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PROSPECTUS
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Filed
Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) |
October 16, 2009
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File Numbers: 333-160858 and 333-160858-01 through 333-160858-24 |
Offer to Exchange
11 3/8 % Senior Secured Notes due 2013, Series B
for
11 3/8 % Senior Secured Notes due 2013, Series A
Terms of Exchange Offer
¨ Offer
We are offering to exchange up to $150 million
in principal amount of our
11 3/8 % Senior Secured Notes due 2013, Series B
for the same principal amount of our outstanding
11 3/8 % Senior Secured Notes due 2013, Series A.
We are making this offer to satisfy our
obligation in the Registration Rights
Agreement, dated June 5, 2009, relating to the
original issuance of the original notes.
¨ Procedures
To tender, you must submit a signed letter of
transmittal and your original notes to U.S.
Bank National Association, our exchange
agent. Special procedures apply in some
cases. You must tender original notes in
$1,000 multiples.
¨ Withdrawal
You may withdraw tendered notes until the offer expires.
¨ Expiration
This offer
expires at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time
on November 16, 2009, unless extended.
¨ Unaccepted Tenders
We will return any tendered original notes that
we do not accept for exchange for any reason.
¨ Proceeds and Expenses
We will not receive any proceeds from the
issuance of the exchange notes. We have agreed
to pay the expenses associated with this
exchange offer.
Terms of Exchange Notes
The terms of the exchange notes
and the original notes are
identical in all material
respects, except for transfer
restrictions, registration
rights and penalty interest
provisions relating to the
original notes.
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¨ Maturity Date |
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The exchange notes will
mature on November 1, 2013. |
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¨ Interest |
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The exchange notes will bear
interest at the rate of 11 3/8 %
per year. Interest on the
exchange notes is payable
semi-annually in cash on May 1
and November 1 of each year,
beginning on May 1, 2010. |
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¨ Optional Redemption |
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Before November 1, 2013, we may
redeem some or all of the
exchange notes at a redemption
price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of each
exchange note to be redeemed
plus a make-whole premium
described in this
prospectus. In addition, at any
time prior to May 1, 2012, we
may redeem up to 35% of the
exchange notes with the net cash
proceeds from specified equity
offerings at a redemption price
equal to 111.375% of the
principal amount of each
exchange note to be redeemed,
plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of
redemption. However, we may only
make such a redemption if at
least 65% of the aggregate
principal amount of the exchange
notes remains outstanding
immediately after the redemption
and such redemption occurs
within 180 days after the
closing of such specified equity
offering. |
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¨ Change of Control |
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If we undergo a change of
control or sell certain of our
assets, we may be required to
offer to purchase the exchange
notes from holders at a price of
101% of the principal amount,
plus accrued interest at the
purchase date. |
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¨ Subsidiary Guarantees |
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The exchange notes will be fully
and unconditionally guaranteed,
jointly and severally, on a
secured, senior basis by each of
our material U.S. subsidiaries. |
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¨
Security and Ranking |
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The exchange notes and the
guarantees will be senior
secured obligations of Interface
and the guarantors. The exchange
notes will rank equally with any
of the existing and future
senior indebtedness of Interface
and the guarantors, and will be
senior in right of payment to
any senior unsecured
indebtedness of Interface and
the guarantors to the extent of
the assets securing the
obligations, and senior to any
subordinated indebtedness of
Interface and the guarantors. |
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¨ No Trading Market Listing |
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We do not intend to list the
exchange notes for trading or
quotation on any national
securities exchange or the
Nasdaq Stock Market. |
Investing
in the exchange notes involves risks. See Risk Factors
beginning on page 13.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or
disapproved of the exchange notes or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS AND AVAILABLE DOCUMENTS
This prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about us that is not
included in or delivered with this prospectus. The information in the documents incorporated by
reference is considered to be part of this prospectus. Any statement contained in this prospectus
or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein will be deemed to be
modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained
herein or in any other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded
will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.
Statements contained in documents that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
SEC) after the date of this prospectus and that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus
automatically update and supersede information contained in this prospectus to the extent the new
information differs from or is inconsistent with the old information.
The following documents filed by Interface, Inc. (SEC File No. 001-33994) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
Exchange Act), are incorporated by reference into this prospectus as of their respective dates of
filing:
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Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 28, 2008, as amended; |
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Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended April 5, 2009 and July 5, 2009; |
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Current Reports on Form 8-K filed December 30, 2008, January 2, 2008, April 29, 2009, May 28, 2009 (solely
with respect to Items 5.02 and 8.01 thereto), June 2, 2009, June 11,
2009, July 27, 2009, July 29, 2009 and September 9, 2009; and |
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All other documents and reports filed after the date of this
prospectus and before termination of this exchange offer pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act. |
As explained below in Where You Can Find More Information, these incorporated documents (as
well as other documents filed by us under the Exchange Act) are available at the SEC and may be
accessed in a number of ways, including online via the Internet. In addition, we will provide
without charge to each recipient of this prospectus, upon written request, a copy of any or all of
the documents incorporated herein by reference (other than exhibits to such documents unless such
exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into the document that this prospectus
incorporates by reference). Requests should be directed to Interface, Inc., 2859 Paces Ferry Road,
Suite 2000, Atlanta, GA 30339, Attention: Patrick C. Lynch, Chief Financial Officer, Telephone:
(770) 437-6848, Facsimile: (770) 437-6887; E-mail: patrick.lynch@interfaceglobal.com. To obtain
timely delivery, you must request the information no later than five business days before the date
you must make your investment decision, November 9, 2009.
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INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA
The market data and other statistical information used throughout this prospectus are based on
independent industry publications, government publications, reports by market research firms or
other published independent sources. Some data is also based on our good faith estimates, which are
derived from our review of internal surveys, as well as the independent sources listed above.
Although we believe these sources are reliable, we have not independently verified the information
and cannot guarantee its accuracy and completeness.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus (and other documents to which it refers) contains statements about future
events and expectations that constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as may, could,
would, should, believes, expects, anticipates, estimates, intends, plans,
targets, objectives, seek, strive, negatives of these words and similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on
managements beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future economic performance, taking into
account the information currently available to our management. They may be expressions based on
historical fact, but they do not guarantee future performance. Forward-looking statements involve
risks, uncertainties and assumptions and certain other factors that may cause our actual results,
performance or financial condition to differ materially from the expectations of future results,
performance or financial condition we express or imply in any forward-looking statements. Important
factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those in forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties associated with economic
conditions in the commercial interiors industry as well as the risks and uncertainties discussed in
Risk Factors and in other sections of this prospectus. We qualify any forward-looking statements
entirely by these cautionary factors.
We believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable, but we caution that you should not
place undue reliance on them because our future results may differ materially from those expressed
or implied by forward-looking statements. We do not intend to update any forward-looking statement,
whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed in this prospectus.
TRADEMARKS
In this prospectus, we use (without the ownership notation after the initial use) several of
our trademarks, including Bentley®, Bentley Prince Street®,
Converttm, Cool Bluetm, Entropy®,
FLORtm, GlasBac®, Heuga®, i2tm,
Intercell®, Interface®, InterfaceFLOR®,
InterfaceRAISEtm, InterfaceSERVICEStm,
Intersept®, Mission Zerotm, NexStep®, Prince Street House
and Hometm, ReEntry®, Saturniatm Collection and
TacTilestm. All brand names or other trademarks appearing in this prospectus
are the property of their respective holders.
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SUMMARY
The following summary highlights material information about Interface, Inc. and this exchange
offer. We encourage you to read this entire document for more detailed information about Interface
and this exchange offer, including the risk factors beginning on page
13 and our consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto incorporated by reference into this prospectus. In this
prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, the words Interface, we, our, and us refer to
Interface, Inc., the issuer of the notes, and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The words
exchange notes refer to our 11 3/8 % Senior Secured Notes due 2013, Series B, which we are
offering to issue in exchange for our 11 3/8 % Senior Secured Notes, due 2013, Series A, which we
refer to as the original notes. The words this offer, the exchange offering, and the
exchange offer refer to our offer, described in this prospectus, to issue exchange notes in
exchange for original notes.
The Company
We are a worldwide leader in design, production and sales of modular carpet, and a
manufacturer, marketer and servicer of select other floorcovering products for the commercial,
institutional and residential markets. Our global market share of the specified carpet tile segment
is approximately 35%, which we believe is more than double that of our nearest competitor. In
recent years, modular carpet sales growth in the floorcovering industry has significantly outpaced
the growth of the overall industry, as
architects, designers and end users increasingly recognized the unique and superior attributes
of modular carpet, including its dynamic design capabilities, greater economic value (which
includes lower costs as a result of reduced waste in both installation and replacement), and
installation ease and speed. Our Modular Carpet segment sales, which do not include modular carpet
sales in our Bentley Prince Street segment, grew from $563.4 million to $946.8 million during the
2004 to 2008 period, representing a 14% compound annual growth rate. For the twelve-month period
ended July 5, 2009, we generated consolidated revenues and adjusted EBITDA of approximately
$936.2 million and $104.7 million, respectively.
Our Bentley Prince Street brand is a leader in the high-end, designer-oriented sector of the
broadloom market segment, where custom design and high quality are the principal specifying and
purchasing factors.
As a global company with a reputation for high quality, reliability and premium positioning,
we market products in over 110 countries under established brand names such as InterfaceFLOR,
Heuga, Bentley Prince Street and FLOR in modular carpet; Bentley Prince Street and Prince Street
House and Home in broadloom carpet; and Intersept in antimicrobial chemicals. Our principal
geographic markets are the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific, where the percentages of our total
net sales were approximately 55%, 34% and 11%, respectively, for fiscal year 2008, and were
approximately 57%, 32% and 11%, respectively, for the first six months of 2009.
Capitalizing on our leadership in modular carpet for the corporate office segment, we embarked
on a market diversification strategy in 2001 to increase our presence and market share for modular
carpet in non-corporate office market segments, such as government, healthcare, hospitality,
education and retail space, which combined are almost twice the size of the approximately
$1 billion U.S. corporate office segment. In 2003, we expanded our diversification strategy to
target the approximately $11 billion U.S. residential market segment for carpet. As a result, our
mix of corporate office versus non-corporate office modular carpet sales in the Americas shifted to
45% and 55%, respectively, for 2008 compared with 64% and 36%, respectively, in 2001.
(Company-wide, our mix of corporate office versus non-corporate office sales was 60% and 40%,
respectively, in 2008, and 55% and 45%, respectively, in the first six months of 2009.) We believe the
appeal and utilization of modular carpet is growing in each of these non-corporate office segments,
and we are using our considerable skills and experience with designing, producing and marketing
modular products that make us the market leader in the corporate office segment to support and
facilitate our penetration into these new segments around the world.
Our modular carpet leadership, strong business model and market diversification strategy,
restructuring initiatives and sustained strategic investments in innovative product concepts and
designs enabled us to weather successfully the unprecedented downturn, both in severity and
duration, that affected the commercial interiors industry from 2001 to 2003. As a result, we were
well-positioned to capitalize on improved market conditions when the commercial interiors industry
began to recover in 2004. From 2004 to 2008, we increased our net sales from $695.3 million to
$1.1 billion, a 12% compound annual growth rate.
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In the fourth quarter of 2008, and particularly in November and December, the worldwide
financial and credit crisis caused many corporations, governments and other organizations to delay
or curtail spending on renovation and construction projects where our carpet is used. This downturn
negatively impacted our performance. In the fourth quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2009, we
announced restructuring plans pursuant to which we are ceasing manufacturing operations at our
facility in Canada, reducing our worldwide employee base by a total of approximately 820 employees
in the areas of manufacturing, sales and administration and continuing other actions taken to
better align fixed costs with demand for our products. The employee reductions amount to about 20%
of our worldwide workforce. The
plan is intended to reduce costs across our worldwide operations, and more closely align our
operations with the decreased demand levels that we began experiencing in the fourth quarter of
2008.
Our Strengths
Our principal competitive strengths include:
Market Leader in Attractive Modular Carpet Segment. We are the worlds leading manufacturer of
carpet tile with a market share in the specified carpet tile segment (the segment in which
architects and designers are heavily involved in specifying, or selecting, the carpet) of
approximately 35%, which we believe is more than double that of our nearest competitor. Modular
carpet has become more prevalent across all commercial interiors markets as designers, architects
and end users have become more familiar with its unique attributes. We continue to drive this trend
with our product innovations and designs discussed below. According to the 2008 Floor Focus
interiors industry survey of the top 250 designers in the United States, carpet tile was ranked as
the number one hot product for the seventh consecutive year. We believe that we are well
positioned to lead and capitalize upon the continued shift to modular carpet, both domestically and
around the world.
Established Brands and Reputation for Quality, Reliability and Leadership. Our products are
known in the industry for their high quality, reliability and premium positioning in the
marketplace. Our established brand names in carpets are leaders in the industry. The 2008 Floor
Focus survey ranked our InterfaceFLOR brand first or second in each of the survey categories of
quality, performance, value and service. Interface companies also ranked first and third in the
category of best overall business experience for carpet companies in this survey. On the
international front, InterfaceFLOR and Heuga are well-recognized brand names in carpet tiles for
commercial, institutional and residential use. More generally, as the appeal and utilization of
modular carpet continues to expand into new market segments such as education, hospitality and
retail space, our reputation as the pioneer of modular carpet as well as our established brands
and leading market position for modular carpet in the corporate office segment will enhance our
competitive advantage in marketing to the customers in these new markets.
Innovative Product Design and Development Capabilities. Our product design and development
capabilities have long given us a significant competitive advantage, and they continue to do so as
modular carpets appeal and utilization expand across virtually every market segment and around the
globe. One of our best design innovations is our i2 modular product line, which includes our
popular Entropy product for which we received a patent in 2005 on the key elements of its design.
The i2 line introduced and features mergeable dye lots, and includes carpet tile products designed
to be installed randomly without reference to the orientation of neighboring tiles. The i2 line
offers cost-efficient installation and maintenance, interactive flexibility, and recycled and
recyclable materials. Our i2 line of products, which now comprises more than 40% of our total
U.S. modular carpet business, represents a differentiated category of smart, environmentally
sensitive and stylish modular carpet, and Entropy has become the fastest growing product in our
history. The award-winning design firm David Oakey Designs had a pivotal role in developing our i2
product line, and our long-standing exclusive relationship with David Oakey Designs remains vibrant
and augments our internal research, development and design staff. Another recent innovation is our
patent-pending TacTiles carpet tile installation system, which uses small squares of adhesive
plastic film to connect intersecting carpet tiles, thus eliminating the need for traditional carpet
adhesive and resulting in a reduction in installation time and waste materials.
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Made-to-Order and Global Manufacturing Capabilities. The success of our modernization and
restructuring of operations over the past several years gives us a distinct competitive advantage
in meeting two principal requirements of the specified products markets we primarily target that
is, providing
custom samples quickly and on-time delivery of customized final products. We also can generate
realistic digital samples that allow us to create a virtually unlimited number of new design
concepts and distribute them instantly for customer review, while at the same time reducing
sampling waste. Approximately 75% to 80% of our modular carpet products in the United States and
Asia-Pacific markets are now made-to-order, and we are increasing our made-to-order production in
Europe as well. Our made-to-order capabilities not only enhance our marketing and sales, they
significantly improve our inventory turns. Our global manufacturing capabilities in modular carpet
production are an important component of this strength, and give us an advantage in serving the
needs of multinational corporate customers that require products and services at various locations
around the world. Our manufacturing locations across four continents enable us to compete
effectively with local producers in our international markets, while giving international customers
more favorable delivery times and freight costs.
Recognized Global Leadership in Ecological Sustainability. Our long-standing goal and
commitment to be ecologically sustainable that is, the point at which we are no longer a net
taker from the earth and do no harm to the biosphere has emerged as a competitive strength for
our business and remains a strategic initiative. It now includes Mission Zero, our global branding
initiative, which represents our mission to eliminate any negative impact our companies may have on
the environment by the year 2020. Our acknowledged leadership position and expertise in this area
resonate deeply with many of our customers and prospects around the globe, and provide us with a
differentiating advantage in competing for business among architects, designers and end users of
our products, who increasingly make purchase decisions based on green factors. The 2008 Floor
Focus survey, which named our InterfaceFLOR business the top among Green Leaders and gave us the
top honors for Green Kudos, found that 70% of the designers surveyed consider sustainability an
added benefit and 29% consider it a make or break issue when deciding what products to recommend
or purchase.
Strong Operating Leverage Position. Our operating leverage, which we define as our ability to
realize profit on incremental sales, is strong and allows us to increase earnings at a higher rate
than our rate of increase in net sales. Our operating leverage position is primarily a result of
(1) the specified, high-end nature and premium positioning of our principal products in the
marketplace, and (2) the mix of fixed and variable costs in our manufacturing processes that allow
us to increase production of most of our products without significant increases in capital
expenditures or fixed costs. For example, while net sales from our Modular Carpet segment increased
from $563.4 million in 2004 to $946.8 million in 2008, our operating income (after $10.7 million in
restructuring charges in 2008) from that segment increased from $63.9 million (11.3% of net sales)
in 2004 to $109.3 million (11.5% of net sales, or 12.7% of net sales excluding the 2008
restructuring charges) in 2008.
Experienced and Motivated Management and Sales Force. An important component of our
competitive position is the quality of our management team and its commitment to developing and
maintaining an engaged and accountable workforce. Our team is highly skilled and dedicated to
guiding our overall growth and expansion into our targeted market segments, while maintaining our
leadership in traditional markets and our high contribution margins. We utilize an internal
marketing and predominantly commissioned sales force of approximately 730 experienced personnel,
stationed at over 70 locations in over 30 countries, to market our products and services in person
to our customers. We have also developed special features for our incentive compensation and our
sales and marketing training programs in order to promote performance and facilitate leadership by
our executives in strategic areas.
Our Business Strategy and Principal Initiatives
Our business strategy is (1) to continue to use our leading position in the modular carpet
market segment and our product design and global made-to-order capabilities as a platform from
which to drive acceptance of modular carpet products across several industry segments, while
maintaining our leadership position in the corporate office market segment, and (2) to return to
our historical profit levels in the high-end, designer-oriented sector of the broadloom carpet
market. We will seek to increase revenues and profitability by capitalizing on the above strengths
and pursuing the following key strategic initiatives:
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Continue to Penetrate Non-Corporate Office Market Segments. We will continue our strategic
focus on product design and marketing and sales efforts for non-corporate office market segments
such as government, education, healthcare, hospitality, retail and residential space. We began this
initiative as part of our market diversification strategy in 2001 (when our initial objective was
reducing our exposure to the more severe economic cyclicality of the corporate office segment), and
it has become a principal strategy generally for growing our business and enhancing profitability.
We have shifted our mix of corporate office versus non-corporate office modular carpet sales in the
Americas to 45% and 55%, respectively, for fiscal 2008 from 64% and 36%, respectively, in fiscal
2001. To implement this strategy, we:
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introduced specialized product offerings tailored to the unique
demands of these segments, including specific designs, functionalities
and prices; |
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created special sales teams dedicated to penetrating these segments at
a high level, with a focus on specific customer accounts rather than
geographic territories; and |
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realigned incentives for our corporate office segment sales force
generally in order to encourage their efforts, and where appropriate,
to assist our penetration of these other segments. |
As part of this strategy, we launched our FLOR and Prince Street House and Home lines of products
in 2003 to focus on the approximately $11 billion U.S. residential carpet market segment. These
products were specifically created to bring high style modular and broadloom floorcovering to the
U.S. residential market. FLOR is offered by many specialty retailers, over the Internet and in a
number of major retail catalogs. Through such direct and indirect retailing, FLOR sales have grown
over four-fold from 2004 to 2008. Prince Street House and Home brings new colors and patterns to
the high-end consumer market with a collection of broadloom carpet and rugs sold through hundreds
of retail stores and interior designers. Through agreements between our FLOR brand and both Martha
Stewart Living Omnimedia and the national homebuilder KB Home, we are further expanding our
penetration of the U.S. residential market with a line of Martha Stewart-branded carpet tiles.
Through our Heuga Home division, we have been increasing our marketing of modular carpet to the
residential segment of international soft floorcovering markets, the size of which we believe to be
approximately $2.3 billion in Western Europe alone.
Penetrate Expanding Geographic Markets for Modular Products. The popularity of modular carpet
continues to increase compared with other floorcovering products across most markets,
internationally as well as in the United States. While maintaining our leadership in the corporate
office segment, we will continue to build upon our position as the worldwide leader for modular
carpet in order to promote sales in all market segments globally. A principal part of our
international focus which utilizes our global marketing capabilities and sales infrastructure
is the significant opportunities in several emerging geographic markets for modular carpet. Some of
these markets, such as China, India and Eastern Europe, represent large and growing economies that
are essentially new markets for modular carpet products. Others, such as Germany and Italy, are
established markets that are transitioning to the use of modular carpet from historically low
levels of penetration. Each of these emerging markets represents a significant growth opportunity
for our modular carpet business. Our initiative to penetrate these markets will include drawing
upon our internationally recognized InterfaceFLOR and Heuga brands.
Use Strong Free Cash Flow Generation to De-leverage Our Balance Sheet. Our principal
businesses have been structured including through our rationalization and repositioning
initiatives over the past seven years to yield high contribution margins and generate strong free
cash flow (by which we mean cash available to apply towards debt service). Our historical
investments in global manufacturing capabilities and mass customization techniques and facilities,
which we have maintained, also contribute to our ability to generate substantial levels of free
cash flow. We will use our strong free cash flow generation capability to continue to repay debt
and strengthen our financial position. We will also continue to execute
programs to reduce costs further and enhance free cash flow. In addition, our existing
capacity to increase production levels without significant capital expenditures will further
enhance our generation of free cash flow if and when demand for our products rises.
Sustain Leadership in Product Design and Development. As discussed above, our leadership
position for product design and development is a competitive advantage and key strength, especially
in the modular carpet market segment, where our i2 products and recent TacTiles installation system
have confirmed our position as an innovation leader. We will continue initiatives to sustain,
augment and capitalize upon that strength to continue to increase our market share in targeted
market segments. Our Mission Zero global branding initiative, which draws upon and promotes our
ecological sustainability commitment, is part of those initiatives and includes placing our Mission
Zero logo on many of our marketing and merchandising materials distributed throughout the world.
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Continue to Minimize Expenses and Invest Strategically. We have steadily trimmed costs from
our operations for several years through multiple initiatives, which have made us leaner today and
for the future. Our supply chain and other cost containment initiatives have improved our cost
structure and yielded the operating efficiencies we sought. While we still seek to minimize our
expenses in order to increase profitability, we will also take advantage of strategic opportunities
to invest in systems, processes and personnel that can help us grow our business and increase
profitability and value.
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The Exchange Offer
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The Exchange Offer
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We are offering to exchange up to $150,000,000 in principal amount of our 11 3/8 % Senior Secured Notes due 2013, Series B, for up
to $150,000,000 in principal amount
of our outstanding 11 3/8 % Senior Secured Notes due 2013, Series A. |
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The Exchange Notes
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The exchange notes we will issue in this exchange offer are identical in all material respects to the original notes, except for transfer restrictions, registration rights and penalty interest provisions relating to the original notes. We will issue
the exchange notes without legends restricting their transfer.
See Description of
the Notes, beginning on page 66. |
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Expiration Date; Withdrawal of Tender
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The exchange offer will expire at
11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on
November 16, 2009, unless we extend the offer. Until the offer expires, you may withdraw any original notes that you previously tendered. If we do not accept your original notes for
exchange for any reason, we will return them to you at our
cost, promptly after the exchange offer. |
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Conditions to the Exchange Offer
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The exchange offer is subject to customary conditions, including the following: |
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there is no threatened or pending lawsuit that may materially impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer, |
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there is no law, statute, rule or regulation that might materially impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer, and |
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we receive any governmental approval necessary to complete the exchange offer. |
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We may waive one or more of these conditions in our reasonable discretion. These conditions are discussed in more detail below under The Exchange Offer Conditions to the Exchange Offer on page 24. |
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Procedures for Tendering Original
Notes
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If you hold original notes and wish to accept the exchange offer, you must: |
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complete, sign and date the letter of transmittal that is included with this prospectus, and |
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|
mail or deliver the letter of transmittal to U.S. Bank National Association, our exchange agent. |
|
|
|
|
|
Be sure to include the original notes you wish to exchange, deliver the original notes by book entry transfer, or make guaranteed delivery. You must tender original notes for exchange in $1,000 multiples. |
- 6 -
|
|
|
|
|
By executing the letter of
transmittal, you will represent
to us that, among other things, |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) you will acquire the exchange
notes in the ordinary course of
your business, |
|
|
|
|
|
(2) you are not engaging in or
intending to engage in a
distribution of the exchange
notes, |
|
|
|
|
|
(3) you have no arrangement with
any person to participate in the
distribution of the exchange
notes, and |
|
|
|
|
|
(4) you are not our affiliate,
as defined in Rule 405 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the Securities Act). |
|
|
|
|
|
If any affiliates or
broker-dealers acquired original
notes directly from us, they
would not be able to participate
in the exchange offer. |
|
|
|
Special Procedures for Beneficial
Owners
|
|
This paragraph applies to the
beneficial owners of original
notes registered in the name of a
broker, dealer, commercial bank,
trust company or other
nominee. If you are a beneficial
owner and wish to tender your
original notes in the exchange
offer, please contact the
registered holder and instruct it
to tender on your behalf. If you
wish to tender on your own
behalf, you must either
re-register the original notes in
your name or obtain a properly
completed bond power from the
registered holder. You may not
be able to re-register your
original notes in time to
participate in the exchange
offer. |
|
|
|
Guaranteed Delivery Procedures
|
|
If you wish to tender your
original notes, but they are not
immediately available, or you
cannot deliver your original
notes, the letter of transmittal,
or any other required documents
to U.S. Bank National Association
before the offer expires, you
must tender your original notes
using the guaranteed delivery
procedures described in The
Exchange Offer Guaranteed
Delivery Procedures, beginning
on page 27. |
|
|
|
Registration Requirements
|
|
We will use our commercially
reasonable best efforts to
complete the registered exchange
offer to allow you an opportunity
to exchange your original notes
for the exchange notes. In the
event that applicable
interpretations of the staff of
the SEC do not permit us to
effect the exchange offer or in
certain other circumstances, we
have agreed to file a shelf
registration statement covering
resales of the original
notes. In such event, we will
use our commercially reasonable
best efforts to cause the shelf
registration statement to be
declared effective under the
Securities Act and, subject to
certain exceptions, to keep the
shelf registration statement
effective until the first
anniversary of its original
effective date, unless all the
notes are sold under the shelf
registration statement in a
shorter timeframe. |
|
|
|
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax
Consequences
|
|
We discuss the material U.S.
federal income tax consequences
relating to the exchange notes in
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax
Consequences, beginning on page
109. |
|
|
|
Use of Proceeds
|
|
We will not receive any proceeds
from the exchange of notes in
this exchange offer. The
proceeds we received from the
sale of the original notes were
applied as described in
connection with that
offering. See Use of Proceeds
on page 20. |
|
|
|
Exchange Agent
|
|
U.S. Bank National Association is
our exchange agent. Its address
and telephone number are listed
in The Exchange Offer Exchange
Agent, on page 28. |
- 7 -
Summary Description of the Exchange Notes
The following summary is provided solely for your convenience. It highlights material
information about the exchange notes, but as a summary, it is not a complete discussion of all
information. You should read the full text and more specific details contained elsewhere in this
prospectus. For a materially complete description of the exchange notes, see Description of the
Notes.
|
|
|
Issuer
|
|
Interface, Inc. |
|
|
|
Notes Offered
|
|
$150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 11 3/8 % Senior Secured Notes
due 2013, Series B. |
|
|
|
Maturity Date
|
|
November 1, 2013. |
|
|
|
Interest Payment Dates
|
|
May 1 and November 1,
commencing May 1, 2010. |
|
|
|
Subsidiary Guarantees
|
|
Each of our material U.S. subsidiaries will guarantee the exchange notes. |
|
|
|
Ranking
|
|
The exchange notes and the guarantees will be senior secured obligations
of Interface, Inc. and the guarantors. The exchange notes will rank
equally with Interface, Inc.s and the guarantors existing and future
senior indebtedness, senior in right of payment to any senior unsecured
indebtedness of Interface, Inc. and the guarantors to the extent of the
assets securing the obligations, and senior to any subordinated
indebtedness of Interface, Inc. and the guarantors. The liens on the
collateral securing the exchange notes will be expressly subordinated to
the first-priority liens on the collateral securing the domestic
revolving credit facility pursuant to an intercreditor agreement between
the domestic agent under the domestic revolving credit facility and U.S.
Bank National Association, the trustee (the Trustee) under the
indenture governing the exchange notes (the Indenture). |
|
|
|
|
|
As of July 5, 2009, we had $294.2 million of debt and we could have
incurred an additional $49.9 million of debt under our domestic
revolving credit facility, each of which would rank equally to the
exchange notes. |
|
|
|
Security
|
|
The exchange notes and the guarantees will be secured by second-priority
liens on substantially all of the assets of Interface, Inc. and its
material U.S. subsidiaries (except for Interface Global Company ApS).
These same assets also constitute the first-priority security for the
obligations of Interface, Inc. and the guarantors under our domestic
revolving credit facility. The second-priority liens granted to the
holders of the exchange notes and the guarantees will be effectively
subordinated to such facility pursuant to the terms of an intercreditor
agreement. See Description of the Notes Security for the Notes and
the Guarantees. As of July 5, 2009, Interface, Inc. and the guarantors
had total consolidated assets of $368.3 million, including cash of
$57.9 million, accounts receivable of $52.8 million, inventory of
$68.2 million and property and equipment, net, of $85.9 million. |
- 8 -
|
|
|
Optional Redemption
|
|
Before November 1, 2013, we may redeem some or all of the exchange notes at a redemption
price equal to 100% of the principal amount of each Note to be redeemed plus a make-whole
premium described in this prospectus. |
|
|
|
|
|
In addition, at any time prior to May 1, 2012, we may redeem up to 35% of the original
aggregate principal amount of the exchange notes with the net cash proceeds from
specified equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 111.375% of the principal
amount of each exchange note to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to
the date of redemption. However, we may only make such a redemption if at least 65% of
the aggregate principal amount of the exchange notes remains outstanding immediately
after the redemption and such redemption occurs within 180 days after the closing of such
specified equity offering. |
|
|
|
Change of Control
|
|
Upon a change of control, we must offer to repurchase the exchange notes at 101% of the
principal amount plus accrued interest at the purchase date. |
|
|
|
Certain Covenants
|
|
The Indenture contains several covenants, including limitations and restrictions on our
ability to: |
|
|
|
|
|
incur additional indebtedness; |
|
|
|
make dividend payments or other restricted payments; |
|
|
|
create liens; |
|
|
|
make asset sales; |
|
|
|
sell securities of our subsidiaries; |
|
|
|
enter into certain types of transactions with shareholders and affiliates; and |
|
|
|
enter into mergers, consolidations, or sales of all or substantially all of our assets. |
|
|
|
|
|
These covenants are subject to important exceptions and qualifications, which are
described in Description of the Notes Certain Covenants. |
|
|
|
Risk Factors
|
|
Holders of original notes should carefully consider the matters set forth under the
caption Risk Factors prior to making an investment decision with respect to the
exchange notes. |
Interface, Inc. was incorporated in 1973 as a Georgia corporation. Our principal executive
offices are located at 2859 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 2000, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, and our telephone
number is (770) 437-6800.
- 9 -
Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Data
We derived certain of the summary consolidated financial and other data presented below from
our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and our unaudited consolidated
condensed financial statements and the notes thereto for the periods indicated. You should read the
summary financial information presented below together with our audited consolidated financial
statements and the notes thereto included in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 27, 2009,
which includes certain retrospective adjustments made to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 28, 2008 to reflect the impact of adopting SFAS No. 160 and FSP EITF 03-6-1,
and our unaudited consolidated
condensed financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the six months ended July 5, 2009, each of which are incorporated by reference into
this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of and for the |
|
|
As of and for the Year Ended(1) |
|
Six Months Ended |
(dollars in thousands, |
|
January 2, |
|
January 1, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 30, |
|
December 28, |
|
June 29, |
|
July 5, |
except per share |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
data) |
|
(audited) |
|
(unaudited) |
Statement of Income
Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales |
|
$ |
695,250 |
|
|
$ |
786,924 |
|
|
$ |
914,659 |
|
|
$ |
1,081,273 |
|
|
$ |
1,082,344 |
|
|
$ |
556,741 |
|
|
$ |
410,605 |
|
Gross profit on
sales |
|
|
226,085 |
|
|
|
259,277 |
|
|
|
311,108 |
|
|
|
377,522 |
|
|
|
372,045 |
|
|
|
199,599 |
|
|
|
132,275 |
|
Selling, general
and administrative
expenses |
|
|
166,167 |
|
|
|
181,561 |
|
|
|
211,487 |
|
|
|
246,258 |
|
|
|
258,198 |
|
|
|
135,152 |
|
|
|
106,634 |
|
Restructuring charge |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,975 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,627 |
|
Gain on
litigation settlements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,926 |
) |
Operating income |
|
|
59,918 |
|
|
|
77,716 |
|
|
|
99,621 |
|
|
|
129,391 |
|
|
|
41,659 |
|
|
|
64,407 |
|
|
|
23,940 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
46,023 |
|
|
|
45,541 |
|
|
|
42,204 |
|
|
|
34,110 |
|
|
|
31,480 |
|
|
|
15,936 |
|
|
|
15,399 |
|
Income (loss) from
continuing
operations (2)(3) |
|
|
6,386 |
|
|
|
15,933 |
|
|
|
36,235 |
|
|
|
58,972 |
|
|
|
(34,513 |
) |
|
|
30,589 |
|
|
|
426 |
|
Income (loss) per
share attributable
to Interface, Inc.
common shareholders
from continuing
operations(4): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
$ |
0.29 |
|
|
$ |
0.65 |
|
|
$ |
0.94 |
|
|
$ |
(0.58 |
) |
|
$ |
0.48 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
|
$ |
0.64 |
|
|
$ |
0.93 |
|
|
$ |
(0.58 |
) |
|
$ |
0.47 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
Cash dividends per
common share |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
0.08 |
|
|
$ |
0.12 |
|
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
|
$ |
0.005 |
|
Other Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA(5) |
|
$ |
82,825 |
|
|
$ |
98,164 |
|
|
$ |
121,371 |
|
|
$ |
151,878 |
|
|
$ |
137,511 |
|
|
$ |
76,391 |
|
|
$ |
37,686 |
|
Depreciation and
amortization |
|
|
22,907 |
|
|
|
20,448 |
|
|
|
21,750 |
|
|
|
22,487 |
|
|
|
23,664 |
|
|
|
11,984 |
|
|
|
12,045 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
11,600 |
|
|
|
19,354 |
|
|
|
28,540 |
|
|
|
40,592 |
|
|
|
29,300 |
|
|
|
14,079 |
|
|
|
7,401 |
|
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges(6) |
|
|
1.2 |
x |
|
|
1.5 |
x |
|
|
2.0 |
x |
|
|
3.1 |
x |
|
|
1.2 |
x |
|
|
3.3 |
x |
|
|
1.1 |
x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
As of |
|
|
January 2, |
|
January 1, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 30, |
|
December 28, |
|
June 29, |
|
July 5, |
|
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
(dollars in thousands) |
|
(audited) |
|
(unaudited) |
Balance Sheet Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash
equivalents |
|
$ |
17,158 |
|
|
$ |
47,275 |
|
|
$ |
109,157 |
|
|
$ |
82,375 |
|
|
$ |
71,757 |
|
|
$ |
83,616 |
|
|
$ |
89,867 |
|
Accounts
receivable, net |
|
|
114,980 |
|
|
|
114,070 |
|
|
|
143,025 |
|
|
|
178,625 |
|
|
|
144,783 |
|
|
|
175,263 |
|
|
|
122,758 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
93,674 |
|
|
|
87,823 |
|
|
|
112,293 |
|
|
|
125,789 |
|
|
|
128,923 |
|
|
|
152,039 |
|
|
|
122,854 |
|
Property and
Equipment |
|
|
118,493 |
|
|
|
115,890 |
|
|
|
134,631 |
|
|
|
161,874 |
|
|
|
160,717 |
|
|
|
170,618 |
|
|
|
164,097 |
|
Working capital |
|
|
344,460 |
|
|
|
317,668 |
|
|
|
380,253 |
|
|
|
238,578 |
|
|
|
221,323 |
|
|
|
263,478 |
|
|
|
221,209 |
|
Current maturities
of long-term
debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,586 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
869,798 |
|
|
|
838,990 |
|
|
|
928,340 |
|
|
|
835,232 |
|
|
|
706,035 |
|
|
|
879,330 |
|
|
|
705,465 |
|
Total long-term
debt |
|
|
460,000 |
|
|
|
458,000 |
|
|
|
411,365 |
|
|
|
310,000 |
|
|
|
287,588 |
|
|
|
310,000 |
|
|
|
279,556 |
|
Total shareholders
equity(3) |
|
|
198,309 |
|
|
|
176,485 |
|
|
|
279,900 |
|
|
|
301,116 |
|
|
|
217,437 |
|
|
|
342,114 |
|
|
|
230,481 |
|
Total
capitalization(7) |
|
|
658,309 |
|
|
|
634,485 |
|
|
|
691,265 |
|
|
|
611,116 |
|
|
|
505,025 |
|
|
|
652,114 |
|
|
|
524,623 |
|
- 10 -
|
|
|
(1) |
|
In the third quarter of 2007, we sold our Fabrics Group business
segment. In the third quarter of 2004, we also decided to discontinue
the operations related to our Re:Source dealer businesses (as well as
the operations of a small Australian dealer business and a small
residential fabrics business). The data has been adjusted to reflect
the discontinued operations of these businesses. |
|
(2) |
|
Included in our 2007 income from continuing operations is a loss of
$1.9 million on the disposition of our Pandel business, which
comprised our Specialty Products segment. Included in the 2008 loss
from continuing operations is a non-cash charge of $61.2 million for
impairment of goodwill of our Bentley Prince Street business segment,
as well as tax expense of $13.3 million related to the anticipated
repatriation in 2009 of foreign earnings. For further analysis, see
the note entitled Taxes on Income in the notes to consolidated
financial statements included in our Form 8-K filed July 27, 2009
incorporated by reference into this prospectus. |
|
(3) |
|
All periods presented have been adjusted to reflect the adoption of
SFAS 160 Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements an amendment to ARB No. 51. This standard was adopted by
us in the first quarter of 2009. |
|
(4) |
|
Amounts for all periods presented have been adjusted to reflect the
adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1. This standard was adopted by us in the
first quarter of 2009. |
|
(5) |
|
Adjusted EBITDA represents operating income plus depreciation,
amortization, goodwill impairment and restructuring charges, as
indicated below. While adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as a
substitute for operating income, which is determined in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, it is included herein
to provide additional information with respect to our ability to meet
our future debt service, capital expenditures and working capital
requirements. Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily a measure of our
ability to fund cash needs. The following are our components of
adjusted EBITDA: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the |
|
|
|
For the Year Ended |
|
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
|
January 2, |
|
|
January 1, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 30, |
|
|
December 28, |
|
|
June 29, |
|
|
July 5, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
(audited) |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
Operating income |
|
$ |
59,918 |
|
|
$ |
77,716 |
|
|
$ |
99,621 |
|
|
$ |
129,391 |
|
|
$ |
41,659 |
|
|
$ |
64,407 |
|
|
$ |
23,940 |
|
Depreciation and
amortization |
|
|
22,907 |
|
|
|
20,448 |
|
|
|
21,750 |
|
|
|
22,487 |
|
|
|
23,664 |
|
|
|
11,984 |
|
|
|
12,045 |
|
Goodwill impairment
charges(8) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,213 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restructuring
charges(9) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,975 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,627 |
|
Gain on
litigation settlements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,926 |
) |
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
82,825 |
|
|
$ |
98,164 |
|
|
$ |
121,371 |
|
|
$ |
151,878 |
|
|
$ |
137,511 |
|
|
$ |
76,391 |
|
|
$ |
37,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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(6) |
|
For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges: (a)
fixed charges consist of interest on debt (including capitalized
interest), amortization of debt expenses and a portion of rental
expense determined to be representative of interest and (b) earnings
consist of income (loss) from continuing operations before income
taxes and fixed charges as described above. |
(7) |
|
Total capitalization includes long-term debt (including current
maturities of long-term debt) and total common shareholders equity.
See Capitalization. |
- 11 -
(8) |
|
In the fourth quarter of 2008, we recognized a non-cash charge of
$61.2 million for impairment of goodwill related to our Bentley
Prince Street reporting unit. For further information, see the note
entitled Impairment of Goodwill in our 2008 Form 10-K incorporated
by reference into this prospectus. |
(9) |
|
In the fourth quarter of 2008, we recorded a pre-tax restructuring
charge of $11.0 million, comprised of employee severance expense of
$7.8 million, impairment of assets of $2.6 million, and other exit
costs of $0.7 million (primarily related to lease exit costs and
other closure activities); approximately $8.3 million of the
restructuring charge will involve cash expenditures, primarily
severance expense. In the first six months of 2009, we
recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $7.6 million, comprised
of $5.9 million of employee severance expense and $1.7 million of
other exit costs (primarily costs to exit the Canadian manufacturing
facilities, lease exit costs and other costs); approximately $7.1
million of the 2009 restructuring charge will involve cash
expenditures, primarily severance expense. |
- 12 -
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the following factors, in addition to the other information
included in this prospectus, before making an investment in the exchange notes. Any or all of the
following risk factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
results of operations and prospects.
General Business Risks
Sales of Our Principal Products have been and may Continue to be Affected by Adverse Economic
Cycles in the Renovation and Construction of Commercial and Institutional Buildings.
Sales of our principal products are related to the renovation and construction of commercial
and institutional buildings. This activity is cyclical and has been affected by the strength of a
countrys or
regions general economy, prevailing interest rates and other factors that lead to cost
control measures by businesses and other users of commercial or institutional space. The effects of
cyclicality upon the corporate office segment tend to be more pronounced than the effects upon the
institutional segment. Historically, we have generated more sales in the corporate office segment
than in any other market. The effects of cyclicality upon the new construction segment of the
market also tend to be more pronounced than the effects upon the renovation segment. The adverse
cycle during the years 2001 through 2003 significantly lessened the overall demand for commercial
interiors products, which adversely affected our business during those years. These effects may
recur and could be more pronounced if the current global economic conditions do not improve or are
further weakened.
The Recent Worldwide Financial and Credit Crisis could have a Material Adverse Effect on our
Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The recent worldwide financial and credit crisis has reduced the availability of liquidity and
credit to fund the continuation and expansion of many business operations worldwide. This shortage
of liquidity and credit, combined with recent substantial losses in worldwide equity markets, could
lead to an extended worldwide economic recession and result in a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations. Specifically, the limited availability of credit and
liquidity adversely affects the ability of customers and suppliers to obtain financing for
significant purchases and operations. Consequently, customers may
defer, delay or cancel renovation and
construction projects where our carpet is used, resulting in decreased orders and sales for us, and they also may not be
able to pay us for those products and services we already have provided to them. For the same reasons, suppliers may not
be able to produce and deliver raw materials and other goods and services that we have ordered from them, thus disrupting
our own manufacturing operations. In addition, our ability to obtain
funding from capital
markets may be severely restricted at a time when we would like, or
need, to access those markets. The inability to obtain that funding could
prevent us from pursuing important strategic and growth plans, from reacting to changing
economic and business conditions, and from refinancing our existing
debt (which in turn could lead to a default on our debt). The financial and
credit crisis also could have an impact on the lenders under our credit facilities, causing them to
fail to meet their obligations to provide us with loans and letters
of credit, which are important sources of liquidity for us.
