Friedman Kaplan represented Western Wireless Corporation in connection with its sale of $600 million of 9.250% Senior Notes due 2013. The notes were offered to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, and to certain non-U.S. persons in transactions outside the United States in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.

FKSA also represented Western Wireless in connection with an amendment to its $2.1 billion credit facility, which will provide Western Wireless with additional flexibility under certain financial and operational covenants in the credit facility.

Net proceeds of the offering of the Senior Notes, together with the net proceeds from Western Wireless's offering of 4.625% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2023 issued in June 2003 and the proceeds from recent dispositions of certain assets, will be used to permanently prepay $400 million of the credit facility, and to redeem all of its 10.500% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006 and 2007.

Partners Barry A. Adelman and Gregg S. Lerner, counsel Eliezer M. Helfgott, and associate John E. Freeland represented Western Wireless.

Western Wireless is a leading provider of communications services in the western United States. The company owns and operates wireless phone systems marketed primarily under the Cellular OneŽ national brand name in 19 western states.