



(3)

all other required documents.

        If for any reason set forth in the terms and conditions of this exchange offer we do not accept any tendered old notes, or if a holder submits old notes for a greater principal amount than the holder desires to exchange, we will return such unaccepted or non-exchanged notes without cost to the tendering holder. In the case of old notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent's account at DTC, such non-exchanged old notes will be credited to an account maintained with DTC promptly after the expiration or termination of this exchange offer.

DTC Book Entry Transfers

        The exchange agent will make a request to establish an account at DTC with respect to old notes for purposes of this exchange offer promptly upon receipt of this prospectus. Any financial institution that is a participant in DTC's systems must make book-entry delivery of old notes by causing DTC to transfer those old notes into the exchange agent's account at DTC in accordance with DTC's electronic ATOP procedures for such transfer. Such participant should transmit its acceptance to DTC on or prior to the expiration date or comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below. DTC will verify such acceptance, execute a book-entry transfer of the tendered old notes into the exchange agent's account at DTC and then send to the exchange agent confirmation of such book-entry transfer. The confirmation of such book-entry transfer will include an agent's message confirming that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from such participant that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the letter of transmittal and that we may enforce the letter of transmittal against such participant. Delivery of new notes may be effected through book-entry transfer at DTC. However, the letter of transmittal or facsimile thereof, with any required signature guarantees, or an agent's message, and any other required documents, must be transmitted to and received by the exchange agent at the address set forth below under "—The Exchange Agent" on or prior to the expiration date or comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

        A holder who holds old notes through Euroclear or Clearstream must comply with the procedures of Euroclear or Clearstream, as applicable, when tendering its old notes.

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

        If a registered holder of old notes desires to tender the old notes, and the old notes are not immediately available, or time will not permit the holder's old notes or other required documents to

31

Table of Contents

reach the exchange agent before the expiration date, or the procedure for book-entry transfer described above cannot be completed on a timely basis, a tender may nonetheless be made if:

•

the tender is made through an eligible institution;



•

prior to the expiration date, the exchange agent received from an eligible institution a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, and notice of guaranteed delivery, substantially in the form provided by us, by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery,



(1)

stating the name and address of the holder of old notes and the amount of old notes tendered;



(2)

stating that the tender is being made; and



(3)

guaranteeing that within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date, the certificates for all physically tendered old notes, in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry confirmation, as the case may be, and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal will be deposited by the eligible institution with the exchange agent; and



•

the certificates for all physically tendered old notes, in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry confirmation, as the case may be, and all other documents required by the letter of transmittal, are received by the exchange agent within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date.

Withdrawal Rights

        You may withdraw tenders of your old notes at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

        For a withdrawal to be effective, you must send a written notice of withdrawal to the exchange agent at the exchange agent's address set forth below under "—The Exchange Agent." Any such notice of withdrawal must:

(1)

specify the name of the person having tendered the old notes to be withdrawn;



(2)

identify the old notes to be withdrawn, including the principal amount of such old notes; and



(3)

where certificates for old notes are transmitted, specify the name in which old notes are registered, if different from that of the withdrawing holder.

        If certificates for old notes have been delivered or otherwise identified to the exchange agent, then, prior to the release of such certificates the withdrawing holder must also submit the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be withdrawn and signed notice of withdrawal with signatures guaranteed by an eligible institution unless such holder is an eligible institution. If old notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described above, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawn old notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of such facility. We will determine all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) of such notices and our determination will be final and binding on all parties. Any tendered old notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of this exchange offer. Any old notes tendered for exchange that are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to the holder without cost to such holder. In the case of old notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent's account at DTC, such old notes will be credited to an account maintained with DTC for the old notes as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of this exchange offer. Properly withdrawn old notes may

32

Table of Contents

be re-tendered by following one of the procedures described under "—How to Tender Old Notes for Exchange" above at any time on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

        Notwithstanding any other provision of this exchange offer, we will not be required to accept for exchange, or to issue new notes in this exchange offer for any old notes, and we may terminate or amend this exchange offer, if at any time before the expiration of this exchange offer:

(1)

any federal law, statute, rule or regulation shall have been adopted or enacted which, in our judgment, would reasonably be expected to impair our ability to proceed with this exchange offer;