We have a significant amount of indebtedness. See Description of Certain Indebtedness. Our
domestic revolving credit facility matures in December 2012, our 10.375% Senior Notes due 2010 (the
10.375% Notes) mature in February 2010, our 11 3/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 mature in
November 2013, and our 9.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 (the 9.5% Notes) mature in
February 2014. We cannot assure you that we will be able to renegotiate or refinance any of this
debt on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, especially given the ongoing worldwide financial
and credit crisis.
We Compete with a Large Number of Manufacturers in the Highly Competitive Commercial Floorcovering
Products Market, and Some of these Competitors have Greater Financial Resources than we do.
The commercial floorcovering industry is highly competitive. Globally, we compete for sales of
floorcovering products with other carpet manufacturers and manufacturers of other types of
floorcovering. Although the industry has experienced significant consolidation, a large number of
manufacturers remain in the industry. Some of our competitors, including a number of large
diversified domestic and foreign companies who manufacture modular carpet as one segment of their
business, have greater financial resources than we do.
Our Success Depends Significantly Upon the Efforts, Abilities and Continued Service of our Senior
Management Executives and our Principal Design Consultant, and our Loss of any of them could Affect
us Adversely.
We believe that our success depends to a significant extent upon the efforts and abilities of
our senior management executives. In addition, we rely significantly on the leadership that David
Oakey of David Oakey Designs provides to our internal design staff. Specifically, David Oakey
Designs provides product design/production engineering services to us under an exclusive consulting
contract that contains non-competition covenants. Our current agreement with David Oakey Designs
extends to April 2011. The loss of any of these key persons could have an adverse impact on our
business because each has a great deal of knowledge, training and experience in the carpet industry particularly in
the areas of sales, marketing, operations, product design and management and could not easily or quickly be replaced.
- 13 -
Our Substantial International Operations are Subject to Various Political, Economic and other
Uncertainties that could Adversely Affect our Business Results, Including by Restrictive Taxation
or other Government Regulation and by Foreign Currency Fluctuations.
We have substantial international operations. In fiscal 2008, approximately 53% of our net
sales and a significant portion of our production were outside the United States, primarily in
Europe and Asia-Pacific. Our corporate strategy includes the expansion and growth of our
international business on a worldwide basis. As a result, our operations are subject to various
political, economic and other uncertainties, including risks of restrictive taxation policies,
changing political conditions and governmental regulations. We also make a substantial portion of
our net sales in currencies other than U.S. dollars (approximately 50% of 2008 net sales), which
subjects us to the risks inherent in currency translations. The scope and volume of our global
operations make it impossible to eliminate completely all foreign currency translation risks as an
influence on our financial results.
Large Increases in the Cost of Petroleum-Based Raw Materials could Adversely Affect us if we are
Unable to Pass these Cost Increases Through to our Customers.
Petroleum-based products comprise the predominant portion of the cost of raw materials that we
use in manufacturing. While we attempt to match cost increases with corresponding price increases,
continued volatility in the cost of petroleum-based raw materials could adversely affect our
financial results if we are unable to pass through such price increases to our customers.
Unanticipated Termination or Interruption of any of our Arrangements with our Primary Third Party
Suppliers of Synthetic Fiber could Have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
The unanticipated termination or interruption of any of our supply arrangements with our
current suppliers of synthetic fiber (nylon), which typically are not pursuant to long-term agreements,
could have a material adverse effect on us because we do not have the capability to manufacture our own fiber for use in our carpet products. For example, Invista Inc., a subsidiary of Koch
Industries,
Inc., currently supplies approximately 40% of our requirements for
synthetic fiber. If any of our supply arrangements with our primary suppliers of synthetic fiber is terminated or
interrupted, we likely would incur increased manufacturing costs and experience delays in our manufacturing
process (thus resulting in decreased sales and profitability) associated with shifting more of our
synthetic fiber purchasing to
another synthetic fiber supplier.
We have a Significant Amount of Indebtedness, which could have Important Negative Consequences to
us.
Our significant indebtedness could have important negative consequences to us, including:
|
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|
making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to such indebtedness; |
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increasing our vulnerability to adverse general economic and industry conditions; |
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limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund capital
expenditures, acquisitions or other growth initiatives, and other
general corporate requirements; |
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|
requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from
operations to interest and principal payments on our indebtedness,
thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund capital
expenditures, acquisitions or other growth initiatives, and other
general corporate requirements; |
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|
limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in
our business and the industry in which we operate; |
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|
placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our less leveraged competitors; and |
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limiting our ability to refinance our existing indebtedness as it matures. |
- 14 -
Our Earnings in a Future Period could be Adversely Affected by Non-Cash Adjustments to Goodwill, if
a Future Test of Goodwill Assets Indicates a Material Impairment of those Assets.
As prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and
Other Intangible Assets, we undertake an annual review of the goodwill asset balance reflected in
our financial statements. Our review is conducted during the fourth quarter of the year, unless
there has been a triggering event prescribed by applicable accounting rules that warrants an
earlier interim testing for possible goodwill impairment. In the past, we have had non-cash
adjustments for goodwill impairment as a result of such testings ($61.2 million in 2008,
$44.5 million in 2007, $20.7 million in 2006, and $29.0 million in 2004). A future goodwill
impairment test may result in a future non-cash adjustment, which could adversely affect our
earnings for any such future period.
Our Chairman Currently has Sufficient Voting Power to Elect a Majority of our Board of Directors.
Our Chairman, Ray C. Anderson, beneficially owns approximately 52% of our outstanding Class B
common stock. The holders of the Class B common stock are entitled, as a class, to elect a majority
of our Board of Directors. Therefore, Mr. Anderson has sufficient voting power to elect a majority
of the Board of Directors. On all other matters submitted to the shareholders for a vote, the
holders of the Class B common stock generally vote together as a single class with the holders of
the Class A common stock. Mr. Andersons beneficial ownership of the outstanding Class A and
Class B common stock combined is approximately 6%.
Risks Specific to Our Indebtedness and the Notes
In addition to the factors above relating generally to risks associated with our business
(and, therefore, to any investment in us), you should also consider the following factors that
represent special risks associated with an investment in the exchange notes.
Our Indebtedness, which is Significant in Relation to our Shareholders Equity, Requires us to
Dedicate a Substantial Portion of our Cash Flow From Operations to Service Debt, and Governs
Certain other of our Activities.
Our indebtedness is significant in relation to our shareholders equity. As of July 5, 2009,
our long-term debt (net of the $14.6 million of the 10.375% Notes included in our current
liabilities) totaled $279.6 million or approximately 55% of our total capitalization. As a
consequence of our level of indebtedness, a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations
must be dedicated to debt service requirements. The terms of our primary revolving credit facility
in the U.S. and the indenture governing our 9.5% Notes and our 11 3/8% Senior Secured Notes due
2013 govern our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things, incur
additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments or investments in
certain situations, consummate certain asset sales, enter into certain transactions with
affiliates, create liens, merge or consolidate with any other person, or sell, assign, transfer,
lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. They also require us
to comply with certain other reporting, affirmative and negative covenants and, at times, meet
certain financial tests. If we fail to satisfy these tests or comply with these covenants, a
default may occur, in which case the lenders could accelerate the debt as well as any other debt to
which cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions
apply. We cannot assure you that we would be able to renegotiate, refinance or otherwise
obtain the necessary funds to satisfy these obligations.
As a Result of our Holding Company Structure, the Exchange Notes will Effectively be Subordinated
to Indebtedness of our Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.
Our operations are conducted through our subsidiaries and, therefore, the exchange notes will
be effectively subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities and commitments of our
subsidiaries, other than subsidiaries that are guarantors of the exchange notes. We substantially
depend on the earnings and cash flow of our subsidiaries and must rely upon distributions from our
subsidiaries to meet our debt obligations, including our obligations with respect to the exchange
notes. Any right of the holders of the exchange notes to participate in the assets of a
non-guarantor subsidiary upon any liquidation or reorganization of the subsidiary will be subject
to the prior claims of the subsidiarys creditors, including the lenders under our credit
facilities and trade creditors. Our non-guarantor subsidiaries
generated approximately 52%, 51%,
and 50% of our
consolidated revenues for both of the three-month and six-month periods ended
July 5, 2009 and fiscal year 2008, respectively, and held
approximately 48% and 48% of our consolidated assets as of July 5, 2009 and December 28, 2008,
respectively.
- 15 -
The Collateral Securing the Exchange Notes is Subject to Control by Creditors with First-Priority
Liens. If there is a Default, the Value of the Collateral may not be Sufficient to Repay both the
First-Priority Creditors and the Holders of the Exchange Notes.
The exchange notes will be secured on a second-priority basis by substantially all of the
assets of Interface, Inc. and its material U.S. subsidiaries. Our obligations under our domestic
revolving credit facility are secured by a first-priority lien on those same assets, including 100%
of the capital stock of our principal domestic subsidiaries and up to 65% of the capital stock of
our principal first-tier foreign subsidiaries. The liens securing the exchange notes will be
subordinated to the first-priority liens securing our domestic revolving credit facility. If there
is a default and foreclosure sale of the collateral representing such security, the proceeds from
the sale may not be sufficient to satisfy our obligations under the exchange notes. Any such
proceeds would be distributed to our creditors under our domestic revolving credit facility before
any proceeds would be available for payment to holders of the exchange notes. The holders of the
exchange notes will not receive any proceeds from the sale of collateral unless and until all
obligations under the domestic revolving credit facility are repaid in full. By its nature, some of
the collateral may have limited marketability, be illiquid and may have no readily ascertainable
value. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that all of the collateral will be able to be sold or that
there will be sufficient funds available to repay the exchange notes after payment in full of any
debt outstanding under our domestic revolving credit facility.
The rights of the holders of the exchange notes with respect to the collateral securing the
exchange notes also could be adversely affected by the ability of the holders of the obligations
secured by the first-priority liens to make a credit bid for all or part of the collateral at any
foreclosure sale and will be limited pursuant to the terms of the intercreditor agreement and the
other security documents. Under the intercreditor agreement and the other security documents, at
any time the obligations that have the benefit of the first-priority liens are outstanding, any
action that may be taken in respect of the collateral, including the commencement and control of
enforcement proceedings against the collateral and any amendment to, release of collateral from, or
waiver of past defaults under the collateral documents, will be at the direction of the holders of
the obligations secured by the first-priority liens.
The collateral securing the exchange notes will be subject to any and all exceptions, defects,
encumbrances, liens and other imperfections as may be accepted by the holders of the obligations
secured
by first-priority liens, whether on or after the date the exchange notes are issued. The
existence of any such exceptions, defects, encumbrances, liens and other imperfections could
adversely affect the value of the collateral securing the exchange notes as well as the ability of
the Trustee to realize or foreclose on such collateral.
The Intercreditor and Security Agreements in connection with the Indenture may limit the Rights of
the Holders of the Exchange Notes and their Control with Respect to the Collateral Securing the
Exchange Notes.
The rights of the holders of the exchange notes with respect to the collateral securing the
exchange notes may be substantially limited pursuant to the terms of the security agreements
entered into with respect to the collateral and as set forth in the Indenture and in the
intercreditor agreement. Under the intercreditor agreement, at any time that amounts remain
outstanding on the obligations secured by the first-priority liens, actions taken in respect of the
collateral (including the commencement of enforcement proceedings against the collateral and
control of the conduct of these proceedings) may be directed by the holders of the obligations
secured by the first-priority liens. As a result, the Trustee, on behalf of the holders of the
exchange notes, may not have the ability to control or direct these actions, even if the rights of
the holders of the exchange notes are adversely affected. See Description of Notes Security and
Description of Notes Intercreditor Agreement.
- 16 -
In the event of a Bankruptcy, the ability of the Holders of the Exchange Notes to Realize Upon the
Collateral will be subject to certain Bankruptcy Law Limitations.
Bankruptcy laws could prevent the Trustee from repossessing and disposing of, or otherwise
exercising remedies in respect of, the collateral upon the occurrence of an event of default if a
bankruptcy proceeding were to be commenced by or against Interface, Inc. or a guarantor prior to
the Trustee having repossessed and disposed of, or otherwise having exercised remedies in respect
of, the collateral. Under the U.S. bankruptcy code, a secured creditor, such as the holders of the
exchange notes, is prohibited from repossessing its security from a debtor in a bankruptcy case, or
from disposing of security repossessed from such debtor, without bankruptcy court approval.
Moreover, the bankruptcy code permits the debtor to continue to retain and to use collateral even
though the debtor is in default under the applicable debt instruments; provided that the secured
creditor is given adequate protection. While it is intended in general to protect the value of
the secured creditors interest in the collateral, the meaning of the term adequate protection
may vary according to circumstances. The court may find adequate protection if the debtor pays
cash or grants additional security, if and at such times as the court in its discretion determines,
for any diminution in the value of the collateral during the pendency of the bankruptcy case. In
view of the lack of a precise definition of the term adequate protection and the broad
discretionary powers of a bankruptcy court, it is impossible to predict how long payments with
respect to the exchange notes could be delayed following commencement of a bankruptcy case, whether
or when the Trustee could repossess or dispose of the collateral or whether or to what extent
holders would be compensated for any delay in payment or loss of value of the collateral through
the requirement of adequate protection.
In addition, the Trustee may need to evaluate the impact of potential liabilities before
determining to foreclose on the collateral, because entities that hold a security interest in real
property may be held liable under environmental laws for the costs of remediating or preventing
release or threatened releases of hazardous substances at the secured property. In this regard, the
Trustee may decline to foreclose on the secured property or exercise remedies available if it does
not receive indemnification to its satisfaction from the holders. Finally, the Trustees ability to
foreclose on the collateral on behalf of the holders of the exchange notes may be subject to lack
of perfection, the consent of third parties, prior liens and practical problems associated with the
realization of the Trustees lien on the collateral.
The Holders of the Exchange Notes will not Control Decisions regarding the Collateral Securing the
Exchange Notes.
The lenders under our domestic revolving credit facility, who have a first-priority lien on
substantially all of the assets of Interface, Inc. and its material U.S. subsidiaries (except for
Interface Global Company ApS), control substantially all matters related to the such collateral and
the rights and remedies with respect thereto. At any time that obligations are outstanding under
our domestic revolving credit facility, any actions that may be taken in respect of the collateral,
including the commencement of enforcement proceedings against the collateral and control of the
conduct of such proceedings, and the approval of amendments to and waivers of past defaults under,
the collateral documents, will be at the direction of the lenders under our domestic revolving
credit facility. As a result, such lenders may dispose of or foreclose on, or take other actions
with respect to, the collateral regardless of whether such disposition would be or could be
construed as contrary to the interests of the holders of the exchange notes and regardless of
whether the holders of the exchange notes object. Also, the holders of the exchange notes will be
unable to exercise remedies with respect to the collateral unless and until the lenders under our
domestic revolving credit facility exercise their rights and remedies with respect to the
collateral, and then only on a limited basis. See Description of Notes Intercreditor Agreement.
Your Right to be Repaid would be Adversely Affected if a Court Determined that any of our
Subsidiaries Made any Guarantee for Inadequate Consideration or with the Intent to Defraud
Creditors.
Under the federal bankruptcy laws and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer laws,
any guarantee made by any of our subsidiaries could be voided, or claims under the guarantee made
by any of our subsidiaries could be subordinated to all other obligations of any such subsidiary,
if the subsidiary, at the time it incurred the obligations under any guarantee:
|
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incurred the obligations with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors; or |
|
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|
received less than reasonably equivalent value in exchange for incurring those obligations; and |
|
(1) |
|
was insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of that incurrence; |
- 17 -
|
(2) |
|
was engaged in a business or transaction for which the subsidiarys remaining assets
constituted unreasonably small capital; or |
|
|
(3) |
|
intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay those
debts as they mature. |
A legal challenge to the obligations under any guarantee on fraudulent conveyance grounds
could focus on any benefits received in exchange for the incurrence of those obligations. We
believe that each of our subsidiaries making a guarantee received reasonably equivalent value for
incurring the guarantee, but a court may disagree with our conclusion or elect to apply a different
standard in making its determination.
The measures of insolvency for purposes of the fraudulent transfer laws vary depending on the
law applied in the proceeding to determine whether a fraudulent transfer has occurred. Generally,
however, an entity would be considered insolvent if:
|
|
|
the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, is greater
than the fair saleable value of all of its assets; |
|
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|
the present fair saleable value of its assets is less than the amount
that would be required to pay its probable liabilities on its existing
debts, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and
mature; or |
|
|
|
|
it cannot pay its debts as they become due. |
Based on historical financial information, recent operating history and other factors, we
believe that, after giving effect to each guarantee, our subsidiaries are not insolvent, do not
have unreasonably small capital for the business in which they are engaged and have not incurred
debts beyond their ability to pay those debts as they mature. Because the question of whether a
transaction is a fraudulent conveyance is fact-based and fact-specific, a court might not agree
with us. Neither our counsel nor counsel for the initial purchasers of the original notes has
expressed any opinion as to federal or state laws relating to fraudulent transfers.
The Indenture Governing the Exchange Notes, as Well as Other Agreements Governing our Debt, Contain
Covenants that may Restrict our Ability to Take Certain Corporate actions.
The indenture governing the exchange notes, as well as other agreements governing our debt,
contain covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability and the ability of our
subsidiaries to, among other things:
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incur additional indebtedness; |
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pay dividends or make other distributions on, redeem or repurchase capital stock; |
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make investments or other restricted payments; |
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create liens on our assets; |
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sell all, or substantially all, of our assets; |
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sell securities of our subsidiaries; |
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engage in certain types of transactions with affiliates; and |
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enter into mergers, consolidations or sales of all or substantially all of our assets. |
These covenants are subject to important exceptions and qualifications and, with respect to
the exchange notes, are described under the heading Description of the Notes in this prospectus.
In addition, our domestic revolving credit facility also contains restrictive covenants, including
requirements to maintain prescribed financial ratios in certain circumstances, and are also subject
to a number of exceptions and qualifications. A failure to comply with the obligations contained in
the instruments governing our debt could result in an event of default that would permit
acceleration of the related debt and acceleration of debt under other instruments that may contain
cross-default or cross-acceleration provisions. We are not sure whether we would have, or be able
to obtain, sufficient funds to make any such accelerated payments.
- 18 -
You may be Unable to Sell your Exchange Notes if a Trading Market for the Exchange Notes does not
Develop.
You may find it difficult to sell exchange notes because there was no public market for the
exchange notes prior to this exchange offer and an active trading market for the exchange notes may
not develop. The exchange notes will not be listed for trading on any securities exchange. In
addition, the liquidity of the trading market in the exchange notes, and the market price quoted
for the exchange notes, may be adversely affected by changes in the overall market for high yield
securities and by changes in our financial performance or the prospects for companies in our
industry generally. As a result, you cannot be sure that an active trading market will develop for
the exchange notes.
We may not be Able to Repurchase Exchange Notes Upon a Change of Control that would be an Event of
Default Under the Indenture.
Upon the occurrence of certain specific kinds of change of control events, we will be required
to offer to repurchase all outstanding exchange notes. Our domestic revolving credit facility
limits our ability to repurchase the exchange notes without the approval of our lenders. In
addition, it is possible that, even if such approval were obtained, we would not have sufficient
funds at the time of the change of control to make the required repurchase of exchange notes.
Certain corporate events that would constitute a change of control under our other senior
indebtedness might not constitute a change of control under these exchange notes. Such an
occurrence would nonetheless constitute an event of default under our domestic revolving credit
facility, entitling the lenders to, among other things, cause all our outstanding debt obligations
thereunder to become due and payable, and to proceed against their collateral.
You may not be able to Sell the Original Notes if you do not Exchange them in this Offer.
If you hold original notes and do not exchange them in this offer, you will remain subject to
the transfer restrictions applicable to the original notes and reflected in their legend. We
issued the original notes under exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act
and applicable state securities laws. In general, holders of the original notes may not offer or
sell them unless they are exempt from registration or registered under the Securities Act and
applicable state securities laws. We have agreed, in certain circumstances, to file a shelf
registration statement covering resales of the original notes. Except in those circumstances, we
do not intend to register the original notes under the Securities Act. After consummation of this
exchange offer, we will have no further obligation to do so. Additionally, there is no existing
market for the original notes, and neither we nor any of our affiliates will make a market in the
original notes.
If you tender original notes in this exchange offer for the purpose of participating in a
distribution of the exchange notes, you may be deemed to have received restricted securities. If
so, you will be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of
the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction. Additionally, as a result of the
exchange offer, it is expected that the aggregate principal amount of the original notes will
decrease substantially. As a result, it is unlikely that a liquid trading market will exist for
the original notes at any time. This lack of liquidity will make transactions more difficult and
may reduce the trading price of the original notes. See The Exchange Offer and Description of
the Notes Exchange Offer; Registration Rights Agreement; Special Interest.
- 19 -
USE OF PROCEEDS
This exchange offer is intended to satisfy obligations that we have under the registration
rights agreement we entered into with the initial purchasers of the original notes. We will not
receive any proceeds from the issuance of the exchange notes. In consideration for issuing the
exchange notes, we will receive original notes in like principal amount. The form and terms of the
exchange notes are identical in all material respects to the form and terms of the original notes,
except as described in The Exchange Offer Terms of the Exchange Offer. The original notes
surrendered in exchange for the exchange notes will be retired and cancelled and cannot be
reissued. Therefore, issuance of the exchange notes will not result in any increase in our
outstanding debt.
The net proceeds from the sale of the original notes were approximately $139.5 million after
deducting the initial purchasers discount and other fees and expenses associated with the
sale. We used $133.0 million of those net proceeds in connection with the repurchase of
approximately $127.2 million aggregate principal amount of the 10.375% Notes. In addition, we used
$4.5 million of these proceeds to pay accrued interest on the $127.2 million aggregate principal
amount of the 10.375% Notes tendered. The remaining $2.1 million of those net proceeds is being
held in a bank account that is subject to a lien in favor of the domestic agent under our senior
secured domestic revolving credit facility (and is also subject to a lien in favor of the
collateral agent for the benefit of the holders of the notes) and will be used to repay the 10.375%
Notes that remain outstanding.
- 20 -
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization on an actual
basis as of July 5, 2009, and reflects the
offering of the original notes and the application of the net proceeds of the offering.
Because we will receive no additional proceeds from the issuance of
the exchange notes, there are no adjustments to be made for this
offering.
You should read this table in
conjunction with the information contained in Summary Financial and Other Data in this prospectus
and in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto that are included in our filings
with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
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As of July 5, 2009 |
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(dollars in thousands) |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
89,867 |
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Long-term debt (including current maturities): |
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Revolving credit facilities(1) |
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|
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10.375% Senior Notes due 2010 |
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14,586 |
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11.375%
Senior Secured Notes due 2013(2) |
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144,556 |
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9.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 |
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135,000 |
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Total long-term debt (including current maturities) |
|
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294,142 |
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|
|
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Total common shareholders equity |
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230,481 |
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Total capitalization(3) |
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$ |
524,623 |
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(1) |
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Our maximum borrowing capacity under our domestic revolving senior
credit facility is $100.0 million (subject to a borrowing base), with
an option to increase the maximum aggregate amount to $150.0 million
(subject to a borrowing base) upon the satisfaction of certain
conditions. As of July 5, 2009, there were no borrowings (and
$8.8 million in letters of credit) outstanding under the facility, and
we had $49.9 million of additional borrowing capacity thereunder. We
also maintain, as of September 1, 2009, a 32 million European credit
facility for borrowings and bank guarantees in varying aggregate
amounts over time. As of July 5, 2009, there were no borrowings
outstanding under the European facility, and we could have incurred
approximately $45.3 million of borrowings thereunder. |
|
(2) |
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If and to the extent original notes are exchanged for
exchange notes, this line item will then reflect exchange notes in
addition to or in lieu of original notes, but the total amount of
debt for this line item will remain the same. |
|
(3) |
|
We define total capitalization as total shareholders
equity and total long-term debt. |
- 21 -
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer
On June 5, 2009, we sold the original notes to Banc of America Securities LLC, Citigroup
Capital Markets Inc., Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and BB&T Capital Markets, a division of Scott &
Stringfellow, LLC (the Initial Purchasers). The Initial Purchasers sold the original notes to
institutional investors in reliance on Rule 144A and to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation
S promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act. When we sold the original notes, we and our
subsidiary guarantors signed a registration rights agreement for the benefit of holders of original
notes. Under that agreement, we agreed to file a registration statement covering an offer to
exchange the original notes for senior debt securities with substantially identical terms,
primarily in order to eliminate the securities law transfer restrictions that are applicable to
holders of the original notes.
We also agreed that if applicable law or SEC staff interpretations do not permit us to effect
the exchange offer, if the exchange offer is not consummated within 180 days after the date we
issued the original notes, or if any holder notifies us that it:
|
(1) |
|
is prohibited by applicable law or SEC policy from participating in the
exchange offer, |
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(2) |
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may not resell exchange notes to the public without
delivering a prospectus and this prospectus is not
appropriate or not available for such resales by such
holder, or |
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(3) |
|
is a broker-dealer and holds original notes acquired directly from us or an
affiliate of us |
then, we and our subsidiary guarantors would, as promptly as practicable, file a shelf registration
statement covering resales of the original notes, and use our commercially reasonable best efforts
to cause the shelf registration statement to be declared effective, and to remain current and
effective until the earlier of one year after its effective date or when all the notes are sold
under the shelf registration statement. If we are required to do so, we will provide to each
holder copies of the prospectus, notify each such holder when the shelf registration statement is
effective, and take other actions as are required to permit unrestricted resales of the original
notes.
The interest rate on the original notes may increase if we do not comply with our obligations
under the registration rights agreement.
Resale of Exchange Notes
We believe that holders of exchange notes issued in the exchange offer may generally offer
them for resale and may resell or otherwise transfer them without compliance with the registration
and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act. Our belief is based on existing SEC
staff interpretations and is subject to the exceptions and qualifications described in Plan of
Distribution.
Notwithstanding those beliefs, however, each holder of original notes who wishes to exchange
them in the exchange offer will be required to make representations to us. These include
representations that the holder:
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will acquire the exchange notes in the ordinary course of its business, |
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is not engaging in or intending to engage in a distribution
of the exchange notes, and |
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has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in
the distribution of the exchange notes, and is not our affiliate, as
defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act, or, if the holder is our
affiliate, it will comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act. |
No holder
who tenders in the exchange offer with the intention of participating in any manner in a
distribution of the exchange notes can rely on the SECs position in Exxon Capital,
Morgan Stanley and Shearman & Sterling or other interpretative letters and must
comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.
Any broker-dealer who holds exchange notes acquired for its own account as a result
of market-making activities or other trading activities and who is participating in
the exchange offer may be a statutory underwriter and must deliver a prospectus
meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of
such exchange notes. If, as stated above, a holder cannot rely on the position of
the staff of the SEC set forth in Exxon Capital, Morgan Stanley and Shearman &
Sterling or other interpretative letters, any effective registration statement
used in connection with a secondary resale transaction must contain the selling
security holder information required by Item 507 of Regulation S-K under the
Securities Act.
- 22 -
Terms of the Exchange Offer
We will accept for exchange all original notes properly tendered and not withdrawn prior to
11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on the date this offer expires. The initial expiration date will be
November 16, 2009. We may extend the exchange offer in our discretion. We will only accept
original notes that are tendered in compliance with this prospectus and the terms of the letter of
transmittal. You must tender original notes only in $1,000 multiples. We will issue $1,000 in
principal amount of exchange notes in exchange for each $1,000 in principal amount of original
notes tendered and accepted for exchange.
The form and terms of the exchange notes are substantially the same as those of the original
notes, except that the exchange notes are registered under the Securities Act. Accordingly, the
exchange notes will not bear legends restricting their transfer. The terms of the exchange notes
also do not include registration rights and penalty interest provisions applicable to the original
notes. The exchange notes evidence the same debt as the original notes. We are issuing the
exchange notes under the same indenture as the original notes. The indenture treats the exchange
notes and the original notes as a single class of debt securities. The exchange notes and the
original notes are entitled to the same benefits under the indenture.
We are not conditioning this exchange offer upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of
original notes being tendered for exchange. Holders of original notes will not have any appraisal
or dissenters rights in connection with the exchange offer.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have issued $150,000,000 in principal amount of the
original notes, all of which remain outstanding. We are sending this prospectus, together with the
letter of transmittal, to all registered holders of original notes. We will not fix a record date
for determining registered holders of original notes entitled to participate in the exchange offer.
We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the registration rights agreement,
the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC. Any
original notes not exchanged in the exchange offer will remain valid and continue to accrue
interest. Holders of such notes will remain entitled to the rights and benefits of the indenture
and the registration rights agreement.
We will be deemed to have accepted tendered original notes for exchange only when, as, and if
we so notify U.S. Bank National Association, the exchange agent, and have complied with the
registration rights agreement. We will deliver the exchange notes to U.S. Bank National
Association, as agent for the tendering holders.
If, for any reason, we do not accept any tendered original notes for exchange, we will return
them, without expense to the tendering holder, promptly after the expiration or termination of the
exchange offer.
We will generally pay all charges and expenses in connection with the exchange offer and
transfer taxes imposed in connection with the exchange of the original notes for exchange notes in
the name of the registered holder of the original notes (as discussed in The Exchange Offer
Transfer Taxes). We will not pay taxes imposed for any other reason, such as taxes imposed as a
result of a requested issuance of exchange notes in the name of a person other than the registered
holder of the original notes. Tendering note holders will not be required to pay brokerage
commissions or fees or, in most cases, transfer taxes, with respect to the exchange of their
original notes in the exchange offer. See The Exchange Offer Fees and Expenses.
Extensions; Amendments; Termination
We may extend the exchange offer by oral notice followed by written notice to the exchange
agent and will mail an announcement of the extension to the registered holders of the original
notes. The notice and mailing must occur prior to 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time, the next business day
after the original expiration date. During any extension, we may continue to accept for exchange
any previously tendered original notes that have not been withdrawn. During an extension, any
holders who previously tendered original notes for exchange will be permitted to withdraw them.
We also reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to terminate the exchange offer if any of
the conditions described in The Exchange Offer Conditions to the Exchange Offer are not
satisfied, or to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner.
- 23 -
We may terminate or amend the exchange offer by notice to the exchange agent. We will also
notify the registered holders of original notes of termination or amendment as promptly as
practicable. If we amend the exchange offer in a way we consider material, we will prepare a
supplement to this prospectus in order to reflect the amendment and will distribute the prospectus
supplement to the registered holders. Depending upon the significance of the amendment and the
means we choose to notify registered
holders, we may extend the exchange offer, if we deem necessary, to allow registered holders
time to consider the effect of the amendment.
Interest on the Exchange Notes
As with the original notes, we will pay interest on the exchange notes at an annual rate of 11
3/8 %. We will pay accrued interest semi-annually, on May 1 and November 1. We will make our
first interest payment on May 1, 2010. The first payment will include interest from the date
we initially issue the exchange notes, plus any accrued interest on the original notes for the
period from their initial issue through the date of exchange. Once we issue the exchange notes,
interest will no longer accrue on original notes accepted for exchange.
Conditions to the Exchange Offer
We are not required to accept any original notes for exchange, or to issue any exchange notes,
and we may terminate the exchange offer before we accept any original notes for exchange, if:
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any person sues, or threatens to sue, in any forum with respect to the
exchange offer and, in our reasonable judgment, the suit might
materially impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer, |
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a government proposes, adopts or enacts any law, statute, rule or
regulation, or the SEC staff interprets any existing law, statute,
rule or regulation in a way that, we believe, in our reasonable
judgment, might materially impair our ability to proceed with the
exchange offer, or |
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we do not receive any governmental approval that we, in our reasonable
judgment, deem necessary to complete the exchange offer. |
These conditions are for our sole benefit. We may assert or waive any of them, in whole or
part, at any time and from time to time, prior to the expiration of the exchange offer, in our
reasonable judgment, whether or not we waive any other conditions of
the exchange offer. If a condition occurs, we must either waive it and
proceed with the exchange offer or terminate the exchange offer. Our
failure or delay at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer to exercise any of these
rights will not be deemed a waiver of any such rights. The waiver of any of these rights with
respect to particular facts and circumstances will not be deemed a waiver with respect to any other
facts and circumstances, provided that we will treat all tendering holders equally with respect to
the same facts and circumstances.
In addition, we will not accept any original notes for exchange, and we will not issue any
exchange notes, if the SEC has threatened or issued a stop order with respect to:
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the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or |
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the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. |
Procedures for Tendering
You may only tender original notes held by you. To tender such notes, unless the tender is
made in book-entry form, you must complete, sign, and date the letter of transmittal or a facsimile
of the letter of transmittal, as well as comply with one of the procedures below for actual
delivery of the original notes to us. Under specific circumstances described in the letter of
transmittal, you must have your signature guaranteed. You must mail or deliver the letter of
transmittal to the exchange agent before 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on
November 16, 2009, the day
the offer expires. In addition, either
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you must deliver your original notes to the exchange agent with your letter of transmittal, or |
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you must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures. |
- 24 -
The
exchange agent must receive the letter of transmittal and other required documents before 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on November 16, 2009, the date the offer expires. Otherwise, we will
not consider your notes to be properly tendered, and we will not accept them for exchange. The
exchange agents address is set forth on page 28 and also printed on the back cover page of this
prospectus. Do not send your letter of transmittal or any original notes to us.
We discuss the procedures for book entry transfer and guaranteed delivery in the next two
sections below.
By tendering and not withdrawing original notes before the exchange offer expires, you agree
to the terms and conditions described in this prospectus and the letter of transmittal. No
alternative, conditional, irregular or contingent tender of original notes will be accepted.
We recommend that you use an overnight or hand delivery service instead of regular mail. In
all cases, you should allow sufficient time for your tender materials to be delivered to the
exchange agent before the offer expires. You may ask your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust
company or other nominee to handle these formalities for you. However, you are responsible for
choosing how to deliver your original notes, the letter of transmittal and any other required
documents to the exchange agent. You alone bear the risk of non-delivery or late delivery.
If you wish to tender any original notes of which you are the beneficial owner but that are
registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, you
should contact the registered holder as soon as possible and arrange with the registered holder to
tender on your behalf. If instead you wish to tender on your own behalf, you must first either:
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arrange to re-register the original notes in your name, or |
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obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder of the original notes. |
Please note that such a transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time. We
cannot assure you that you will be able to re-register your original notes before the exchange
offer expires.
If the letter of transmittal is signed by anyone other than the registered holder of the
tendered original notes, we will only accept the notes for exchange if:
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(a) |
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endorses the original notes, or |
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(b) |
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executes a properly completed bond power, and |
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an eligible guarantor institution guarantees the registered holders signature. |
Eligible guarantor institutions are:
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a member firm of a registered national securities exchange, |
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a member firm of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., |
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a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States, or |
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an eligible guarantor institution within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15
under the Exchange Act and which is a member of a recognized signature
guarantee program identified in the letter of transmittal. |
- 25 -
The signature guarantee requirement does not apply to you if:
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you do not check the Special Issuance Instructions or Special
Delivery Instructions boxes on the letter of transmittal, or |
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you are tendering for the account of an eligible institution. |
If you sign a letter of transmittal or any original notes or bond powers in your capacity as a
trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, corporate officer or other fiduciary
or representative, you should indicate your capacity when signing. You must provide with the
letter of transmittal evidence satisfactory to us of your authority to act.
We will resolve all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt), acceptance, and withdrawal of tendered original notes in our sole discretion. Our
determinations on these issues and our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange
offer, including the instructions in the letter of transmittal, will be final and binding on all
parties. We reserve the right to reject:
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any original notes that are not validly tendered, or |
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any original notes where our acceptance would, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. |
We also reserve the right to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to
particular original notes. We may, in our discretion, allow tendering note holders an opportunity
to cure any defects or irregularities with respect to particular original notes. We will in all
cases, however, treat tendering holders equally with respect to the same facts and circumstances in
our exercise, or not, of the above rights. Although we intend to notify holders of any defects or
irregularities affecting their tenders, neither we, the exchange agent nor any other person shall
be liable for any failure to give such notice. We will not consider a holder to have tendered
original notes until the holder cures, or we waive, all defects or irregularities. Unless the
holder instructs differently in the letter of transmittal, the exchange agent will return
improperly tendered original notes to the tendering holder promptly after the exchange offer
expires.
We will issue exchange notes only after the exchange agent timely receives:
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(a) |
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the tendered original notes, or |
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(b) |
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confirmation that they have been transferred by book entry into the exchange agents
account at the Depository Trust Company, |
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a properly completed, duly executed letter of transmittal, and |
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all other documents that might be required as indicated above or in the letter of transmittal. |
If we do not accept your tendered original notes for exchange for any reason, or if you submit more
original notes than your letter of transmittal indicates you wish to exchange, we will return the
unaccepted or excess original notes to you, without cost, promptly after the expiration or
termination of the exchange offer. If
you tendered the original notes by book-entry transfer, we will have the unaccepted or excess
original notes credited to an account maintained with the Depository Trust Company.
Book-Entry Transfer
Within two days after the date of this prospectus, the exchange agent will ask the Depository
Trust Company to establish an account for purposes of receiving original notes tendered in
connection with the exchange offer. Any institution that is a participant in Depository Trust
Companys Automated Tender Offer Program (ATOP) may make book-entry delivery of the original notes
through ATOP, which enables a custodial entity, and the beneficial owner on whose behalf the
custodial entity is acting, to electronically agree to be bound by the letter of transmittal. A
letter of transmittal need not accompany tenders offered through ATOP.
- 26 -
If you deliver original notes by book-entry transfer, the Depository Trust Company must
confirm to the exchange agent that the original notes have been transferred by book entry into the
exchange agents account with Depository Trust Company.
Guaranteed Delivery Procedures
You may use the guaranteed delivery procedures we describe in this section if you wish to
tender your original notes and either:
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you do not have immediate access to your original notes; |
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you cannot deliver your original notes, the letter of transmittal or
any other required document to the exchange agent before the offer
expires; or |
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you are unable to complete the procedure for book-entry transfer on a timely basis. |
The guaranteed delivery procedures require that:
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the tender is made through an eligible institution; |
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the eligible institution, before the exchange offer expires, delivers
a notice of guaranteed delivery (by fax, mail or hand delivery) to the
exchange agent, which notice: |
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identifies the name and address of the holder, |
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identifies the registered number(s) and principal amount of the original notes tendered, |
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states that the original notes are being tendered, and |
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guarantees that the eligible institution will deliver the letter of
transmittal, the original notes, and any other required documents to
the exchange agent within three (3) Nasdaq trading days after the
offer expires; and |
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the exchange agent actually receives the letter of transmittal, the
tendered original notes, and all other required documents within three
(3) Nasdaq trading days after the offer expires. The eligible
institution may deliver the original notes by book-entry transfer as
described in the preceding section. |
Upon request, the exchange agent will send a form of notice of guaranteed delivery to holders
who wish to use these guaranteed delivery procedures. If you use the guaranteed delivery
procedures, you must comply with them within the time period described in this section.
Withdrawal of Tenders
Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, you may withdraw your tender of original
notes at any time before 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on
November 13, 2009, the last business day before the
exchange offer expires. If we extend the exchange offer beyond that date, you will be entitled to
withdraw your tender of original notes during the extension period on the same terms described here
for the initial offer period.
For your withdrawal to be effective, the exchange agent must receive a timely written notice
of withdrawal at one of the addresses listed in the Exchange Agent section below. The notice of
withdrawal must:
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identify the person who tendered the original notes, |
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identify the original notes to be withdrawn, including their principal amount(s), and |
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where certificates for original notes have been transmitted, specify
the name of the registered holder of the original notes if different
from the name of the withdrawing holder. |
- 27 -
If the exchange agent has received certificates for original notes, then, before it will
release the certificates, the withdrawing holder must also provide:
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the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be withdrawn, and |
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a signed notice of withdrawal with signatures guaranteed by an
eligible institution, unless the withdrawing holder is itself an
eligible institution. |
If you tendered original notes using the book-entry transfer procedures, we will have the
original notes credited to an account maintained with the Depository Trust Company. Your notice of
withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at the Depository Trust Company to which
you want the withdrawn original notes credited. Your notice of withdrawal must also comply with
any procedures of the Depository Trust Company.
As mentioned earlier, we reserve the right to resolve all questions as to the validity, form
and eligibility, including time of receipt, of notices of withdrawal. Our determination on these
issues will be final and binding on all parties.
We will treat any withdrawn original notes as not validly tendered, and will return them to
their holder without cost, promptly after withdrawal. You may re-tender any properly withdrawn
original notes by again following the tender procedures described in this prospectus before the
offer expires.
Exchange Agent
We have appointed U.S. Bank National Association as our exchange agent for this exchange
offer. You should contact the exchange agent with any questions or requests for:
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assistance, |
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additional copies of this prospectus, |
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additional copies of the letter of transmittal, or |
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copies of the notice of guaranteed delivery. |
You may contact the exchange agent as follows:
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By Overnight Courier, Hand Delivery or Registered or Certified Mail:
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By Facsimile (Eligible Institutions Only): |
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U.S. Bank National Association
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(651) 495-8158 |
West Side Flats Operations Center
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Attention: Specialized Finance |
Attention: Specialized Finance |
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60 Livingston Avenue
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Confirm by Telephone or for Information: |
Mail StationEP-MN-WS2N |
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St. Paul, Minnesota 55107-2292
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(800) 934-6802 |
Fees and Expenses
We will pay the expenses of soliciting tenders. We will make the principal solicitation by
mail. We may make additional solicitations by telegraph, facsimile or telephone. We may also have
our officers and regular employees make in-person solicitations.
We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the exchange offer. We will not
pay any broker-dealers or others to solicit acceptances of the exchange offer. We will pay the
exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse its reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the exchange offer.
- 28 -
We
estimate that we will incur and pay $200,000 in cash expenses in connection with the
exchange offer. These expenses include registration fees, fees and expenses of the exchange agent
and trustee, accounting and legal fees, printing costs, and related fees and expenses.
Transfer Taxes
We will pay any transfer taxes imposed on the registered holder of original notes solely as a
result of such holders tender thereof for exchange notes issued to such holders in the exchange
offer. We will not, however, pay any transfer taxes arising for any other reason. The tendering
holder will be required to pay any such other taxes, whether imposed on the registered holder or
any other person. For example, we will not pay taxes imposed on:
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the transfer, issuance or delivery of unexchanged original notes to
any person other than their registered holder, or |
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the registration of any original notes or exchange notes in the name
of any person other than the tendering registered holder. |
If the tendering holder does not provide with the letter of transmittal satisfactory evidence that
it has paid or is exempt from any such other transfer taxes, such transfer taxes will be billed
directly to such tendering holder.
Consequences of Failure to Exchange
If you do not exchange your original notes in the exchange offer, your notes will continue to
be subject to transfer restrictions, as reflected in their restrictive legends. These restrictions
apply because we issued the original notes under exemptions from, or in transactions not subject
to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. In
general, you may not offer or sell the original notes unless they are registered under the
Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the
Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. We do not plan to register the original notes
under the Securities Act.
The securities laws of some states and other jurisdictions also prohibit the offer or sale of
the original notes (and the exchange notes) unless they have been registered under those laws or
are exempt from their registration requirements. We have agreed in the registration rights
agreement, subject to limitations, to register or qualify the exchange notes for offer or sale
under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions if a holder of exchange notes
reasonably requests in writing. We do not intend to register or qualify the original notes under
any such laws.
- 29 -
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
We derived certain of the summary consolidated financial and other data presented below from
our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and our unaudited consolidated
condensed financial statements and the notes thereto for the periods indicated. You should read the
summary financial information presented below together with our audited consolidated financial
statements and the notes thereto included in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 27, 2009,
which includes certain retrospective adjustments made to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 28, 2008 to reflect the impact of adopting SFAS No. 160 and FSP EITF 03-6-1,
and our unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and the notes thereto included in our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended July 5, 2009, each of which are incorporated
by reference into this prospectus.