(2)

any stop order shall be threatened or in effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part or the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended;



(3)

there shall occur a change in the current interpretation by the staff of the SEC which permits the new notes issued in this exchange offer in exchange for the old notes to be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by such holders, other than broker-dealers and any such holder which is an "affiliate" of our Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such new notes acquired in this exchange offer are acquired in the ordinary course of such holder's business and such holder has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of such new notes issued in this exchange offer;



(4)

there has occurred any general suspension of or general limitation on prices for, or trading in, securities on any national exchange or in the over-the-counter market;



(5)

any governmental agency creates limits that adversely affect our ability to complete this exchange offer; or



(6)

there shall occur any declaration of war, armed hostilities or other similar international calamity directly or indirectly involving the United States, or the worsening of any such condition that existed at the time that we commence this exchange offer.

        The non-occurrence of each of the preceding events is a condition to this exchange offer. We expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate this exchange offer upon the occurrence of any of these events. The conditions are for our sole benefit and we may assert them regardless of the circumstances giving rise to them. We may waive the preceding conditions in whole or in part at any time and from time to time in our sole discretion prior to the expiration of this exchange offer. If we do so, this exchange offer will remain open for at least three (3) business days following any waiver of the preceding conditions and, if we determine that any waiver constitutes a material change to the terms of this exchange offer, this exchange offer will remain open for at least five (5) business days following any such waiver. If we waive any condition as to any particular old note, such waiver will apply to all old notes tendered in the exchange offer. Our failure at any time to exercise the foregoing rights shall not be deemed a waiver of any such right and each such right shall be deemed an ongoing right which we may assert at any time and from time to time, except that all conditions to this exchange offer must be satisfied or waived by us prior to the expiration of this exchange offer. We will give notice in writing or by public announcement of any waiver by us of any condition and any related amendment, termination or extension of this exchange offer. In the case of any extension, such notice in writing or by public announcement will disclose the number of securities tendered as of the date of the notice, as required by Rule 14e-1(d) of the Exchange Act, and will be issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

33

Table of Contents

The Exchange Agent

        As explained above, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association has been appointed as our exchange agent. All executed letters of transmittal should be directed to our exchange agent at the address set forth below. You should direct questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal and requests for notices of guaranteed delivery to the exchange agent addressed as follows:

By registered mail or certified mail:
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Corporate Trust Operations
MAC N9303-121
P.O. Box 1517
Minneapolis, MN 55480-1517
By regular mail or overnight courier:
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Corporate Trust Operations
MAC N9303-121
Sixth Street & Marquette Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55479
By hand delivery before 4:30 p.m.:
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Northstar East Building
608 Second Avenue South
12th Floor—Corporate Trust Services
Minneapolis, MN 55402
For information, call:
(800) 344-5128
By facsimile transmission:
(for eligible institutions only)
(612) 667-6282
Attn: Bondholder Communications
Confirm by Email:
bondholdercommunications@wellsfargo.com
Confirm by telephone:
(800) 344-5128
Attn: Bondholder Communications

        Delivery of the letter of transmittal to an address other than as set forth above, or transmission of such letter of transmittal via facsimile other than as set forth above, does not constitute a valid delivery of such letter of transmittal.

34

Table of Contents

Fees and Expenses

        We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders. We have not retained any dealer or manager in connection with the exchange offer and will not make any payment to brokers, dealers or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. We will however, pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse it for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

        We will pay the cash expenses incurred in connection with the exchange offer. These expenses include registration fees, fees and expenses of the exchange agent and the trustee, accounting and legal fees and printing costs, among others.

Accounting Treatment

        We will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes upon the consummation of this exchange offer. We will amortize the expense of this exchange offer over the term of the new notes in accordance with GAAP.

Transfer Taxes

        You will not be obligated to pay any transfer taxes in connection with the tender of your old notes in this exchange offer. If, however, new notes are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other than the holder of the old notes tendered, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of old notes in connection with this exchange offer, then you must pay any such transfer taxes, whether imposed on the registered holder or on any other person. If satisfactory evidence of payment of, or exemption from, such taxes is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to you.

Consequences of Failing to Exchange Old Notes

        Holders who desire to tender their old notes in exchange for new notes registered under the Securities Act should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery. Neither the exchange agent nor our Company is under any duty to give notification of defects or irregularities with respect to the tenders of old notes for exchange.

        Old notes that are not tendered or are tendered but not accepted will, following the consummation of this exchange offer, continue to be subject to the provisions in the indenture regarding the transfer and exchange of the old notes and the existing restrictions on transfer set forth in the legend on the old notes and in the offering memorandum dated February 28, 2013 relating to the old notes. Except in limited circumstances with respect to specific types of holders of old notes, we will have no further obligation to provide for the registration under the Securities Act of such old notes. In general, old notes, unless registered under the Securities Act, may not be offered or sold except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. We do not currently anticipate that we will take any action to register the untendered old notes under the Securities Act or under any state securities laws.

        Upon completion of this exchange offer, holders of the old notes will not be entitled to any further registration rights under the exchange and registration rights agreement, except under limited circumstances.

        Holders of the new notes and any old notes which remain outstanding after consummation of this exchange offer will vote together as a single class for purposes of determining whether holders of the requisite percentage of the class have taken certain actions or exercised certain rights under the indenture.

35

Table of Contents

Consequences of Exchanging Old Notes

        Based on interpretations of the staff of the SEC, as set forth in no-action letters to third parties, we believe that the new notes may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by holders of such notes, other than by any holder which is an "affiliate" of our Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act. The new notes may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, if:

(1)

the new notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such holder's business; and



(2)

such holder has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the new notes.

        However, the SEC has not considered this exchange offer in the context of a no-action letter and we cannot guarantee that the staff of the SEC would make a similar determination with respect to this exchange offer as in such other circumstances.

        As a condition to participation in the exchange offer, each holder must furnish a written representation that:

(1)

it is not an "affiliate" of ours, as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act;



(2)

at the time of the commencement of the exchange offer, it has no arrangement or understanding to participate in a distribution of the new notes in violation of the Securities Act; and



(3)

it is acquiring the new notes in the ordinary course of its business

        Each holder will be required to represent to us in a letter of transmittal that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, the distribution of the new notes. In addition, each broker-dealer that receives new notes in this exchange offer for its own account in exchange for old notes that it acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities may be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and must represent to us in a letter of transmittal that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the new notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. See "Plan of Distribution" for a discussion of the exchange and resale obligations of broker-dealers in connection with this exchange offer.

        In addition, to comply with state securities laws of certain jurisdictions, the new notes may not be offered or sold in any state unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in such state or an exemption from registration or qualification is available and complied with by the holders selling the new notes.

        Any holder using the exchange offer to participate in a distribution of the new notes (i) may not rely on applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC and (ii) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.

36

Table of Contents

USE OF PROCEEDS

        We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of the new notes. The new notes will be exchanged for old notes in like principal amount, and the exchanged old notes will be canceled. As a result, the issuance of new notes in exchange for old notes as contemplated in this prospectus will not result in any change in our indebtedness.

        We used the proceeds from the offering of the old notes and available cash to redeem $200 million in aggregate principal amount of our 5.5% Senior Notes due 2016 and to pay associated accrued interest and for general corporate purposes.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The following table shows our consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated (dollars in millions):

37

Table of Contents

CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth our cash and capitalization as of December 31, 2012, as adjusted to give effect to the issuance of the old notes and the use of a portion of the net proceeds therefrom and available cash to redeem $200 million outstanding principal amount of our 5.5% Senior Notes due 2016 as described in "Use of Proceeds," excluding the payment of accrued interest in connection therewith.

        The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Selected Historical Financial Data" included in this prospectus and, in each case, any related notes thereto. We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the new notes. In consideration for issuing the new notes as contemplated in this prospectus, we will receive in exchange old notes in like principal amount, which will be cancelled and as such will not result in any increase in our capitalization.

38

Table of Contents

SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

        The selected historical financial data set forth below presents our historical financial data as of and for the dates and periods indicated. The selected financial data as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus. The selected financial data as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this prospectus. You should read the selected financial data in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and our audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.