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As of and for the |
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As of and for the Year Ended(1) |
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Six Months Ended |
(dollars in thousands, |
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January 2, |
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January 1, |
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December 31, |
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December 30, |
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December 28, |
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June 29, |
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July 5, |
except per share |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
data) |
|
(audited) |
|
(unaudited) |
Statement of Income
Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales |
|
$ |
695,250 |
|
|
$ |
786,924 |
|
|
$ |
914,659 |
|
|
$ |
1,081,273 |
|
|
$ |
1,082,344 |
|
|
$ |
556,741 |
|
|
$ |
410,605 |
|
Gross profit on
sales |
|
|
226,085 |
|
|
|
259,277 |
|
|
|
311,108 |
|
|
|
377,522 |
|
|
|
372,045 |
|
|
|
199,599 |
|
|
|
132,275 |
|
Selling, general
and administrative
expenses |
|
|
166,167 |
|
|
|
181,561 |
|
|
|
211,487 |
|
|
|
246,258 |
|
|
|
258,198 |
|
|
|
135,152 |
|
|
|
106,634 |
|
Restructuring charge |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,975 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,627 |
|
Gain on
litigation settlements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,926 |
) |
Operating income |
|
|
59,918 |
|
|
|
77,716 |
|
|
|
99,621 |
|
|
|
129,391 |
|
|
|
41,659 |
|
|
|
64,407 |
|
|
|
23,940 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
46,023 |
|
|
|
45,541 |
|
|
|
42,204 |
|
|
|
34,110 |
|
|
|
31,480 |
|
|
|
15,936 |
|
|
|
15,399 |
|
Income (loss) from
continuing
operations (2)(3) |
|
|
6,386 |
|
|
|
15,933 |
|
|
|
36,235 |
|
|
|
58,972 |
|
|
|
(34,513 |
) |
|
|
30,589 |
|
|
|
426 |
|
Income (loss) per
share attributable
to Interface, Inc.
common shareholders
from continuing
operations(4): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
$ |
0.29 |
|
|
$ |
0.65 |
|
|
$ |
0.94 |
|
|
$ |
(0.58 |
) |
|
$ |
0.48 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
|
$ |
0.64 |
|
|
$ |
0.93 |
|
|
$ |
(0.58 |
) |
|
$ |
0.47 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
Cash dividends per
common share |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
0.08 |
|
|
$ |
0.12 |
|
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
|
$ |
0.005 |
|
Other Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA(5) |
|
$ |
82,825 |
|
|
$ |
98,164 |
|
|
$ |
121,371 |
|
|
$ |
151,878 |
|
|
$ |
137,511 |
|
|
$ |
76,391 |
|
|
$ |
37,686 |
|
Depreciation and
amortization |
|
|
22,907 |
|
|
|
20,448 |
|
|
|
21,750 |
|
|
|
22,487 |
|
|
|
23,664 |
|
|
|
11,984 |
|
|
|
12,045 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
11,600 |
|
|
|
19,354 |
|
|
|
28,540 |
|
|
|
40,592 |
|
|
|
29,300 |
|
|
|
14,079 |
|
|
|
7,401 |
|
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges(6) |
|
|
1.2 |
x |
|
|
1.5 |
x |
|
|
2.0 |
x |
|
|
3.1 |
x |
|
|
1.2 |
x |
|
|
3.3 |
x |
|
|
1.1 |
x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
As of |
|
|
January 2, |
|
January 1, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 30, |
|
December 28, |
|
June 29, |
|
July 5, |
|
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
(dollars in thousands) |
|
(audited) |
|
(unaudited) |
Balance Sheet Data: |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash
equivalents |
|
$ |
17,158 |
|
|
$ |
47,275 |
|
|
$ |
109,157 |
|
|
$ |
82,375 |
|
|
$ |
71,757 |
|
|
$ |
83,616 |
|
|
$ |
89,867 |
|
Accounts
receivable, net |
|
|
114,980 |
|
|
|
114,070 |
|
|
|
143,025 |
|
|
|
178,625 |
|
|
|
144,783 |
|
|
|
175,263 |
|
|
|
122,758 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
93,674 |
|
|
|
87,823 |
|
|
|
112,293 |
|
|
|
125,789 |
|
|
|
128,923 |
|
|
|
152,039 |
|
|
|
122,854 |
|
Property and
Equipment |
|
|
118,493 |
|
|
|
115,890 |
|
|
|
134,631 |
|
|
|
161,874 |
|
|
|
160,717 |
|
|
|
170,618 |
|
|
|
164,097 |
|
Working capital |
|
|
344,460 |
|
|
|
317,668 |
|
|
|
380,253 |
|
|
|
238,578 |
|
|
|
221,323 |
|
|
|
263,478 |
|
|
|
221,209 |
|
Current maturities
of long-term
debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,586 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
869,798 |
|
|
|
838,990 |
|
|
|
928,340 |
|
|
|
835,232 |
|
|
|
706,035 |
|
|
|
879,330 |
|
|
|
705,465 |
|
Total long-term
debt |
|
|
460,000 |
|
|
|
458,000 |
|
|
|
411,365 |
|
|
|
310,000 |
|
|
|
287,588 |
|
|
|
310,000 |
|
|
|
279,556 |
|
Total shareholders
equity(3) |
|
|
198,309 |
|
|
|
176,485 |
|
|
|
279,900 |
|
|
|
301,116 |
|
|
|
217,437 |
|
|
|
342,114 |
|
|
|
230,481 |
|
Total
capitalization(7) |
|
|
658,309 |
|
|
|
634,485 |
|
|
|
691,265 |
|
|
|
611,116 |
|
|
|
505,025 |
|
|
|
652,114 |
|
|
|
524,623 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
In the third quarter of 2007, we sold our Fabrics Group
business segment. In the third quarter of 2004, we also decided to
discontinue the operations related to our Re:Source dealer businesses
(as well as the operations of a small Australian dealer business and
a small residential fabrics business). The data has been adjusted to
reflect the discontinued operations of these businesses. |
- 30 -
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Included in our 2007 income from continuing operations is a loss of
$1.9 million on the disposition of our Pandel business, which
comprised our Specialty Products segment. Included in the 2008 loss
from continuing operations is a non-cash charge of $61.2 million for
impairment of goodwill of our Bentley Prince Street business segment,
as well as tax expense of $13.3 million related to the anticipated
repatriation in 2009 of foreign earnings. For further analysis, see
the note entitled Taxes on Income in the notes to consolidated
financial statements included in our Form 8-K filed July 27, 2009
incorporated by reference into this prospectus. |
|
(3) |
|
All periods presented have been adjusted to reflect the adoption of
SFAS 160 Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements an amendment to ARB No. 51. This standard was adopted
by us in the first quarter of 2009. |
|
(4) |
|
Amounts for all periods presented have been adjusted to reflect the
adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1. This standard was adopted by us in the
first quarter of 2009. |
|
(5) |
|
Adjusted EBITDA represents operating income plus depreciation,
amortization, goodwill impairment and restructuring charges, as
indicated below. While adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as a
substitute for operating income, which is determined in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, it is included herein
to provide additional information with respect to our ability to meet
our future debt service, capital expenditures and working capital
requirements. Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily a measure of our
ability to fund cash needs. The following are our components of
adjusted EBITDA: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the |
|
|
|
For the Year Ended |
|
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
|
January 2, |
|
|
January 1, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 30, |
|
|
December 28, |
|
|
June 29, |
|
|
July 5, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
(audited) |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
Operating income |
|
$ |
59,918 |
|
|
$ |
77,716 |
|
|
$ |
99,621 |
|
|
$ |
129,391 |
|
|
$ |
41,659 |
|
|
$ |
64,407 |
|
|
$ |
23,940 |
|
Depreciation and
amortization |
|
|
22,907 |
|
|
|
20,448 |
|
|
|
21,750 |
|
|
|
22,487 |
|
|
|
23,664 |
|
|
|
11,984 |
|
|
|
12,045 |
|
Goodwill impairment
charges(8) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,213 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restructuring
charges(9) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,975 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,627 |
|
Gain on
litigation settlements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,926 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
82,825 |
|
|
$ |
98,164 |
|
|
$ |
121,371 |
|
|
$ |
151,878 |
|
|
$ |
137,511 |
|
|
$ |
76,391 |
|
|
$ |
37,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6) |
|
For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges: (a)
fixed charges consist of interest on debt (including capitalized
interest), amortization of debt expenses and a portion of rental
expense determined to be representative of interest and (b) earnings
consist of income (loss) from continuing operations before income
taxes and fixed charges as described above. |
|
(7) |
|
Total capitalization includes long-term debt (including current
maturities of long-term debt) and total common shareholders equity.
See Capitalization. |
|
(8) |
|
In the fourth quarter of 2008, we recognized a non-cash charge of
$61.2 million for impairment of goodwill related to our Bentley
Prince Street reporting unit. For further information, see the note
entitled Impairment of Goodwill in our 2008 Form 10-K incorporated
by reference into this prospectus. |
- 31 -
|
|
|
|
(9) |
|
In the fourth quarter of 2008, we recorded a pre-tax restructuring
charge of $11.0 million, comprised of employee severance expense of
$7.8 million, impairment of assets of $2.6 million, and other exit
costs of $0.7 million (primarily related to lease exit costs and
other closure activities); approximately $8.3 million of the
restructuring charge will involve cash expenditures, primarily
severance expense. In the first six months of 2009, we recorded a
pre-tax restructuring charge of $7.6 million, comprised of
$5.9 million of employee severance expense and $1.7 million of other
exit costs (primarily costs to exit the Canadian manufacturing
facilities, lease exit costs and other costs); approximately
$7.1 million of the 2009 restructuring charge will involve cash
expenditures, primarily severance expense. |
- 32 -
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
Following the sale of our Fabrics Group business segment in 2007, as discussed below, our
revenues are derived from sales of floorcovering products, primarily modular and broadloom carpet.
Our business, as well as the commercial interiors industry in general, is cyclical in nature and is
impacted by economic conditions and trends that affect the markets for commercial and institutional
business space. The commercial interiors industry, including the market for floorcovering products,
is largely driven by reinvestment by corporations into their existing businesses in the form of new
fixtures and furnishings for their workplaces. In significant part, the timing and amount of such
reinvestments are impacted by the profitability of those corporations. As a result, macroeconomic
factors such as employment rates, office vacancy rates, capital spending, productivity and
efficiency gains that impact corporate profitability in general, also affect our business.
During the past several years, we have successfully focused more of our marketing and sales
efforts on non-corporate office segments to reduce somewhat our exposure to economic cycles that
affect the corporate office market segment more adversely, as well as to capture additional market
share. Our mix of corporate office versus non-corporate office modular carpet sales in the Americas
has shifted over the past several years to 45% and 55%, respectively, for 2008 compared with 64%
and 36%, respectively, in 2001. Company-wide, our mix of corporate office versus non-corporate
office sales was 60% and 40%, respectively, in 2008. We expect a further shift in the future as we
continue to implement our market diversification strategy.
During the years 2001-2003, the commercial interiors industry as a whole, and the broadloom
carpet market in particular, experienced decreased demand levels, which significantly impaired our
growth and operating profitability during those years. During 2004, the commercial interiors
industry began recovering from the downturn, which led to improved sales and operating
profitability for us. That recovery continued at a gradual pace from 2005 through the first half of
2008. In the fourth quarter of 2008, and particularly in November and December, the worldwide
financial and credit crisis caused many corporations, governments and other organizations to delay
or curtail spending on renovation and construction projects where our carpet is used. This downturn
negatively impacted our performance and led to the goodwill impairment and restructuring charges,
discussed below, that we incurred in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Goodwill Impairment Write-Down
During the fourth quarters of 2008, 2007 and 2006, we performed the annual goodwill impairment
test required by SFAS No. 142. We perform this test at the reporting unit level, which is one level
below the segment level for the Modular Carpet business segment and at the level of the Bentley
Prince Street business segment. In effecting the impairment testing, we prepared valuations of
reporting units on both a market comparable methodology and an income methodology in accordance
with the applicable standards, and those valuations were compared with the respective book values
of the reporting units to determine whether any goodwill impairment existed. In preparing the
valuations, past, present and future expectations of performance were considered. In the fourth
quarter of 2008, a goodwill impairment of $61.2 million related to our Bentley Prince Street
reporting unit was identified due largely to the following factors:
|
|
|
There has been Significant Decline in Bentley Prince Streets
Performance, Primarily in the Last Three Months of 2008. This decline
also was reflected in the forward projections of Bentley Prince
Streets budgeting process. The projections showed a decline in both
sales and operating income over Bentley Prince Streets three-year
budgeting process. These declines impacted the value of the business
from an income valuation approach. The declines in projections are
primarily related to the global economic crisis and its impact on the
broadloom carpet market. |
|
|
|
|
There has been an Increase in the Discount Rate used to Create the
Present Value of Future Expected Cash Flows. This increase from
approximately 12% to 16% is more reflective of our current market
capitalization and risk premiums on a reporting unit level, which
impacted the value of the business using an income valuation approach. |
|
|
|
|
There has been a Decrease in the Market Multiple Factors used for a
Market Valuation Approach. This decrease is reflective of the general
market conditions regarding current market activities and market
valuation guidelines. |
- 33 -
Our other core modular carpet business reporting units maintained fair values in excess of
their respective carrying values as of the fourth quarter of 2008, and therefore no impairment was
indicated during their testing.
In 2007, we recorded charges of $44.5 million for goodwill impairment and $3.8 million for
other impaired intangible assets related to the sale of our Fabrics Group business segment. We also
recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $20.7 million in 2006 in connection with the sale of our
European fabrics operation. As discussed below, these charges are included as part of our loss from
discontinued operations during those respective periods.
Restructuring Charges
In the first quarter of 2009, we adopted a restructuring plan, primarily comprised of a
further reduction in our worldwide employee base by a total of approximately 290 employees and
continuing actions taken to better align fixed costs with demand for our products on a global
level. In connection with the plan, we recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $5.7 million,
comprised of $4.0 million of employee severance expense and $1.7 million of other exit costs
(primarily costs to exit the Canadian manufacturing facilities, lease exit costs and other costs).
Approximately $5.2 million of the restructuring charge will involve cash expenditures, primarily
severance expense. In the second quarter of 2009, we recorded an additional $1.9 million restructuring charge as a continuation of
this plan. The charge in the second quarter of 2009 is due to approximately 80 additional employee reductions, and relates entirely
to employee severance expense. The 2009 restructuring plan is expected to yield annualized cost savings of approximately $21 million.
In the fourth quarter of 2008, we committed to a restructuring plan intended to reduce costs
across our worldwide operations, and more closely align our
operations with reduced demand levels. The
reduction of the demand levels is primarily a result of the worldwide recession and the associated
delays and reductions in the number of construction projects where our carpet products are used.
The plan primarily consists of ceasing manufacturing operations at our facility in Belleville,
Canada, and reducing our worldwide employee base by a total of approximately 530 employees in the
areas of manufacturing, sales and administration. In connection with the restructuring plan, we
recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge in the fourth quarter of 2008 of $11.0 million. We record
our restructuring accruals under the provisions of SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated
with Exit or Disposal Activities, or SFAS No. 112, Employers Accounting for Post-Employment
Benefits, an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 5 and 43, as appropriate. The restructuring charge
is comprised of employee severance expense of $7.8 million, impairment of assets of $2.6 million,
and other exit costs of $0.7 million (primarily related to lease exit costs and other closure
activities). Approximately $8.3 million of the restructuring charge will be cash expenditures,
primarily severance expense. Actions and expenses related to this plan were substantially completed
in the first quarter of 2009, and the plan is expected to yield annualized cost savings of
approximately $30 million.
We recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $3.3 million in 2006. The charge reflected:
(1) the closure of our fabrics manufacturing facility in East Douglas, Massachusetts, and
consolidation of those operations into our former facility in Elkin, North Carolina; (2) workforce
reduction at the East Douglas, Massachusetts facility; and (3) a reduction in carrying value of
another fabrics facility and other assets. The restructuring charge was comprised of $0.3 million
of cash expenditures for severance benefits and other similar costs, and $3.0 million of non-cash
charges, primarily for the write-down of carrying value and disposal of assets. Because this
restructuring charge related to the Fabrics Group business segment, it is now included as part of
our discontinued operations.
Repatriation of Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries
In the fourth quarter of 2008, we recorded a tax charge of approximately $13.3 million for the
anticipated future repatriation of approximately $37 million of earnings from our Canadian and
European subsidiaries. We anticipated repatriating most of these earnings in 2009. As a result, we
determined that those earnings were no longer indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. and
recorded the appropriate charge, in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 23, Accounting for Income Taxes Special Areas. For additional information on this
tax charge, see the note entitled Taxes on Income in the notes to consolidated financial
statements included in our Form 8-K filed July 27, 2009 incorporated by reference into this
prospectus.
- 34 -
Sale of Fabrics Group Business Segment
In the third quarter of 2007, we completed the sale of our Fabrics Group business segment to a
third party pursuant to an agreement we entered into in the second quarter of 2007. Following
working capital and other adjustments provided for in the agreement, we received $60.7 million in
cash at the closing of the transaction. We initially recognized a $6.5 million receivable related
to additional purchase price under the agreement pursuant to an earn-out arrangement focused on the
performance of that business segment, as owned and operated by the purchaser, during the 18-month
period following the closing. However, in the third quarter of 2008, we determined that the receipt
of this deferred amount was less than probable and therefore reserved for the full amount of this
deferred purchase price. As discussed in the notes to consolidated financial statements included in
our 2008 Form 10-K incorporated by reference into this prospectus, in the first quarter of 2007, we
recorded charges for impairment of goodwill of $44.5 million and impairment of other intangible
assets of $3.8 million related to the Fabrics Group business segment. In
addition, as a result of the agreed-upon purchase price for the segment, we recorded an
additional impairment of assets of $13.6 million in the second quarter of 2007.
Previously, in April 2006, we sold our European component of the fabrics business (Camborne
Holdings Limited) for $28.8 million. In connection with the sale, we recorded a pre-tax non-cash
charge of $20.7 million for the impairment of goodwill in the first quarter of 2006 and a loss on
disposal of $1.7 million in the second quarter of 2006.
As described below, the results of operations of the former Fabrics Group business segment,
including the European component, as well as the related impairment charges and loss on disposal
discussed above, are included as part of our discontinued operations.
Discontinued Operations
As described in more detail above, in 2007, we sold our Fabrics Group business segment. In
addition, in 2004, we decided to exit our owned Re:Source dealer businesses, which were part of a
broader network comprised of both owned and aligned dealers that sell and install floorcovering
products, and we began to dispose of several of our dealer subsidiaries. We now have sold or
terminated all ongoing operations of our dealer businesses, and in some cases we are completing
their wind-down through subcontracting arrangements.
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets, we have reported the results of operations for the Re:Source dealer businesses (as well as
the results of operations of a small Australian dealer business and a small residential fabrics
business that we also decided to exit at that time), and the results of operations for the former
Fabrics Group business segment for all periods reflected herein, as discontinued operations.
Consequently, our discussion of revenues or sales and other results of operations (except for net
income or loss amounts), including percentages derived from or based on such amounts, excludes
these discontinued operations unless we indicate otherwise.
Our
discontinued operations had no net sales and no income or loss in the
three-month period ended July 5, 2009, and had no net sales and a
loss of $0.7 million in the six-month
period ended July 5, 2009 (these results are included in our statements of operations as part of
the Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax). Our discontinued operations had no net sales
and no income or loss in the three-month and six-month periods ended
June 29, 2008.
Sale of Pandel
In the first quarter of 2007, we sold our Pandel, Inc. business for $1.4 million and recorded
a loss of $1.9 million on this sale. Pandel comprised our Specialty Products segment.
Analysis of Results of Operations
The following discussion and analyses reflect the factors and trends discussed in the
preceding sections.
During
the quarter ended July 5, 2009, we had net sales of $211.3 million, compared with net
sales of $295.0 million in the first quarter last year.
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates negatively impacted 2009
second quarter sales by 6% (approximately $19 million), compared with
the prior year period. During the first six months of fiscal 2009, we
had net sales of $410.6 million, compared with net sales of $556.7
million in the first six months of last year. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates
negatively impacted sales in the first six months of 2009 by 8%
(approximately $42 million), compared with the
prior year period.
Included in our results for the three-month and six-month periods ended July 5, 2009 is $6.1 million of costs related to
the partial retirement of our 10.375% Notes in the second quarter of 2009. These periods also include income of $5.9 million
related to the settlement of patent litigation. We received $16.0 million of proceeds from the settlement of this litigation. The
$5.9 million represents the net proceeds after application of all previously capitalized legal fees, current legal fees related to
the settlements and other related fees for these patent litigation matters.
During the second quarter of 2009, we had net income attributable to Interface, Inc. of $3.7 million, or $0.06 per diluted
share, compared with net income attributable to Interface, Inc. of $15.9 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in the second
quarter last year. Income from continuing operations in the second quarter of 2009 was $3.8 million, or $0.06 per diluted
share, compared with income from continuing operations of $16.3 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in the second quarter of
2008.
During
the six months ended July 5, 2009, we had net loss attributable to Interface, Inc. of
$0.5 million, or $0.01 per share, compared with net income attributable to Interface, Inc. of
$30.0 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, in the first six
months of last year. Income from continuing
operations was $0.4 million, or $0.00 per diluted share, in the
six months ended July 5, 2009, compared with income
from continuing operations of $30.6 million, or $0.47 per
diluted share, in the first six months of
2008.
- 35 -
Our net sales that were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar were
approximately 50% in 2008, and approximately 49% in each of 2007 and 2006. Because we have such
substantial international operations, we are impacted, from time to time, by international
developments that affect foreign currency transactions. For example, the performance of the euro
against the U.S. dollar, for purposes of the translation of European revenues into U.S. dollars,
favorably affected our reported results during the years 2006-2008, when the euro was strengthening
relative to the U.S. dollar. The following table presents the amount (in U.S. dollars) by which the
exchange rates for converting euros into U.S. dollars have affected our net sales and operating
income during the past three years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Net sales |
|
$ |
3.7 |
|
|
$ |
31.1 |
|
|
$ |
24.5 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
The following table presents, as a percentage of net sales, data for the three fiscal years
ended December 28, 2008 and the three-month and six-month
periods ended June 29, 2008 and July 5, 2009,
respectively:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year |
|
Three Months Ended |
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
June 29, |
|
July 5, |
|
June 29, |
|
July 5, |
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
Net sales |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
Cost of sales |
|
|
66.0 |
|
|
|
65.1 |
|
|
|
65.6 |
|
|
|
64.3 |
|
|
|
67.3 |
|
|
|
64.2 |
|
|
|
67.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit on sales |
|
|
34.0 |
|
|
|
34.9 |
|
|
|
34.4 |
|
|
|
35.7 |
|
|
|
32.7 |
|
|
|
35.8 |
|
|
|
32.2 |
|
Selling, general and administrative
expenses |
|
|
23.1 |
|
|
|
22.8 |
|
|
|
23.9 |
|
|
|
24.4 |
|
|
|
24.7 |
|
|
|
24.3 |
|
|
|
26.0 |
|
Loss on disposal Pandel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impairment of goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from
litigation settlements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.4 |
) |
Restructuring charge |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
10.9 |
|
|
|
11.9 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
11.3 |
|
|
|
9.9 |
|
|
|
11.6 |
|
|
|
5.8 |
|
Bond
retirement expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
Interest/Other expense |
|
|
4.7 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
4.0 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before tax |
|
|
6.2 |
|
|
|
8.7 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
8.6 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
8.7 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
|
|
|
4.0 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
|
|
4.0 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
|
(3.2 |
) |
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
Discontinued operations, net of tax |
|
|
(2.6 |
) |
|
|
(6.3 |
) |
|
|
(0.5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
Loss on disposal |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
|
(3.7 |
) |
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to
Interface, Inc. |
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
|
(3.8 |
) |
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Below we provide information regarding net sales for each of our three operating segments, and
analyze those results for each of the last three fiscal years (each of which were 52-week periods)
and the three-month and six-month periods ended June 29, 2008
and July 5, 2009.
Net Sales by Business Segment
We currently classify our businesses into the following three operating segments for reporting
purposes:
|
|
|
Modular Carpet segment, which includes our InterfaceFLOR, Heuga and
FLOR modular carpet businesses, and also includes our Intersept
antimicrobial chemical sales and licensing program; |
|
|
|
|
Bentley Prince Street segment, which includes our Bentley Prince
Street broadloom, modular carpet and area rug businesses; and |
|
|
|
|
Specialty Products segment, which includes our former subsidiary
Pandel, Inc. that we sold in March 2007. |
Net sales by operating segment were as follows for the three fiscal years ended December 28,
2008 and for the three-month and six-month periods ended
June 29, 2008 and July 5, 2009, respectively:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year |
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 29, |
|
|
July 5, |
|
|
June 29, |
|
|
July 5, |
|
Net Sales By Segment |
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Modular Carpet |
|
$ |
763,659 |
|
|
$ |
930,717 |
|
|
$ |
946,816 |
|
|
$ |
259,313 |
|
|
$ |
186,568 |
|
|
$ |
485,386 |
|
|
$ |
363,020 |
|
Bentley Prince Street |
|
|
137,920 |
|
|
|
148,364 |
|
|
|
135,528 |
|
|
|
35,692 |
|
|
|
24,729 |
|
|
|
71,355 |
|
|
|
47,585 |
|
Specialty Products |
|
|
13,080 |
|
|
|
2,192 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
914,659 |
|
|
$ |
1,081,273 |
|
|
$ |
1,082,344 |
|
|
$ |
295,005 |
|
|
$ |
211,297 |
|
|
$ |
556,741 |
|
|
$ |
410,605 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 36 -
Modular
Carpet Segment. For the quarter ended July 5, 2009, net
sales for the modular carpet segment decreased $72.7 million
(28.1%) versus the comparable period in 2008. This decline is
primarily attributable to the reduced order activity for renovation and construction projects as a
result of the worldwide financial and credit crisis. On a geographic basis, sales in the Americas
and Asia-Pacific were down 23% and 34%, respectively. Sales in Europe were down 23% in local
currency and 33% as reported in U.S. dollars as a result of the continued strengthening of the
U.S. dollar versus the Euro and British Pound Sterling on a
year-over-year basis. The decline in the corporate office segment
(down 37%) was the primary driver of the decrease in sales. The impact of this decline was somewhat
mitigated as a result of our market diversification strategy, as we saw lesser decreases in the
government (14% decline) and retail (14% decline) segments as well as a slight increase in the
education segment (1% increase).
For the six months ended July 5, 2009, net sales for the modular carpet segment decreased $122.4 million (25.2%)
versus the comparable period in 2008. This decline is primarily attributable to the reduced order activity for renovation and
construction projects as a result of the worldwide financial and credit crisis. On a geographic basis, sales in the Americas and
Asia-Pacific were down 18% and 29%, respectively. Sales in Europe were down 22% in local currency and 29% as reported
in U.S. dollars as a result of the continued strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro and British Pound Sterling on a
year-over-year basis. The decline in the corporate office segment (down 34%) was the primary driver of the decrease in sales.
The impact of this decline was somewhat mitigated as a result of our market diversification strategy, as we saw lesser declines
in the retail (8% decline), government (5% decline) and education (1% decline) segments.
For 2008, net sales for the Modular Carpet segment increased $16.1 million (1.7%) versus 2007.
The weighted average selling price per square yard in 2008 was up 4.6% compared with 2007 as a
result of the premium positioning of our products in the marketplace and our ability to pass along
increases in our raw material prices to our customers. On a geographic basis, our net sales in the
Americas increased 2.0%, primarily as a result of increases into the institutional (which includes
education and government facilities, a 16% increase), healthcare (9% increase) and other non-office
markets that combined to more than offset the decline in the corporate office market (9% decrease).
Net sales in Europe remained flat as reported in U.S. dollars, but declined 7% in local currencies
primarily due to the downturn in the corporate office market (down 11% in local currency) which
comprises the majority of that areas sales. Asia-Pacific experienced a 10% sales increase,
primarily due to the continued strength of the corporate office market (9% increase) and the
success of our market diversification strategy, which saw significant increases in the retail (28%
increase) and hospitality (85% increase) segments. Across all geographic regions (Americas, Europe
and Asia-Pacific), sales began declining in the fourth quarter of 2008, as customers began delaying
or reducing the number of renovation and construction projects where our carpet products are used,
in response to the worldwide financial and credit crisis.
For 2007, net sales for the Modular Carpet segment increased $167.1 million (21.9%) versus
2006. The weighted average selling price per square yard in 2007 was up 4.2% compared with 2006 as
a result of
the premium positioning of our products in the marketplace. On a geographic basis, we
experienced significant increases in net sales in the Americas (15% increase), Europe (25%
increase) and the Asia-Pacific region (33% increase). Our increase in the Americas was primarily
due to the continued strength of the corporate office market (7% increase) and the success of our
segmentation strategy, which saw significant increases in the institutional (21% increase),
healthcare (17% increase) and hospitality (43% increase) segments. The increase in Europe was
driven primarily by the continued strength of the corporate office market (24% increase), and was
augmented by success in non-corporate segments, primarily the institutional (29% increase) and
hospitality (65% increase) segments. Our growth in Asia-Pacific was primarily due to the strong
corporate office market (45% increase) in that region.
Bentley Prince Street Segment. In our Bentley Prince Street segment, net sales for the quarter
ended July 5, 2009 decreased $11.0 million (30.7%) versus the comparable period in 2008. This
decrease is primarily attributable to the downturn in demand in response to the worldwide financial
and credit crisis, as well as the general market movement away from broadloom carpet and toward
carpet tile. The sales decrease at Bentley Prince Street occurred in
corporate (28% decline)
and non-corporate segments, particularly in the hospitality (75%
decline) and residential (57% decline) segments.
For the six months ended July 5, 2009, net sales in our Bentley Prince Street segment decreased $23.8 million (33.3%)
versus the comparable period in 2008. This decrease is primarily attributable to the downturn in demand in response to the
worldwide financial and credit crisis, as well as the general market movement away from broadloom carpet and toward carpet
tile. With the exception of an increase in the government segment (up 18%), this decrease at Bentley Prince Street occurred
across all market segments, particularly in the corporate (down 30%), hospitality (down 74%) and residential (down 61%)
market segments.
For 2008, sales in the Bentley Prince Street segment decreased $12.8 million (8.7%) versus
2007. This decrease was primarily due to lower sales volume of broadloom carpet, in line with the
general decrease in demand for broadloom carpet, coupled with the impact of the downturn in demand
in response to the worldwide financial and credit crisis. This decrease in volume was somewhat
offset by an 8% increase in weighted average selling price per square yard, a result of the
increase in modular carpet as a percentage of its sales (modular carpet represented 25% of its
sales in 2008 versus 21% in 2007) and the premium positioning of its products in the marketplace.
The sales decrease occurred primarily in the corporate office (13% decrease) and retail (35%
decrease) segments, and was somewhat offset by increases in the institutional (16% increase) and
healthcare (18% increase) segments. In general, sales began declining in the fourth quarter of
2008, as customers began delaying or reducing the number of renovation and construction projects
where our carpet products are used, in response to the worldwide financial and credit crisis.
For 2007, sales in the Bentley Prince Street segment increased $10.4 million (7.6%) versus
2006. Our weighted average selling price per square yard in 2007 was up 7.0% compared with 2006 as
a result of the premium positioning of our products in the marketplace. The increase in sales
occurred primarily in our non-corporate office segments, particularly in the hospitality market
(64% increase). This increase was offset to a large degree by flat sales in the corporate office
segment in 2007 compared with 2006.
- 37 -
Specialty Products Segment. Because we sold Pandel, Inc. (which comprised the Specialty
Products segment) in March 2007, we had no sales in the Specialty Products segment in 2008 or after
the first quarter of 2007. Thus, the segment is not comparable for the past two years.
Cost and Expenses
Company Consolidated. The following table presents, on a consolidated basis for our
operations, our overall cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses for the
three fiscal years ended December 28, 2008 and three-month and
six-month periods ended June 29, 2008 and July 5, 2009, respectively:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year |
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 29, |
|
|
July 5, |
|
|
June 29, |
|
|
July 5, |
|
Cost and Expenses |
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of Sales |
|
$ |
603,551 |
|
|
$ |
703,751 |
|
|
$ |
710,299 |
|
|
$ |
189,712 |
|
|
$ |
142,191 |
|
|
$ |
357,182 |
|
|
$ |
278,330 |
|
Selling, General
and Administrative Expenses |
|
|
211,487 |
|
|
|
246,258 |
|
|
|
258,198 |
|
|
|
71,857 |
|
|
|
52,263 |
|
|
|
135,152 |
|
|
|
106,634 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
815,038 |
|
|
$ |
950,009 |
|
|
$ |
968,497 |
|
|
$ |
261,569 |
|
|
$ |
194,454 |
|
|
$ |
492,334 |
|
|
$ |
384,964 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For
the quarter ended July 5, 2009, our cost of sales decreased
$47.5 million (25.0%) versus
the comparable period in 2008. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates accounted for approximately 6% ($12 million) of the decrease.
The primary components of the $47.5 million decrease in cost of sales were reductions in raw materials costs (approximately $32 million decrease)
and labor costs (approximately $5 million decrease) due to lower production volumes in the second quarter of 2009. Our raw materials prices in the second
quarter of 2009 were approximately 3-5% lower than those in the second quarter of 2008. As a percentage of net sales, cost
of sales increased to 67.3% for the quarter ended July 5, 2009, versus 64.3% in the comparable period in 2008.
This percentage increase was due to under-absorption of fixed overhead costs associated with the lower production volumes. However, as a result of
our restructuring initiatives discussed above, our cost of sales as a percentage of net sales in the second quarter of 2009 (67.3%)
improved when compared with the first quarter of 2009 (68.3%).
For the six months ended July 5, 2009, our cost of sales decreased $78.9 million (22.1%) versus the comparable period
in 2008. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates accounted for approximately 7% ($26 million) of the decrease. The primary
components of the $78.9 million decrease in cost of sales were reductions in raw materials costs (approximately $53 million
decrease) and labor costs (approximately $8 million decrease) due to lower production volumes in the first half of 2009. Our
raw materials prices in the first six months of 2009 were approximately 3-5% lower than those in the first six months of 2008.
As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales increased to 67.8% for the six months ended July 5, 2009 from 64.2% in the
comparable period in 2008. This percentage increase was due to under-absorption of fixed overhead costs associated with the
lower production volumes. We expect improvement in our cost of sales as a percentage of net sales in the second half of 2009
as compared with the first six months of the year.
For 2008, our cost of sales increased $6.5 million (0.9%) versus 2007. Our raw materials
prices in 2008 were relatively consistent with raw material prices in 2007. The translation of
euros into U.S. dollars resulted in an approximately $14.2 million increase in the cost of sales in
2008 compared with 2007. These increases were offset primarily by decreased variable production
costs in absolute dollar terms in the fourth quarter of 2008, as production volumes were lower in
that period than in the prior year period as a result of decreased sales activity. As a percentage
of sales, cost of sales increased to 65.6% during 2008 versus 65.1% during 2007. The percentage
increase was due to under-absorption of fixed overhead costs as a result of (1) lower production
volumes in our American and European modular carpet operations, (2) additional fixed costs as a
result of our plant expansion in our Asia-Pacific modular carpet operations, and (3) lower
production volumes at the companys Bentley Prince Street segment. It is our belief that the
restructuring activities undertaken in the fourth quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2009 will
more closely realign production capabilities with demand in 2009.
For 2007, our cost of sales increased $100.2 million (16.6%) versus 2006, primarily due to
increased raw materials costs ($66.1 million) and labor costs ($10.0 million) associated with
increased production levels in 2007. Our raw materials prices in 2007 were consistent with raw
material prices in 2006 as increases in the prices of petroleum-based products were offset by
decreases in the prices of other raw materials. In addition, the translation of euros into
U.S. dollars resulted in an approximately $18.2 million increase in the cost of sales in 2007
compared with 2006. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales decreased to 65.1% during 2007
versus 66.0% during 2006. The percentage decrease was primarily due to increased sales price
levels, increased absorption of fixed manufacturing costs associated with increased production
levels, and improved manufacturing efficiencies in our European modular carpet operations.
For
the quarter ended July 5, 2009, our selling, general and administrative expenses
decreased $19.6 million (27.3%) versus the comparable period in
2008. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates accounted for
approximately 7% ($5 million) of the decrease. The primary components
of the $19.6 million decrease in selling, general and administrative
expenses were (1) a $7.9 million reduction in selling costs associated with the decline in sales
volume, (2) a $4.4 million reduction in marketing expense
as programs were cut or reduced to better match
anticipated demand, and (3) a $2.2 million reduction in incentive compensation as performance goals
were not achieved to the same degree as they were in the comparable period in 2008. Due to our lower sales volumes in the current year period, as a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses
increased to 24.7% for the three months ended July 5, 2009, versus 24.4% for the comparable period in 2008. However, as a result of our restructuring initiatives
discussed above, our selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales in the second quarter of 2009
(24.7%) improved when compared with the first quarter of 2009 (27.3%).
- 38 -
For the six months
ended July 5, 2009, our selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $28.5 million (21.1%) versus
the comparable period in 2008. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates accounted for approximately 9%
($12 million) of the decrease. The primary components of the $28.5 million decrease in selling, general and
administrative expenses were (1) a $12.5 million reduction in selling costs associated with the decline in
sales volume, (2) an $8.1 million reduction in marketing expense as programs were cut or reduced to better
match anticipated demand, and (3) a $3.2 million reduction in incentive compensation as performance goals were
not achieved to the same degree as they were in the comparable period in 2008. Due to our lower sales volumes
in the current year period, as a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses
increased to 26.0% for the six months ended July 5, 2009, versus 24.3% for the comparable period in 2008.
We expect improvement in our selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales in the
second half of 2009 as compared with the first six months of the year.
For 2008, our selling, general and administrative expenses increased $11.9 million (4.8%)
versus 2007. The primary components of this increase were: (1) a $7.2 million increase in expenses
due to the translation
of euros into U.S. dollars; (2) $6.3 million of increased marketing expenditures, primarily
related to our continued focus on market diversification in Europe; (3) $3.5 million of increased
selling costs associated with the increase in sales volume for the first nine months of the year
versus the same period in 2007 (in the first nine months of 2008, selling expenses increased
approximately $8.8 million and were offset by a $5.3 million decline in selling expenses in the
fourth quarter of 2008 due to lower sales versus the year ago fourth quarter period); and
(4) $2.4 million associated with the decline in cash surrender value of company-owned life
insurance. These increases were somewhat offset by a $10.9 million decrease in incentive
compensation in 2008 versus 2007 as performance targets were not achieved in 2008 to the same
degree as in 2007. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses
increased to 23.9% for 2008, versus 22.8% for 2007, due to these same factors.
For 2007, our selling, general and administrative expenses increased $34.8 million (16.4%)
versus 2006. The primary components of this increase were: (1) $11.5 million in increased selling
costs, commensurate with the increase in sales volume in 2007; (2) a $7.8 million increase in
expenses due to the translation of euros into U.S. dollars; (3) $7.5 million of increased marketing
expenses as we continued to invest in our marketing platforms; and (4) $2.5 million related to
incremental performance vesting of restricted stock and other one-time incentive programs in 2007
compared with 2006. However, as a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative
expenses decreased to 22.8% for 2007, versus 23.1% for 2006, a direct result of our continued cost
control measures.
Cost and Expenses by Segment. The following table presents the combined cost of sales and
selling, general and administrative expenses for each of our operating segments for the three
fiscal years ended December 28, 2008 and the three-month and six-month periods ending June 29, 2008 and July 5,
2009, respectively:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of Sales and Selling, |
|
Fiscal Year |
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Six Months Ended |
|
General and Administrative |
|
|
|
|
June 29, |
|
|
July 5, |
|
|
June 29, |
|
|
July 5, |
|
Expenses (Combined) |
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Modular Carpet |
|
$ |
665,415 |
|
|
$ |
797,060 |
|
|
$ |
826,807 |
|
|
$ |
223,946 |
|
|
$ |
167,560 |
|
|
$ |
419,153 |
|
|
$ |
332,005 |
|
Bentley Prince Street |
|
|
131,989 |
|
|
|
142,771 |
|
|
|
135,574 |
|
|
|
35,492 |
|
|
|
26,353 |
|
|
|
69,566 |
|
|
|
51,780 |
|
Specialty Products |
|
|
12,716 |
|
|
|
2,052 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate Expenses |
|
|
4,918 |
|
|
|
8,126 |
|
|
|
6,116 |
|
|
|
2,131 |
|
|
|
541 |
|
|
|
3,615 |
|
|
|
1,179 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
815,038 |
|
|
$ |
950,009 |
|
|
$ |
968,497 |
|
|
$ |
261,569 |
|
|
$ |
194,454 |
|
|
$ |
492,334 |
|
|
$ |
384,964 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest and Other Expense
For
the three-month period ended July 5, 2009, interest expense decreased $0.4 million to
$7.7 million, versus $8.1 million in the comparable period in 2008. For the six-month period
ended June 29, 2008, interest expense decreased $0.5 million to $15.4 million, versus $15.9 million in the
comparable period in 2008. These decreases were due primarily
to the lower levels of debt outstanding on a daily basis during each of the first two quarters of 2009 versus
the comparable periods in 2008. For example, in the first six months of 2008, we had outstanding $175 million
of our 10.375% Notes. During the second half of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009, we repurchased $33.2
million aggregate principal amount of these notes. In June of 2009, we repurchased an additional $127.2
million aggregate principal amount of these notes pursuant to a tender offer and issued $150 million
aggregate principal amount of our 11 3/8% Senior Secured Notes. The additional interest expense related to
these new notes was not fully reflected in the second quarter of 2009 due to their issuance relatively late in
the quarter.
For 2008, interest expense decreased by $2.6 million versus 2007, due to the lower average
debt balance in 2008 versus 2007. The lower balance was primarily the result of the paydown of
$79.0 million of our 7.3% Senior Notes in the third quarter of 2007 and the repurchase of
$22.4 million of our 10.375% Notes in the fourth quarter of 2008.
For 2007, interest expense decreased by $8.1 million versus 2006. The decrease was due
primarily to the repurchase and redemption of all of our outstanding 7.3% Senior Notes
(approximately $101.4 million) during the year.
Tax
Our effective tax rate in 2008 was 504.7%, compared with an effective rate of 37.6% in 2007.
This increase in rate is primarily attributable to (1) a non-deductible goodwill impairment charge
in 2008 related
to our Bentley Prince Street business, (2) a 2008 provision for taxes related to undistributed
earnings from foreign subsidiaries no longer deemed to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the
U.S., (3) an increase in non-deductible business expenses related to the decrease in the cash
surrender value of life insurance policies associated with the funding of our nonqualified savings
plans and salary continuation plan, (4) an increase in the U.S. tax effects attributable to foreign
operations related to Subpart F income, and (5) an increase in valuation allowances related to
state net operating loss carryforwards. For additional information on taxes, see the note entitled
Taxes on Income in the notes to consolidated financial statements included in our Form 8-K filed
July 27, 2009 incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
- 39 -
Our effective tax rate in 2007 was 37.6%, compared with an effective rate of 36.3% in 2006.
This increase in rate is primarily attributable to (1) a non-deductible loss on the sale of Pandel,
Inc., and (2) an increase in non-deductible business expenses related to executive compensation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
In our business, we require cash and other liquid assets primarily to purchase raw materials
and to pay other manufacturing costs, in addition to funding normal course selling, general and
administrative expenses, anticipated capital expenditures, interest expense and potential special
projects. We generate our cash and other liquidity requirements primarily from our operations and
from borrowings or letters of credit under our domestic revolving credit facility with a banking
syndicate. We believe that we will be able to continue to enhance the generation of free cash flow
through the following initiatives:
|
|
|
improving our inventory turns by continuing to implement a
made-to-order model throughout our organization; |
|
|
|
|
reducing our average days sales outstanding through improved credit and collection practices; and |
|
|
|
|
limiting the amount of our capital expenditures generally to those
projects that have a short-term payback period. |
Historically, we use more cash in the first half of the fiscal year, as we fund insurance
premiums, tax payments, incentive compensation and inventory build-up in preparation for the
holiday/vacation season of our international operations.