39

Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, including "Prospectus Summary—Summary Historical Financial Data," "Capitalization" and "Selected Financial and Operating Data." The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this prospectus, particularly in "Risk Factors." All references to years relate to the calendar year ended December 31 of the particular year.

OVERVIEW

        We are a global manufacturer of differentiated organic chemical products and of inorganic chemical products. Our products comprise a broad range of chemicals and formulations, which we market globally to a diversified group of consumer and industrial customers. Our products are used in a wide range of applications, including those in the adhesives, aerospace, automotive, construction products, personal care and hygiene, durable and non-durable consumer products, electronics, medical, packaging, paints and coatings, power generation, refining, synthetic fiber, textile chemicals and dye industries. We are a leading global producer in many of our key product lines, including MDI, amines, surfactants, epoxy-based polymer formulations, textile chemicals, dyes, maleic anhydride and titanium dioxide. Our administrative, research and development and manufacturing operations are primarily conducted at facilities located in 30 countries. We employed approximately 12,000 associates worldwide at December 31, 2012.

        We operate in five segments: Polyurethanes, Performance Products, Advanced Materials, Textile Effects and Pigments. Our Polyurethanes, Performance Products, Advanced Materials and Textile Effects segments produce differentiated organic chemical products and our Pigments segment produces inorganic chemical products. In a series of transactions beginning in 2006, we have sold or shutdown substantially all of our former Australian styrenics operations and our North American polymers and base chemicals operations. We report the results from these businesses as discontinued operations. See "Note 25. Discontinued Operations" to our audited consolidated financial statements.

        Growth in our Polyurethanes and Advanced Materials segments has been driven by the continued substitution of our products for other materials across a broad range of applications, as well as by the level of global economic activity. Historically, demand for many of these products has grown at rates in excess of GDP growth. In Polyurethanes, this growth, driven largely by Asia, has in recent years resulted in improved demand and higher industry capacity utilization rates for many of our key products, including MDI.

        In our Performance Products segment, demand for our performance specialties has generally continued to grow at rates in excess of GDP as overall demand is significantly influenced by new product and application development. Demand for most of our performance intermediates has grown in line with GDP growth. Over time, demand for maleic anhydride has generally grown at rates that slightly exceed GDP growth. However, given its dependence on the UPR market, which is influenced by construction end markets, maleic anhydride demand can be cyclical.

        Demand in our Textile Effects segment is driven primarily by consumer activity. Consumer spending for goods incorporating our Textile Effects products is impacted significantly by a wide range of economic factors, including personal incomes, housing and energy prices and other highly volatile factors. Accordingly, demand for our Textile Effects products has been volatile and appears likely to remain volatile.

40

Table of Contents

        Historically, demand for titanium dioxide pigments has grown at rates approximately equal to global GDP growth. Pigment prices have historically reflected industry-wide operating rates but have typically lagged behind movements in these rates by up to twelve months due to the effects of product stocking and destocking by customers and producers, contract arrangements and seasonality. The industry experiences some seasonality in its sales because sales of paints, the largest end use for titanium dioxide, generally peak during the spring and summer months in the northern hemisphere. This results in greater sales volumes in the second and third quarters of the year. During 2012, we benefited from certain ore supply contracts in our Pigments segment that effectively supplied approximately 50% of our ore requirements at prices close to 2011 market levels, which are significantly below current market prices. A majority of these contracts expired at the end of 2012, with the resulting benefits reflected through most of the first quarter of 2013.

        For further information regarding sales price and demand trends, see "Results of Operations—Segment Analysis—Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011" and the tables captioned "Year ended December 31, 2012 vs. 2011, Period-Over-Period Increase (Decrease)" and "Fourth Quarter 2012 vs. Third Quarter 2012, Period-Over-Period Increase (Decrease)" below.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

        For a discussion of recent developments, see "Business—Recent Developments" below.

OUTLOOK

        We experienced strong growth in our Polyurethanes segment, particularly in our MDI business, and anticipate favorable market conditions in the future. While the factors we describe below are subject to general economic conditions, we expect our Pigments segment to continue going through a business cycle with improvements beginning in the second half of 2013. We anticipate that the future benefits from our ongoing restructuring and cost cutting efforts will result in a lower cost structure and more competitive business when complete in the middle of 2014.