In addition, we have a high contribution margin business with low capital expenditure
requirements. Contribution margin represents variable gross profit margin less the variable
component of selling, general and administrative expenses, and for us is an indicator of profit on
incremental sales after the fixed components of cost of goods sold and selling, general and
administrative expenses have been recovered. While contribution margin should not be construed as a
substitute for gross margin, which is determined in accordance with GAAP, it is included herein to
provide additional information with respect to our potential for profitability. In addition, we
believe that investors find contribution margin to be a useful tool for measuring our profitability
on an operating basis.
Our ability to generate cash from operating activities is uncertain because we are subject to,
and in the past have experienced, fluctuations in our level of net sales. In this regard, the
worldwide financial and credit crisis that developed in the latter part of 2008 has resulted in a
reduction in our net sales, as customers have delayed or reduced the number of renovation and
construction projects where our carpet products are used. As a result, we cannot assure you that
our business will generate cash flow from
operations in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay the interest and principal on our debt,
or to fund our other liquidity needs, over the long-term as discussed in more detail below.
At July 5, 2009, we had $89.9 million in cash. At that date, we had no borrowings and
$8.8 million in letters of credit outstanding under our domestic revolving credit facility, and no
borrowings outstanding under our European credit facility. As of July 5, 2009, we could have
incurred $49.9 million of additional borrowings under our domestic revolving credit facility
and 32.0 million (approximately $45.3 million) of additional
borrowings under our European credit facility. In addition, we could have incurred an additional
$9.5 million of borrowings under our other credit facilities in place at other
non-U.S. subsidiaries.
We
have approximately $80.0 million in contractual cash obligations due by the end of the
twelve months beginning July 5, 2009, which includes, among other things, pension cash
contributions, interest payments on our debt and the $14.6 million aggregate principal amount of
our 10.375% Notes included in our current liabilities. We currently estimate aggregate capital
expenditures will be between $10 million and $15 million for 2009, an amount less than in prior
years. Based on current interest rate and debt levels, we expect our aggregate interest expense for
2009 to be between $28 million and $30 million.
- 40 -
In November 2006, we sold 5,750,000 shares of our Class A common stock at a public offering
price of $14.65 per share, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $78.9 million after deducting
the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. Also, in July 2007, we
sold our Fabrics Group business segment, and we received $60.7 million in cash at the closing of
the transaction. In September 2007, we completed the redemption of all of our outstanding
7.3% Senior Notes due 2008.
On June 5, 2009, we issued $150 million aggregate principal amount of our 11 3/8% Senior
Secured Notes due 2013. Proceeds from this issuance were used to repurchase $127.2 million in
aggregate principal amount of our 10.375% Notes, with respect to which we conducted a cash tender
offer. As of July 5, 2009, only $14.6 million in aggregate principal amount of our 10.375% Notes
remained outstanding, but we have a significant amount of other indebtedness. See Description of
Certain Indebtedness. Our domestic revolving credit facility matures in December 2012, and our
9.5% Notes mature on February 1, 2014. We cannot assure you that we will be able to renegotiate or
refinance any of our debt on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, especially given the
unprecedented worldwide financial and credit crisis that developed in the second half of 2008 and
its continuing impact on the availability of credit.
Domestic Revolving Credit Facility
We amended our domestic revolving credit facility on January 1, 2008 and further amended such
facility on May 14, 2009. As amended, it provides for a maximum aggregate amount of loans and
letters of credit of up to $100 million (with the option to increase it to a maximum of
$150 million upon the satisfaction of certain conditions) at any one time, subject to the borrowing
base described below. The key features of the domestic revolving credit facility are as follows:
|
|
|
The revolving credit facility currently matures on December 31, 2012; |
|
|
|
|
The revolving credit facility includes a domestic U.S. dollar
syndicated loan and letter of credit facility made available to
Interface, Inc. up to the lesser of (1) $100 million, or (2) a
borrowing base equal to the sum of specified percentages of eligible
accounts receivable and inventory in the United States (the
percentages and eligibility requirements for the borrowing base are
specified in the credit facility), less certain reserves; |
|
|
|
|
Advances under the revolving credit facility are secured by a
first-priority lien on substantially all of Interface, Inc.s assets
and the assets of each of its material domestic subsidiaries, which
have guaranteed the revolving credit facility; and |
|
|
|
|
The revolving credit facility contains a financial covenant (a fixed
charge coverage ratio test) that becomes effective in the event that
our excess borrowing availability falls below $20 million. In such
event, we must comply with the financial covenant for a period
commencing on the last day of the fiscal quarter immediately preceding
such event (unless such event occurs on the last day of a fiscal
quarter, in which case the compliance period commences on such date)
and ending on the last day of the fiscal quarter immediately following
the fiscal quarter in which such event occurred. |
The revolving credit facility also includes various reporting, affirmative and negative
covenants, and other provisions that restrict our ability to take certain actions, including
provisions that restrict our ability to repay our long-term indebtedness unless we meet a specified
minimum excess availability test.
Interest Rates and Fees. Interest on borrowings and letters of credit under the revolving
credit facility is charged at varying rates computed by applying a margin (ranging from 1.75% to
2.50%, in the case of advances at a prime interest rate, and 3.25% to 4.00%, in the case of
advances at LIBOR) over a baseline rate (such as the prime interest rate or LIBOR), depending on
the type of borrowing and our average excess borrowing availability during the most recently
completed fiscal quarter. In addition, we pay an unused line fee on the facility of 0.75%.
Prepayments. The revolving credit facility requires prepayment from the proceeds of certain
asset sales.
Covenants. The revolving credit facility also limits our ability, among other things, to:
|
|
|
incur indebtedness or contingent obligations; |
|
|
|
|
make acquisitions of or investments in businesses (in excess of certain specified amounts); |
- 41 -
|
|
|
sell or dispose of assets (in excess of certain specified amounts); |
|
|
|
|
create or incur liens on assets; and |
|
|
|
|
enter into sale and leaseback transactions. |
We are
presently in compliance with all covenants under the domestic revolving credit facility and
anticipate that we will remain in compliance with the covenants for the foreseeable future.
As of July 5, 2009, there were zero borrowings and $8.8 million in letters
of credit outstanding under the domestic revolving credit facility.
As of July 5, 2009, we could have incurred $49.9 million of
additional borrowings under the domestic revolving credit facility.
Events of Default. If we breach or fail to perform any of the affirmative or negative
covenants under the revolving credit facility, or if other specified events occur (such as a
bankruptcy or similar event or a change of control of Interface, Inc. or certain subsidiaries, or
if we breach or fail to perform any covenant
or agreement contained in any instrument relating to any of our other indebtedness exceeding
$10 million), after giving effect to any applicable notice and right to cure provisions, an event
of default will exist. If an event of default exists and is continuing, the lenders agent may, and
upon the written request of a specified percentage of the lender group, shall:
|
|
|
declare all commitments of the lenders under the facility terminated; |
|
|
|
|
declare all amounts outstanding or accrued thereunder immediately due and payable; and |
|
|
|
|
exercise other rights and remedies available to them under the agreement and applicable law. |
Collateral. The revolving credit facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of
Interface, Inc. and its domestic subsidiaries (subject to exceptions for certain immaterial
subsidiaries), including all of the stock of our domestic subsidiaries and up to 65% of the stock
of our first-tier material foreign subsidiaries. If an event of default occurs under the revolving
credit facility, the lenders collateral agent may, upon the request of a specified percentage of
lenders, exercise remedies with respect to the collateral, including, in some instances,
foreclosing mortgages on real estate assets, taking possession of or selling personal property
assets, collecting accounts receivables, or exercising proxies to take control of the pledged stock
of domestic and first-tier material foreign subsidiaries.
May 14, 2009 Amendment. In addition to the terms summarized above (and in some cases in
duplication thereof), the amendment entered into on May 14, 2009 provided for:
|
|
|
increased pricing as outlined above; |
|
|
|
|
removal of equipment and real estate from the borrowing base; |
|
|
|
|
the modification of certain rights and procedures with respect to defaulting lenders; |
|
|
|
|
the consent to, in accordance with certain terms and procedures, the
issuance of the 11 3/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2013, including the
documentation related thereto and the grant of the security interest
granted pursuant thereto; and |
|
|
|
|
certain thresholds relating to real property collateral requirements. |
Foreign Credit Facilities
On April 24, 2009, our European subsidiary Interface Europe B.V. (and certain of its European
subsidiaries collectively with Interface Europe B.V. referred to as the Borrower) entered into an
amended and restated Credit Agreement with ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Under the Credit Agreement (which
replaces a prior credit agreement with ABN AMRO Bank, N.V. executed on March 9, 2007), ABN AMRO
will provide a credit facility, until further notice, available to the Borrower. The key features
of the facility are as follows:
|
|
|
The facility provides availability for borrowings and bank guarantees
in varying aggregate amounts over time as follows: |
- 42 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum |
|
|
Amount in |
Time Period |
|
Euros |
|
|
(in millions) |
May 1, 2009 September 30, 2009 |
|
|
32 |
|
October 1, 2009 September 30, 2010 |
|
|
26 |
|
October 1, 2010 September 30, 2011 |
|
|
20 |
|
October 1, 2011 September 30, 2012 |
|
|
14 |
|
From October 1, 2012 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
The facility is available to the Borrower for general working capital
needs and for paying dividends. |
|
|
|
|
A sublimit of 5 million applies to bank guarantees with a tenor exceeding one year. |
|
|
|
|
Interest on borrowings under the facility is charged at varying rates
computed by applying a margin of 1% over ABN AMROs Euro base rate
(consisting of the leading refinancing rate as determined from time to
time by the European Central Bank plus a debit interest surcharge),
which base rate is subject to a minimum of 3.5% per annum. Fees on
bank guarantees and documentary letters of credit are charged at a
rate of 1% per annum or part thereof on the maximum amount and for the
maximum duration of each guarantee or documentary letter of credit
issued. A facility fee of 0.5% per annum is payable with respect to
the facility amount. |
|
|
|
|
The facility is secured by liens on certain real property, personal
property and other assets of the Borrower. |
|
|
|
|
The facility also includes certain financial covenants (which require
the Borrower and its subsidiaries to maintain a minimum interest
coverage ratio, total debt/EBITDA ratio and tangible net worth/total
assets) and affirmative and negative covenants, and other provisions
that restrict the Borrowers ability (and the ability of certain of
the Borrowers subsidiaries) to take certain actions. |
As of July 5, 2009, some of our other non-U.S. subsidiaries had an aggregate of the
equivalent of $9.5 million of lines of credit available, and there were no borrowings outstanding
under these lines of credit.
We are presently in compliance with all covenants under these foreign credit facilities and
anticipate that we will remain in compliance with the covenants for the foreseeable future.
Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes
As of July 5, 2009, we had $14.6 million of our 10.375% Notes outstanding, $150 million of our
11 3/8% Senior Secured Notes outstanding and $135 million of our 9.5% Notes outstanding. The
indentures governing such notes, on a collective basis, contain covenants that limit or restrict
our ability to:
|
|
|
incur additional indebtedness; |
|
|
|
|
pay dividends or make other distributions on, redeem or repurchase capital stock; |
|
|
|
|
make investments or other restricted payments; |
|
|
|
|
create liens on our assets; |
|
|
|
|
sell all, or substantially all, of our assets; |
|
|
|
|
sell securities of our subsidiaries; |
|
|
|
|
enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates; and |
|
|
|
|
enter into mergers, consolidations or sales of all or substantially all of our assets. |
- 43 -
In addition, each of the indentures governing our 10.375% Notes and 9.5% Notes contains a
covenant that requires us to make an offer to purchase the outstanding notes under such indenture
in the event of a change of control (as defined in each respective indenture) of Interface, Inc.
Each series of notes is guaranteed, fully, unconditionally, and jointly and severally, on an
unsecured basis by each of Interface, Inc.s material U.S. subsidiaries. If we breach or fail to
perform any of the affirmative or negative covenants under one of these indentures, or if other
specified events occur (such as a bankruptcy or similar event), after giving effect to any
applicable notice and right to cure provisions, an event of default will exist. An event of default
also will exist under the indenture for the 9.5% Notes if we breach or fail to perform any covenant
or agreement contained in any other instrument (including without limitation any other indenture)
relating to any of our indebtedness exceeding $20 million and such default or failure results in
the indebtedness becoming due and payable. If an event of default exists and is continuing, the
trustee of the series of notes at issue (or the holders of at least 25% of the principal amount of
such notes) may declare the principal amount of the notes and accrued interest thereon immediately
due and payable (except in the case of bankruptcy, in which case such amounts are immediately due
and payable even in the absence of such a declaration).
Analysis of Cash Flows
Our
primary sources of cash during the six month period ended July 5, 2009 were
(1) $144.5 million from the issuance of our $150 million aggregate principal amount of 11 3/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2013, (2) $27.9
million received as a reduction of accounts receivable, and (3) $16.0 million from settlement of litigation.
Our primary uses of cash during this period were (1) $138.0 million used to repurchase a portion of our 10.375% Notes
($127.2 million aggregate principal amount of these notes were repurchased
pursuant to a tender offer conducted in connection with the issuance of the
new 11 3/8% Senior Secured Notes described above), (2) $26.8 million as a reduction
in accounts payable and accruals, (3) $5.8 million for debt issuance costs
in connection with the 11 3/8% Senior Secured Notes described above, and (4) $5.3
million for premiums paid in connection with the repurchase of our 10.375% Notes.
Our primary sources of cash during 2008 were: (1) $11.9 million from cash received as a
reduction of accounts receivable, (2) $5.1 million associated with a reduction in other assets, and
(3) $1.5 million from the exercise of employee stock options. The primary uses of cash during 2008
were: (1) $32.9 million of cash paid for interest, (2) $29.3 million for additions to property,
plant and equipment, primarily at our manufacturing locations, (3) $22.4 million for repurchases of
our 10.375% Notes, and (4) $7.6 million for the payment of dividends.
Our primary sources of cash during 2007 were: (1) $60.7 million from the sale of our Fabrics
Group business segment, (2) $4.6 million from the exercise of employee stock options, and
(3) $1.4 million from the sale of our Pandel business. The primary uses of cash during 2007 were:
(1) $101.4 million for repurchases and the redemption of our 7.3% Senior Notes due 2008,
(2) $40.6 million for additions to property, plant and equipment, primarily at our manufacturing
locations, and (3) $4.9 million for the payment of our dividends.
Our primary sources of cash during 2006 were: (1) $78.9 million from our sale of
5,750,000 shares of common stock, (2) $28.8 million received from the sale of our European fabrics
business, and (3) $7.1 million from the exercise of employee stock options. The primary uses of
cash during 2006 were: (1) $46.6 million for repurchases of our 7.3% Senior Notes,
(2) $40.4 million for bond interest payments, and (3) $28.5 million for additions to property and
equipment in our manufacturing locations.
Funding Obligations
We have various contractual obligations that we must fund as part of our normal operations.
The following table discloses aggregate information about our contractual obligations (including
the remaining contractual obligations related to our discontinued operations) and the periods in
which payments are due. The amounts and time periods are measured from July 5, 2009, except as
expressly indicated otherwise.
- 44 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments Due by Period |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
Less |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More |
|
|
|
Payments |
|
|
Than |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Than |
|
|
|
Due |
|
|
1 Year |
|
|
1-3 Years |
|
|
3-5 Years |
|
|
5 Years |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Long-Term Debt Obligations(1) |
|
$ |
299,586 |
|
|
$ |
14,586 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
285,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Operating Lease Obligations(2) |
|
|
70,123 |
|
|
|
21,577 |
|
|
|
30,402 |
|
|
|
15,146 |
|
|
|
2,998 |
|
Expected Interest Payments(3) |
|
|
133,601 |
|
|
|
30,770 |
|
|
|
59,775 |
|
|
|
43,056 |
|
|
|
|
|
Unconditional Purchase Obligations(4) |
|
|
3,480 |
|
|
|
2,516 |
|
|
|
962 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Cash Obligations(5) |
|
|
115,905 |
|
|
|
10,566 |
|
|
|
21,719 |
|
|
|
22,660 |
|
|
|
60,960 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Contractual Cash Obligations(6) |
|
$ |
622,695 |
|
|
$ |
80,015 |
|
|
$ |
112,858 |
|
|
$ |
365,864 |
|
|
$ |
63,958 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes future cash payments related to the repayment of the $150.0
million aggregate principal amount of our 11 3/8% Senior Secured Notes
due 2013 issued on June 5, 2009. Also includes the $14.6 million
aggregate principal amount of our 10.375% Notes that remain
outstanding following the completion of our tender offer for such
notes on June 5, 2009. |
|
(2) |
|
Our capital lease obligations are insignificant. |
|
(3) |
|
Expected Interest Payments include expected interest payments related to the
remaining $14.6 million of our 10.375% Notes outstanding and our
$135.0 million of outstanding 9.5% Notes at July 5, 2009. Also
included are expected interest payments related to the $150.0 million
of our 11 3/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 issued on June 5,
2009. We have assumed in the presentation that we will hold the
10.375% Notes, 11 3/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 and the
9.5% Notes until maturity. We have excluded from the presentation
interest payments and fees related to our revolving credit facilities
(discussed above), because of the variability and timing of advances
and repayments thereunder. |
|
(4) |
|
Unconditional Purchase Obligations does not include unconditional
purchase obligations that are included as liabilities in our
Consolidated Balance Sheet. We do not have any significant capital
expenditure commitments. |
|
(5) |
|
We have two foreign defined benefit plans and a domestic salary
continuation plan. We have presented above the estimated cash
obligations that will be paid under these plans over the next ten
years. Such amounts are based on several estimates and assumptions and
could differ materially should the underlying estimates and
assumptions change. Our domestic salary continuation plan is an
unfunded plan, and we do not currently have any commitments to make
contributions to this plan. However, we do use insurance instruments
to hedge our exposure under the salary continuation plan.
Contributions to our other employee benefit plans are at our
discretion. |
|
|
|
The above table does not reflect unrecognized tax benefits of
$8.3 million, the timing of which payments are uncertain. See the note
entitled Income Taxes in the notes to consolidated condensed
financial statements included in our Second Quarter 2009 Form 10-Q
incorporated by reference into this prospectus. |
Critical Accounting Policies
High-quality financial statements require rigorous application of high-quality accounting
policies. The policies discussed below are considered by management to be critical to an
understanding of our consolidated financial statements because their application places the most
significant demands on managements judgment, with financial reporting results relying on
estimations about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. Specific risks for these
critical accounting policies are described in the following paragraphs. For all of these policies,
management cautions that future events may not develop as forecasted, and the best estimates
routinely require adjustment.
Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized when the following criteria are met: persuasive
evidence of an agreement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, price to the
buyer is fixed and determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Delivery is not
considered to have occurred until the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of
ownership, which is generally on the date of shipment. Provisions for discounts, sales returns and
allowances are estimated using historical experience, current economic trends, and the companys
quality performance. The related provision is recorded as a reduction of sales and cost of sales in
the same period that the revenue is recognized. Material differences may result in the amount and
timing of net sales for any period if management makes different judgments or uses different
estimates.
- 45 -
Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are classified in net sales in the consolidated
statements of operations. Shipping and handling costs incurred are classified in cost of sales in
the consolidated statements of operations. A portion of our revenues (less than 5% of our
consolidated net sales) is derived from long-term contracts that are accounted for under the
provisions of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position
No. 81-1, Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts.
Long-term fixed-price contracts are recorded on the percentage of completion basis using the ratio
of costs incurred to estimated total costs at completion as the measurement basis for progress
toward completion and revenue recognition. Any losses identified on contracts are recognized
immediately. Contract accounting requires significant judgment relative to assessing risks,
estimating contract costs and making related assumptions for schedule and technical issues. With
respect to contract change orders, claims or similar items, judgment must be used in estimating
related amounts and assessing the potential for realization. These amounts are only included in
contract value when they can be reliably estimated and realization is probable.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment at the asset
group level whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be
recoverable. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying
amount of the asset, an impairment is indicated. A loss is then recognized for the difference, if
any, between the fair value of the asset (as estimated by management using its best judgment) and
the carrying value of the asset. If actual market value is less favorable than that estimated by
management, additional write-downs may be required.
Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities. The carrying values of deferred income tax assets
and liabilities reflect the application of our income tax accounting policies in accordance with
SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, and are based on managements assumptions and
estimates regarding future operating results and levels of taxable income, as well as managements
judgment regarding the interpretation of the provisions of SFAS No. 109. The carrying values of
liabilities for income taxes currently payable are based on managements interpretations of
applicable tax laws, and incorporate managements assumptions and judgments regarding the use of
tax planning strategies in various taxing jurisdictions. The use of different estimates,
assumptions and judgments in connection with accounting for income taxes may result in materially
different carrying values of income tax assets and liabilities and results of operations.
We evaluate the recoverability of these deferred tax assets by assessing the adequacy of
future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary
differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources of
income inherently rely heavily on estimates. We use our historical experience and our short and
long-term business forecasts to provide insight. Further, our global business portfolio gives us
the opportunity to employ various prudent and feasible tax planning strategies to facilitate the
recoverability of future deductions. To the extent we do not consider it more likely than not that
a deferred tax asset will be recovered, a valuation allowance is established. As of December 28,
2008, and December 30, 2007, we had approximately $116.4 million and $125.7 million of U.S. federal
net operating loss carryforwards, respectively. In addition, as of December 28, 2008, and
December 30, 2007, we had state net operating loss carryforwards of $106.0 million and
$103.7 million, respectively. Certain of these carryforwards are fully reserved with a valuation
allowance because, based on the available evidence, we believe it is more likely than not that we
would not be able to utilize those deferred tax assets in the future. The remaining year-end 2008
amounts are expected to be fully recoverable within the applicable statutory expiration periods. If
the actual amounts of taxable income differ from our estimates, the amount of our valuation
allowance could be materially impacted.
Goodwill. Pursuant to SFAS No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, we test goodwill
for impairment at least annually
using a 2-step approach in accordance with the standard. For our step 1 valuation, we
prepare valuations of reporting units, using both a market
approach and an income approach, and those valuations are compared with the respective book values
of the reporting units to determine whether any goodwill impairment exists. In preparing the
valuations, past, present and expected future performance is considered. If impairment is
indicated by this step 1 test, a step 2 valuation is performed. The step 2
valuation approach compares the implied fair value of goodwill to the book
value of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by
allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the assets and
liabilities of the reporting unit, including both recognized and unrecognized
intangible assets, in the same manner as goodwill is determined in a
business combination under SFAS No. 141.
If an impairment of goodwill is identified from this step 2 test, a
loss is recognized for the difference, if any, between the fair value of the goodwill
associated with the reporting unit and the book
value of that goodwill. If the actual fair value of the goodwill is determined to be less than
that estimated, an additional write-down may be required As of December 28, 2008 (after giving
effect to the goodwill impairment charge related to our Bentley Prince Street business segment), if
our estimates of the fair value of our reporting units were 10% lower, we believe no additional
goodwill impairment would have existed.
During
the fourth quarters of 2008, 2007 and 2006, we performed
the annual goodwill impairment test required by SFAS No. 142.
We perform this test at the reporting unit level, which is
one level below the segment level for the modular carpet segment
and at the level of the Bentley Prince Street segment. In the fourth
quarter of 2008, a goodwill impairment of $61.2 million related to the Bentley Prince Street
reporting unit was identified due largely to the following factors:
|
|
|
The significant decline in the reporting unit performance, primarily in the last three months of 2008. This decline also was
reflected in the forward projections of the reporting units budgeting
process. The projections showed a decline in both sales and operating income
over the reporting units three-year budgeting process. These declines impacted
the value of the reporting unit from an income valuation approach.
The declines in projections are primarily related to the global economic crisis
and its impact on the broadloom carpet market. |
|
|
|
|
An increase in the discount rate used to create the present value of future expected cash flows. This increase from approximately
12% to 16% is more reflective of our current market capitalization and risk
premiums on a reporting unit level, which impacted
the value of the reporting unit using an income valuation approach. |
|
|
|
|
A decrease in the market multiple factors used for the market valuation approach. This decrease is reflective of the general
market conditions regarding current
market activities and market valuation guidelines. |
Our
other reporting units maintained fair values in excess of their respective carrying
values as of the fourth quarter of 2008, and therefore no impairment was indicated
during their testing. As of December 28, 2008 (after giving effect to the goodwill
impairment charge related to the Bentley Prince Street business segment), if our estimates of the
fair values of our reporting units were 10% lower, we believe no additional goodwill
impairment would have existed.
In
the first quarter of 2007, we recorded charges for impairment of goodwill of $44.5 million
and impairment of other intangible assets of $3.8 million related to our Fabrics Group
business segment. We were exploring possible strategic options with respect to our
fabrics business, and our analyses indicated that the carrying value of the
assets of the fabrics business exceeded their fair value. When such an indication is
present, we measure potential goodwill and other asset impairments based on an
allocation of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its underlying
assets and liabilities. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the
reporting units recorded goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill.
In addition to the impairment of goodwill, we determined that other intangible
assets of the business unit were impaired as well. As discussed above in the
section entitled Sale of Fabrics Group Business Segment, in the second quarter
of 2007, we entered into an agreement to sell our fabrics business segment for
approximately $67.2 million (after working capital and certain other adjustments).
As a result of this agreed-upon purchase price, we recorded an impairment
of assets of approximately $13.6 million in the second quarter of 2007.
This impairment was determined based upon the fair value of the business
segment as compared to the fair value represented by the purchase price.
Given the nature of our assets and liabilities, the impairment charge
was a reduction of carrying value of property, plant and equipment, as
it was determined that all other assets were carried at a value
approximating fair value. These impairment charges have been included
in discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations for 2007.
During
the first quarter of 2006, in connection with the sale of our European fabrics
business (described above in the section entitled Sale of Fabrics Group Business
Segment), we recorded a charge of $20.7 million for the impairment of goodwill
related to our fabrics reporting unit and those European operations. This charge was based
on a review of our carrying value of goodwill at our fabrics facilities as compared
to the potential fair value as represented by the proposed sale price.
This impairment charge has been included in discontinued operations in the
consolidated statement of operations for 2006.
Inventories. We determine the value of inventories using the lower of cost or market value. We
write down inventories for the difference between the carrying value of the inventories and their
estimated market value. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by
management, additional write-downs may be required.
- 46 -
We estimate our reserves for inventory obsolescence by continuously examining our inventories
to determine if there are indicators that carrying values exceed net realizable values. Experience
has shown that significant indicators that could require the need for additional inventory
write-downs are the age of the inventory, the length of its product life cycles, anticipated demand
for our products and current economic conditions. While we believe that adequate write-downs for
inventory obsolescence have been made in the consolidated financial statements, consumer tastes and
preferences will continue to change and we could experience additional inventory write-downs in the
future. Our inventory reserve on December 28, 2008, and December 30, 2007, was $10.9 million and
$7.7 million, respectively. To the extent that actual obsolescence of our inventory differs from
our estimate by 10%, our 2008 net income would be higher or lower by approximately $0.7 million, on
an after-tax basis.
Pension Benefits. Net pension expense recorded is based on, among other things, assumptions
about the discount rate, estimated return on plan assets and salary increases. While management
believes these assumptions are reasonable, changes in these and other factors and differences
between actual and assumed changes in the present value of liabilities or assets of our plans above
certain thresholds could cause net annual expense to increase or decrease materially from year to
year. The actuarial assumptions used in our salary continuation plan and our foreign defined
benefit plans reporting are reviewed periodically and compared with external benchmarks to ensure
that they appropriately account for our future pension benefit obligation. The expected long-term
rate of return on plan assets assumption is based on weighted average expected returns for each
asset class. Expected returns reflect a combination of historical performance analysis and the
forward-looking views of the financial markets, and include input from actuaries, investment
service firms and investment managers. The table below represents the changes to the projected
benefit obligation as a result of hypothetical changes in discount rates and wage increase
assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase |
|
|
(Decrease) in |
|
|
Projected |
|
|
Benefit |
Foreign Defined Benefit Plans |
|
Obligation |
|
|
(in millions) |
1% increase in actuarial assumption for discount rate |
|
$ |
(28.2 |
) |
1% decrease in actuarial assumption for discount rate |
|
$ |
35.5 |
|
1% increase in actuarial assumption for wage increases |
|
$ |
4.8 |
|
1% decrease in actuarial assumption for wage increases |
|
$ |
(4.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase |
|
|
(Decrease) in |
|
|
Projected |
|
|
Benefit |
Domestic Salary Continuation Plan |
|
Obligation |
|
|
(in millions) |
1% increase in actuarial assumption for discount rate |
|
$ |
(1.9 |
) |
1% decrease in actuarial assumption for discount rate |
|
$ |
2.3 |
|
1% increase in actuarial assumption for wage increases |
|
$ |
0.7 |
|
1% decrease in actuarial assumption for wage increases |
|
$ |
(0.1 |
) |
Environmental Remediation. We provide for remediation costs and penalties when the
responsibility to remediate is probable and the amount of associated costs is reasonably
determinable. Remediation liabilities are accrued based on estimates of known environmental
exposures and are discounted in certain instances. We regularly monitor the progress of
environmental remediation. Should studies indicate that the cost of remediation is to be more than
previously estimated, an additional accrual would be recorded in the period in which such
determination is made. As of December 28, 2008 and December 30, 2007, no significant amounts were
provided for remediation liabilities.
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated
losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. Estimating this amount
requires us to analyze the financial strengths of our customers. If the financial condition of our
customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments,
additional allowances may be required. By its nature, such an estimate is highly subjective, and it
is possible that the amount of accounts receivable that we are unable to collect may be different
than the amount initially estimated. Our allowance for doubtful accounts on December 28, 2008, and
December 30, 2007, was $11.1 million and $8.6 million, respectively. To the extent the actual
collectibility of our accounts receivable differs from our estimates by 10%, our 2008 net income
would be higher or lower by approximately $0.7 million, on an after-tax basis, depending on whether
the actual collectibility was better or worse, respectively, than the estimated allowance.
- 47 -
Product Warranties. We typically provide limited warranties with respect to certain attributes
of our carpet products (for example, warranties regarding excessive surface wear, edge ravel and
static electricity) for periods ranging from ten to twenty years, depending on the particular
carpet product and the environment in which the product is to be installed. We typically warrant
that any services performed will be free from defects in workmanship for a period of one year
following completion. In the event of a breach of warranty, the remedy typically is limited to
repair of the problem or replacement of the affected product. We record a provision related to
warranty costs based on historical experience and periodically adjust these provisions to reflect
changes in actual experience. Our warranty reserve on December 28, 2008, and December 30, 2007, was
$1.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Actual warranty expense incurred could vary
significantly from amounts that we estimate. To the extent the actual warranty expense differs from
our estimates by 10%, our 2008 net income would be higher or lower by approximately $0.2 million,
on an after-tax basis, depending on whether the actual expense is lower or higher, respectively,
than the estimated provision.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are not a party to any material off-balance sheet arrangements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 168,
The FASB Accounting
Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles a replacement of FASB Statement
No. 162, The statement confirmed that the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the Codification) will become the
single official source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP) (other than guidance issued by
the Securities and Exchange Commission), superseding existing guidance of the FASB, the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants, the Emerging Issues Task Force, and related literature. The Codification, which changes the referencing
of financial standards, becomes effective for interim and annual periods ending on or after September 15, 2009. After that
date, only one level of authoritative U.S. GAAP will exist. All other literature will be considered non-authoritative. The
Codification does not change U.S. GAAP; instead, it introduces a new structure that is organized in an online research system.
We will apply the Codification beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The adoption of this standard is not expected to
have any significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events.
SFAS No. 165 establishes the general standards of
accounting for, and disclosures of, events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or
are available to be issued. It requires entities to disclose the date through which it has evaluated subsequent events and the
basis for the date. SFAS No. 165 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. SFAS No. 165 was
effective for us as of July 5, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 165 did not have any significant impact on our financial
statements. We have evaluated subsequent events through August 14, 2009, the date of the filing of our Second Quarter 2009
Form 10-Q.
- 48 -
In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No.
EITF 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are
Participating Securities (FSP EITF 03-6-1). The FASB declared that unvested share-based payout
awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or
unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the
computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method under SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share, when dilutive. FSP EITF 03-6-1 became
effective for us on December 29, 2008. The adoption of this standard had the impact of a $0.01 per share reduction of basic and diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2008 and a $0.01 reduction in basic and diluted earnings per share for the six months ended June 29, 2008 and the following
impact on earnings per share in our previously issued financial statements for the following prior
years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share from
Continuing Operations attributable to
Interface, Inc. Common Shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As historically presented |
|
$ |
0.66 |
|
|
$ |
0.96 |
|
|
$ |
(0.58 |
) |
Impact of FSP EITF 03-6-1 |
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted for impact of FSP EITF 03-6-1 |
|
$ |
0.65 |
|
|
$ |
0.94 |
|
|
$ |
(0.58 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
from Continuing Operations
attributable to Interface, Inc.
Common Shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As historically presented |
|
$ |
0.64 |
|
|
$ |
0.94 |
|
|
$ |
(0.58 |
) |
Impact of FSP EITF 03-6-1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted for impact of FSP EITF 03-6-1 |
|
$ |
0.64 |
|
|
$ |
0.93 |
|
|
$ |
(0.58 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share
attributable to Interface, Inc.
Common Shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As historically presented |
|
$ |
0.18 |
|
|
$ |
(0.18 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.67 |
) |
Impact of FSP EITF 03-6-1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted for impact of FSP EITF 03-6-1 |
|
$ |
0.18 |
|
|
$ |
(0.18 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.67 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
attributable to Interface, Inc.
Common Shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As historically presented |
|
$ |
0.18 |
|
|
$ |
(0.18 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.67 |
) |
Impact of FSP EITF 03-6-1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted for impact of FSP EITF 03-6-1 |
|
$ |
0.18 |
|
|
$ |
(0.18 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.67 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See note entitled Earnings (Loss) Per Share to our consolidated condensed financial
statements in Exhibit 99 to our Form 8-K filed July 27, 2009 incorporated by reference into this
prospectus for further discussion of the adoption of this standard.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles. This Statement identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for
selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental
entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in
the United States. The FASB believes that the GAAP hierarchy should be directed to entities because
it is the entity (not its auditor) that is responsible for selecting accounting principles for
financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP. The FASB does not believe this
statement will result in a change in current practice. SFAS No. 162 became effective November 15,
2008.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative instruments and
Hedging Activities. The new standard is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative
instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable better understanding
of the effects on financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The effective date is
for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The adoption of this
standard did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements because we are
not a party to any significant derivative transactions.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an
amendment to ARB No. 51. SFAS No. 160 establishes standards of accounting and reporting of non-controlling interests in
subsidiaries, currently known as minority interest, in consolidated financial statements, provides guidance on accounting for
changes in the parents ownership interest in a subsidiary and establishes standards of accounting of the deconsolidation of a
subsidiary due to the loss of control. SFAS No. 160 requires an entity to present minority interests as a component of equity.
Additionally, SFAS No. 160 requires an entity to present net income and consolidated comprehensive income attributable to
the parent and the minority interest separately on the face of the consolidated financial statements. This standard became
effective beginning with our fiscal year 2009 and interim periods thereof. The adoption of this standard resulted in a
reclassification of $7.9 million and $8.3 million of minority interest to equity as of December 28, 2008, and July 5, 2009,
respectively. We also have adjusted our consolidated condensed statements of operations to reflect the income from the
minority interest as a component of net income. The adjustment resulted in decreases in other expense of $0.1 million and
$0.4 million for the three-month periods ended July 5, 2009, and June 29, 2008, respectively. The adjustment resulted in
decreases in other expense of $0.3 million and $0.6 million for the six-month periods ended July 5, 2009, and June 29, 2008,
respectively. The adjustments also resulted in the following impact on our previously issued financial statements for the
following prior years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of and for the Year Ended |
|
|
|
12/31/06 |
|
|
12/30/07 |
|
|
12/28/08 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As historically presented |
|
$ |
35,807 |
|
|
$ |
57,848 |
|
|
$ |
(35,719 |
) |
Impact of SFAS No. 160 |
|
|
428 |
|
|
|
1,124 |
|
|
|
1,206 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted for impact of SFAS No. 160 |
|
$ |
36,235 |
|
|
$ |
58,972 |
|
|
$ |
(34,513 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income (Loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As historically presented |
|
$ |
9,992 |
|
|
$ |
(10,812 |
) |
|
$ |
(40,873 |
) |
Impact of SFAS No. 160 |
|
|
428 |
|
|
|
1,124 |
|
|
|
1,206 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted for impact of SFAS No. 160 |
|
$ |
10,420 |
|
|
$ |
(9,688 |
) |
|
$ |
(39,667 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders Equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As historically presented |
|
$ |
274,394 |
|
|
$ |
294,142 |
|
|
$ |
209,496 |
|
Impact of SFAS No. 160 |
|
|
5,506 |
|
|
|
6,974 |
|
|
|
7,941 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted for impact of SFAS No. 160 |
|
$ |
279,900 |
|
|
$ |
301,116 |
|
|
$ |
217,437 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In addition to the above adjustments, our adoption of SFAS No. 160 required the inclusion of
the following two new line items in our consolidated statements of operations for the following
prior years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended |
|
|
12/31/06 |
|
12/30/07 |
|
12/28/08 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary |
|
$ |
(428 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,124 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,206 |
) |
Net income (loss) attributable to Interface, Inc. |
|
$ |
9,992 |
|
|
$ |
(10,812 |
) |
|
$ |
(40,873 |
) |
In December 2007, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 110 to permit entities,
under certain circumstances, to continue to use the simplified method in developing estimates of
the expected term of plain-vanilla share options in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based
Payments. SAB No. 110 amended SAB No. 107 to permit the use of the simplified method beyond
December 31, 2007. We continue to use the simplified method and will do so until more detailed
and relevant information about exercise behavior becomes readily available.
- 49 -
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations.
SFAS No. 141R requires the acquiring entity to recognize and measure at an acquisition date fair
value all identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any
non-controlling interest in the
acquiree. The statement recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination
or a gain from a bargain purchase. SFAS No. 141R requires disclosures about the nature and
financial effect of the business combination and also changes the accounting for certain income tax
assets recorded in purchase accounting. This standard is effective for the fiscal year beginning
after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have any significant impact on
our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This standard
permits an entity to choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value.
SFAS No. 159 also revises provisions of SFAS No. 115 that apply to available-for-sale and trading
securities. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The
adoption of this standard did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and
132(R). SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to recognize a plans funded status in its statement of
financial position, measure a plans assets and obligations as of the end of the employers fiscal
year, and recognize the changes in a defined benefit post-retirement plans funded status in
comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. SFAS No. 158s requirement to
recognize the funded status of a benefit plan and new disclosure requirements became effective for
companies with fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006, on a prospective basis. As a result of
the requirement to recognize the unfunded status of the plan as a liability, we recorded an
adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income of $11.4 million in the fourth quarter of
2006. The impact of this statement on our consolidated financial statements is discussed in the
note entitled Employee Benefit Plans in the notes to consolidated financial statements included
in our 2008 Form 10-K incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
In September 2006, the SEC issued SAB No. 108. SAB No. 108 provides additional guidance on
determining the materiality of cumulative unadjusted misstatements in both current and future
financial statements. SAB No. 108 also provides guidance on the proper accounting and reporting for
the correction of immaterial unadjusted misstatements which may become material in subsequent
accounting periods. SAB No. 108 generally requires prior period financial statements to be revised
if prior misstatements are subsequently discovered; however, for immaterial prior year revisions,
reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are not required to be amended. SAB No. 108
became effective as of December 31, 2006. We applied the guidance provided in SAB No. 108 in the
fourth quarter of 2006, and identified three matters in prior reporting periods which were deemed
immaterial to those periods using a consistent evaluation methodology (the rollover method). They
were as follows:
|
|
|
In 1998, we entered into a sale-leaseback transaction in which a gain
was recognized at the time of sale as opposed to over the lease
period. In addition, we did not use straight-line rental accounting
for the expected lease payments related to this transaction. To
correct these entries, in the fourth quarter of 2006, we recorded an
entry to increase liabilities by approximately $3.3 million and
decrease retained earnings by approximately $2.1 million, net of tax; |
|
|
|
|
Our previous methodology for recording legal expenses ensured that we
incurred twelve months of expense in each year. However, the actual
timing and amount of the legal bills received led to an understated
liability on the balance sheet. In the fourth quarter of 2006, we
recorded a liability of approximately $1.2 million and a decrease in
retained earnings of approximately $0.5 million, net of taxes (as the
remaining portion of these costs were capitalizable), to properly
record incurred legal expenses; and |
|
|
|
|
We previously under-recorded the liability related to restricted stock
by approximately $0.7 million, which was corrected in the fourth
quarter of 2006. There was no impact to consolidated shareholders
equity as a result of this correction, as the liability for restricted
stock is recorded in equity. |
- 50 -
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This statement
defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted
accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. For financial assets
subject to fair value measurements, SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007. In November 2007, the FASB granted a deferral for the application of
SFAS No. 157 with regard to non-financial assets until fiscal years beginning after November 15,
2008. The adoption of the pronouncement for financial assets did not have a material impact on our
consolidated financial statements. Our annual fair value measurement of our reporting units under
step 1 of the SFAS No. 142 goodwill impairment test represents the only significant fair value
measurement on a recurring basis for which we expect to be impacted by the adoption of SFAS No. 157
with regard to non-financial assets in 2009. In addition, any fair value measurements related to
long-lived asset impairments under SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or
Disposal Activities, would be subject to the provisions of SFAS No. 157 as well. The adoption of
this standard did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) of the FASB reached consensus on
EITF Issue No. 06-4, Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of
Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements (EITF 06-4). The scope of EITF 06-4 is
limited to the recognition of a liability and related compensation costs for endorsement
split-dollar life insurance arrangements that provide a benefit to an employee that extends to
postretirement periods. EITF 06-4 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007.
In accordance with the standard, we recorded the present value of the expected future policy
premiums for one such insurance policy, an amount of approximately $2.0 million, as an adjustment
to retained earnings in 2008.
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation (FIN) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty
in Income Taxes. In summary, FIN 48 requires that all tax positions subject to SFAS No. 109,
Accounting for Income Taxes, be analyzed using a two-step approach. The first step requires an
entity to determine if a tax position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination. In
the second step, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit, determined on a
cumulative probability basis, that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement.
FIN 48 was effective as of January 1, 2007, with any adjustment in a companys tax provision being
accounted for as a cumulative effect of accounting change in beginning equity. On January 1, 2007,
we adopted the provisions of FIN 48. As required by FIN 48, the cumulative effect of applying the
provisions of the Interpretation were reported as an adjustment to our retained earnings
balance as of January 1, 2007. We recognized a $4.6 million increase in our liability for
unrecognized tax benefits with a corresponding decrease to the fiscal year 2007 opening
balance of retained earnings. In the first six months of 2009, we increased our liability for unrecognized tax
benefits by $0.8 million. As of July 5, 2009, we had approximately
$8.3 million accrued for unrecognized tax benefits.
In June 2006, the EITF reached a consensus on Issue No. 06-03, How Taxes Collected from
Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement
(That Is, Gross versus Net Presentation) (EITF 06-03). EITF 06-03 concludes that (a) the scope
of this issue includes any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a
revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer, and (b) that the presentation of
taxes within the scope on either a gross or a net basis is an accounting policy decision that
should be disclosed under Opinion 22. Furthermore, for taxes reported on a gross basis, a company
should disclose the amounts of those taxes in interim and annual financial statements for each
period for which an income statement is presented. EITF 06-03 is effective for periods beginning
after December 15, 2006. This standard did not have a material impact on our results of operations
or financial position.
- 51 -
BUSINESS
General
We are a worldwide leader in design, production and sales of modular carpet, and a
manufacturer, marketer and servicer of select other floorcovering products for the commercial,
institutional and residential markets. Our global market share of the specified carpet tile segment
is approximately 35%, which we believe is more than double that of our nearest competitor. In
recent years, modular carpet sales growth in the floorcovering industry has significantly outpaced
the growth of the overall industry, as architects, designers and end users increasingly recognized
the unique and superior attributes of modular carpet, including its dynamic design capabilities,
greater economic value (which includes lower costs as a result of reduced waste in both
installation and replacement), and installation ease and speed. Our Modular Carpet segment sales,
which do not include modular carpet sales in our Bentley Prince Street segment, grew from
$563.4 million to $946.8 million during the 2004 to 2008 period, representing a 14% compound annual
growth rate. For the twelve-month period ended July 5, 2009, we generated consolidated revenues
and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $936.2 million and $104.7 million, respectively.
Our Bentley Prince Street brand is a leader in the high-end, designer-oriented sector of the
broadloom market segment, where custom design and high quality are the principal specifying and
purchasing factors.
As a global company with a reputation for high quality, reliability and premium positioning,
we market products in over 110 countries under established brand names such as InterfaceFLOR,
Heuga, Bentley Prince Street and FLOR in modular carpet; Bentley Prince Street and Prince Street
House and Home in broadloom carpet; and Intersept in antimicrobial chemicals. Our principal
geographic markets are the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific, where the percentages of our total
net sales were approximately 55%, 34% and 11%, respectively, for fiscal year 2008, and were
approximately 57%, 32% and 11%, respectively, for the first six months of 2009.
Capitalizing on our leadership in modular carpet for the corporate office segment, we embarked
on a market diversification strategy in 2001 to increase our presence and market share for modular
carpet in non-corporate office market segments, such as government, healthcare, hospitality,
education and retail space, which combined are almost twice the size of the approximately
$1 billion U.S. corporate office segment. In 2003, we expanded our diversification strategy to
target the approximately $11 billion U.S. residential market segment for carpet. As a result, our
mix of corporate office versus non-corporate office modular carpet sales in the Americas shifted to
45% and 55%, respectively, for 2008 compared with 64% and 36%, respectively, in 2001.
(Company-wide, our mix of corporate office versus non-corporate
office sales was 60% and 40%, respectively, in 2008, and 55% and 45%, respectively, in the
first six months of 2009.) We believe the appeal and utilization of modular carpet is growing in each
of these non-corporate office segments, and we are using our considerable skills and experience
with designing, producing and marketing modular products that make us the market leader in the
corporate office segment to support and facilitate our penetration into these new segments around
the world.
Our modular carpet leadership, strong business model and market diversification strategy,
restructuring initiatives and sustained strategic investments in innovative product concepts and
designs enabled us to weather successfully the unprecedented downturn, both in severity and
duration, that affected the commercial interiors industry from 2001 to 2003. As a result, we were
well-positioned to capitalize on improved market conditions when the commercial interiors industry
began to recover in 2004. From 2004 to 2008, we increased our net sales from $695.3 million to
$1.1 billion, a 12% compound annual growth rate.
In the fourth quarter of 2008, and particularly in November and December, the worldwide
financial and credit crisis caused many corporations, governments and other organizations to delay
or curtail spending on renovation and construction projects where our carpet is used. This downturn
negatively impacted our performance. In the fourth quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2009, we
announced restructuring plans pursuant to which we are ceasing manufacturing operations at our
facility in Canada, reducing our worldwide employee base by a total of approximately 820 employees
in the areas of manufacturing, sales and administration and continuing other actions taken to
better align fixed costs with demand for our products. The employee reductions amount to about 20%
of our worldwide workforce. The plan is intended to reduce costs across our worldwide operations,
and more closely align our operations with the decreased demand levels that we began experiencing
in the fourth quarter of 2008.
- 52 -
Our
Strengths
Our principal competitive strengths include:
Market Leader in Attractive Modular Carpet Segment. We are the worlds leading manufacturer of
carpet tile with a market share in the specified carpet tile segment (the segment in which
architects and designers are heavily involved in specifying, or selecting, the carpet) of
approximately 35%, which we believe is more than double that of our nearest competitor. Modular
carpet has become more prevalent across all commercial interiors markets as designers, architects
and end users have become more familiar with its unique attributes. We continue to drive this trend
with our product innovations and designs discussed below. According to the 2008 Floor Focus
interiors industry survey of the top 250 designers in the United States, carpet tile was ranked as
the number one hot product for the seventh consecutive year. We believe that we are well
positioned to lead and capitalize upon the continued shift to modular carpet, both domestically and
around the world.
Established Brands and Reputation for Quality, Reliability and Leadership. Our products are
known in the industry for their high quality, reliability and premium positioning in the
marketplace. Our established brand names in carpets are leaders in the industry. The 2008 Floor
Focus survey ranked our InterfaceFLOR brand first or second in each of the survey categories of
quality, performance, value and service. Interface companies also ranked first and third in the
category of best overall business experience for carpet companies in this survey. On the
international front, InterfaceFLOR and Heuga are well-recognized brand names in carpet tiles for
commercial, institutional and residential use. More generally, as the appeal and utilization of
modular carpet continues to expand into new market segments such as education, hospitality and
retail space, our reputation as the pioneer of modular carpet as well as our established brands
and leading market position for modular carpet in the corporate office segment will enhance our
competitive advantage in marketing to the customers in these new markets.
Innovative Product Design and Development Capabilities. Our product design and development
capabilities have long given us a significant competitive advantage, and they continue to do so as
modular carpets appeal and utilization expand across virtually every market segment and around the
globe. One of our best design innovations is our i2 modular product line, which includes our
popular Entropy product for which we received a patent in 2005 on the key elements of its design.
The i2 line introduced and features mergeable dye lots, and includes carpet tile products designed
to be installed randomly without reference to the orientation of neighboring tiles. The i2 line
offers cost-efficient installation and maintenance, interactive flexibility, and recycled and
recyclable materials. Our i2 line of products, which now comprises more than 40% of our total
U.S. modular carpet business, represents a differentiated category of smart, environmentally
sensitive and stylish modular carpet, and Entropy has become the fastest growing product in our
history. The award-winning design firm David Oakey Designs had a pivotal role in developing our i2
product line, and our long-standing exclusive relationship with David Oakey Designs remains vibrant
and augments our internal research, development and design staff. Another recent innovation is our
patent-pending TacTiles carpet tile installation system, which uses small squares of adhesive
plastic film to connect intersecting carpet tiles, thus eliminating the need for traditional carpet
adhesive and resulting in a reduction in installation time and waste materials.
Made-to-Order and Global Manufacturing Capabilities. The success of our modernization and
restructuring of operations over the past several years gives us a distinct competitive advantage
in meeting two principal requirements of the specified products markets we primarily target that
is, providing custom samples quickly and on-time delivery of customized final products. We also can
generate realistic digital samples that allow us to create a virtually unlimited number of new
design concepts and distribute them instantly for customer review, while at the same time reducing
sampling waste. Approximately 75% to 80% of our modular carpet products in the United States and
Asia-Pacific markets are now made-to-order, and we are increasing our made-to-order production in
Europe as well. Our made-to-order capabilities not only enhance our marketing and sales, they
significantly improve our inventory turns. Our global manufacturing capabilities in modular carpet
production are an important component of this strength, and give us an advantage in serving the
needs of multinational corporate customers that require products and services at various locations
around the world. Our manufacturing locations across four continents enable us to compete
effectively with local producers in our international markets, while giving international customers
more favorable delivery times and freight costs.
- 53 -
Recognized Global Leadership in Ecological Sustainability. Our long-standing goal and
commitment to be ecologically sustainable that is, the point at which we are no longer a net
taker from the earth and do no harm to the biosphere has emerged as a competitive strength for
our business and remains a strategic initiative. It now includes Mission Zero, our global branding
initiative, which represents our mission to eliminate any negative impact our companies may have on
the environment by the year 2020. Our acknowledged leadership position and expertise in this area
resonate deeply with many of our customers and prospects around the globe, and provide us with a
differentiating advantage in competing for business among architects, designers and end users of
our products, who increasingly make purchase decisions based on green factors. The 2008 Floor
Focus survey, which named our InterfaceFLOR business the top among Green Leaders and gave us the
top honors for Green Kudos, found that 70% of the designers surveyed consider sustainability an
added benefit and 29% consider it a make or break issue when deciding what products to recommend
or purchase.
Strong Operating Leverage Position. Our operating leverage, which we define as our ability to
realize profit on incremental sales, is strong and allows us to increase earnings at a higher rate
than our rate of increase in net sales. Our operating leverage position is primarily a result of
(1) the specified, high-end nature and premium positioning of our principal products in the
marketplace, and (2) the mix of fixed and
variable costs in our manufacturing processes that allow us to increase production of most of
our products without significant increases in capital expenditures or fixed costs. For example,
while net sales from our Modular Carpet segment increased from $563.4 million in 2004 to
$946.8 million in 2008, our operating income (after $10.7 million in restructuring charges in
2008) from that segment increased from $63.9 million (11.3% of net sales) in 2004 to $109.3 million
(11.5% of net sales, or 12.7% of net sales excluding the 2008 restructuring charges) in 2008.
Experienced and Motivated Management and Sales Force. An important component of our
competitive position is the quality of our management team and its commitment to developing and
maintaining an engaged and accountable workforce. Our team is highly skilled and dedicated to
guiding our overall growth and expansion into our targeted market segments, while maintaining our
leadership in traditional markets and our high contribution margins. We utilize an internal
marketing and predominantly commissioned sales force of approximately 730 experienced personnel,
stationed at over 70 locations in over 30 countries, to market our products and services in person
to our customers. We have also developed special features for our incentive compensation and our
sales and marketing training programs in order to promote performance and facilitate leadership by
our executives in strategic areas.
Our
Business Strategy and Principal Initiatives
Our business strategy is (1) to continue to use our leading position in the modular carpet
market segment and our product design and global made-to-order capabilities as a platform from
which to drive acceptance of modular carpet products across several industry segments, while
maintaining our leadership position in the corporate office market segment, and (2) to return to
our historical profit levels in the high- end, designer-oriented sector of the broadloom carpet
market. We will seek to increase revenues and profitability by capitalizing on the above strengths
and pursuing the following key strategic initiatives:
Continue to Penetrate Non-Corporate Office Market Segments. We will continue our strategic
focus on product design and marketing and sales efforts for non-corporate office market segments
such as government, education, healthcare, hospitality, retail and residential space. We began this
initiative as part of our market diversification strategy in 2001 (when our initial objective was
reducing our exposure to the more severe economic cyclicality of the corporate office segment), and
it has become a principal strategy generally for growing our business and enhancing profitability.
We have shifted our mix of corporate office versus non- corporate office modular carpet sales in
the Americas to 45% and 55%, respectively, for fiscal 2008 from 64% and 36%, respectively, in
fiscal 2001. To implement this strategy, we:
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introduced specialized product offerings tailored to the unique
demands of these segments, including specific designs, functionalities
and prices; |
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created special sales teams dedicated to penetrating these segments at
a high level, with a focus on specific customer accounts rather than
geographic territories; and |
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realigned incentives for our corporate office segment sales force
generally in order to encourage their efforts, and where appropriate,
to assist our penetration of these other segments. |
- 54 -
As part of this strategy, we launched our FLOR and Prince Street House and Home lines of
products in 2003 to focus on the approximately $11 billion U.S. residential carpet market segment.
These products were specifically created to bring high style modular and broadloom floorcovering to
the U.S. residential market. FLOR is offered by many specialty retailers, over the Internet and in
a number of major retail catalogs. Through such direct and indirect retailing, FLOR sales have
grown over four-fold from 2004 to 2008. Prince Street House and Home brings new colors and patterns
to the high-end consumer market with
a collection of broadloom carpet and rugs sold through hundreds of retail stores and interior
designers. Through agreements between our FLOR brand and both Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and
the national homebuilder KB Home, we are further expanding our penetration of the U.S. residential
market with a line of Martha Stewart-branded carpet tiles. Through our Heuga Home division, we have
been increasing our marketing of modular carpet to the residential segment of international soft
floorcovering markets, the size of which we believe to be approximately $2.3 billion in Western
Europe alone.
Penetrate Expanding Geographic Markets for Modular Products. The popularity of modular carpet
continues to increase compared with other floorcovering products across most markets,
internationally as well as in the United States. While maintaining our leadership in the corporate
office segment, we will continue to build upon our position as the worldwide leader for modular
carpet in order to promote sales in all market segments globally. A principal part of our
international focus which utilizes our global marketing capabilities and sales infrastructure
is the significant opportunities in several emerging geographic markets for modular carpet. Some of
these markets, such as China, India and Eastern Europe, represent large and growing economies that
are essentially new markets for modular carpet products. Others, such as Germany and Italy, are
established markets that are transitioning to the use of modular carpet from historically low
levels of penetration. Each of these emerging markets represents a significant growth opportunity
for our modular carpet business. Our initiative to penetrate these markets will include drawing
upon our internationally recognized InterfaceFLOR and Heuga brands.
Use Strong Free Cash Flow Generation to De-leverage Our Balance Sheet. Our principal
businesses have been structured including through our rationalization and repositioning
initiatives over the past seven years to yield high contribution margins and generate strong free
cash flow (by which we mean cash available to apply towards debt service). Our historical
investments in global manufacturing capabilities and mass customization techniques and facilities,
which we have maintained, also contribute to our ability to generate substantial levels of free
cash flow. We will use our strong free cash flow generation capability to continue to repay debt
and strengthen our financial position. We will also continue to execute programs to reduce costs
further and enhance free cash flow. In addition, our existing capacity to increase production
levels without significant capital expenditures will further enhance our generation of free cash
flow if and when demand for our products rises.
Sustain Leadership in Product Design and Development. As discussed above, our leadership
position for product design and development is a competitive advantage and key strength, especially
in the modular carpet market segment, where our i2 products and recent TacTiles installation system
have confirmed our position as an innovation leader. We will continue initiatives to sustain,
augment and capitalize upon that strength to continue to increase our market share in targeted
market segments. Our Mission Zero global branding initiative, which draws upon and promotes our
ecological sustainability commitment, is part of those initiatives and includes placing our Mission
Zero logo on many of our marketing and merchandising materials distributed throughout the world.
Continue to Minimize Expenses and Invest Strategically. We have steadily trimmed costs from
our operations for several years through multiple and sometimes painful initiatives, which have
made us leaner today and for the future. Our supply chain and other cost containment initiatives
have improved our cost structure and yielded the operating efficiencies we sought. While we still
seek to minimize our expenses in order to increase profitability, we will also take advantage of
strategic opportunities to invest in systems, processes and personnel that can help us grow our
business and increase profitability and value.
Certain
Challenges
In order to capitalize on our strengths and to implement successfully our
business strategy and the principal initiatives discussed above, we will have to handle successfully several challenges that confront us or that affect our
industry in general. As discussed in the Risk Factors section
beginning on page 13, several factors could make it difficult for us, including:
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sales of our principal products have been and may continue to be affected by adverse economic cycles in the renovation and construction of commercial and institutional buildings; |
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we compete with a large number of manufacturers in the highly competitive commercial floorcovering products market, and some of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do; |
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our success depends significantly upon the efforts, abilities and continued service of our senior management executives and our principal design consultant, and our loss of any of them could affect us adversely; |
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our substantial international operations are subject to various political, economic and other uncertainties that could adversely affect our business results; |
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large increases in the cost of petroleum-based raw materials could adversely affect us if we are unable to pass these cost increases through to our customers; |
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unanticipated termination or interruption of any of our arrangements with our primary third party suppliers of synthetic fiber could have a material adverse effect on us; and |
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we have a significant amount of indebtedness, which could have important negative consequences to us. |
We believe our business model is strong enough, and our strategic initiatives are properly calibrated, for us to handle these and other challenges we will encounter in our business.
Floorcovering Products and Services
Interface is the worlds largest manufacturer and marketer of modular carpet, with a global
specified carpet tile market share that we believe is approximately 35%. We also manufacture and
sell broadloom carpet, which generally consists of tufted carpet sold primarily in twelve-foot
rolls, under the Bentley Prince Street brand. Our broadloom operations focus on the high quality,
designer-oriented sector of the U.S. broadloom carpet market and select international markets.
- 55 -
Modular Carpet
Our modular carpet system, which is marketed under the established global brands InterfaceFLOR
and Heuga, and more recently under the Bentley Prince Street brand, utilizes carpet tiles cut in
precise, dimensionally stable squares (usually 50 cm x 50 cm) or rectangles to produce a
floorcovering that combines the appearance and texture of traditional soft floorcovering with the
advantages of a modular carpet system. Our GlasBac technology employs a fiberglass-reinforced
polymeric composite backing that provides dimensional stability and reduces the need for adhesives
or fasteners. We also make carpet tiles with a backing containing post-industrial and/or
post-consumer recycled materials, which we market under the GlasBacRE brand. In 2008, we introduced
the Convert collection of carpet tile designed and manufactured with yarn containing varying
degrees of post-consumer nylon, depending on the style and color.
Our carpet tile has become popular for a number of reasons. Carpet tile incorporating this
reinforced backing may be easily removed and replaced, permitting rearrangement of furniture
without the inconvenience and expense associated with removing, replacing or repairing other soft
surface flooring products, including broadloom carpeting. Because a relatively small portion of a
carpet installation often receives the bulk of traffic and wear, the ability to rotate carpet tiles
between high traffic and low traffic areas and to selectively replace worn tiles can significantly
increase the average life and cost efficiency of the floorcovering. In addition, carpet tile
facilitates access to sub-floor air delivery systems and telephone, electrical, computer and other
wiring by lessening disruption of operations. It also eliminates the cumulative damage and
unsightly appearance commonly associated with frequent cutting of conventional carpet as utility
connections and disconnections are made. We believe that, within the overall floorcovering market,
the worldwide demand for modular carpet is increasing as more customers recognize these advantages.
We use a number of conventional and technologically advanced methods of carpet construction to
produce carpet tiles in a wide variety of colors, patterns, textures, pile heights and densities.
These varieties are designed to meet both the practical and aesthetic needs of a broad spectrum of
commercial interiors particularly offices, healthcare facilities, airports, educational and other
institutions, hospitality spaces, and retail facilities and residential interiors. Our carpet
tile systems permit distinctive styling and patterning that can be used to complement interior
designs, to set off areas for particular purposes and to convey graphic information. While we
continue to manufacture and sell a substantial portion of our carpet tile in standard styles, an
increasing percentage of our modular carpet sales is custom or made-to-order product designed to
meet customer specifications.
In addition to general uses of our carpet tile, we produce and sell a specially adapted
version of our carpet tile for the healthcare facilities market. Our carpet tile possesses
characteristics such as the use of the Intersept antimicrobial, static-controlling nylon yarns,
and thermally pigmented, colorfast yarns which make it suitable for use in these facilities in
place of hard surface flooring. Moreover, we launched our FLOR line of products to specifically
target modular carpet sales to the residential market segment. Through our relationship with David
Oakey Designs, we also have created modular carpet products (some of which are part of our i2
product line) specifically designed for each of the education, hospitality and retail market
segment.
We also manufacture and sell two-meter roll goods that are structure-backed and offer many of
the advantages of both carpet tile and broadloom carpet. These roll goods are often used in
conjunction with carpet tiles to create special design effects. Our current principal customers for
these products are in the education, healthcare and government market segments.
Broadloom Carpet
We maintain a significant share of the high-end, designer-oriented broadloom carpet segment by
combining innovative product design and short production and delivery times with a marketing
strategy aimed at interior designers, architects and other specifiers. Our Bentley Prince Street
designs emphasize the dramatic use of color and multi-dimensional texture. In addition, we have
launched the Prince Street House and Home collection of high-style broadloom carpet and area rugs
targeted at design-oriented residential consumers. We received the 2007 Best of NeoCon Silver Award
in the modular category for the Saturnia Collection, which is made up of carpet tile and broadloom
products.
- 56 -
Other Products
We sell a proprietary antimicrobial chemical compound under the registered trademark
Intersept. We incorporate Intersept in all of our modular carpet products and have licensed
Intersept to another company for use in air filters. We also sell our TacTiles carpet tile
installation system, along with a variety of traditional adhesives and products for carpet
installation and maintenance that are manufactured by a third party. In addition, we continue to
manufacture and sell our Intercell brand raised/access flooring product in Europe.
Services
For several years, we provided or arranged for commercial carpet installation services,
primarily through our Re:Source service provider network. During the years leading up to 2004, our
owned Re:Source dealer businesses experienced decreased sales volume and intense pricing pressure,
primarily due to the economic downturn in the commercial interiors industry. As a result, we
decided to exit our owned Re:Source dealer businesses, and in 2005 we completed the exit activities
related to the owned dealer businesses. In early 2006, we sold certain assets relating to our
aligned non-owned dealer network, and have since discontinued its operations as well. We continue
to provide turnkey project management services for national accounts and other large customers
through our InterfaceSERVICES business. For each of the past three years, this business represented
less than 5% of our consolidated net sales.
Marketing and Sales
We have traditionally focused our carpet marketing strategy on major accounts, seeking to
build lasting relationships with national and multinational end-users, and on architects,
engineers, interior designers, contracting firms, and other specifiers who often make or
significantly influence purchasing decisions. While most of our sales are in the corporate office
segment, both new construction and renovation, we also emphasize sales in other segments, including
retail space, government institutions, schools, healthcare facilities, tenant improvement space,
hospitality centers, residences and home office space. Our marketing efforts are enhanced by the
established and well-known brand names of our carpet products, including the InterfaceFLOR, FLOR
and Heuga brands in modular carpet and Bentley Prince Street brand in broadloom carpet. Our
exclusive consulting agreement with the award-winning, premier design firm David Oakey Designs
enabled us to introduce more than 38 new carpet designs in the United States in 2008 alone.
An important part of our marketing and sales efforts involves the preparation of custom-made
samples of requested carpet designs, in conjunction with the development of innovative product
designs and styles to meet the customers particular needs. Our mass customization initiative
simplified our carpet manufacturing operations, which significantly improved our ability to respond
quickly and efficiently to requests for samples. In most cases, we can produce samples to customer
specifications in less than five days, which significantly enhances our marketing and sales efforts
and has increased our volume of higher
margin custom or made-to-order sales. In addition, through our websites, we have made it easy
to view and request samples of our products. We also have technology which allows us to provide
digital, simulated samples of our products, which helps reduce raw material and energy consumption
associated with our samples.
We primarily use our internal marketing and sales force to market our carpet products. In
order to implement our global marketing efforts, we have product showrooms or design studios in the
United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Denmark, England, Northern Ireland, France, Germany, Spain,
Belgium, the Netherlands, India, Australia, Japan, Italy, Norway, United Arab Emirates, Russia,
Singapore, Hong Kong and China. We expect to open offices in other locations around the world as
necessary to capitalize on emerging marketing opportunities.
Manufacturing
We manufacture carpet at three locations in the United States and at facilities in the
Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Australia and Thailand. Pursuant to our restructuring plan adopted
in the fourth quarter of 2008, we are ceasing manufacturing operations at our facility in Canada.
- 57 -
Having foreign manufacturing operations enables us to supply our customers with carpet from
the location offering the most advantageous delivery times, duties and tariffs, exchange rates, and
freight expense, and enhances our ability to develop a strong local presence in foreign markets. We
believe that the ability to offer consistent products and services on a worldwide basis at
attractive prices is an important competitive advantage in servicing multinational customers
seeking global supply relationships. We will consider additional locations for manufacturing
operations in other parts of the world as necessary to meet the demands of customers in
international markets.
We are in the process of further standardizing our worldwide modular carpet manufacturing
procedures. In connection with the implementation of this plan, we are seeking to establish global
standards for our tufting equipment, yarn systems and product styling. We previously had changed
our standard carpet tile size to be 50 cm x 50 cm, which we believe has allowed us to reduce
operational waste and fossil fuel energy consumption and to offer consistent product sizing for our
global customers.
We also implemented a new, flexible-inputs carpet backing line at our modular carpet
manufacturing facility in LaGrange, Georgia. Using next generation thermoplastic technology, the
custom-designed backing line dramatically improves our ability to keep reclaimed and waste carpet
in the production technical loop, and further permits us to explore other plastics and polymers
as inputs. This new process, which we call Cool Blue, came on line for production of certain
carpet styles in late 2005. In 2007, we implemented new technology that more cleanly separates the
face fiber and backing of reclaimed and waste carpet, thus making it easier to recycle some of its
components and providing a purer supply of inputs for the Cool Blue process. This technology, which
is part of our ReEntry 2.0 carpet reclamation program, allows us to send some of the reclaimed face
fiber back to our fiber supplier to be blended with virgin or other post-industrial materials and
extruded into new fiber.
The environmental management systems of our floorcovering manufacturing facilities in
LaGrange, Georgia, West Point, Georgia, City of Industry, California, Shelf, England, Northern
Ireland, Australia, the Netherlands and Thailand are certified under International Standards
Organization (ISO) Standard No. 14001.
Our significant international operations are subject to various political, economic and other
uncertainties, including risks of restrictive taxation policies, foreign exchange restrictions,
changing
political conditions and governmental regulations. We also receive a substantial portion of
our revenues in currencies other than U.S. dollars, which makes us subject to the risks inherent in
currency translations. Although our ability to manufacture and ship products from facilities in
several foreign countries reduces the risks of foreign currency fluctuations we might otherwise
experience, we also engage from time to time in hedging programs intended to further reduce those
risks.
Competition
We compete, on a global basis, in the sale of our floorcovering products with other carpet
manufacturers and manufacturers of vinyl and other types of floorcoverings. Although the industry
has experienced significant consolidation, a large number of manufacturers remain in the industry.
We believe we are the largest manufacturer of modular carpet in the world, possessing a global
market share that we believe is approximately twice that of our nearest competitor. However, a
number of domestic and foreign competitors manufacture modular carpet as one segment of their
business, and some of these competitors have financial resources greater than ours. In addition,
some of the competing carpet manufacturers have the ability to extrude at least some of their
requirements for fiber used in carpet products, which decreases their dependence on third party
suppliers of fiber.
We believe the principal competitive factors in our primary floorcovering markets are brand
recognition, quality, design, service, broad product lines, product performance, marketing strategy
and pricing. In the corporate office market segment, modular carpet competes with various
floorcoverings, of which broadloom carpet is the most common. The quality, service, design, better
and longer average product performance, flexibility (design options, selective rotation or
replacement, use in combination with roll goods) and convenience of our modular carpet are our
principal competitive advantages.
We believe we have competitive advantages in several other areas as well. First, our exclusive
relationship with David Oakey Designs allows us to introduce numerous innovative and attractive
floorcovering products to our customers. Additionally, we believe that our global manufacturing
capabilities are an important competitive advantage in serving the needs of multinational corporate
customers. We believe that the incorporation of the Intersept antimicrobial chemical agent into the
backing of our modular carpet enhances our ability to compete successfully across all of our market
segments generally, and specifically with resilient tile in the healthcare market.
- 58 -
In addition, we believe that our goal and commitment to be ecologically sustainable by 2020
is a brand-enhancing, competitive strength as well as a strategic initiative. Increasingly, our
customers are concerned about the environmental and broader ecological implications of their
operations and the products they use in them. Our leadership, knowledge and expertise in the area,
especially in the green building movement and the related LEED certification program, resonate
deeply with many of our customers and prospects around the globe, and these businesses are
increasingly making purchase decisions based on green factors. Our modular carpet products
historically have had inherent installation and maintenance advantages that translated into greater
efficiency and waste reduction. We have further enhanced the green quality of our modular carpet
in our highly successful i2 product line, and we are using raw materials and production
technologies, such as our Cool Blue and our ReEntry 2.0 reclaimed carpet separation processes, that
directly reduce the adverse impact of those operations on the environment and limit our dependence
on petrochemicals.
To further raise awareness of our goal of becoming sustainable, we launched our Mission Zero
global branding initiative, which represents our mission to eliminate any negative impact our
companies may have on the environment by the year 2020. As part of this initiative, our Mission
Zero logo appears on many of our marketing and merchandising materials distributed throughout the
world. To further our Mission Zero
goals, we partnered with other like-minded organizations to launch the website missionzero.org
in 2008 to facilitate the sharing of ideas, best practices and resources in the area of
sustainability.
Interior Fabrics
During the years leading up to 2007, we decided to focus on leveraging the opportunities
within our core modular carpet and Bentley Prince Street divisions, which have delivered
consistently strong performance. In July 2007, we sold our Fabrics Group business segment to a
third party. This business designs, manufactures and markets specialty fabrics for open plan office
furniture systems and other commercial interiors. In April 2006, we sold our European fabrics
business to an entity formed by the businesss management team. Current and prior periods have been
restated to include the results of operations and related disposal costs, gains and losses for
these businesses as discontinued operations. In addition, assets and liabilities of these
businesses have been reported in assets and liabilities held for sale for all reported periods.
Specialty Products
In March 2007, we sold Pandel, Inc., our subsidiary that historically conducted our Specialty
Products business segment. Pandel produces vinyl carpet tile backing and specialty mat and foam
products.
Product Design, Research and Development
We maintain an active research, development and design staff of approximately 60 people and
also draw on the research and development efforts of our suppliers, particularly in the areas of
fibers, yarns and modular carpet backing materials. Our research and development costs were
$15.3 million, $15.8 million and $13.6 million in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
Our research and development team provides technical support and advanced materials research
and development for the entire family of Interface companies. The team assisted in the development
of our NexStep backing, which employs moisture-impervious polycarbite precoating technology with a
chlorine-free urethane foam secondary backing, and also helped develop a post-consumer recycled
content, polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, extruded sheet process that has been incorporated into our
GlasBacRE modular carpet backing. Our post-consumer recycled content PVC extruded sheet exemplifies
our commitment to closing-the-loop in recycling. More recently, this team developed our
patent-pending TacTiles carpet tile installation system, which uses small squares of adhesive
plastic film to connect intersecting carpet tiles. The team also helped implement our Cool Blue
flexible inputs backing line and our ReEntry 2.0 reclaimed carpet separation technology and
post-consumer recycling technology for nylon face fibers. With a goal of supporting sustainable
product designs in floorcoverings applications, we continue to evaluate 100% renewable polymers
based on corn-derived polylactic acid (PLA) for use in our products.
Our research and development team also is the coordinator of our QUEST and EcoSense
initiatives (discussed below under Environmental Initiatives) and supports the dissemination,
consultancies and technical communication of our global sustainability endeavors. This team also
provides all biochemical and technical support to Intersept antimicrobial chemical product
initiatives.
- 59 -
Innovation and increased customization in product design and styling are the principal focus
of our product development efforts. Our carpet design and development team is recognized as an
industry leader in carpet design and product engineering for the commercial and institutional
markets.
David Oakey Designs provides carpet design and consulting services to our floorcovering
businesses pursuant to a consulting agreement with us. David Oakey Designs services under the
agreement include creating commercial carpet designs for use by our floorcovering businesses
throughout the world, and overseeing product development, design and coloration functions for our
modular carpet business in North America. The current agreement runs through April 2011. While the
agreement is in effect, David Oakey Designs cannot provide similar services to any other carpet
company. Through our relationship with David Oakey Designs, we introduced more than 38 new carpet
designs in 2008 alone, and have enjoyed considerable success in winning U.S. carpet industry
awards.
David Oakey Designs also contributed to our implementation of the product development concept
simple inputs, pretty outputs resulting in the ability to efficiently produce many products
from a single yarn system. Our mass customization production approach evolved, in major part, from
this concept. In addition to increasing the number and variety of product designs, which enables us
to increase high margin custom sales, the mass customization approach increases inventory turns and
reduces inventory levels (for both raw materials and standard products) and their related costs
because of our more rapid and flexible production capabilities.
More recently, our i2 product line which includes, among others, our patented Entropy
modular carpet product represents an innovative breakthrough in the design of modular carpet. The
i2 line introduced and features mergeable dye lots, cost-efficient installation and maintenance,
interactive flexibility and recycled and recyclable materials. Some of these products may be
installed without regard to the directional orientation of the carpet tile, and their features also
make installation, maintenance and replacement of modular carpet easier, less expensive and less
wasteful.
Bentley Prince Street received the 2007 Best of NeoCon Silver Award in the modular category
for our Saturnia Collection, which is made up of carpet tile and broadloom products.
Environmental Initiatives
In the latter part of 1994, we commenced a new industrial ecological sustainability initiative
called EcoSense, inspired in part by the interest of customers concerned about the environmental
implications of how they and their suppliers do business. EcoSense, which includes our QUEST waste
reduction initiative, is directed towards the elimination of energy and raw materials waste in our
businesses, and, on a broader and more long-term scale, the practical reclamation and ultimate
restoration of shared environmental resources. The initiative involves a commitment by us:
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to learn to meet our raw material and energy needs through recycling
of carpet and other petrochemical products and harnessing benign
energy sources; and |
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to pursue the creation of new processes to help sustain the earths
non-renewable natural resources. |
We have engaged some of the worlds leading authorities on global ecology as environmental
advisors. The list of advisors includes: Paul Hawken, author of The Ecology of Commerce: A
Declaration of Sustainability and The Next Economy, and co-author with Amory Lovins and Hunter
Lovins of Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution; Mr. Lovins, energy
consultant and co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute; John Picard, President of E2
Environmental Enterprises; Jonathan Porritt, director of Forum for the Future; Bill Browning,
fellow and former director of the Rocky Mountain Institutes Green Development Services;
Dr. Karl-Henrik Robert, founder of The Natural Step; Janine M. Benyus, author of Biomimicry; Walter
Stahel, Swiss businessman and seminal thinker on environmentally responsible commerce; and Bob Fox,
renowned architect.
Our leadership, knowledge and expertise in this area, especially in the green building
movement and the related LEED certification program, resonate deeply with many of our customers and
prospects around the globe, and these businesses are increasingly making purchase decisions based
on green factors. As more customers in our target markets share our view that sustainability is
good business and not just good
deeds, our acknowledged leadership position should strengthen our brands and provide a
differentiated advantage in competing for business.
- 60 -
In 2006, we launched InterfaceRAISE, our consulting business that helps clients imagine, plan
and execute new ways of advancing business goals while responding to the needs of society and the
environment. The operations of this business are not a significant percentage of our consolidated
operations.
Backlog
Our backlog of unshipped orders (excluding discontinued operations) was approximately
$118.7 million at August 30, 2009, compared with
approximately $147.4 million at September 2, 2008.
Historically, backlog is subject to significant fluctuations due to the timing of orders for
individual large projects and currency fluctuations. All of the backlog orders at August 30, 2009 are
expected to be shipped during the succeeding six to nine months.
Patents and Trademarks
We own numerous patents in the United States and abroad on floorcovering and raised/access
flooring products, on manufacturing processes and on the use of our Intersept antimicrobial
chemical agent in various products. The duration of United States patents is between 14 and
20 years from the date of filing of a patent application or issuance of the patent; the duration of
patents issued in other countries varies from country to country. We maintain an active patent and
trade secret program in order to protect our proprietary technology, know-how and trade secrets.
Although we consider our patents to be very valuable assets, we consider our know-how and
technology even more important to our current business than patents, and, accordingly, believe that
expiration of existing patents or nonissuance of patents under pending applications would not have
a material adverse effect on our operations.
We also own many trademarks in the United States and abroad. In addition to the United States,
the primary countries in which we have registered our trademarks are the United Kingdom, Germany,
Italy, France, Canada, Australia, Japan, and various countries in Central and South America. Some
of our more prominent registered trademarks include: Interface, InterfaceFLOR, Heuga, Intersept,
GlasBac, Bentley Prince Street, Intercell, and Mission Zero. Trademark registrations in the United
States are valid for a period of 10 years and are renewable for additional 10-year periods as long
as the mark remains in actual use. The duration of trademarks registered in other countries varies
from country to country.
Employees
At March 31, 2009, we employed a total of 3,344 employees worldwide. Of such employees, 1,764
were clerical, staff, sales, supervisory and management personnel and 1,520 were manufacturing
personnel. We also utilized the services of 60 temporary personnel as of March 31, 2009.
Some of our production employees in Australia and the United Kingdom are represented by
unions. In the Netherlands, a Works Council, the members of which are Interface employees, is
required to be consulted by management with respect to certain matters relating to our operations
in that country, such as a change in control of Interface Europe B.V. (our modular carpet
subsidiary based in the Netherlands), and the approval of the Council is required for some of our
actions, including changes in compensation scales or employee benefits. Our management believes
that its relations with the Works Council, the unions and all of our employees are good.
Environmental Matters
Our operations are subject to laws and regulations relating to the generation, storage,
handling, emission, transportation and discharge of materials into the environment. The costs of
complying with environmental protection laws and regulations have not had a material adverse impact
on our financial condition or results of operations in the past and are not expected to have a
material adverse impact in the future. The environmental management systems of our floorcovering
manufacturing facilities in LaGrange, Georgia, West Point, Georgia, City of Industry, California,
Shelf, England, Northern Ireland, Australia, the Netherlands and Thailand are certified under ISO
Standard No. 14001.
Properties
We maintain our corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia in approximately 20,000 square feet
of leased space. The following table lists our principal manufacturing facilities and other
material physical locations, all of which we own except as otherwise noted:
- 61 -
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Floor |
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Space |
Location |
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Segment |
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(Sq. Ft.) |
Bangkok, Thailand(1)
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Modular Carpet
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129,000 |
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Craigavon, N. Ireland
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|
Modular Carpet
|
|
|
80,986 |
|
LaGrange, Georgia
|
|
Modular Carpet
|
|
|
375,000 |
|
LaGrange, Georgia
|
|
Modular Carpet
|
|
|
160,545 |
|
Picton, Australia
|
|
Modular Carpet
|
|
|
98,774 |
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Scherpenzeel, the
Netherlands
|
|
Modular Carpet
|
|
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245,424 |
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Shelf, England
|
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Modular Carpet
|
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206,882 |
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West Point, Georgia
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Modular Carpet
|
|
|
250,000 |
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City of Industry,
California(2)
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Bentley Prince Street
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539,641 |
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(1) |
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Owned by a joint venture in which we have a 70% interest. |
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(2) |
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Leased. |
We maintain marketing offices in over 70 locations in over 30 countries and distribution
facilities in approximately 40 locations in six countries. Most of our marketing locations and many
of our distribution facilities are leased. We also have a 78,389 square foot modular carpet
manufacturing facility in Belleville, Canada, where we have announced we are ceasing manufacturing
operations.
We believe that our manufacturing and distribution facilities and our marketing offices are
sufficient for our present operations. We will continue, however, to consider the desirability of
establishing additional facilities and offices in other locations around the world as part of our
business strategy to meet expanding global market demands. Substantially all of our owned
properties in the United States, Europe and Australia are subject to mortgages, which secure
borrowings under our credit facilities.
Legal Proceedings
We are not aware of any material pending legal proceedings involving us, or any of our
subsidiaries or any of our property. We are from time to time a party to litigation arising in the
ordinary course of business.
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DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS
The following description of some important terms of some of our indebtedness does not purport
to be complete and does not contain all the information that is important to you. For a more
complete understanding of such indebtedness, we encourage you to review the more detailed summary
of our indebtedness under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources and read the governing agreements and documents
underlying our indebtedness, that can be found in the documents and reports incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. (See Incorporation by Reference.)
Domestic Revolving Credit Facility
We amended our domestic revolving credit facility on January 1, 2008 and further amended such
facility on May 14, 2009. As amended, it provides for a maximum aggregate amount of loans and
letters of credit of up to $100 million (with the option to increase it to a maximum of
$150 million upon the satisfaction of certain conditions) at any one time, subject to the borrowing
base described below. The key features of the domestic revolving credit facility are as follows:
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The revolving credit facility currently matures on December 31, 2012; |
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The revolving credit facility includes a domestic U.S. dollar
syndicated loan and letter of credit facility made available to
Interface, Inc. up to the lesser of (1) $100 million, or (2) a
borrowing base equal to the sum of specified percentages of eligible
accounts receivable and inventory in the United States (the
percentages and eligibility requirements for the borrowing base are
specified in the credit facility), less certain reserves; |
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Advances under the revolving credit facility are secured by a
first-priority lien on substantially all of Interface, Inc.s assets
and the assets of each of its material domestic subsidiaries, which
have guaranteed the revolving credit facility; and |
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The revolving credit facility contains a financial covenant (a fixed
charge coverage ratio test) that becomes effective in the event that
our excess borrowing availability falls below $20 million. In such
event, we must comply with the financial covenant for a period
commencing on the last day of the fiscal quarter immediately preceding
such event (unless such event occurs on the last day of a fiscal
quarter, in which case the compliance period commences on such date)
and ending on the last day of the fiscal quarter immediately following
the fiscal quarter in which such event occurred. |
The revolving credit facility also includes various reporting, affirmative and negative
covenants, and other provisions that restrict our ability to take certain actions, including
provisions that restrict our ability to repay our long-term indebtedness unless we meet a specified
minimum excess availability test.
Interest Rates and Fees. Interest on borrowings and letters of credit under the revolving
credit facility is charged at varying rates computed by applying a margin (ranging from 1.75% to
2.50%, in the case of advances at a prime interest rate, and 3.25% to 4.00%, in the case of
advances at LIBOR) over a baseline rate (such as the prime interest rate or LIBOR), depending on
the type of borrowing and our average excess
borrowing availability during the most recently completed fiscal quarter. In addition, we pay
an unused line fee on the facility of 0.75%.
Prepayments. The revolving credit facility requires prepayment from the proceeds of certain
asset sales.
Covenants. The revolving credit facility also limits our ability, among other things, to:
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incur indebtedness or contingent obligations; |
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make acquisitions of or investments in businesses (in excess of certain specified amounts); |
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sell or dispose of assets (in excess of certain specified amounts); |
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create or incur liens on assets; and |
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enter into sale and leaseback transactions. |
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We are presently in compliance with all covenants under the revolving credit facility and
anticipate that we will remain in compliance with the covenants for the foreseeable future.
Events of Default. If we breach or fail to perform any of the affirmative or negative
covenants under the revolving credit facility, or if other specified events occur (such as a
bankruptcy or similar event or a change of control of Interface, Inc. or certain subsidiaries, or
if we breach or fail to perform any covenant or agreement contained in any instrument relating to
any of our other indebtedness exceeding $10 million), after giving effect to any applicable notice
and right to cure provisions, an event of default will exist. If an event of default exists and is
continuing, the lenders agent may, and upon the written request of a specified percentage of the
lender group, shall:
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declare all commitments of the lenders under the facility terminated; |
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declare all amounts outstanding or accrued thereunder immediately due and payable; and |
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exercise other rights and remedies available to them under the agreement and applicable law. |
Collateral. The revolving credit facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of
Interface, Inc. and its domestic subsidiaries (subject to exceptions for certain immaterial
subsidiaries), including all of the stock of our domestic subsidiaries and up to 65% of the stock
of our first-tier material foreign subsidiaries. If an event of default occurs under the revolving
credit facility, the lenders collateral agent may, upon the request of a specified percentage of
lenders, exercise remedies with respect to the collateral, including, in some instances,
foreclosing mortgages on real estate assets, taking possession of or selling personal property
assets, collecting accounts receivables, or exercising proxies to take control of the pledged stock
of domestic and first-tier material foreign subsidiaries.
May 14, 2009 Amendment. In addition to the terms summarized above (and in some cases in
duplication thereof), the amendment entered into on May 14, 2009 provided for:
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increased pricing as outlined above; |
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removal of equipment and real estate from the borrowing base; |
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the modification of certain rights and procedures with respect to defaulting lenders; |
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the consent to, in accordance with certain terms and procedures, the
issuance of the 11 3/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2013, including the
documentation related thereto and the grant of the security interest
granted pursuant thereto; and |
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certain thresholds relating to real property collateral requirements. |
As
of July 5, 2009, and June 29, 2008, we had no borrowings outstanding under the facility.
At July 5, 2009, we had $8.8 million outstanding in letters of credit under the facility. As of
July 5, 2009, we could have incurred $49.9 million of additional borrowings under the facility.