        The following summarizes trends and key considerations that could impact future performance of our operating segments:

Polyurethanes:

•

Improving MDI demand



•

Restructuring benefit



•

Continued strong demand for MTBE



•

2013 EBITDA similar to 2012

Performance Products:

•

U.S. Gulf Coast raw material cost advantage



•

Further recovery in amines margins



•

Planned periodic maintenance in the first quarter of 2013



•

2013 EBITDA similar to 2012

Advanced Materials:

•

Restructuring benefit

41

Table of Contents

•

2013 EBITDA better than 2012

Textile Effects:

•

Reorganization and restructuring benefit



•

2013 EBITDA positive

Pigments:

•

Favorable ilmenite raw material advantage versus traditional chloride ores



•

Improving contribution margins in the second half of 2013



•

Near term contribution margin pressure



•

2013 EBITDA less than 2012

        We expect to spend approximately $450 million in 2013 on capital expenditures, net of reimbursements, for growth initiatives and maintenance.

        We expect our full year 2013 adjusted effective tax rate to be approximately 35% primarily due to the effect of the tax valuation allowances and expected regional mix of income. We believe our long-term effective income tax rate will be approximately 30% to 35%.

42

Table of Contents

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following table sets forth the consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (dollars in millions):

43

Table of Contents

44

Table of Contents

45

Table of Contents

46

Table of Contents

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

        For the year ended December 31, 2012, net income attributable to Huntsman International was $365 million on revenues of $11,187 million, compared with net income attributable to Huntsman International of $253 million on revenues of $11,221 million for 2011. The increase of $112 million in net income attributable to Huntsman International was the result of the following items:

•

Revenues for 2012 decreased by $34 million, or less than one percent, as compared with 2011. The decrease was due principally to lower average selling prices in our Performance Products and Advanced Materials segments and lower sales volumes in our Performance Products and Pigments segments, offset by higher average selling prices in our Polyurethanes and Pigments segments and higher sales volumes in our Polyurethanes, Advanced Materials and Textile Effects segments. See "—Segment Analysis" below.



•

Our gross profit for 2012 increased by $183 million, or 10%, as compared with 2011. The increase resulted from higher gross margins in our Polyurethanes and Textile Effects segments, offset in part by lower margins in our other segments. See "—Segment Analysis" below.



•

Our operating expenses for 2012 increased by $18 million, or 2%, as compared with 2011. Increases in operating expenses in 2012 were primarily due to a $4 million loss recognized in 2012 in connection with the Russian Systems House Acquisition, a $34 million gain recognized in 2011 on the sale of our Stereolithography resin and Digitalis® machine manufacturing businesses and a $12 million gain on the consolidation of our Sasol-Huntsman joint venture recognized in 2011, offset in part by decreases in operating expenses primarily due to the impact of translating foreign currency amounts to the U.S. dollar and a $35 million decrease in costs related to legal claims in 2012.



•

Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs for 2012 decreased to $92 million from $167 million in 2011. For more information concerning restructuring activities, see "Note 11. Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs" to our audited consolidated financial statements.



•

Our net interest expense for 2012 decreased by $24 million, or 9%, as compared with 2011. The decrease is due principally to lower average debt balances.



•

Our loss on early extinguishment of debt for 2012 increased to $80 million from $7 million in 2011 as a result of higher net repayments of indebtedness in 2012 as compared to 2011. In 2012, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $78 million primarily from the repurchase of a portion of our 5.50% senior notes due 2016 ("2016 Senior Notes"). For more information, see "Note 14. Debt—Redemption of Notes and Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt" to our audited consolidated financial statements.



•

Our income tax expense increased by $66 million to an expense of $179 million for 2012 as compared with an expense of $113 million for 2011. Our tax obligations are affected by the mix of income and losses in the tax jurisdictions in which we operate. Our increase in tax expense was due primarily to higher pre-tax earnings. For more information concerning income taxes, see "Note 18. Income Taxes" to our audited consolidated financial statements.



•

Our loss from discontinued operations for 2012 increased to $7 million from $1 million in 2011. For more information, see "Note 25. Discontinued Operations" to our audited consolidated financial statements.

47

Table of Contents

Segment Analysis

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011