Foreign Credit Facilities
On April 24, 2009, our European subsidiary Interface Europe B.V. (and certain of its European
subsidiaries, collectively with Interface Europe B.V. referred to as the Borrower) entered into
an amended and restated Credit Agreement with ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Under the Credit Agreement (which
replaces a prior credit agreement with ABN AMRO Bank, N.V. executed on March 9, 2007), ABN AMRO
will provide a credit facility, until further notice, available to the Borrower. The key features
of the facility are as follows:
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The facility provides availability for borrowings and bank guarantees
in varying aggregate amounts over time as follows: |
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Maximum |
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Amount |
Time Period |
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in Euros |
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(in millions) |
May 1, 2009 September 30, 2009 |
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32 |
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October 1, 2009 September 30, 2010 |
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26 |
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October 1, 2010 September 30, 2011 |
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20 |
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October 1, 2011 September 30, 2012 |
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14 |
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From October 1, 2012 |
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8 |
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The facility is available to the Borrower for general working capital
needs and for paying dividends. |
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A sublimit of 5 million applies to bank guarantees with a tenor exceeding one year. |
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Interest on borrowings under the facility is charged at varying rates
computed by applying a margin of 1% over ABN AMROs Euro base rate
(consisting of the leading refinancing rate as determined from time to
time by the European Central Bank plus a debit interest surcharge),
which base rate is subject to a minimum of 3.5% per annum. Fees on
bank guarantees and documentary letters of credit are charged at a
rate of 1% per annum or part thereof on the maximum amount and for the
maximum duration of each guarantee or documentary letter of credit
issued. A facility fee of 0.5% per annum is payable with respect to
the facility amount. |
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The facility is secured by liens on certain real property, personal
property and other assets of the Borrower. |
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The facility also includes certain financial covenants (which require
the Borrower and its subsidiaries to maintain a minimum interest
coverage ratio, total debt/EBITDA ratio and tangible net worth/total
assets) and affirmative and negative covenants, and other provisions
that restrict the Borrowers ability (and the ability of certain of
the Borrowers subsidiaries) to take certain actions. |
As
of July 5, 2009, some of our other non-U.S. subsidiaries had an aggregate of the
equivalent of $9.5 million of lines of credit available, and there were no borrowings outstanding
under these lines of credit.
Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes
9.5% Senior Subordinated Notes
On February 4, 2004, we completed a private offering of $135 million in 9.5% Notes due 2014.
Interest on these notes is payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 beginning August 1,
2004. Proceeds from the issuance of these notes were used to redeem in full our previously
outstanding 9.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005 and to reduce borrowings under our revolving
credit facility.
These notes are guaranteed, fully, unconditionally, and jointly and severally, on an unsecured
senior subordinated basis by certain of Interface, Inc.s domestic subsidiaries. The notes became
redeemable for cash after February 1, 2009, at our option, in whole or in part, initially at a
redemption price equal to 104.75% of the principal amount, declining to 100% of the principal
amount on February 1, 2012, plus accrued interest thereon to the date fixed for redemption. As of
July 5, 2009, we had outstanding $135.0 million in 9.5%
Notes. The estimated fair value of the 9.5% Notes as of July 5, 2009, based on then current market
prices, was $123.7 million.
10.375% Senior Notes
On January 17, 2002, we completed a private offering of $175 million in 10.375% Notes due
2010. Interest is payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 beginning August 1, 2002.
Proceeds from the issuance of these notes were used to pay down the domestic revolving credit
facility.
The notes are guaranteed, fully, unconditionally, and jointly and severally, on an unsecured
senior basis by certain of Interface, Inc.s domestic subsidiaries. Proceeds from the issuance of
the original notes were used to redeem approximately $127.2 million in aggregate principal amount
of our outstanding 10.375% Notes through an all cash tender offer completed on May 29, 2009.
In the first six months of 2009, we repurchased $138.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 10.375% Notes (of which $127.2 million aggregate principal amount were repurchased in the second quarter of 2009 pursuant to the tender offer conducted by us).
As of
July 5, 2009, we had $14.6 million in outstanding 10.375% Notes. The estimated
fair value of the outstanding 10.375% Notes as of July 5, 2009, based on then current market prices, was $15.0 million.
11 3/8% Senior Secured Notes
On June 5, 2009, we completed a private offering of $150 million aggregate principal amount of 11 3/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2013. Interest on the 11 3/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 is payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 beginning November 1, 2009.
The notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis by certain
of our domestic subsidiaries. The notes are secured by a second-priority lien on substantially all of our and certain of our domestic subsidiaries
assets that secure our domestic revolving credit facility (discussed below) on a first-priority basis. The notes were sold at a price of 96.301% of their
face value, resulting in $144.5 million of gross proceeds. The $5.5 million original issue discount will be amortized over the life of the notes through interest
expense. After deducting the initial purchasers discount and other fees and expenses associated with the sale, net proceeds were $139.5 million. We used $132.9
million of those net proceeds to repurchase $127.2 million aggregate principal amount of our 10.375% Notes pursuant to a tender offer we conducted. (Included in the
$132.9 million used to repurchase the $127.2 million aggregate principal amount of 10.375% Notes was a purchase price premium of $5.7 million). In addition, we used
$4.5 million of the net proceeds to pay accrued interest on the $127.2 million aggregate principal amount of the 10.375% Notes that we repurchased. The remaining $2.1 million
of the net proceeds will be used to repay a portion of the 10.375% Notes that remain outstanding.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
You can find the definitions of the capitalized terms used in this description under the
subheading Certain Definitions. In this description, the words Company, we or us refer
only to Interface, Inc. and not to any of our subsidiaries. Notes refers to the original notes
issued on the Issue Date, the exchange notes issued therefor pursuant to this exchange offer, and
the possible Additional Notes.
The Company issued the original notes under an indenture (the Indenture) among itself, the
Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the Trustee). The terms of the Notes
include those stated in the Indenture, and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the Trust Indenture Act).
The following is a materially complete description of the material provisions of the
Indenture. It does not restate the terms of the Indenture in its entirety. We urge you to read the
Indenture because it, and not this description, defines your rights as holders of the Notes. We
have filed a copy of the Indenture as an exhibit to the Companys current report on Form 8-K
previously filed with the SEC on June 11, 2009.
Under the Indenture, we issued $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of original notes and
will issue $150,000,000 of exchange notes pursuant to this exchange offer if all of the original
notes are properly tendered and not withdrawn, and are accepted by us. We can issue Additional
Notes as part of the same series or as an additional series. Any Additional Notes that we issue in
the future will be identical in all respects to the Notes that we have already issued, except that
the Additional Notes issued in the future will have different issuance prices and issuance dates.
The Additional Notes will be secured equally and ratably with the Notes, by the Liens on the
Collateral described below under Security.
Overview
The Notes
The Notes:
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are general obligations of the Company; |
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are secured by Second Priority Liens on the Collateral; |
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are pari passu in right of payment to all existing and future senior
Indebtedness of the Company but, to the extent of the value of the
Collateral, are effectively senior to all of the Companys unsecured
senior Indebtedness; |
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are senior in right of payment to the Companys existing subordinated
Indebtedness and any future Indebtedness of the Company, which, by its
terms, is subordinated to the Notes; |
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are effectively subordinated to the Companys First Lien Obligations,
to the extent of the value of the Collateral and any other assets of
the Company securing such First Lien Obligations; and |
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are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by the Guarantors. |
The Notes are issued only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof.
The Guarantees
The Guarantees of the Notes:
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are general obligations of each Guarantor; |
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are secured by Second Priority Liens on the Collateral; |
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are pari passu in right of payment to all existing and future senior
Indebtedness of each Guarantor but, to the extent of the value of the
Collateral, are effectively senior to each Guarantors unsecured
senior Indebtedness; |
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are senior in right of payment to each Guarantors existing
subordinated Indebtedness and any future Indebtedness of any Guarantor
which, by its terms, is subordinated to the Guarantees; and |
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are effectively subordinated to each Guarantors First Lien
Obligations, to the extent of the value of the Collateral and any
other assets of each Guarantor securing such First Lien Obligations. |
Effect of Corporate Structure
Substantially all of the operations of the Company are conducted by subsidiaries of the
Company. Accordingly, the Company is dependent upon the distribution of the earnings of its
subsidiaries, whether in the form of dividends, advances or payments on account of intercompany
obligations, to service its debt obligations. The subsidiaries of the Company that are not Material
U.S. Subsidiaries will not guarantee the Notes. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or
reorganization of any of the Companys non-Guarantor subsidiaries, these non-Guarantor subsidiaries
will pay the holders of their debt and their trade creditors before they will be able to distribute
any of their assets to us. The Guarantor subsidiaries and the Company
generated approximately 48%, 49% and 50%
of our consolidated revenues for both of the three-month and six-month
periods ended July 5, 2009 and fiscal year
2008, respectively, and held approximately 52% of our consolidated
assets as of both July 5, 2009 and
December 28, 2008. Due to the Companys holding company structure, the Indebtedness
represented by the Notes will be effectively subordinate in right of payment to all obligations of
subsidiaries of the Company, other than subsidiaries that are Guarantors of the Notes. See Risk
Factors Risks Specific to Our Indebtedness and the Notes.
Ranking
The Notes and the Guarantees represent secured senior obligations of the Company and the
Guarantors and rank pari passu in right of payment with other senior obligations of the Company and
the Guarantors, respectively, but, to the extent of the value of the Collateral, are effectively
senior to the Company and each Guarantors unsecured senior Indebtedness.
The Notes are secured by Second Priority Liens on the Collateral. As a result, the Notes are
effectively (A) junior to any Indebtedness of the Company and the Guarantors which either is
(i) secured by the First Priority Liens or (ii) secured by assets which are not part of the
Collateral securing the Notes, in each case, to the extent of the value of such assets, and
(B) equal in rank with any Pari Passu Junior Lien Obligations.
The Indebtedness under the Amended Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of the
Companys assets and guaranteed by the Guarantors, which guarantees in turn are secured by
substantially all of such Guarantors assets. Accordingly, while the Notes rank equally in right of
payment with any Indebtedness under the Amended Credit Agreement and all other liabilities not
expressly subordinated by their terms to the Notes, the Notes are effectively subordinated to any
Indebtedness outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement to the extent of the value of the
Collateral and any other assets securing such Indebtedness.
Maturity, Interest and Principal
The Notes mature on November 1, 2013. The Notes bear interest at the rate of 11 3/8% per
annum, and interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually on each May 1 and November 1, commencing
November 1, 2009, to the holders of record of Notes at the close of business on the April 15 and
October 15 immediately preceding such interest payment dates. Interest on the Notes accrues from
the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the
date of issuance of the original notes (the Issue Date), except that interest on Additional Notes
will accrue either from the most recent date to which interest has been paid on such Additional
Notes, or, if no interest has been paid on such Additional
Notes, from their original date of issue. Interest is computed on the basis of a 360-day year
comprised of twelve 30-day months.
Security
The obligations of the Company with respect to the Notes, the obligations of the Guarantors
under the Guarantees, and the performance of all other obligations of the Company and the
Guarantors under the Security Documents are secured equally and ratably by Second Priority Liens on
substantially all of the assets of the Company and the Guarantors (except for Interface Global
Company ApS), subject to certain exceptions as discussed below (the Collateral), whether now
owned or hereafter acquired, in each case granted to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the
holders of the Notes, including the following:
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intercompany notes, |
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investment property (i.e., stock or membership interests in domestic
and material first-tier subsidiaries), together with the related
dividends and distributions payable in respect thereto (except for the
stock of any such foreign subsidiary, in which case only 65% of the
ownership interest will be pledged), |
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equipment, goods, fixtures, and furniture, |
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inventory, |
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accounts receivables, |
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intellectual property, |
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deposit accounts, |
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money, cash or cash equivalents, |
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books and records, |
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general intangibles and other tangible and intangible property and rights, |
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supporting obligations and letter-of-credit rights, |
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commercial tort claims, |
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rights in a specific litigation, |
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all proceeds of the foregoing, and |
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all of the Companys and the Guarantors right, title and interest in
the following real properties owned by the Company and the Guarantors
(including all fixtures, easements and appurtenances relating thereto
and improvements thereon): |
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Location |
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Type of Property |
LaGrange, Georgia
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Two Manufacturing Facilities |
West Point, Georgia
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Manufacturing Facility |
The Collateral does not include:
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motor vehicles, |
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owned real property with a fair market value of less than $1.5 million, |
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leasehold interests in real property, |
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the Companys fractional interest in an airplane, and |
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certain foreign stock. |
In addition, the Liens granted under the Security Documents are not perfected with respect to
any bank accounts, immaterial intellectual property and foreign intellectual property.
The First Lien Obligations of the Company and the Guarantors are secured by First Priority
Liens on the Collateral and the Second Priority Liens are junior in priority to the First Priority
Liens with respect to the Collateral pursuant to the terms of an intercreditor agreement (the
Intercreditor Agreement).
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The Trustee, who also acts as the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the
Notes, entered into Security Documents defining the terms of the security interests on the
Collateral that secure payment and performance when due of the Notes, subject to the terms of the
Intercreditor Agreement.
The Trustee and the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the holders of the Notes, and the First
Lien Agent, on behalf of the holders of First Lien Obligations, entered into the Intercreditor
Agreement that sets forth the relative priority of the obligations secured by Second Priority Liens
and the First Lien Obligations, as well as certain other rights, priorities and interests of the
Trustee, the Collateral Agent and the holders of the Notes, and the First Lien Agent and the
holders of First Lien Obligations.
Intercreditor Agreement
The Intercreditor Agreement applies at all times prior to, during and after any bankruptcy,
insolvency, liquidation or similar proceeding involving the Company or any Guarantor, and, among
other things:
(1) provides for the subordination of the Second Priority Liens securing the Second Priority
Lien Obligations to the First Priority Liens securing the First Lien Obligations;
(2) prohibits the grant of additional Second Priority Liens on any property or assets of the
Company and the Guarantors to the extent the First Lien Agent on behalf of the holder of the First
Lien Obligations has not been granted a valid perfected lien on such property and assets;
(3) prohibits the Collateral Agent and the holders of the Second Priority Lien Obligations
from exercising any rights and remedies with respect to the Collateral (including, but not limited
to, setoff rights), and grants to the First Lien Agent and the requisite holders of the First Lien
Obligations the exclusive right to enforce rights, exercise remedies (including setoff rights) and
make determinations regarding the release, disposition or restrictions with respect to the
Collateral;
(4) provides for the application of all proceeds of the Collateral (including, without
limitation, any proceeds, payments or awards in respect of any insurance policy covering any of the
Collateral) pursuant to the enforcement of any Security Document or the exercise of any remedies
thereunder, or upon any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation or similar proceeding with respect to
the Company or any Guarantor, to the payment first of all of the First Lien Obligations, and also
contains provisions that require the Collateral Agent and the holders of the Second Lien Priority
Obligations to pay over to the First Lien Agent any and all Collateral and proceeds thereof for the
benefit of the holders of the First Lien Obligations until such First Lien Obligations are
discharged;
(5) provides for the automatic and unconditional release by the Collateral Agent of the
Second Priority Liens on the Collateral following the release by the First Lien Agent of any of its
First Priority Liens in such Collateral following the exercise by the First Lien Agents remedies
in respect of such Collateral or any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of any
such Collateral, provided, however, that such release (x) shall not apply with respect to the
discharge in full in cash of all of the First Lien Obligations and the termination of the
commitments of the holders of the First Lien Obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement and
(y) will not affect any of the rights of the Collateral Agent or any holder of Second Priority Lien
Obligations to any residual proceeds of any disposition of any Collateral occurring in connection
with such release;
(6) without the prior written consent of the First Lien Agent, prohibits amendments,
restatements, modifications and supplements to the Indenture, the Notes and the Security Documents,
and also prohibits the refinancing of the Notes and the Second Priority Lien Obligations, in each
case, that would contravene the terms and provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement;
(7) provides for the right of the Collateral Agent and the holders of Second Priority Lien
Obligations to exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors against the Company or any
Guarantor, and does not prohibit the receipt by the Collateral Agent or any holder of Second
Priority Lien Obligations of regularly scheduled payments of principal of, and regularly scheduled
payments of interest on, Second Priority Lien Obligations, subject to certain terms, conditions and
limitations as more fully set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement;
(8) grants to the holders of Second Priority Lien Obligations the option to purchase all of
the First Lien Obligations upon certain purchase events as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement,
subject to certain terms, conditions and limitations as more fully set forth in the Intercreditor
Agreement; and
- 69 -
(9) upon any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation or similar proceeding involving the Company
or any Guarantor:
(A) provides that the Collateral Agent and the holders of the Second Priority Lien
Obligations shall not oppose, object or contest (i) the use of cash Collateral by the Company or
any Guarantor if permitted by the First Lien Agent, or (ii) the Company or any Guarantor obtaining
post-petition financing (including on a priming basis) from the holder of the First Lien
Obligations or any other third party, except upon grounds that the holders of Second Priority Lien
Obligations could raise as unsecured creditors,
(B) provides that the Collateral Agent and the holders of the Second Priority Lien
Obligations shall not seek relief, pursuant to Section 362(d) of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise,
from the automatic stay of Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code or from any other stay in any
insolvency or liquidation proceeding in respect of the Collateral, without the prior written
consent of the First Lien
Agent, unless a motion for adequate protection by the First Lien Agent or any holder of the
First Lien Obligations has been denied by the Bankruptcy Court,
(C) provides that the Collateral Agent and the holders of the Second Priority Lien
Obligations shall not (i) oppose, object to or contest (1) any request by the First Lien Agent or
the other holders of First Lien Obligations for adequate protection (or any granting of such
request) or (2) any objection by the First Lien Agent or the other holders of First Lien
Obligations to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on the First Lien Agent or the other
holders of First Lien Obligations claiming a lack of adequate protection or (ii) seek or accept any
form of adequate protection under any of Sections 362, 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code with
respect to the Collateral, except as expressly permitted in the Intercreditor Agreement,
(D) provides that, under certain limited and specified circumstances, the Collateral Agent
and the holder of the Second Priority Lien Obligations shall have the right to seek adequate
protection in the form of additional collateral and replacement Liens on post-petition collateral
(subject to the terms of the lien subordination provided for in the Intercreditor Agreement),
(E) prohibits the Collateral Agent and the holders of the Second Priority Lien Obligations
from supporting any plan of reorganization or disclosure statement of the Company or any Guarantor
unless (i) such plan provides for the payment in full in cash of all First Lien Obligations
(including all post-petition interest, fees and expenses) on the effective date of such plan of
reorganization, or (ii) among other things, such plan provides on account of the First Lien
Obligations for the retention by the First Lien Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the First
Lien Obligations, of liens on the Collateral securing the First Lien Obligations, and on all
proceeds thereof, and such plan also provides that any liens retained by, or granted to, the
Collateral Agent are only on assets or property securing the First Lien Obligations and shall have
the same relative priority with respect to the Collateral or other assets or property,
respectively, as provided in the Intercreditor Agreement, and
(F) prohibits the Collateral Agent and the holders of the Second Priority Lien Obligations
from opposing or seeking to challenge any claim by the First Lien Agent or any other holders of
First Lien Obligations from seeking post-petition interest, fees or expenses to the extent of the
value of the liens securing the First Lien Obligations (with such value determined without regard
to the existences of any liens securing the Second Priority Lien Obligations),
in each case, subject to certain terms, conditions and limitations as more fully set forth in the
Intercreditor Agreement.
The terms of the Intercreditor Agreement terminate upon the discharge of the First Lien
Obligations, except to the extent any such term or provision, by its terms, survives any discharge
of the First Lien Obligations or is reinstated in accordance with its terms.
Use and Release of Collateral
Unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the Collateral Agent
shall have commenced enforcement of remedies under the Security Documents, the Company has the
right to remain in possession and retain exclusive control of the Collateral, to freely operate the
Collateral and to collect, invest and dispose of any income thereon.
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The Indenture and the Security Documents provide that the Liens on the Collateral pursuant to
the Security Documents will automatically and without the need for any further action by any person
be released:
(1) in whole or in part, as applicable, as to all or any portion of the Collateral subject to
such Liens which has been taken by eminent domain, condemnation or other similar circumstances,
(2) in whole upon:
(A) satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture as set forth below under Satisfaction and
Discharge, or
(B) a legal defeasance or covenant defeasance of the Indenture as set forth below under
Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance of Indenture,
(3) in part, as to any property that (A) is sold, leased, transferred or otherwise disposed
of by the Company or any Guarantor (other than to the Company or another Guarantor) in a
transaction not prohibited by the Indenture at the time of such transfer or disposition or (B) is
owned or at any time acquired by a Guarantor that has been released from its Guarantee,
concurrently with the release of such Guarantee,
(4) in whole or in part, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Intercreditor
Agreement,
(5) as to property that constitutes all or substantially all of the Collateral securing the
Notes, with the consent of each holder of the Notes, and
(6) as to property that constitutes less than all or substantially all of the Collateral
securing the Notes, with the consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% in aggregate principal
amount at maturity of the Notes then outstanding.
Additional Notes
Subject to the limitations set forth under Certain Covenants Limitations on Indebtedness
and Issuance of Redeemable Capital Stock and Certain Covenants Limitation on Liens, the
Company may incur additional Indebtedness. At our option, such additional Indebtedness may consist
of additional Notes (Additional Notes) issued in one or more transactions, which have identical
terms (except for issuance prices and dates) as Notes issued on the Issue Date and Exchange Notes.
Holders of Additional Notes would have the right to vote together with holders of Notes issued on
the Issue Date and exchange notes as one class. The Additional Notes will be secured equally and
ratably with the Notes, by the Liens on the Collateral described above under Security.
Mandatory Redemption
The Company is not required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with
respect to the Notes.
Optional Redemption and Offer to Repurchase
Optional Redemption by the Company
At any time prior to May 1, 2012, the Company may, on one or more occasions, redeem up to 35%
of the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued on the Issue Date (including,
without duplication, any Exchange Notes thereafter issued) and (ii) each initial aggregate
principal amount of any Additional Notes issued prior to such redemption date, at a redemption
price of 111.375% of the principal
amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Special Interest, if any, to the date of
redemption, with the net cash proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings; provided that
(1) at least 65% of the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of Notes and (ii) the
aggregate principal amount of any Additional Notes remains outstanding immediately after the
occurrence of such redemption (excluding Notes held by the Company and its Subsidiaries); and
(2) the redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of the closing of the last such Public
Equity Offering.
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At any time prior to November 1, 2013, the Notes also will be redeemable, as a whole or in
part, at the option of the Company, at any time or from time to time, on at least 30 days but not
more than 60 days prior notice mailed to the registered address of each holder of Notes, at a
redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of each Note to be redeemed plus the
Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest (including any Special Interest), if any,
to, the date of redemption.
Applicable Premium means, with respect to any Note on any date of redemption, the greater of
(i) 1.00% of the principal amount of such Note and (ii) the excess of (a) the present value at such
redemption date of the sum of (1) 100% of the principal amount of such Note plus (2) all required
interest payments due on such Note through November 1, 2013 (excluding accrued but unpaid
interest), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, over
(b) the principal amount of such Note.
Treasury Rate means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield to maturity as of such
redemption date of the United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and
published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become
publicly available at least two business days prior to the date of redemption (or, if such
statistical release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data))
most nearly equal to the period from the date of redemption to November 1, 2013; provided, however,
that if the period from the date of redemption to November 1, 2013 is less than one year, the
weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant
maturity of one year shall be used.
Repurchase at the Option of Holders upon a Change of Control and Certain Asset Sales
In addition, as described below:
(1) the Company is obligated, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, to make an offer to
purchase all outstanding Notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus
accrued and unpaid interest (including Special Interest, if any), in each case to the date of
purchase; and
(2) the Company may be obligated to make an offer to purchase Notes with a portion of the net
cash proceeds of certain sales or other dispositions of assets at a purchase price of 100% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest (including any Special Interest), if
any, to the date of purchase.
See Certain Covenants Change of Control and Certain Covenants Disposition of
Proceeds of Asset Sales.
Selection and Notice
If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the Trustee will select Notes
for redemption as follows:
(1) if the Notes are listed on a national securities exchange, in compliance with the
requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Notes are listed, or
(2) if the Notes are not then listed on a national securities exchange, on a pro rata basis,
by lot or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate.
No Notes of a principal amount of $1,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. Notices of
redemption shall be mailed by first-class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the
redemption date to each holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address.
If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such Note
shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new Note in a principal
amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note will be issued in the name of the
holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note. Notes called for redemption become due on
the date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes
or portions thereof called for redemption, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the
redemption price therefor.
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The Guarantees
Each Material U.S. Subsidiary (other than a Securitization Entity) is and will continue to be
a Guarantor unless released from its Guarantee. Each of the Guarantors has, for so long as it
remains a Guarantor, unconditionally guaranteed on a senior and joint and several basis all of the
Companys obligations under the Notes, including its obligations to pay principal, premium, if any,
Special Interest, if any, and interest with respect to the Notes. The subsidiaries who were
Guarantors as of the Issue Date, together with the Company, generated approximately 48%, 49% and 50% of our
consolidated revenues for both of the three-month and six-month periods ended
July 5, 2009 and the fiscal year 2008, respectively, and
held approximately 52% of our consolidated assets as of both July 5, 2009 and December 28,
2008.
If the Company or any of its Subsidiaries acquire or form a Material U.S. Subsidiary (other
than a Securitization Entity), the Company will cause any such Subsidiary to (1) execute and
deliver to the Trustee a Guarantee in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Trustee
pursuant to which such Subsidiary shall guarantee all of the obligations of the Company with
respect to the Notes on a senior basis pari passu with the then existing Guarantees of the Notes,
and (2) deliver to such Trustee an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Trustee to
the effect that a Guarantee has been duly executed and delivered by such Subsidiary and that such
Subsidiary is in compliance with the terms of the Indenture.
The obligations of each Guarantor under its Guarantee will be limited as necessary to prevent
that Guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law. See Risk Factors
Risks Specific to Our Indebtedness and the Notes.
A Guarantor may not consolidate with or merge with or into (whether or not such Guarantor is
the surviving person) another person unless either:
(1) the person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (other than the
Company or another Guarantor) assumes all the obligations of that Guarantor pursuant to a
supplemental
indenture satisfactory to the Trustee and, immediately after giving effect to that
transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists, or
(2) the Guarantee is released pursuant to the next sentence.
The Guarantee of a Guarantor will be released:
(1) in connection with any sale or other disposition of all of the capital stock of a
Guarantor (including a sale by way of merger or consolidation), if immediately after giving effect
to such sale or other disposition, there is no Default or Event of Default that has occurred and is
continuing,
(2) if the Company designates any Subsidiary that is a Guarantor as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture,
(3) if there is a legal defeasance of the Notes as described under Legal Defeasance or
Covenant Defeasance of Indenture,
(4) in connection with the sale or disposition of such a Guarantor pursuant to, or in lieu
of, the exercise by the lenders under the Amended Credit Agreement or by one or more holders of
other secured Indebtedness of rights and remedies in respect of the capital stock of such Guarantor
pledged or assigned to such lender or lenders or to such holder or holders to secure such
Indebtedness, or
(5) in connection with any other sale or other disposition of such a Guarantor, the proceeds
of which are used to permanently repay amounts available for borrowing under the Amended Credit
Agreement or other secured Indebtedness secured by such capital stock.
Except as described above or in Certain Covenants below, the Company is not restricted
from selling or otherwise disposing of any of the Guarantors.
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Certain Covenants
The Indenture contains the following covenants, among others:
Limitations on Indebtedness and Issuance of Redeemable Capital Stock
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly,
create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or in any manner become directly or indirectly liable,
contingently or otherwise, for the payment of (in each case, to incur) any Indebtedness
(including, without limitation, any Acquired Indebtedness) and it will not issue any Redeemable
Capital Stock and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to issue Redeemable Capital Stock;
provided, however, that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries will be permitted to incur
Indebtedness (including, without limitation, Acquired Indebtedness) and the Company may issue
shares of Redeemable Capital Stock if:
(1) at the time such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Redeemable Capital Stock is
issued, and after giving pro forma effect thereto, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of
the Company is at least equal to 2.0 to 1.0, and
(2) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a
consequence thereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and its Subsidiaries may, to the extent
specifically set forth below, incur each and all of the following (each and all of the following,
Permitted Indebtedness):
(1) Indebtedness of the Company evidenced by the Notes issued on the Issue Date and
constituting the Exchange Notes,
(2) Indebtedness of any Guarantor evidenced by its Guarantee of the Notes issued on the Issue
Date and constituting the Exchange Notes,
(3) Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries outstanding on the Issue Date,
(4) Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries in respect of the Amended Credit
Agreement in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the greater of
(i) the Borrowing Base or (ii) $125,000,000 less, in each case, the sum of
(A) amounts (without duplication) at any one time outstanding under Receivables
Securitization Agreements as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter for which
financial statements are available, and
(B) the aggregate amount of all Net Cash Proceeds of Asset Sales used to repay borrowings
under the Amended Credit Agreement pursuant to the covenant described under the caption Certain
Covenants Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales to the extent such repayments are required to
permanently reduce the commitments under the Amended Credit Agreement pursuant to such covenant,
it being understood that any amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement on the Issue
Date are deemed to be incurred under this clause (4),
(5) Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries in respect of the European Credit
Agreement in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed 32,000,000,
(6) Interest Rate Protection Obligations of the Company covering Indebtedness of the Company
or a Subsidiary of the Company, and Interest Rate Protection Obligations of any Subsidiary of the
Company covering Indebtedness of such Subsidiary; provided, however, that, in either case:
(A) any Indebtedness to which any such Interest Rate Protection Obligations relate bears
interest at fluctuating interest rates and is otherwise not incurred in violation of this
covenant, and
(B) the notional principal amount of any such Interest Rate Protection Obligations does not
exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness to which such Interest Rate Protection Obligations
relate,
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(7) Indebtedness of a Wholly Owned Subsidiary owed to and held by the Company or another
Wholly Owned Subsidiary, provided that each loan or other extension of credit:
(A) made by a Guarantor to a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor shall not be subordinated to
other obligations of such Subsidiary, and
(B) made to a Guarantor by another Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor shall be made on a
subordinated basis to the Guarantee,
except that (i) any transfer (which shall not include a pledge or assignment as collateral to or
for the benefit of any holders of Senior Indebtedness) of such Indebtedness by the Company or a
Wholly Owned Subsidiary (other than to the Company or to a Wholly Owned Subsidiary) and (ii) the
sale, transfer or other disposition by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of Capital
Stock of a Wholly Owned Subsidiary which is owed Indebtedness of another Wholly Owned Subsidiary
such that it ceases to be a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company shall, in each case and without
duplication, be an incurrence of Indebtedness by such Subsidiary subject to the other provisions of
this covenant,
(8) Indebtedness of the Company owed to and held by a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company,
provided that each loan or other extension of credit made by a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor
shall be subordinated in right of payment to the payment and performance of the Companys
obligations under the Indenture and the Notes, except that (i) any transfer (which shall not
include a pledge or assignment as collateral to or for the benefit of any holders of Senior
Indebtedness) of such Indebtedness by a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company (other than to
another Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company), and (ii) the sale, transfer or other disposition
by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of Capital Stock of a Wholly Owned Subsidiary which
holds Indebtedness of the Company such that it ceases to be a Wholly Owned Subsidiary shall, in
each case and without duplication, be an incurrence of Indebtedness by the Company, subject to the
other provisions of this covenant,
(9) Indebtedness in respect of Currency Agreements; provided that, in the case of Currency
Agreements which relate to Indebtedness, such Currency Agreements do not increase the Indebtedness
of the Company and its Subsidiaries outstanding other than as a result of fluctuations in foreign
currency exchange rates or by reason of fees, indemnities and compensation payable thereunder,
(10) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a
check, draft or similar instrument inadvertently (except in the case of daylight overdrafts) drawn
against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business, provided, however, that such
Indebtedness is extinguished within five business days of incurrence,
(11) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries evidenced by guarantees of any
Permitted Indebtedness subject to the requirement for Subsidiaries to guarantee the Notes as
described above under the heading Overview The Guarantees,
(12) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries represented by letters of credit
for the account of the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, in order to provide security
for workers compensation claims, payment obligations in connection with self-insurance or similar
requirements in the ordinary course of business,
(13) Indebtedness incurred with respect to:
(A) letters of credit issued for the account of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company
pursuant to the Amended Credit Agreement, subject to clause (4) above and the limitations set forth
therein,
(B) letters of credit issued for the account of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company
pursuant to the European Credit Agreement, subject to clause (5) above and the limitations set
forth therein, and
(C) unsecured letters of credit, in addition to those described in clause (12) above, issued
for the account of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in the ordinary course of business
in aggregate outstanding stated amounts not to exceed $5,000,000,
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(14) Indebtedness, if any, owing or incurred by the Company or any Subsidiary in connection
with sales of receivables of the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to Receivables Securitization
Agreements in connection with one or more Qualified Securitization Transactions (including, if and
as applicable, and without limitation, any Indebtedness incurred by a Securitization Entity in
connection with a Qualified Securitization Transaction),
(15) Indebtedness in respect of purchase money obligations, the incurrence of Indebtedness
represented by Capitalized Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, purchase money obligations or
other Indebtedness incurred or assumed in connection with the acquisition, construction,
improvement or development of real or personal property (whether through the direct purchase of
assets or the Capital Stock of any person owning such assets), in each case incurred (x) within
180 days before or after the acquisition, construction, development or improvement of the related
asset in the case of the initial financing of all or any part of the purchase price or cost of
acquisition, construction, improvement or development of property used in the business of the
Company or one or more of its Subsidiaries, or (y) the refinancing of Indebtedness described in
clause (x), in an aggregate principal amount pursuant to this clause (15) not to exceed $10,000,000
at any time outstanding,
(16) Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company secured by the Permitted
Liens of the type described in clause (16) of the definition of
Permitted Liens,
(17) Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in addition to that
described in clauses (1) through (16) above, in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any
time not exceeding $30,000,000, and
(18) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, which means:
(A) Indebtedness of the Company, the proceeds of which are used with reasonable promptness to
refinance (whether by amendment, renewal, extension, substitution, refinancing, refunding or
replacement, whether with the same or any other person(s) as lender(s), including successive
refinancings thereof) any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and
(B) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary of the Company, the proceeds of which are used with
reasonable promptness to refinance (whether by amendment, renewal, extension, substitution,
refinancing, refunding or replacement, whether with the same or any other person(s) as lender(s),
including successive refinancings thereof) any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary,
in each case to the extent the Indebtedness to be refinanced was incurred pursuant to clauses (1),
(2) or (3) above or this clause (18) or is originally incurred pursuant to the proviso with respect
to the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test described in the first paragraph of this
description of the Certain Covenants Limitations on Indebtedness and Issuance of Redeemable
Capital Stock covenant.
Furthermore, in order to be Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness under this clause (18), the
principal amount of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (18) (or, if such Indebtedness
provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a
declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof, the original issue price of such Indebtedness)
cannot:
(C) exceed the sum of the principal amount of Indebtedness so refinanced (except where the
amount of any excess is permitted pursuant to another clause of this covenant), plus the amount of
any premium or other amount required to be paid in connection with such refinancing pursuant to
the terms of such Indebtedness or the amount of any premium or other amount reasonably
determined by the Board of Directors of the Company as necessary to accomplish such refinancing by
means of a tender offer or privately negotiated purchase, plus the amount of expenses in connection
therewith, and
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(D) in the case of Indebtedness incurred by the Company or a Guarantor pursuant to this
clause (18), (i) to refinance Subordinated Indebtedness, such Indebtedness (I) has no scheduled
principal payment prior to the 91st day after the final maturity date of the Subordinated
Indebtedness refinanced, (II) has an Average Life to Stated Maturity greater than the remaining
Average Life to Stated Maturity of the Subordinated Indebtedness refinanced, and (III) is
subordinated to the Notes or the Guarantees, as the case may be, in the same manner and to the same
extent that the Subordinated Indebtedness being refinanced is subordinated to the Notes or the
Guarantees, as the case may be, and (ii) to refinance other Senior Indebtedness, such Indebtedness
(I) has no scheduled principal payment date prior to the 91st day after the final maturity date of
the Senior Indebtedness refinanced, (II) has an Average Life to Stated Maturity greater than the
remaining Average Life to Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness refinanced, and (III) constitutes
other Senior Indebtedness or Subordinated Indebtedness.
Limitation on Restricted Payments
Unless the conditions set forth in the following clauses (5), (6) and (7) exist or are
satisfied, as the case may be, the Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries
to, directly or indirectly:
(1) declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution or payment on or in respect of
Capital Stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any payment made to the direct or
indirect holders (in their capacities as such) of Capital Stock of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, other than:
(A) dividends or distributions payable solely in Capital Stock of the Company (but not
Redeemable Capital Stock) or in options, warrants or other rights to purchase Capital Stock of the
Company (other than Redeemable Capital Stock),
(B) the declaration or payment of dividends or other distributions to the extent declared or
paid to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, and
(C) the declaration or payment of dividends or other distributions by any Subsidiary of the
Company to all holders of Common Stock of such Subsidiary on a pro rata basis,
(2) purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Capital Stock of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than any such Capital Stock owned by a Wholly Owned
Subsidiary of the Company,
(3) make any principal payment on, or purchase, defease, repurchase, redeem or otherwise
acquire or retire for value prior to any scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment, scheduled
sinking fund payment or other Stated Maturity any Subordinated Indebtedness, other than:
(A) any Indebtedness owed by the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company to the
Company or any Guarantor,
(B) any Indebtedness, not to exceed $40,000,000, owed by the Company under the 9.5% Notes, or
(C) any Indebtedness purchased pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer or a Change in Control Offer,
or
(4) make any Investment (other than any Permitted Investment) in any person
(such payments or Investments described in the preceding clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4), except as
excluded therein, are collectively referred to as Restricted Payments). The restrictions set
forth in the preceding clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4) shall not apply if, at the time of, and after
giving effect to, the proposed Restricted Payment:
(5) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a
consequence thereof,
(6) immediately prior to and after giving pro forma effect to such Restricted Payment as if
such Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the Reference Period, the Company would
be able to incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Consolidated Fixed Charge
Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant described above under the
caption Certain Covenants Limitations on Indebtedness and Issuance of Redeemable Capital
Stock (assuming a market rate of interest with respect to such additional Indebtedness), and
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(7) such proposed Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all Restricted
Payments declared or made by the Company and its Subsidiaries from and after the Issue Date would
not exceed the sum of:
(A) 50% of the aggregate Consolidated Net Income of the Company accrued on a cumulative basis
during the period beginning on the first day of the fiscal quarter of the Company during which the
Issue Date occurs and ending on the last day of the fiscal quarter of the Company immediately
preceding the date of such proposed Restricted Payment, which period shall be treated as a single
accounting period (or, if such aggregate cumulative Consolidated Net Income of the Company for such
period shall be a deficit, such deficit amount shall not be included in the calculation under this
clause (7)), plus
(B) the aggregate net cash proceeds and the Fair Market Value of any property other than cash
received by the Company either (i) as capital contributions to the Company after the Issue Date
from any person (other than a Subsidiary of the Company) or (ii) from the issuance or sale of
Capital Stock (excluding Redeemable Capital Stock, but including Capital Stock issued upon the
conversion of convertible Indebtedness or from the exercise of options, warrants or rights to
purchase Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Capital Stock)) of the Company to any person (other
than to a Subsidiary of the Company) after the Issue Date, plus
(C) in the case of the disposition or repayment of any Investment constituting a Restricted
Payment made after the Issue Date (excluding any Investment described in clause (4) of the
following paragraph), an amount equal to the lesser of the return of capital with respect to such
Investment and the cost of such Investment, in either case, less the cost of the disposition of
such Investment, plus
(D) $25,000,000.
The amount of any Restricted Payment, if other than cash, will be the Fair Market Value on the
date of such Restricted Payment of the asset(s) proposed to be transferred by the Company or such
Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to such Restricted Payment. Furthermore, for purposes of
the preceding clause (7), the value of the aggregate net proceeds received by the Company upon the
issuance of Capital Stock upon the conversion of convertible Indebtedness or upon the exercise of
options, warrants or rights to purchase Capital Stock will be the net cash proceeds received upon
the issuance of such Indebtedness, options, warrants or rights plus the incremental cash amount received by the Company upon the
conversion or exercise thereof. None of the foregoing provisions prohibits:
(1) the payment of the Companys regular quarterly cash dividend in an amount not to exceed
$0.02 per share, or
(2) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of its declaration, if, at the
date of declaration, such payment would have complied with the provisions of the Indenture,
(3) the redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement of any shares of any class
of Capital Stock of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in exchange for, or out of the net
cash proceeds of, a substantially concurrent (A) capital contribution to the Company from any
person (other than a Subsidiary of the Company) or (B) issue and sale of other shares of Capital
Stock (other than Redeemable Capital Stock) of the Company to any person (other than to a
Subsidiary of the Company); provided, however, that the amount of any such net cash proceeds that
are used for any such redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement shall be excluded
from clause (7) of the description of Restricted Payments,
(4) any redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated
Indebtedness by exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds of, a substantially concurrent
(A) capital contribution to the Company from any person (other than a Subsidiary of the Company) or
(B) issue and sale of (i) Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Capital Stock) of the Company to any
person (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company); provided, however, that the amount of any such
net cash proceeds that are used for any such redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or
retirement shall be excluded from clause (7) of the description of Restricted Payments; or
(ii) Indebtedness of the Company issued to any person (other than a Subsidiary of the Company), so
long as such Indebtedness is Subordinated Indebtedness that (I) has no scheduled principal payment
date prior to the 91st day after the final maturity date of the Indebtedness refinanced, (II) has
an Average Life to Stated Maturity equal to or greater than the remaining Average Life to Stated
Maturity of the Indebtedness refinanced and (III) is subordinated to the Notes in the same manner
and at least to the same extent as the Subordinated Indebtedness so purchased, exchanged, redeemed,
acquired or retired,
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(5) Investments constituting Restricted Payments made as a result of the receipt of non-cash
consideration from any Asset Sale made pursuant to and in compliance with the covenant described
under Certain Covenants Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales below,
(6) repurchases by the Company of Common Stock of the Company from employees of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries or their authorized representatives upon the death, disability or
termination of employment of such employees, in an aggregate amount not exceeding $1,000,000 in any
calendar year, and
(7) any purchase, redemption, defeasance, acquisition or retirement of Capital Stock (other
than Redeemable Capital Stock, but including cash settlements of stock options) of the Company from
current or former directors, officers or employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in
connection with awards, the vesting of awards or the exercise of awards under any of the Companys
stock plans approved by its Board of Directors, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $500,000 in
any fiscal year (provided, however, that if the actual aggregate amount of such purchases,
redemptions, defeasances, acquisitions or retirements of the Capital Stock made during any such
fiscal year (the Repurchase Amount) is less than $500,000 (the Repurchase Limit), then the
applicable limit for the immediately succeeding fiscal year shall be increased by an amount equal
to the difference between the Repurchase Limit and the Repurchase Amount) but in no event exceeding an aggregate amount
of $1,000,000 in any calendar year, or $5,000,000 in the aggregate, during the term of the Notes.
Furthermore, in computing the amount of Restricted Payments previously made for purposes of
the preceding clause (7) of the conditions to making Investments constituting Restricted Payments
described above, (i) Investments and repurchases made under clauses (5), (6) and (7) of the above
exclusions shall be included as if they were Restricted Payments and (ii) Investments and
repurchases made under clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4) above shall not be so included.
Limitation on Liens
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, directly or
indirectly, to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist (collectively, incur) any Liens on or
with respect to the Collateral except Permitted Collateral Liens.
Subject to the immediately preceding paragraph, the Company will not, and will not permit any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, to incur any Liens, other than Permitted
Liens, on or with respect to any of its property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired or any
interest therein or any income or profits therefrom except the Collateral without securing the
Notes and all other amounts due under the Indenture (for so long as such Lien exists) equally and
ratably with (or prior to) the obligation or liability secured by such Lien.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company or any Subsidiary may incur Liens that would
otherwise be subject to the restrictions set forth in the preceding paragraph if, after giving
effect thereto and at the time of determination, the sum of (1) the Indebtedness of the Company and
its Subsidiaries secured by Liens not otherwise permitted under clauses (1) through (17) of the
definition of Permitted Liens and (2) Attributable Liens of the Company and its Subsidiaries
incurred after the Issue Date does not exceed 5.0% of Consolidated Net Assets.
Change of Control
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company will be obligated to make an offer to
purchase (a Change of Control Offer) on a business day (the Change of Control Purchase Date)
not more than 45 nor less than 30 days following the mailing of the notice described in the second
paragraph below to holders of the Notes, all of the then outstanding Notes at a purchase price (the
Change of Control Purchase Price) equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and
unpaid interest, premium, if any, and Special Interest, if any, to the Change of Control Purchase
Date. The Company shall be required to purchase all Notes properly tendered into the Change of
Control Offer and not withdrawn. The Change of Control Offer is required to remain open for at
least 15 days and until the close of business on the Change of Control Purchase Date.
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Within 30 days following a Change of Control and prior to the mailing of the notice to the
holders of the Notes provided for in the next paragraph, we will be obligated to either (1) repay
in full all Indebtedness under the Amended Credit Agreement and terminate the commitments of the
lenders thereunder, or (2) obtain the requisite consent under the Amended Credit Agreement to
permit the repurchase of the Notes as provided herein. We must comply with the provisions of the
Indenture described in this paragraph before we will be required to repurchase the Notes, but if we
fail to comply with our obligation to offer to repurchase the Notes upon a Change of Control, such
failure will constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture.
In order to effect the Change of Control Offer, the Company will, not later than the 30th day
after the occurrence of the Change of Control, mail to each holder of Notes notice of the Change of
Control Offer, which notice shall govern the terms of the Change of Control Offer and shall state,
among other things, the procedures that holders of Notes must follow to accept the Change of
Control Offer.
The occurrence of the events constituting a Change of Control under the Indenture will result
in an event of default under the Amended Credit Agreement and, thereafter, the lenders will have
the right to require repayment of the borrowings thereunder in full. The Companys obligations
under the Amended Credit Agreement represent obligations pari passu in right of payment to the
Notes and are secured by the First-Priority Liens. Because the lenders under the Amended Credit
Agreement will be entitled to a claim on the secured Assets, such lenders are likely to be paid in
full before any distribution is made to the holders of the Notes or holders of other senior,
non-secured Indebtedness (although the failure by the Company to comply with its obligations in the
event of a Change of Control will constitute a default under the Notes). The Company also is
obligated to make a substantially similar change of control offer under its 9.5% Notes, and a
change of control may result in an event of default or require a change of control offer under
future Senior Indebtedness. There can be no assurance that the Company will have adequate resources
to repay or refinance all Indebtedness owing under the Amended Credit Agreement or under existing
or future Senior Indebtedness with change of control provisions or restrictions or to fund the
purchase of the Notes upon a Change of Control.
The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if
a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in
compliance with the requirements applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company, and
the third party thereafter purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change
of Control Offer.
The definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating to the sale, lease, transfer,
conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase
substantially all, there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law.
Accordingly, the ability of a holder of Notes to require the Company to repurchase such Notes as a
result of a sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of less than all of the assets
of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to another person or group may be uncertain.
We will comply with Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and
regulations thereunder, to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable, if a Change of
Control occurs and we are required to purchase Notes as described above.
Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control, the Indenture does not contain
provisions that permit the holders of Notes to require that we repurchase or redeem the Notes in
the event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring. Although the existence of a
holders right to require us to repurchase Notes in respect of a Change of Control may deter a
third party from acquiring us in a transaction that constitutes a Change of Control, the provisions
of the Indenture relating to a Change of Control in and of themselves may not afford holders of the
Notes protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, recapitalization,
restructuring, merger or similar transaction involving the Company that may adversely affect
holders, if such transaction is not the type of transaction included within the definition of a
Change in Control.
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Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make any Asset Sale
unless:
(1) the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of
such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares of Capital Stock or assets
sold or otherwise disposed of; and
(2) at least 70% of such consideration consists of cash or Cash Equivalents.
Within fifteen months after the receipt of any Net Cash Proceeds from an Asset Sale (other
than a sale of Collateral), the Company (or the applicable Subsidiary, as the case may be) may, at
its option, apply such Net Cash Proceeds:
(1) to permanently repay First Lien Obligations (including by way of cash collateralization
of outstanding letters of credit) provided, however, that any Net Cash Proceeds used to repay First
Lien Obligations shall permanently reduce dollar for dollar the amount of Indebtedness that may be
incurred pursuant to clause (4) of the exceptions to the Limitations on Indebtedness and Issuance
of Redeemable Capital Stock described above under such heading, but, further provided, that any
procedure by which funds of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof in any deposit or investment
account maintained with the First-Lien Agent (or any successor agent under the Amended Credit
Agreement) are in the normal course of business automatically swept to repay First Lien Obligations
shall not be deemed to constitute a repayment thereunder by the Company for purposes of this
paragraph or such clause (4),
(2) to repay or acquire other Senior Indebtedness, provided, however, that any Net Cash
Proceeds used to repay or acquire other Senior Indebtedness shall permanently reduce such Senior
Indebtedness, and the Company shall cancel any such acquired Senior Indebtedness, or
(3) to an investment in properties and assets that replace the properties and assets that
were the subject of such Asset Sale or in properties and assets that will be used in the business
of the Company and its Subsidiaries existing on the Issue Date or in businesses reasonably related
thereto.
Within fifteen months after the receipt of any Net Cash Proceeds from an Asset Sale that
constitutes a sale of Collateral, the Company (or the applicable Subsidiary, as the case may be)
may apply those net Cash Proceeds:
(1) to permanently repay First Lien Obligations (including by way of cash collateralization
of outstanding letters of credit) provided, however, that any Net Cash Proceeds used to repay First
Lien Obligations shall permanently reduce dollar for dollar the amount of Indebtedness that may be
incurred pursuant to clause (4) of the exceptions to the Limitations on Indebtedness and Issuance
of Redeemable Capital Stock described above under such heading, but, further provided, that any
procedure by which funds of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof in any deposit or investment
account maintained with the First-Lien Agent (or any successor agent under the Amended Credit
Agreement) are in the normal course of business automatically swept to repay the First Lien
Obligations shall not be deemed to constitute a repayment thereunder by the Company for purposes of
this paragraph or such clause (4), or
(2) to purchase other assets that constitutes Collateral and become subject to the Lien of
the Indenture (subject to no other Liens other than the Permitted Collateral Liens).
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Any Net Cash Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as provided in the
preceding two paragraphs of this covenant will constitute Excess Proceeds subject to disposition
as provided below. When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds equals or exceeds $15,000,000, the Company
shall make an offer to purchase (an Asset Sale Offer), from all holders of the Notes and (a) in
the case of Net Cash Proceeds from Collateral, from the holders of any Pari Passu Junior Lien
Obligations containing similar rights in the event of an Asset Sale or (b) in the case of any other
Net Cash Proceeds, from all holders of other Indebtedness that is pari passu in right of payment
with the Notes and containing similar rights in the event of an Asset Sale (Tenderable
Indebtedness) not more than 40 business days thereafter, an aggregate principal amount of Notes
and such other Tenderable Indebtedness that may be purchased out of such Excess Proceeds. The offer
price in any Asset Sale Offer will, in the case of the Notes, be equal to 100% of the outstanding
principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest (including Special Interest, if any) to
the purchase date and will be payable in cash, and, in the case of any other Tenderable
Indebtedness incurred after the Issue Date, would be equal to the price specified in or permitted
by such other Tenderable Indebtedness and will be payable as provided therein (provided that such
price shall not exceed 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the Tenderable Indebtedness
being purchased). To the extent that the aggregate principal amount of Notes and other Tenderable
Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Company
may use such residue for general corporate purposes. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes and
other Tenderable Indebtedness validly tendered into such Asset Sale Offer and not withdrawn by
holders thereof exceeds the Excess Proceeds, then the Notes and Tenderable Indebtedness so tendered
will be selected on a pro rata basis. Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer, the amount of
Excess Proceeds shall be reset to zero.
The Company will comply with Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws
and regulations thereunder, to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable, in the event
that an Asset Sale occurs and the Company is required to purchase Notes as described above.
Pending the final application of any such Net Cash Proceeds, the Company (or the applicable
Subsidiary, as the case may be) may temporarily reduce revolving credit borrowings or otherwise
invest such Net Cash Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by the Indenture.
Limitation on Transactions with Interested Persons
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly,
enter into or suffer to exist any transaction or series of related transactions (including, without
limitation, the sale, transfer, disposition, purchase, exchange or lease of assets, property or
services) with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Company or any beneficial owner
(determined in accordance with the Indenture) of 5% or more of the Companys Common Stock at any
time outstanding (Interested Persons), unless:
(1) such transaction or series of related transactions is on terms that are no less favorable
to the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that could have been obtained in
a comparable transaction at such time from persons who are not Affiliates of the Company or
Interested Persons,
(2) with respect to a transaction or series of transactions involving aggregate payments or
value equal to or greater than $1,000,000 and less than $10,000,000, the Company has delivered an
officers certificate to the Trustee certifying that such transaction or series of transactions
complies with the preceding clause (1),
(3) with respect to a transaction or series of transactions involving aggregate payments or
value equal to or greater than $10,000,000 and less than $25,000,000, the Company has delivered to
the Trustee a board resolution approved by a majority of disinterested members of the Board of
Directors ratifying such transaction or series of transactions, along with an officers certificate
attesting to such resolution, and
(4) with respect to a transaction or series of transactions involving aggregate payments or
value equal to or greater than $25,000,000, (or a transaction described in clause (3) of this
paragraph for which there are not disinterested members of the Board of Directors to approve the
transaction as required above), the Company has delivered to the Trustee a written opinion from an
Independent Financial Advisor stating that the terms of such transaction or series of transactions are
fair to the Company or its Subsidiary, as the case may be, from a financial point of view.
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The following will not be deemed to be transactions with Affiliates or Interested Persons and,
therefore, will not be subject to the provisions described in the prior paragraph:
(1) payment of dividends in respect of its Capital Stock permitted under the covenant
described under Certain Covenants Limitation on Restricted Payments above,
(2) payment of reasonable and customary fees to directors of the Company who are not
employees of the Company,
(3) incurrence or payment of loans or advances to officers, employees or consultants of the
Company and its Subsidiaries (including travel and moving expenses) in the ordinary course of
business for bona fide business purposes of the Company or such Subsidiary, not in excess of
$1,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding,
(4) any transaction or series of related transactions of the Company with or for the benefit
of any one or more of its Subsidiaries or of any one or more the Companys Subsidiaries with, or
for the benefit of, the Company, or
(5) any compensatory plan or transaction (or arrangement in support of, or reasonably and
directly related to, any compensatory plan or transaction) of or by the Company or any Subsidiary
for the benefit of employees or directors.
Limitation on Dividends and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly,
create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on
the ability of any Subsidiary of the Company to:
(1) pay dividends, in cash or otherwise, or make any other distributions on or in respect of
its Capital Stock or any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits,
(2) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company,
(3) make loans or advances to, or any investment in, the Company or any other Subsidiary of
the Company,
(4) transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any other Subsidiary of the
Company, or
(5) guarantee any Indebtedness of the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company.
However, the preceding restrictions will not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing
under or by reason of:
(1) applicable law,
(2) customary non-assignment provisions of any contract or any lease governing a leasehold
interest of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company,
(3) customary restrictions on transfers of property subject to a Lien permitted under the
Indenture that could not materially adversely affect the Companys ability to satisfy its
obligations under the Indenture and the Notes,
(4) any agreement or other instrument of a person acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary
of the Company (or a Subsidiary of such person) in existence at the time of such acquisition (but
not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any
person, or the properties or assets of any person, other than the person, or the properties or
assets of the person, so acquired,
(5) provisions contained in agreements or instruments relating to Indebtedness that prohibit
the transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the obligor thereunder unless the
transferee shall assume the obligations of the obligor under such agreement or instrument, and
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(6) encumbrances and restrictions under the 9.5% Notes, the Amended Credit Agreement, the
European Credit Agreement, the Receivables Securitization Agreements and other Senior Indebtedness,
in each case, in effect on the Issue Date, and encumbrances and restrictions in permitted
refinancings or replacements thereof, that are no less favorable to the holders of the Notes than
those contained in the 9.5% Notes, the Amended Credit Agreement, the European Credit Agreement, the
Receivables Securitization Agreements or in the Senior Indebtedness so refinanced or replaced.
Limitation on Applicability of Certain Covenants
During any period of time that the rating assigned to the Notes by both S&P and Moodys
(collectively, the Rating Agencies) is no less than BBB- and Baa3, respectively (an Investment
Grade Rating), and no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Company and
its Subsidiaries will not be subject to the provisions of the Indenture described under the
captions:
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Limitations on Indebtedness and Issuance of Redeemable Capital Stock, |
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Limitation on Restricted Payments, |
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Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales (but only with respect to the
sale of Assets other than the Collateral), |
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Limitation on Transactions with Interested Persons, |
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Limitation on Dividends and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries, |
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Sale and Leaseback Transactions (but only as described in such discussion), and |
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Merger, Sale of Assets, Etc, (but only as described in such
discussion) (collectively, the Suspended Covenants). |
If, at any time following such a suspension of the above provisions, the Notes do not continue
to have an Investment Grade Rating from at least one of the Rating Agencies, then the suspension
will end and the Company and its Subsidiaries will again be subject to the Suspended Covenants
(until at least one of the Rating Agencies has again assigned an Investment Grade Rating to the Notes). Compliance with
the Suspended Covenants with respect to Restricted Payments made after the time that the suspension
ended will be calculated in accordance with the covenant described under the heading Certain
Covenants Limitation on Restricted Payments as if such covenant had been in effect at all times
after the date of the Indenture.
The Notes are expected to be subject to all covenants in the Indenture as of the anticipated
closing date.
Reporting Requirements
The Company will file with the SEC the annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents
required to be filed (or furnished) with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13 and 15 of the Exchange
Act, whether or not the Company has a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act. The
Company will deliver to the Trustee within 15 days after the date it is required to make (or, if
applicable, furnish) such filings (including as such date may be extended under any applicable time
period pursuant to Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act) with the SEC (or if any such filing is not
permitted under the Exchange Act, 15 days after the Company would have been required to make or
furnish such filing) copies of such reports and documents; provided, however, that the filing of
any such document with the SEC in a publicly-available format on the SECs IDEA system, or any
successor thereto, shall be deemed to constitute delivery of such document to the Trustee.
Rule 144A Information Requirement
If at any time the Company is no longer subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange
Act, it will furnish to the holders or beneficial holders of the Notes and prospective purchasers
of the Notes designated by the holders of the Notes, upon their request, any information required
to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
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Sale and Leaseback Transactions
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into a sale and
leaseback transaction; provided that the Company or any Guarantor may enter into a sale and
leaseback transaction if:
(1) the Company or that Guarantor, as applicable, could have (A) incurred Indebtedness in an
amount equal to the Attributable Indebtedness relating to such sale and leaseback transaction under
the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test in the first paragraph of the covenant described
above under the caption Certain Covenants Limitations on Indebtedness and Issuance of
Redeemable Capital Stock and (B) incurred a Lien to secure such Indebtedness pursuant to the
covenant described above under the caption Certain Covenants Limitation on Liens; provided,
however, that clause (A) of this clause (1) shall be suspended during any period in which the
Company and its Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants;
(2) the gross cash proceeds of that sale and leaseback transaction are at least equal to the
fair market value, which (if in excess of $10,000,000) will be determined in good faith by the
Board of Directors and set forth in an officers certificate delivered to the Trustee, of the
property that is the subject of such sale and leaseback transaction; and
(3) the transfer of assets in that sale and leaseback transaction is permitted by, and the
Company applies the proceeds of such transaction in compliance with, the covenant described above
under the caption Optional Redemption and Offer to Repurchase Repurchase at the Option of Holders
upon a Change of Control and Certain Asset Sales;
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company or any Subsidiary may effect a sale and leaseback
transaction or series of transactions with respect to its facility located in Craigavon, County
Armagh, Ireland, and the Attributable Indebtedness resulting therefrom shall be excluded from the
calculation and requirements otherwise described in clauses (1) and (3) above to the extent such
amount does not exceed £1,000,000.
Merger, Sale of Assets, Etc.
The Company will not, in any transaction or series of transactions, merge or consolidate with
or into, or sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all
of its properties and assets as an entirety to, any person or persons, and the Company will not
permit any of its Subsidiaries to enter into any such transaction or series of transactions if such
transaction or series of transactions, in the aggregate, would result in a sale, assignment,
conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and
assets of the Company or the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any other person or
persons, unless at the time of and after giving effect thereto:
(1) either (A) if the transaction or series of transactions is a merger or consolidation, the
Company shall be the surviving person of such merger or consolidation, or (B) the person formed by
such consolidation or into which the Company or such Subsidiary is merged or to which the
properties and assets of the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, are transferred (any
such surviving person or transferee person being the Surviving Entity) shall be a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the
District of Columbia and shall expressly assume by a supplemental indenture executed and delivered
to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Company
under the Notes and the Indenture, and in each case, the Indenture shall remain in full force and
effect,
(2) immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of
transactions on a pro forma basis (including, without limitation, any Indebtedness incurred or
anticipated to be incurred in connection with or in respect of such transaction or series of
transactions), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing,
(3) the Company or the Surviving Entity, as the case may be, after giving effect to such
transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma basis (including, without limitation, any
Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to be incurred in connection with or in respect of such
transaction or series of transactions), could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to
the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant
described under Certain Covenants Limitations on Indebtedness and Issuance of Redeemable
Capital Stock above (assuming a market rate of interest with respect to such additional
Indebtedness), and
- 85 -
(4) immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions on a pro
forma basis (including, without limitation, any Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to be incurred
in connection with or in respect of such transaction or series of transactions), the Consolidated
Net Worth of the Company or the Surviving Entity, as the case may be, is at least equal to the
Consolidated Net Worth of the Company immediately before such transaction or series of
transactions, provided, however, that this clause (4) shall be suspended during any period in which
the Company and its Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants.
In connection with any consolidation, merger, transfer, lease, assignment or other disposition
contemplated hereby, the Company shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee, in form
and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, an officers certificate and an opinion of
counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, transfer, lease, assignment or other
disposition and the supplemental indenture in respect thereof comply with the requirements under
the Indenture; provided, however, that, solely for purposes of computing amounts described in
clause (7) of the covenant described under Certain Covenants Limitation on Restricted
Payments above, any such Surviving Entity shall only be deemed to have succeeded to and be
substituted for the Company with respect to periods subsequent to the effective time of such
merger, consolidation or transfer of assets.
Upon any consolidation or merger or any transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of
the Company in accordance with the foregoing, in which the Company is not the Surviving Entity,
then the Surviving Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right
and power of, the Company under the Indenture with the same effect as if such successor corporation
had been named as the Company therein.
Designation of Unrestricted Subsidiaries
The Board of Directors may designate any Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if no
Default or Event of Default would occur or be continuing immediately after such designation and
taking into effect the designation. The Board of Directors may redesignate any Unrestricted
Subsidiary to be a Subsidiary if the redesignation would not cause a Default or Event of Default as
a result of such designation; provided, however, that the Company shall not be permitted to
redesignate any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Subsidiary unless, after giving pro forma effect to
such redesignation, (1) the Company would be permitted to incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness
under the proviso in the first paragraph of the covenant described under Certain Covenants
Limitation on Indebtedness and Issuance of Redeemable Capital Stock above (assuming a market rate
of interest with respect to such Indebtedness) and (2) all Indebtedness and Liens of such
Unrestricted Subsidiary would be permitted to be incurred by a Subsidiary of the Company under the
Indenture. After a redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary back to a Subsidiary, the Company
may not thereafter designate such Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
If a Subsidiary is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, all outstanding Investments owned
by the Company and its Subsidiaries in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be an
Investment made as of the time of such designation and will reduce the amount available for
Restricted Payments under the first paragraph of the covenant described above under the caption
Certain Covenants Limitation on Restricted Payments or Permitted Investments, as applicable.
All such outstanding Investments will be valued at their fair market value at the time of such
designation. That designation will only be permitted if such Restricted Payment would be permitted
at that time and if such designated Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted
Subsidiary.
Events of Default
The following are Events of Default under the Indenture:
(1) default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any of the Notes when
the same becomes due and payable (upon Stated Maturity, acceleration, optional redemption, required
purchase, scheduled principal payment or otherwise),
(2) default in the payment of an installment of interest (including any Special Interest) on
any of the Notes, when the same becomes due and payable, which default continues for a period of
30 days,
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(3) failure to perform or observe any other term, covenant or agreement contained in the
Notes, the Indenture or any Guarantee (other than a default specified in clause (1) or (2) above)
and such default continues for a period of 60 days after written notice of such default shall have
been given to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by holders of at least
25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding,
(4) default or defaults under one or more agreements, instruments, mortgages, bonds,
debentures or other evidences of Indebtedness under which the Company or any Significant Subsidiary
of the Company then has outstanding Indebtedness in excess of $20,000,000, individually or in the
aggregate, and either (A) such Indebtedness is already due and payable in full or (B) such default
or defaults have resulted in the acceleration of the maturity of such Indebtedness,
(5) one or more judgments, orders or decrees of any court or regulatory or administrative
agency of competent jurisdiction for the payment of money in excess of $20,000,000, either
individually or in the aggregate, shall be entered against the Company or any Significant
Subsidiary of the Company or any of their respective properties and shall not be discharged or
fully bonded, and there shall have been a period of 60 days after the date on which any period for
appeal has expired and during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, order or decree shall
not be in effect,
(6) unless all of the Collateral has been released from the Second Priority Liens in
accordance with the provisions of the Security Documents, default by the Company or any Significant
Subsidiary party thereto in the performance of the Security Documents which adversely affects the
enforceability, validity, perfection (to the extent required) or priority of the Second Priority
Liens on a material portion of the Collateral granted to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of
the Trustee and the holders of the Notes, the repudiation or disaffirmation by the Company or any
Significant Subsidiary of its material obligations under the Security Documents or the
determination in a judicial proceeding that the Security Documents are unenforceable or invalid
against the Company or any Subsidiary party thereto for any reason with respect to a material
portion of the Collateral (which default, repudiation, disaffirmation or determination is not
rescinded, stayed, or waived by the persons having such authority pursuant to the Security
Documents or otherwise cured within 60 days after the Company receives written notice thereof
specifying such occurrence from the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% of the outstanding
principal amount of the Notes and demanding that such default be remedied),
(7) any Guarantee issued by a Guarantor, which is also a Significant Subsidiary of the
Company, ceases to be in full force and effect or is declared null and void, or any such Guarantor
denies that it has any further liability under any such Guarantee or gives notice to such effect
(other than by reason of the termination of the Indenture or the release of any such Guarantee in
accordance with the Indenture) and such condition shall have continued for a period of 60 days
after written notice of such failure (which notice shall specify the Default, demand that it be
remedied and state that it is a Notice of Default) requiring such Guarantor and the Company to
remedy the same shall have been given to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the
Trustee by holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, or
(8) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to the Company or
any Significant Subsidiary of the Company shall have occurred.
If an Event of Default (other than as specified in clause (8) above) shall occur and be
continuing, the Trustee, by notice to the Company, or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, by notice to the Trustee and the Company, may
declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all of the
outstanding Notes due and payable immediately, upon which declaration, all amounts payable in
respect of the Notes shall be immediately due and payable; provided, however, that, for so long as
the Amended Credit Agreement is in effect, such declaration shall not become effective until the
earlier of (10) ten business days following delivery of written notice to the First-Lien Agent
thereunder of the intention to accelerate the maturity of the Notes, or (2) the acceleration of the
maturity of the Indebtedness under the Amended Credit Agreement.
If an Event of Default specified in clause (8) above occurs and is continuing, then the
principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest (including Special Interest), if
any, on all of the outstanding Notes shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable
without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any holder of Notes.
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After a declaration of acceleration under the Indenture, but before a judgment or decree for
payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding Notes, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may
rescind such declaration if:
(1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay (A) all sums
paid or advanced by the Trustee under the Indenture and the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, (B) all overdue interest on all
Notes, (C) the principal of, premium, if any, and Special Interest, if any, on any Notes that have
become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate
borne by the Notes, and (D) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon
overdue interest, overdue principal and Special Interest, if any, at the rate borne by the Notes
that have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration,
(2) the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent
jurisdiction, and
(3) all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on the Notes that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been
cured or waived.
The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes
may, on behalf of the holders of all the Notes, waive any past defaults under the Indenture, except
a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, Special Interest, if any, or
interest on any Note, in respect of a covenant or provision that under the Indenture that cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each Note outstanding.
No holder of any of the Notes has any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the
Indenture or the Notes or any remedy thereunder, unless:
(1) the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes have
made written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee to institute such proceeding
as Trustee under the Notes and the Indenture,
(2) the Trustee has failed to institute such proceeding within 30 days after receipt of such
notice, and
(3) the Trustee, within such 30-day period, has not received directions inconsistent with
such written request from holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
Notes.
Such limitations do not apply, however, to a suit instituted by a holder of a Note for the
enforcement of the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on such Note on or
after the respective due dates expressed in such Note. The exercise of any and all rights and
remedies in respect of the Collateral is subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.
During the existence of an Event of Default, the Trustee is required to exercise such rights
and powers vested in it under the Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its
exercise thereof as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such
persons own affairs. Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee, whether or not an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee is not under
any obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or
direction of any of the holders unless such holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable
security or indemnity. Subject to certain provisions concerning the rights of the Trustee and the
terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding Notes have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power
conferred on the Trustee under the Indenture.
If a Default or an Event of Default occurs and is continuing and is known to the Trustee, the
Trustee shall mail to each holder of the Notes notice of the Default or Event of Default within
30 days after obtaining knowledge thereof. Except in the case of a Default or an Event of Default
in payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Notes, the Trustee may withhold the
notice to the holders of such Notes if a committee of its trust officers determines in good faith
that withholding the notice is in the interest of the holders of the Notes.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annual and quarterly statements as to the
performance by the Company of its obligations under the Indenture and as to any default in such
performance. The Company is also required to notify the Trustee within 30 days of any event that
is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default.
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Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance of Indenture
Upon satisfaction of certain special requirements, the Company may, at its option and at any
time, terminate the obligations of the Company with respect to the outstanding Notes (legal
defeasance). Such legal defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and
discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes, except for:
(1) the rights of holders of outstanding Notes to receive payment in respect of the principal
of, premium, if any, interest, and Special Interest, if any, on such Notes when such payments are
due,
(2) the Companys obligations to issue temporary Notes, register the transfer or exchange of
any Notes, replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and maintain an office or agency for
payments in respect of the Notes,
(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee, and
(4) the legal defeasance provisions of the Indenture.
In addition, upon satisfaction of certain special requirements, the Company may, at its option
and at any time, elect to have the obligations of the Company released with respect to certain
covenants, some of which are described under Certain Covenants above, that are set forth in the
Indenture (covenant defeasance) and thereafter any omission to comply with these covenants will
not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes, and any subsequent failure
to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect to
the Notes.
In order to exercise either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance:
(1) the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the
holders of the Notes, cash in United States dollars, U.S. Government Obligations (as defined in the
Indenture), or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a
nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if
any, and interest and Special Interest, if any, on the outstanding Notes to redemption or maturity
(except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid) and the Company must
specify whether the Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date,
(2) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that
the holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes as a result of such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal
income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the
case if such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred (in the case of legal
defeasance, such opinion must refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service
or a change in applicable federal income tax laws),
(3) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such
deposit,
(4) such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a
conflicting interest with respect to any securities of the Company,
(5) such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation
of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument to which the Company is a
party or by which it is bound,
(6) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that
(A) after the 91st day following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of
any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors rights
generally and (B) the trust funds will not be subject to the rights of holders of other
Indebtedness, including, without limitation, those rights arising under the Indenture, and
(7) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an officers certificate and an opinion
of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent under the Indenture to either legal
defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with.
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Satisfaction and Discharge
The Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect (except as to
surviving rights or registration of transfer or exchange of the Notes, as expressly provided for in
the Indenture) as to all outstanding Notes when:
(1) either (A) all the Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (except lost, stolen or
destroyed Notes which have been replaced or repaid and Notes for whose payment money has
theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter
repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation, or (B) all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (except
lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid) have been called for redemption
pursuant to the terms of the Notes or have otherwise become due and payable and the Company has
irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the
entire Indebtedness on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for
principal of, premium, if any, interest and Special Interest, if any, on the Notes to the date of
deposit together with irrevocable instructions from the Company directing the Trustee to apply such
funds to the payment thereof at maturity or redemption, as the case may be,
(2) the Company has paid all other sums payable under the Indenture by the Company,
(3) there exists no Default or Event of Default under the Indenture, and
(4) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an officers certificate and an opinion of
counsel stating that all conditions precedent under the Indenture relating to the satisfaction and
discharge of the Indenture have been complied with and such satisfaction and discharge will not
result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, the Indenture or any material
agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound.
Amendments and Waivers
Without the consent of any holders, the Company, the Guarantors, if any, and the Trustee, at
any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental to the Indenture
for certain specified purposes including, among other things:
(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any
such successor of the covenants of the Company in the Indenture and in the Notes,
(2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the holders, or to surrender
any right or power herein conferred upon the Company,
(3) to add additional Events of Default,
(4) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under the Indenture by a
successor Trustee,
(5) to provide for or confirm the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the terms
of the Indenture,
(6) to add to the Collateral securing the Notes, to add a Guarantor or to release a Guarantor
in accordance with the Indenture, or
(7) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision in the Indenture which may
be defective or inconsistent with any other provision in the Indenture, or to make any other
provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Indenture, provided, however that
such actions pursuant to this clause shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders in any
material respect, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company.
Other amendments and modifications of the Indenture, the Notes or the Guarantees may be made
by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority of the
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; provided, however, that no such modification
or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Note affected thereby:
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(1) reduce the principal amount of, extend the fixed maturity of or alter the redemption
provisions of, the Notes,
(2) change the currency in which any Note or any premium, any Special Interest or the
interest on any Note is payable or make the principal of, premium, if any, Special Interest, if
any, or the interest on any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Note,
(3) reduce the percentage in principal amount of outstanding Notes that must consent to an
amendment, supplement, waiver or consent to take any action under the Indenture, any Guarantee or
the Notes,
(4) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect
to the Notes,
(5) waive a default in payment with respect to the Notes,
(6) amend, change or modify the obligations of the Company to make and consummate the offer
with respect to any Asset Sale Offer or Change of Control Offer, or modify any of the provisions or
definitions with respect thereto in a manner adverse to the holders of the Notes,
(7) reduce the rate or change the time for payment of interest or Special Interest, if any,
on the Notes,
(8) amend, change or modify any provision of the Indenture affecting the ranking of the Notes
or any Guarantee in a manner adverse to the holders of the Notes,
(9) release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Guarantee or the Indenture
other than in compliance with the Indenture, or
(10) have the effect of releasing all or substantially all of the Collateral from the Liens
securing the Notes.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, certain amendments, modifications and
supplements may be subject to the approval of the First Lien Agent pursuant to the Intercreditor
Agreement as described above.
Exchange Offer; Registration Rights Agreement; Special Interest
The Company and the Guarantors entered into a registration rights agreement relating to the
Notes (the Registration Rights Agreement) pursuant to which the Company agreed, for the benefit
of the holders of the original notes:
(1) to use its commercially reasonable best efforts to file a registration statement under
the Securities Act with the SEC (the Exchange Offer Registration Statement) relating to an
exchange offer (the Exchange Offer) pursuant to which securities substantially identical to the
original notes and the related Guarantees (except that such securities will not contain terms with
respect to the Special Interest payments described below or transfer restrictions) (all such
securities issued in exchange for the original notes, the Exchange Notes) would be offered in
exchange for the then outstanding original notes and the related Guarantees tendered at the option
of the holders,
(2) to use its commercially reasonable best efforts to have such Exchange Offer Registration
Statement remain effective until the closing of the Exchange Offer, and
(3) to use its commercially reasonable best efforts to consummate the Exchange Offer no later
than 180 days after the Issue Date, to hold the Exchange Offer open for at least 25 days, and issue
the applicable Exchange Notes for original notes validly tendered and not withdrawn before the
expiration of the applicable Exchange Offer.
Interest on the Exchange Notes will accrue from (x) the last interest payment date on which
interest was paid on the original notes surrendered in exchange therefor or (y) if no interest has
been paid on the original notes so surrendered, the Issue Date.
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Under existing SEC interpretations, the Exchange Notes will in general be freely transferable
after the applicable Exchange Offer without further registration under the Securities Act, except
that broker-dealers (Participating Broker-Dealers) receiving Exchange Notes in this Exchange
Offer will be subject to a prospectus delivery requirement with respect to resale of those Exchange
Notes. The SEC has taken the position that Participating Broker-Dealers may fulfill their
prospectus delivery requirements with respect to the Exchange Notes (other than a resale of any
unsold allotment from the original sale of the Notes) by delivery of the prospectus contained in
the applicable Exchange Offer Registration Statement. Under the Registration Rights Agreement, the
Company is required to allow Participating Broker-Dealers to use this prospectus contained in the
applicable Exchange Offer Registration Statement in connection with the resale of the applicable
Exchange Notes. The Exchange Offer Registration Statement will be kept effective for a period of
one year after the Exchange Offer has been completed in order to permit resales of Exchange Notes
acquired by broker-dealers in the applicable Exchange Offer for the Notes acquired in after-market
transactions.
The Company will take the actions described in the following paragraph if:
(1) applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC do not permit the issuer to effect
such Exchange Offer,
(2) for any other reason the Exchange Offer is not consummated within 180 days of the Issue
Date, or
(3) any holder of registrable Notes shall notify the Company that such holder (a) is
prohibited by applicable law or SEC policy from participating in the Exchange Offer, (b) may not
resell Exchange Notes acquired by it in the Exchange Offer to the public without delivering a
prospectus and that the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not
appropriate or available for such resales by such holder or (c) is a broker-dealer and holds Notes
acquired directly from the Company or an affiliate of the Company (each such event referred to in
clauses (1) through (3) above, a Shelf Registration Event).
If a Shelf Registration Event exists, the Company shall:
(1) use its commercially reasonable best efforts to, as promptly as practicable, file a shelf
registration statement covering resales of the Notes (the Shelf Registration Statement),
(2) use its commercially reasonable best efforts to cause the Shelf Registration Statement to
be declared effective under the Securities Act,
(3) use its commercially reasonable best efforts to keep effective the Shelf Registration
Statement until the earlier of the disposition of the Notes covered by the Shelf Registration
Statement or one year after its effective date (or such earlier time when the Notes are eligible
for resale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act), and
(4) provide to each holder of the Notes copies of the prospectus that is a part of the Shelf
Registration Statement, notify each such holder when the Shelf Registration Statement for the Notes
has become effective and take certain other actions as are required to permit unrestricted resales
of the Notes.
A holder of the Notes that sells such Notes pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement
generally would be required to be named as a selling security holder in the related prospectus and
to deliver a prospectus to purchasers, will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions
under the Securities Act in connection with such sales and will be bound by the provisions of the
Registration Rights Agreement that are applicable to such a holder (including certain
indemnification rights and obligations).
While the registration statement for this exchange offer has been declared effective, there
can be no assurance that it will continue to be effective for the period contemplated by the above
requirements, or that any other registration statement contemplated above will become effective
when and if required to be filed.
The Company will pay liquidated damages, in the form of additional interest (Special
Interest), to each holder of Notes if:
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(1) the Company fails to file any of the registration statements required by the Registration
Rights Agreement on or before the date specified for such filing,
(2) any of the registration statements is not declared effective by the SEC on or prior to
the date specified for such effectiveness,
(3) the Company fails to consummate the Exchange Offer within 30 days of the deadline for
effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, or
(4) if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement is declared effective but thereafter
ceases to be effective prior to one year after its original effective date (each such event
referred to in clauses (1) through (4) above a Registration Default).
Special Interest (in addition to the base interest that would otherwise accrue) shall accrue
on the Notes at a rate of .50% per annum for the first 90 days immediately following the first
occurrence of an applicable Registration Default. The Special Interest rate will increase by an
additional .25% per annum at the beginning of each subsequent 90-day period, up to a maximum
Special Interest rate of 1.5% per annum. Any amounts of Special Interest will be payable in cash on
the interest payment dates of the Notes. The amount of Special Interest will be determined by
multiplying the applicable Special Interest rate by the principal amount of the Notes, multiplied
by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days such Special Interest rate was
applicable during such period, and the denominator of which is 360. The existence of multiple
Registration Defaults shall not increase the amount of Special Interest; rather, the calculation of
the amount of Special Interest shall be made with respect to the earliest continuing Registration
Default.
The foregoing is a summary of material provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement, but it
does not purport to be a discussion of all of its provisions. A copy of the Registration Rights
Agreement has been filed as an exhibit to the Companys current report on Form 8-K previously filed
with the SEC on June 11, 2009.
The Trustee
The Indenture provides that, except during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Trustee
thereunder will perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in the Indenture. If an
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee will, subject to the terms of the
Intercreditor Agreement, exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the Indenture, and use
the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise under the
circumstances in the conduct of such persons own affairs.
The Indenture and provisions of the Trust Indenture Act incorporated by reference therein
contain limitations on the rights of the Trustee thereunder, should it become a creditor of the
Company, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received by
it in respect of any such claims, as security or otherwise. The Trustee is permitted to engage in
other transactions; provided, however, that if it acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in
the Trust Indenture Act) it must eliminate such conflict or resign.
Methods of Receiving Payments on the Notes
If a holder of Notes has given wire transfer instructions to the Company, the Company will
make all principal, premium, interest and Special Interest, if any, payments on those Notes in
accordance with those instructions. All other payments on these Notes will be made at the office or
agency of the paying agent and registrar for the Notes unless the Company elects to make interest
payments by check mailed to the holders at their address set forth in the register of holders.
Paying Agent and Registrar for the Notes
The Trustee currently is acting as paying agent and registrar for the Notes. The Company may
change the paying agent or registrar without prior notice to the holders of the Notes, and the
Company or any of its subsidiaries may act as paying agent or registrar.
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Transfer and Exchange
A holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The registrar for
the Notes and the Trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate
endorsements and transfer documents, and the Company may require a holder to pay any taxes and fees
required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company is not required to transfer or exchange
any Note selected for redemption. Also, the Company is not required to transfer or exchange any
Note for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.
Governing Law
The Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees are governed by the laws of the State of New York.
Certain Definitions
Set forth below are some of the defined terms used in the Indenture. Reference is made to the
Indenture for a full disclosure of all such terms, as well as any other capitalized terms used
herein for which no definition is provided.
Acquired Indebtedness means Indebtedness of a person (1) assumed in connection with an Asset
Acquisition from such person, (2) existing at the time such person becomes a Subsidiary of any
other person or (3) secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries.
Affiliate means, with respect to any specified person, any other person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such
specified person. For the purpose of this definition, control (including, with correlative
meanings, the terms controlling, controlled by and under common control with), as applied to
any specified person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause
the direction of the management and policies of that person, whether through the ownership of
voting securities or by contract or otherwise. The Trustee may request and conclusively rely on an
officers certificate to determine whether any person is an Affiliate of the Company.
Amended Credit Agreement means the Sixth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of
June 30, 2006, among the Company (and certain direct and indirect subsidiaries), the lenders listed
therein, Wachovia Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A. and General Electric Capital Corporation, as
amended by the First Amendment thereto, dated January 1, 2008, and the Second Amendment thereto,
dated May 14, 2009, including any related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and
agreements executed in connection therewith, and in each case as amended, modified, renewed,
extended, replaced, restated or refinanced from time to time and whether with the present lender or
other lenders and administrative agents.
Asset Acquisition means:
(1) an Investment by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in any other person
pursuant to which such person shall become a Subsidiary of the Company, or shall be merged with or
into the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company,
(2) the acquisition by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of the assets of any
person (other than a Subsidiary of the Company) which constitute all or substantially all of the
assets of such person, or
(3) the acquisition by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of any division or line
of business of any person (other than a Subsidiary of the Company).
Asset Sale means any direct or indirect sale, issuance, conveyance, transfer, lease or other
disposition to any person other than the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company, in
one or a series of related transactions, of:
(1) any Capital Stock of any Subsidiary of the Company (other than in respect of directors
qualifying shares or investments by foreign nationals mandated by applicable law),
(2) all or substantially all of the properties and assets of any division or line of business
of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, or
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(3) any other properties or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company other than
in the ordinary course of business.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term Asset Sale shall not include:
(1) any sale, transfer or other disposition of equipment, tools or other assets by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries in one or a series of related transactions in respect of which
the Company or such Subsidiary receives cash or property with an aggregate Fair Market Value of
$1,000,000 or less,
(2) any sale, transfer or disposition of accounts receivable or interests in accounts
receivable of the Company or any Subsidiaries pursuant to the Receivables Securitization
Agreements,
(3) any sale, issuance, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of properties or
assets that is governed by the covenant whose provisions are described under Certain
Covenants Merger, Sale of Assets, Etc. above,
(4)
sales of Currency Agreement obligations,
(5) any transfer or disposition of Receivables and Related Assets in a Qualified
Securitization Transaction, and
(6) any compensatory plan or transaction (or arrangement in support of, or reasonably and
directly related to, any compensatory plan or transaction) of or by the Company or any Subsidiary
for the benefit of employees or directors.
Assets of any person means all types of real, personal, tangible, intangible or mixed
property or assets owned by such person whether or not included in the most recent consolidated
financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries under GAAP.
Attributable Indebtedness means in respect of a sale and leaseback transaction at the time
of determination thereof, the greater of:
(1) the capitalized amount in respect of such transaction that would appear on the face of a
balance sheet of the lessee in accordance with GAAP, and
(2) the present value (discounted at the interest rate borne by the Notes, compounded
annually) of the total obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of
the lease included in such sale and leaseback transaction (including any period for which such
lease has been extended).
Attributable Liens means, in connection with a sale and leaseback transaction, the lesser of
(1) the fair market value of the assets subject to such transaction, and (2) the present value
(discounted at a rate per annum equal to the average interest borne by all outstanding Notes issued
under the Indenture determined on a weighted average basis and compounded semiannually) of the
obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the term of the related lease.
Average Life to Stated Maturity means, with respect to any Indebtedness, as at any date of
determination, the quotient obtained by dividing (1) the sum of the products of (A) the number of
years (or any fraction thereof) from such date to the date or dates of each successive scheduled
principal payment (including, without limitation, any sinking fund requirements) of such
Indebtedness multiplied by (B) the amount of each such principal payment by (2) the sum of all such
principal payments.
Bankruptcy Code means Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended from time to time.
Borrowing Base means the sum of (1) 85% of the book value of the accounts receivable of the
Company and the Guarantors on a consolidated basis and (2) 65% of the book value of the inventory
of the Company and the Guarantors on a consolidated basis.
Capital Stock means, with respect to any person, any and all shares, interests,
participations, rights in or other equivalents (however designated) of such persons capital stock,
and any rights (other than debt securities convertible into capital stock), warrants or options
exchangeable for or convertible into such capital stock.
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Capitalized Lease Obligation means any obligation under a lease of (or other agreement
conveying the right to use) any property (whether real, personal or mixed) that is required to be
classified and accounted for as a capital lease obligation under GAAP, and, for the purpose of the
Indenture, the amount of such obligation at any date shall be the capitalized amount thereof at
such date, determined in accordance with GAAP.
Cash Equivalents means, at any time:
(1) any evidence of Indebtedness with a maturity of 180 days or less issued or directly and
fully guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality
thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged in
support thereof),
(2) certificates of deposit or acceptances with a maturity of 180 days or less of any
financial institution that is a member of the Federal Reserve System having combined capital and
surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000,
(3) certificates of deposit with a maturity of 180 days or less of any financial institution
that is not organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of
Columbia that are rated at least A-1 by S&P or at least P-1 by Moodys or at least an equivalent
rating category of another nationally recognized securities rating agency, or
(4) repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements relating to marketable direct
obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the government of the United States of America
or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of
America, in each case maturing within 180 days from the date of acquisition; provided that the
terms of such agreements comply with the guidelines set forth in the Repurchase Agreements of
Depository Institutions With Securities Dealers and Others, as adopted by the Comptroller of the
Currency on October 31, 1985, as modified effective February 11, 1998.
Change of Control means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(1) so long as the holders of the Companys Class B Common Stock are entitled to elect a
majority of the Companys Board of Directors, any person or group (as such terms are used in
Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than the Permitted Holders, shall become the
beneficial owner(s) (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of the
Companys Class B Common Stock,
(2) at any time, any person or group (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)
of the Exchange Act), other than the Permitted Holders, shall become the beneficial owner(s) (as
defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of the total outstanding Voting Stock
of the Company,
(3) the Company consolidates with, or merges with or into, another person or sells, assigns,
conveys, transfers, leases or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of its assets to any
person, or any person consolidates with, or merges with or into, the Company, in any such event
pursuant to a transaction in which the outstanding Voting Stock of the Company is converted into or
exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where
(A) the outstanding Voting Stock of the Company is converted into or exchanged for (i) Voting
Stock (other than Redeemable Capital Stock) of the surviving or transferee corporation, or
(ii) cash, securities and other property in an amount which could then be paid by the Company as a
Restricted Payment under the Indenture, or a combination thereof, and
(B) immediately after such transaction no person or group (as such terms are used in
Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), excluding Permitted Holders, is the beneficial
owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a person shall be
deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such person has the right to acquire,
whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time, upon the happening
of an event or otherwise), directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of the total Voting Stock of the
surviving or transferee corporation,
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(4) at any time during any consecutive two-year period, individuals who at the beginning of
such period constituted the Board of Directors of the Company (together with any new directors
whose election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the stockholders of
the Company was approved by a vote of 66 2/3% of the directors then still in office who were either
directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was
previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of
the Company then in office, or
(5) the Company is liquidated or dissolved or adopts a plan of liquidation, or
(6) a Change of Control shall have occurred under the 9.5% Notes.
Collateral Agent means the Trustee or other financial institution or entity which, in the
determination of the Company is acceptable and may include, without limitation, an entity
affiliated with the initial purchasers, any lenders or an entity affiliated with the lenders under
the Amended Credit Agreement or an affiliate thereof, acting in its capacity as collateral agent
for the benefit of the holders of the Second Priority Lien Obligations under the Indenture, the
Notes, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement.
Common Stock means, with respect to any person, any and all shares, interests or other
participations in, and other equivalents (however designated and whether voting or nonvoting) of,
such persons common stock, whether outstanding at the Issue Date or issued after the Issue Date,
and includes, without limitation, all series and classes of such common stock.
Consolidated Cash Flow Available for Fixed Charges means, with respect to any person for any
period, the sum of, without duplication, the amounts for such period, taken as a single accounting
period, of:
(1) Consolidated Net Income,
(2) Consolidated Non-Cash Charges,
(3) Consolidated Interest Expense,
(4) Consolidated Income Tax Expense, and
(5) One third of Consolidated Rental Payments
less any non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period.
Consolidated EBITDA means, with respect to the Company, for any period, the sum (without
duplication) of:
(1) Consolidated Net Income of the Company, and
(2) to the extent Consolidated Net Income of the Company has been reduced thereby:
(A) all income taxes of the Company and its Subsidiaries paid or accrued in accordance with
GAAP for such period;
(B) Consolidated Interest Expense of the Company;
(C) Consolidated Non-Cash Charges of the Company less any non-cash items increasing
Consolidated Net Income of the Company for such period, all as determined on a consolidated basis
for the Company and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP; and
(D) gain or loss on early retirement of long term Indebtedness or early termination of
Interest Rate Protection Obligations, Currency Agreements or other derivatives permitted by the
Indenture.
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Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio means, with respect to any person, the ratio of the
aggregate amount of Consolidated Cash Flow Available for Fixed Charges of such person for the four
full fiscal quarters immediately preceding the date of the transaction (for purposes of this
definition, the Transaction Date) giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio (for purposes of this definition, such four full fiscal quarter period being
referred to herein as the Four Quarter Period) to the aggregate amount of Consolidated Fixed
Charges of such person for the Four Quarter Period.
In addition to and without limitation of the foregoing, for purposes of this definition,
Consolidated Cash Flow Available for Fixed Charges and Consolidated Fixed Charges shall be
calculated after giving effect on a pro forma basis for the period of such calculation to, without
duplication, (1) the incurrence of any Indebtedness of such person or any of its Subsidiaries (and
the application of the net proceeds thereof) during the period commencing on the first day of the
Four Quarter Period to and including the Transaction Date (the Reference Period), including,
without limitation, the incurrence of the Indebtedness giving rise to the need to make such
calculation (and the application of the net proceeds thereof), as if such incurrence (and
application) occurred on the first day of the Reference Period, and (2) any Asset Sales or Asset
Acquisitions (including, without limitation, any Asset Acquisition giving rise to the need to make
such calculation as a result of such person or one of its Subsidiaries (including any person who
becomes a Subsidiary as a result of the Asset Acquisition) incurring, assuming or otherwise being
liable for Acquired Indebtedness) occurring during the Reference Period, as if such Asset Sale or
Asset Acquisition occurred on the first day of the Reference Period.
Furthermore, in calculating Consolidated Fixed Charges for purposes of determining the
denominator (but not the numerator) of this Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (1) interest
on outstanding Indebtedness determined on a fluctuating basis as of the Transaction Date and which
will continue to be so determined thereafter shall be deemed to have accrued at a fixed rate per
annum equal to the rate of interest on such Indebtedness in effect on the Transaction Date; and
(2) if interest on any Indebtedness actually incurred on the Transaction Date may optionally be
determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency
interbank offered rate, or other rates, then the interest rate in effect on the Transaction Date
will be deemed to have been in effect during the Reference Period. If such person or any of its
Subsidiaries directly or indirectly guarantees Indebtedness of a third person, the above clause shall give effect to the incurrence of such guaranteed Indebtedness
as if such person or such Subsidiary had directly incurred or otherwise assumed such guaranteed
Indebtedness.
Consolidated Fixed Charges means, with respect to any person for any period, the sum of,
without duplication, the amounts for such period of:
(1) Consolidated Interest Expense,
(2) the product of (A) the aggregate amount of dividends and other distributions paid or
accrued during such period in respect of Preferred Stock and Redeemable Capital Stock of such
person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, and (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is
one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state and local
statutory tax rate of such person, expressed as a decimal, and
(3) one-third of Consolidated Rental Payments.
Consolidated Income Tax Expense means, with respect to any person for any period, the
provision for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes of such person and its Subsidiaries
for such period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Interest Expense means, with respect to any person for any period, without
duplication, the sum of (1) the interest expense of such person and its Subsidiaries for such
period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, including, without
limitation, (A) any amortization of debt discount, (B) the net cost under Interest Rate Protection
Obligations, (C) the interest portion of any deferred payment obligation, (D) all commissions,
discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers acceptance
financing, and (E) all accrued interest and (2) the interest component of Capitalized Lease
Obligations paid, accrued and/or scheduled to be paid or accrued by such person and its
Subsidiaries during such period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
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Consolidated Net Assets means, as of any particular time, the aggregate amount of assets
after deducting therefrom all current liabilities except for (1) notes and loans payable;
(2) current maturities of long-term debt; and (3) current maturities of obligations under capital
leases, all as set forth on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its
consolidated Subsidiaries and computed in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Net Income means, with respect to any person, for any period, the consolidated
net income (or loss) of such person and its Subsidiaries for such period as determined in
accordance with GAAP, adjusted, to the extent included in calculating such net income, by
excluding, without duplication:
(1) all extraordinary gains or losses,
(2) the portion of net income (but not losses) of such person and its Subsidiaries allocable
to minority interests in unconsolidated persons to the extent that cash dividends or distributions
have not actually been received by such person or one of its Subsidiaries,
(3) net income (or loss) of any person combined with such person or one of its Subsidiaries
on a pooling of interests basis attributable to any period prior to the date of combination,
(4) any gain or loss realized upon the termination of any employee pension benefit plan, on
an after-tax basis,
(5) gains or losses in respect of any Asset Sales by such person or one of its
Subsidiaries, and
(6) the net income of any Subsidiary of such person to the extent that the declaration of
dividends or similar distributions by that Subsidiary of that income is not at the time permitted,
directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument,
judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Subsidiary or
its stockholders.
Consolidated Net Worth means, with respect to any person at any date, the consolidated
stockholders equity of such person less the amount of such stockholders equity attributable to
Redeemable Capital Stock of such person and its Subsidiaries, as determined in accordance with
GAAP.
Consolidated Non-Cash Charges means, with respect to any person for any period, the
aggregate depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses of such person and its
Subsidiaries reducing Consolidated Net Income of such person and its Subsidiaries for such period,
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (excluding any such charges constituting
an extraordinary item or loss or any such charge which required an accrual of or a reserve for cash
charges for any future period).
Consolidated Rental Payments of any person means, for any period, the aggregate rental
obligations of such person and its consolidated Subsidiaries (not including taxes, insurance,
maintenance and similar expenses that the lessee is obligated to pay under the terms of the
relevant leases), determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, payable in respect of
such period (net of income from subleases thereof, not including taxes, insurance, maintenance and
similar expenses that the sublessee is obligated to pay under the terms of such sublease), whether
or not such obligations are reflected as liabilities or commitments on a consolidated balance sheet
of such person and its Subsidiaries or in the notes thereto, excluding, however, in any event:
(1) that portion of Consolidated Interest Expense of such person representing payments by
such person or any of its consolidated Subsidiaries in respect of Capitalized Lease Obligations
(net of payments to such person or any of its consolidated Subsidiaries under subleases qualifying
as capitalized lease subleases to the extent that such payments would be deducted in determining
Consolidated Interest Expense), and
(2) the aggregate amount of amortization of obligations of such person and its consolidated
Subsidiaries in respect of such Capitalized Lease Obligations for such period (net of payments to
such person or any of its consolidated Subsidiaries and subleases qualifying as capitalized lease
subleases to the extent that such payments could be deducted in determining such amortization
amount).
Currency Agreement means, with respect to any person, any spot or foreign exchange contract,
currency swap agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect such person
or any of its Subsidiaries against, or manage exposure to, fluctuations in currency values.
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Default means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an
Event of Default.
Equity Interests means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire
Capital Stock but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for,
Capital Stock.
European Credit Agreement means the amended and restated Credit Agreement, dated as of
April 24, 2009, among Interface Europe B.V. (our modular carpet subsidiary based in the
Netherlands) and certain of its subsidiaries and ABN AMRO Bank N.V., including any related notes,
guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and
in each case as amended, modified, renewed, extended, replaced, restated or refinanced from time to
time and whether with the present lender or other lenders and administrative agents.
Event of Default has the meaning set forth under Events of Default herein.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Exchange Notes has the meaning set forth under the heading Exchange Offer; Registration
Rights Agreement; Special Interest.
Fair Market Value means, with respect to any assets, the price, as determined by the Board
of Directors of the Company acting in good faith, that could be negotiated in an arms-length free
market transaction, for cash, between a willing seller and a willing buyer, neither of which is
under pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction; provided, however, that, with respect to
any transaction that involves an asset or assets in excess of $5,000,000, such determination shall
be evidenced by a certificate of an officer of the Company delivered to the Trustee.
First Lien Agent means Wachovia Bank, N.A., in its capacity as domestic agent and collateral
agent under the documents associated with the Amended Credit Facility and any successor acting in
such capacity.
First Lien Obligations means the Indebtedness and other obligations that are Permitted
Indebtedness under clause (4) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness.
First Priority Liens means all Liens on the Collateral and any other assets of the Company
and the Guarantors that now or hereafter secure the First Lien Obligations.
GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and
pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in
such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the
accounting profession of the United States of America, which are applicable from time to time and
are consistently applied.
Guarantee means each guarantee of the Notes by each Guarantor.
guarantee means, as applied to any obligation:
(1) a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the
ordinary course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner, of any part or all of such
obligation, and
(2) an agreement, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, the practical effect of which
is to assure in any way the payment or performance (or payment of damages in the event of
non-performance) of all or any part of such obligation, including, without limiting the foregoing,
the payment of amounts drawn down by letters of credit.
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Guarantor means (1) each Material U.S. Subsidiary (other than a Securitization Entity) and
(2) each person who delivers a Guarantee pursuant to the covenant described under Overview The
Guarantees above and shall include any successor replacing it pursuant to the Indenture, and
thereafter means such successor. The Guarantors presently include: InterfaceFLOR, LLC, Bentley
Prince Street, Inc., Bentley Mills, Inc., Commercial Flooring Systems, Inc., Flooring Consultants,
Inc., Interface Americas, Inc., Interface Architectural Resources, Inc., Interface Overseas
Holdings, Inc., FLOR, Inc., Quaker City International, Inc., Re:Source Americas Enterprises, Inc.,
Re:Source Minnesota, Inc., Re:Source North Carolina, Inc., Re:Source New York, Inc., Re:Source
Oregon, Inc., Re:Source Southern California, Inc., Re:Source Washington, D.C., Inc., Southern
Contract Systems, Inc., Superior/Reiser Flooring Resources, Inc., Interface Global Company ApS,
InterfaceSERVICES, Inc., Interface Real Estate Holdings, LLC, Interface Americas Holdings, LLC and
Interface Americas Re:Source Technologies, LLC.
Indebtedness means, with respect to any person, without duplication:
(1) all liabilities of such person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of
property or services, excluding any trade payables and other accrued current liabilities incurred
in the ordinary course of business and which are not overdue by more than 90 days, but including,
without limitation, all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such person in connection with any
letters of credit, bankers acceptance or other similar credit transaction,
(2) all obligations of such person evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or other similar
instruments,
(3) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement with respect to property acquired by such person (even if the rights and remedies of the
seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale
of such property), but excluding trade accounts payable arising in
the ordinary course of business,
(4) all obligations of such person arising under Capitalized Lease Obligations,
(5) all Indebtedness referred to in the preceding clauses of other persons and all dividends
of other persons, the payment of which is secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness
has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien upon property
(including, without limitation, accounts and contract rights) owned by such person, even though
such person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such Indebtedness (the amount of
such obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the value of such property or asset or the amount
of the obligation so secured),
(6) all guarantees of Indebtedness referred to in this definition by such person,
(7) all Redeemable Capital Stock of such person valued at the greater of its voluntary or
involuntary maximum fixed repurchase price plus accrued dividends,
(8) all obligations under or in respect of Currency Agreements and Interest Rate Protection
Obligations of such person, and
(9) any amendment, supplement, modification, deferral, renewal, extension or refunding of any
liability of the types referred to in clauses (1) through (8) above.
For purposes hereof, the maximum fixed repurchase price of any Redeemable Capital Stock
which does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of
such Redeemable Capital Stock as if such Redeemable Capital Stock were purchased on any date on
which Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to the Indenture, and if such price
is based upon, or measured by, the fair market value of such Redeemable Capital Stock, such fair
market value shall be determined in good faith by the board of directors of the issuer of such
Redeemable Capital Stock.
Independent Financial Advisor means a firm which does not, and whose directors, officers and
employees or Affiliates do not, have a direct or indirect financial interest in the Company and
which, in the judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, is otherwise independent and
qualified to perform the task for which it is to be engaged.
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Interest Rate Protection Agreement means, with respect to the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, any arrangement with any other person whereby, directly or indirectly, such person is
entitled to receive from time to time periodic payments calculated by applying either a floating or
a fixed rate of interest on a stated notional amount in exchange for periodic payments made by such
person calculated by applying a fixed or a floating rate of interest on the same notional amount
and shall include without limitation, interest rate swaps, caps, floors, collars and similar
agreements.
Interest Rate Protection Obligations means the obligations of any person pursuant to an
Interest Rate Protection Agreement.
Investment means, with respect to any person, any direct or indirect loan or other extension
of credit or capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to others
or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others), or any purchase or
acquisition by such person of any Capital Stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other securities or
evidences of Indebtedness issued by, any other person. In addition, the Fair Market Value of the
assets of any Subsidiary of the Company at the time that such Subsidiary is designated as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be an Investment made by the Company in such
Unrestricted Subsidiary at such time. Investments shall exclude extensions of trade credit by the
Company and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business in accordance with normal trade
practices of the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be. Investments does not include
payments made as the purchase consideration in an Asset Acquisition.
Lien means any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien (statutory or other), security interest,
hypothecation, assignment for security, claim, or preference or priority or other encumbrance upon
or with respect to any property of any kind. A person shall be deemed to own subject to a Lien any
property which such person has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor
under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement.
Material Subsidiary means each Subsidiary, now existing or hereinafter established or
acquired, that has or acquires total assets in excess of $10,000,000, or that holds any fixed
assets material to the operations or business of the Company or another Material Subsidiary.
Material U.S. Subsidiary means each Material Subsidiary of the Company that is incorporated
in the United States or any State thereof.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc. and its successors.
Net Cash Proceeds means, with respect to any Asset Sale, the proceeds thereof in the form of
cash or Cash Equivalents including payments in respect of deferred payment obligations when
received in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents (except to the extent that such obligations are
financed or sold with recourse to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company) net of
(1) brokerage commissions and other fees and expenses (including, without limitation, fees and
expenses of legal counsel and investment bankers) related to such Asset Sale, (2) provisions for
all taxes payable as a result of such Asset Sale, (3) amounts required to be paid to any person
(other than the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company) owning a beneficial interest in the
assets subject to the Asset Sale and (4) appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company, as the case may be, as a reserve required in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with such Asset Sale and retained by
the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, as the case may be, after such Asset Sale, including,
without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to
environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification obligations associated with such
Asset Sale, all as reflected in an officers certificate delivered to the Trustee.
9.5% Notes means the Companys 9.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014.
10.375% Notes means the Companys 10.375% Senior Notes due 2010.
Pari Passu Junior Lien Obligations means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries (including Additional Notes) that is secured by a Lien on the Collateral ranking pari
passu with the Second Priority Liens.
Permitted Collateral Liens means the First Priority Liens, the Second Priority Liens, any
Liens securing Pari Passu Junior Lien Obligations and any other Liens permitted under the Amended
Credit Agreement (or that would have been permitted by the Amended Credit Agreement as in effect on
the Issue Date).
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Permitted Holder means any of (1) Ray C. Anderson, Daniel T. Hendrix, John R. Wells, Raymond
S. Willoch, Robert A. Coombs, Patrick C. Lynch, Carl I. Gable, Lindsey Parnell and J. Smith
Lanier, II and (2) in the case of each individual referred to in the preceding clause (1), for the
purposes of this definition, the reference to such individual shall be deemed to include the
members of such individuals immediate family, such individuals estate, and any trusts established
by such individual (whether inter vivos or testamentary) for the benefit of members of such
individuals immediate family.
Permitted Investments means any of the following:
(1) Investments in any Subsidiary of the Company (including any person that pursuant to such
Investment becomes a Subsidiary of the Company) and in any person that is merged or consolidated
with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company at the time such Investment is made,
(2) Investments in Cash Equivalents,
(3) Investments in deposits with respect to leases or utilities provided to third parties in
the ordinary course of business,
(4) Investments in the Notes,
(5) Investments in Currency Agreements on commercially reasonable terms entered into by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business in connection with the
operations of the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries to hedge against fluctuations in
foreign exchange rates,
(6) loans or advances to officers, employees or consultants of the Company and its
Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business for bona fide business purposes of the Company and
its Subsidiaries (including travel and moving expenses) not in excess of $1,000,000 in the
aggregate at any one time outstanding,
(7) Investments in evidences of Indebtedness, securities or other property received from
another person by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with any bankruptcy
proceeding or by reason of a composition or readjustment of debt or a reorganization of such person
or as a result of foreclosure, perfection or enforcement of any Lien in exchange for evidences of
Indebtedness, securities or other property of such person held by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, or for other liabilities or obligations of such other person to the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries that were created, in accordance with the terms of the Indenture,
(8) Investments in Interest Rate Protection Agreements on commercially reasonable terms
entered into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business in
connection with the operations of the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries to hedge against
fluctuations in interest rates, and
(9) Investments, in addition to those described in clauses (1) through (8) above, in an
aggregate amount at any time outstanding not to exceed 15% of the Companys Consolidated Net Worth.
Permitted Liens means the following types of Liens:
(1) Liens existing on the Issue Date,
(2) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims either (A) not delinquent
or (B) contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries shall have set aside on its books such reserves as may be required pursuant to GAAP,
(3) statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, suppliers,
materialmen, repairmen and other Liens imposed by law incurred in the ordinary course of business
for sums not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith, if such reserve or other appropriate
provision, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made in respect thereof,
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(4) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with
workers compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security, or to secure the
performance of tenders, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, bids, leases, governmental
contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other similar obligations (exclusive of
obligations for the payment of borrowed money),
(5) judgment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default so long as such Lien is adequately
bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings which may have been duly initiated for the review of
such judgment shall not have been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings
may be initiated shall not have expired,
(6) easements, rights-of-way, zoning restrictions and other similar charges or encumbrances
in respect of real property not interfering in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of
the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
(7) any interest or title of a lessor under any Capitalized Lease Obligation or operating
lease,
(8) purchase money Liens to finance the acquisition or construction of property or assets of
the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company acquired or constructed in the ordinary course of
business; provided, however, that (A) the related purchase money Indebtedness shall not be secured
by any property or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company other than the property
and assets so acquired or constructed, and (B) the Lien securing such Indebtedness either exists
at the time of such acquisition or construction, or shall be created within 90 days of such
acquisition or construction,
(9) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure
payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods,
(10) Liens on any property securing the obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary in
respect of letters of credit issued by the lenders under the Amended Credit Agreement and as
permitted under the Amended Credit Agreement in support of industrial development revenue bonds,
(11) Liens, if any, that may be deemed to have been granted in connection with accounts
receivable or interests in accounts receivable of the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of the
assignment thereof pursuant to Receivables Securitization Agreements,
(12) the First Priority Liens,
(13) Liens on assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries securing Indebtedness under the
European Credit Agreement (including guarantees by any Subsidiary in respect of such Indebtedness),
(14) Liens included in the IRB Collateral, as defined by the Amended Credit Agreement, as may
be approved by the First Lien Agent pursuant to the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement,
(15) the Second Priority Liens,
(16) Liens securing Pari Passu Junior Lien Obligations (including Additional Notes) in an
aggregate principal amount not to exceed the greater of (i) $50,000,000 and (ii) the amount that
would not cause the Secured Leverage Ratio as of the date of the incurrence and immediately after
giving effect to the incurrence thereof to exceed 2.25 to 1.0, and
(17) Liens on assets other than Collateral not otherwise permitted under clauses (1)-(16) of
this definition securing Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $25,000,000 at
any one time outstanding.
person means any individual, corporation, limited liability company partnership, joint
venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, charitable foundation, unincorporated
organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.
Preferred Stock means, with respect to any person, any and all shares, interests,
participations or other equivalents (however designated) of such persons preferred or preference
stock whether now outstanding or issued after the date of the Indenture, and includes, without
limitation, all classes and series of preferred or preference stock.
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Public Equity Offering means a completed public offering of Equity Interests (other than
Redeemable Capital Stock) of the Company pursuant to an effective registration statement (other
than a registration statement filed on Form S-4 or S-8 (or a successor form thereto)) filed with
the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act that is either underwritten on a firm commitment
basis or structured as a rights offering to all of the Companys shareholders.
Qualified Securitization Transaction means any transaction or series of transactions, and
related Receivables Securitization Agreements, that may be entered into by the Company or any
Securitization Entity, pursuant to which (1) the Company or any Subsidiary may sell, convey or
otherwise transfer to a Securitization Entity its interests in Receivables and Related Assets, and
(2) such Securitization Entity transfers to any other person interests in, or grants a security
interest in, such Receivables and Related Assets, pursuant to a transaction customary in the
industry.
Receivables and Related Assets means all indebtedness owed to the Company or any Subsidiary
constituting an account, chattel paper, instrument or general intangible, arising in connection
with the sale of goods or the rendering of services by the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case
may be, and further includes, without limitation, the obligation to pay any finance charges with
respect thereto. Indebtedness arising from any one transaction, including, without limitation,
indebtedness represented by an individual invoice, shall constitute a Receivable and Related Asset
separate from a Receivable and Related Asset consisting of the indebtedness arising from any other
transaction.
Receivables Securitization Agreements means a series of interrelated agreements (including a
receivables purchase agreement, a receivables sale agreement, a receivables transfer agreement, and
other usual and customary agreements and instruments) entered into by the Company, its Subsidiaries
or any Securitization Entity, the purpose of which are to govern the terms of a Qualified
Securitization Transaction, in each case as such agreement or agreements may from time to time be
amended, renewed, extended, substituted, refinanced, restructured, replaced, supplemented or
otherwise modified (including, without limitation, any successive renewals, extensions,
substitutions, refinancings, restructurings, replacements, supplements or other modifications of
the foregoing), and whether with the initial parties thereto or other parties and administrative
agents.
Redeemable Capital Stock means any shares of any class or series of Capital Stock, that,
either by the terms thereof, by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or
exchangeable or by contract or otherwise, is or upon the happening of an event or passage of time
would be, required to be redeemed prior to the Stated Maturity with respect to the principal of any
Note or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof at any time prior to any such Stated
Maturity, or is convertible into or exchangeable for debt securities at any time prior to any such
Stated Maturity.
Restricted Subsidiary of a person means any Subsidiary of the referent person that is not an
Unrestricted Subsidiary.
Second Priority Lien Obligations means Indebtedness incurred under the Notes.
Second Priority Liens means all Liens on the Collateral that secure Second Priority Lien
Obligations on the Issue Date.
Secured Indebtedness means, on any date, the principal amount of Indebtedness of the Company
and its Subsidiaries secured by a Lien on any assets of the Company or any Subsidiary on such date
that would be required to be reflected as liabilities of the Company on a consolidated balance
sheet (excluding the notes thereto) of the Company prepared on such date in accordance with GAAP.
Secured Leverage Ratio means, on any date, the ratio of (x) Secured Indebtedness on such
date to (y) Consolidated EBITDA during the four full fiscal quarters (for purposes of this
definition, the Four Quarter Period) ending prior to the date of the transaction giving rise to
the need to calculate the Secured Leverage Ratio for which financial statements are available (for
purposes of this definition, the Transaction Date). For purposes of this definition,
Consolidated EBITDA and Secured Indebtedness shall be calculated after giving effect on a pro
forma basis for the period of such calculation to:
(1) the incurrence or repayment of any indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (and the application of the proceeds thereof giving rise to the need to make such
calculation and any incurrence or repayment of other indebtedness (and the application of the
proceeds thereof); and
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(2) any Asset Sale or other disposition or Asset Acquisitions (including, without limitation,
any Asset Acquisition giving rise to the need to make such calculation as a result of the Company
or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries (including any Person who becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as
a result of the Asset Acquisition) incurring, assuming or otherwise being liable for Acquired
Indebtedness and also including any Consolidated EBITDA attributable to the assets which are the
subject of the Asset Acquisition or Asset Sale or other disposition during the Four Quarter Period)
occurring during the Four Quarter Period or at any time subsequent to the last day of the Four
Quarter Period and on or prior to the Transaction Date, as if such Asset Sale or other disposition
or Asset Acquisition (including the incurrence, assumption or liability for any such Acquired
Indebtedness) occurred on the first day of the Four Quarter Period.
Securitization Entity means:
(1) any Subsidiary of Company organized as a special purpose entity (A) to acquire accounts
receivable from the Company and/or any Subsidiary of the Company pursuant to Receivables
Securitization Agreements, (B) to sell, convey or otherwise transfer, or grant a security interest
in, such accounts receivable, any interests therein and any assets related thereto, to one or more
financing entities under Receivables Securitization Agreements, and (C) engages in no other
activities other than in connection with the financing of Receivables and Related Assets, or
(2) another person in which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company makes an Investment
and to which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company transfers Receivables and Related Assets,
and that, in either case, is designated by the Board of Directors of the Company (as provided
below) as a Securitization Entity, and
(A) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligations (contingent or otherwise) of
which:
(i) is guaranteed by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (excluding Guarantees (other
than the principal of, and interest on, Indebtedness) pursuant to usual and customary
securitization undertakings);
(ii) is recourse to or obligates the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than such
Securitization Entity) in any way other than pursuant to usual and customary securitization
undertakings; or
(iii) subjects any property or asset of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than
such Securitization Entity) directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction
thereof, other than pursuant to usual and customary securitization undertakings;
(B) with which neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary (other than such
Securitization Entity) has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding other
than on terms, taken as a whole, that are not materially less favorable to the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from persons that are not
Affiliates of the Company, other than fees payable in the ordinary course of business in connection
with servicing accounts receivable of such entity; and
(C) to which neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary (other than such
Securitization Entity) has any obligation to maintain or preserve such entitys financial condition
or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results.
Any designation of a Subsidiary as a Securitization Entity shall be evidenced to the Trustee
by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the
Company giving effect to the designation and an officers certificate certifying that the
designation complied with the preceding conditions and was permitted by the Indenture.
Security Agreement means the pledge and security agreement to be dated as of the Issue Date
between the Company, the Collateral Agent and the Guarantors (except for Interface Global Company
ApS) for the benefit of the holders of the Second Priority Lien Obligations, granting, among other
things, a Second Priority Lien on the Collateral described therein in favor of the Collateral Agent
for the benefit of the holders of the Second Priority Lien Obligations, as amended, modified,
restated, supplemented or replaced from time to time in accordance with its terms.
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Security Documents means the Security Agreement and any other agreement, document, mortgage
or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted (or purported to be granted) securing the Notes
or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are governed, as the same may be
amended, restated, supplemented, modified or replaced from time to time.
Senior Indebtedness means, as to the Company, Indebtedness of the Company that is not
Subordinated Indebtedness and, as to any Guarantor, means Indebtedness of the Guarantor which is
not Subordinated Indebtedness.
Significant Subsidiary shall have the same meaning as in Rule 1.02(w) of Regulation S-X
under the Securities Act.
S&P means Standard & Poors Corporation, and its successors.
Stated Maturity means, when used with respect to any Note or any installment of interest
thereon, the date specified in such Note as the fixed date on which the principal of such Note or
such installment of interest is due and payable, and when used with respect to any other
Indebtedness, means the date specified in the instrument governing such Indebtedness as the fixed
date on which the principal of such Indebtedness, or any installment of interest thereon, is due
and payable.
Subordinated Indebtedness means, as to the Company, any Indebtedness of the Company that,
pursuant to the instrument evidencing or governing such Indebtedness, is subordinated in right of
payment to the Notes and, as to any Guarantor, means Indebtedness of the Guarantor which is
subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantees.
Subsidiary means, with respect to any person, (1) a corporation a majority of whose Voting
Stock is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by such person, by one or more Subsidiaries of
such person or by such person and one or more Subsidiaries thereof and (2) any other person (other
than a corporation), including, without limitation, a joint venture, in which such person, one or
more Subsidiaries thereof or such person and one or more Subsidiaries thereof, directly or
indirectly, at the date of determination thereof, has at least majority ownership interest entitled
to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof (or other person performing
similar functions). For purposes of this definition, any directors qualifying shares or
investments by foreign nationals mandated by applicable law shall be disregarded in determining the
ownership of a Subsidiary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed a Subsidiary of the Company under the Indenture, other than for
purposes of the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary, unless the Company shall have designated
an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Subsidiary by written notice to the Trustee under the Indenture,
accompanied by an Officers Certificate as to compliance with the Indenture.
Tangible Assets means, at any date, the gross book value, as shown by the accounting books
and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries, of all the property both real and personal of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, less:
(1) the net book value of all licenses, patents, patent applications, copyrights, trademarks,
trade names, goodwill, noncompete agreements or organizational expenses and other like intangibles,
(2) unamortized debt discount expense,
(3) all reserves for depreciation, obsolescence, depletion and amortization of
properties, and
(4) all other proper reserves which in accordance with GAAP should be provided in connection
with the business conducted by the Company.
Unrestricted Subsidiary means a Subsidiary of the Company other than a Guarantor:
(1) none of whose properties or assets were owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
prior to the Issue Date, other than any such assets as are transferred to such Unrestricted
Subsidiary in accordance with the covenant described under Certain Covenants Limitation on
Restricted Payments above,
(2) whose properties and assets, to the extent that they secure Indebtedness, secure only
Non-Recourse Indebtedness, and
(3) which has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Indebtedness.
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As used above, Non-Recourse Indebtedness means Indebtedness as to which:
(1) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries (other than the relevant Unrestricted
Subsidiary or another Unrestricted Subsidiary)
(A) provides credit support (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument which would
constitute Indebtedness),
(B) guarantees or is otherwise directly or indirectly liable, or
(C) constitutes the lender (in each case, other than pursuant to and in compliance with the
covenant described under Certain Covenants Limitation on Restricted Payments), and
(2) no default with respect to such Indebtedness (including any rights which the holders
thereof may have to take enforcement action against the relevant Unrestricted Subsidiary or its
assets) would permit (upon notice, lapse of time or both) any holder of any other Indebtedness of
the Company or its Subsidiaries (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries) to declare a default on such
other Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated
maturity.
Voting Stock means any class or classes of Capital Stock pursuant to which the holders
thereof have the general voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect the board of directors,
managers or trustees of any person (irrespective of whether or not, at the time, Capital Stock of
any other class or classes shall have, or might have, voting power by reason of the happening of
any contingency).
Wholly Owned Subsidiary means any Subsidiary of the Company of which 100% of the outstanding
Capital Stock is owned by the Company or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of the Company or
by the Company and one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of the Company. For purposes of this
definition, any directors qualifying shares or investments by foreign nationals mandated by
applicable law shall be disregarded in determining the ownership of a Subsidiary.
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
TO COMPLY WITH U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE CIRCULAR 230, PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE HEREBY
NOTIFIED THAT: (A) ANY DISCUSSION OF U.S. FEDERAL TAX ISSUES CONTAINED OR REFERRED TO IN THIS
PROSPECTUS IS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS, FOR
THE PURPOSES OF AVOIDING PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED ON THEM UNDER THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE
CODE; (B) SUCH DISCUSSION IS BEING USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROMOTION OR MARKETING BY THE ISSUER
OF THE TRANSACTIONS OR MATTERS ADDRESSED HEREIN; AND (C) PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD SEEK ADVICE
BASED ON THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES FROM AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR.
The following is the opinion of Kilpatrick Stockton LLP, our tax counsel, concerning the
material United States federal income tax consequences relating to the purchase, ownership and
disposition of the Notes by an initial beneficial owner of the notes, and the exchange by an
initial beneficial owner of the original notes for exchange notes. This summary is based upon the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), Treasury regulations promulgated under the
Code, as amended (the Treasury Regulations), administrative rulings and pronouncements and
judicial decisions, in each case as of the date hereof. These authorities are subject to differing
interpretations and may be changed, perhaps retroactively, resulting in U.S. federal income tax
consequences different from those discussed below. We have not sought any ruling from the Internal
Revenue Service (the IRS) with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the
following summary, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with such statements and
conclusions or that a court will not sustain any challenge by the IRS in the event of
litigation. As used in this discussion, Notes refers to the original notes issued on the
original date of issuance and the exchange notes issued pursuant to this exchange offer.
This summary assumes that the Notes will be held as capital assets within the meaning of
Section 1221 of the Code. This summary does not address the tax consequences arising under the laws
of any state or local jurisdiction or non-U.S. jurisdiction. In addition, this summary does not
address all tax considerations that may be applicable to your particular circumstances (such as the
alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code), or to certain types of holders subject to special
tax rules, including, without limitation, partnerships, banks, financial institutions or other
financial services entities, broker-dealers, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations,
regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, retirement plans, individual
retirement accounts or other tax-deferred accounts, persons who use or are required to use
mark-to-market accounting, persons that hold Notes as part of a straddle, a hedge, a
conversion transaction or other arrangement involving more than one position, U.S. Holders (as
defined below) that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar and certain former
citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF THE
ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE NOTES, INCLUDING THE EFFECT AND APPLICABILITY OF
STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAX LAWS.
As used in this discussion, the term U.S. Holder means a beneficial owner of a Note that is:
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an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
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a corporation (or an entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal
income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the
United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
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an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income
taxation regardless of its source; or |
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a trust (i) if a court within the U.S. is able to exercise primary
supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have
authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or
(ii) that has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury
Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. |
As used in this discussion, you are a Non-U.S. Holder if, for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, you are a beneficial owner of the Notes that is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership,
including any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax
purposes) holds the Notes, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend
upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partnership or a
partner of a partnership holding the Notes, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the tax
consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Notes.
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Exchange Offer
In satisfaction of the holders registration rights as described elsewhere in this prospectus,
we are offering to exchange the exchange notes for the original notes. The exchange notes do not
differ materially in kind or extent from the original notes, and therefore a U.S. Holders or
Non-U.S. Holders exchange of original notes for exchange notes should not constitute a taxable
disposition of the original notes for United States federal income tax purposes. As a result, a
U.S. Holder or Non-U.S. Holder should not recognize taxable income gain or loss on the exchange,
such persons holding period for the exchange notes should generally include the holding period for
the original notes so exchanged, and such persons adjusted tax basis in the exchange notes should
generally be the same as the holders adjusted tax basis in the original notes so exchanged.
U.S. Holders
Interest on Notes
Payment of Interest on the Notes. Subject to the discussion of original issue discount, or
OID, below, stated interest on a Note will be includible in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as
ordinary interest income in accordance with such U.S. Holders method of accounting for
U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Payments of Special Interest. We may be required to pay Special Interest as described above
under Description of the Notes Exchange Offer; Registration Rights Agreement; Special Interest.
If we were to pay Special Interest, such payment should be taxable to a U.S. Holder as additional
interest income when received or accrued, in accordance with such U.S. Holders method of
accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Under the applicable Treasury Regulations, if based on all the facts and circumstances as of
the date on which the original notes were issued there is a remote likelihood that we will pay
Special Interest, it is assumed that such payment will not occur. We determined that as of the
issue date of the original notes, the likelihood of our paying Special Interest on the Notes was,
for this purpose, remote. Our determination is not binding on the IRS, and if the IRS were to
challenge this determination, a U.S. Holder may be required to accrue additional income on the
Notes, and to treat as ordinary income rather than capital gain any income realized on the taxable
disposition of such Notes before the resolution of the contingency. U.S. Holders are urged to
consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential application to the Notes of the contingent
payment debt regulations and the consequences thereof.
Original Issue Discount. Because the issue price of the Notes was less than their stated
redemption price at maturity, the difference is treated as OID. The stated redemption price at
maturity of a Note is the aggregate of all payments due to its holder under such Note at or prior
to its maturity, other than payments of qualified stated interest. In general, qualified stated
interest is stated interest that is unconditionally payable in cash or in property (other than
debt instruments of the issuer) at least annually at a single fixed rate. Stated interest on the
Notes will be treated as qualified stated interest.
Under the OID rules, when OID exceeds a de minimis amount, as we expect is the case, a
U.S. Holder will be required to include OID on the Notes in income for U.S. federal income tax
purposes as it accrues on a constant yield to maturity basis, and generally will have to include
in income increasingly greater amounts of OID over the life of the Notes, regardless of such
U.S. Holders regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The yield to
maturity of a Note is the discount rate that, when used in computing the present value of all
interest and principal payments to be made under the note (including payments of stated interest),
produces an amount equal to the issue price of the note.
The amount of OID includible in income by a U.S. Holder generally will be the sum of the
daily portions of OID with respect to the Notes for each day during the taxable year or portion
of the taxable year in which a U.S. Holder holds the Notes (accrued OID). The daily portion is
determined by allocating to each day in any accrual period a pro rata portion of the OID
allocable to that accrual period. The accrual period of a Note may vary in length over the term
of the note, provided that each accrual period is no longer than one year and each scheduled
payment of principal or interest occurs on either the first or last day of an accrual period. The
amount of OID allocable to any accrual period is an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the
product of the Notes adjusted issue price at the beginning of such accrual period and its yield to
maturity (determined on the basis of compounding at the close of each accrual period and properly
adjusted for the length of the accrual period) over (ii) the amount of any qualified stated
interest on the Note allocable to the accrual period. The adjusted issue price of the Notes at the
beginning of any accrual period is equal to their issue price increased by the accrued OID for each
prior accrual period previously includible in gross income and decreased by the amount of any
payments previously made on the Notes (other than payments of qualified stated interest).
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When required and if applicable, we will furnish annually to the IRS and to U.S. Holders of
the Notes information with respect to any OID accruing while the Notes are held. The issue price,
amount of OID and the yield to maturity of the Notes may be obtained by writing to Interface, Inc.,
2859 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 2000, Atlanta, GA 30339, Attention: Patrick C. Lynch, Chief Financial Officer,
Telephone: (770) 437-6848, Facsimile: (770) 437-6887; E-mail: patrick.lynch@interfaceglobal.com.
A U.S. Holder of Notes may, in certain circumstances, elect to treat all interest on the Notes
as OID and calculate the amount included in gross income under the constant yield method described
above. For the purposes of this election, interest includes stated interest, OID, de minimis OID
and unstated interest. The election is to be made for the taxable year in which the Notes are
acquired and may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS. This election is complicated and a
U.S. Holder of Notes should consult with its tax advisors if it is considering this election.
Sale, Exchange, Retirement or Other Taxable Disposition of the Notes
Upon the sale, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of a Note, a U.S. Holder will
recognize gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the amount realized on the sale,
exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition (excluding amounts received with respect to
accrued interest, which generally will be taxable as ordinary income) and the U.S. Holders
adjusted tax basis in the Note. A U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in a Note generally will be
equal to the amount paid for such Note, increased by previously accrued OID, if any, and reduced by
the amount of any principal payments previously received by the U.S. Holder. Any gain or loss will
be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder has held the
Note for more than one year at the time of the sale, exchange, retirement or other taxable
disposition. Long-term capital gain of a non-corporate U.S. Holder is eligible for a reduced rate
of taxation, currently 15%. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Redemption Options and Change of Control
We may redeem all or part of the Notes at any time at a price that will include an additional
amount in excess of the principal amount of the Notes (see Description of the Notes Optional
Redemption and Offer to Repurchase). Similarly, we may be required to offer to purchase the Notes
in the event of a Change of Control at a price that will include an additional amount in excess of
the principal amount of the Notes (see Description of the Notes Change of Control). Under the
applicable Treasury Regulations, if based on all the facts and circumstances as of the date on
which the Notes are issued there is a remote likelihood that a contingent redemption will occur, it
is assumed that such redemption will not occur. We believe that as of the expected issue date of
the Notes, the likelihood of our redeeming the Notes at our option or upon a Change of Control is,
for this purpose, remote. Our determination is not binding on the IRS, and if the IRS were to
challenge this determination, you may be required to accrue additional income on the Notes, and to
treat as ordinary income rather than capital gain any income realized on the taxable disposition of
such Notes before the resolution of the contingency. In the event that either contingency were to
occur, it would affect the amount and timing of the income that you recognize. U.S. Holders are
urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential application to the Notes of the
contingent payment debt regulations and the consequences thereof.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Generally, we must report to the IRS the amount of the payments of interest on or the proceeds
of the sale or other disposition of the Notes, the name and address of the recipient, and the
amount, if any, of tax withheld. These information reporting requirements apply even if no tax was
required to be withheld, but they do not apply with respect to U.S. Holders that are exempt from
the information reporting rules, such as corporations. A similar report is sent to the recipient.
In general, backup withholding (currently at the rate of 28%) will apply to payments received
by a U.S. Holder with respect to the Notes unless the U.S. Holder is (i) a corporation or other
exempt recipient and, when required, establishes this exemption or (ii) provides its correct
taxpayer identification number, certifies that it is not currently subject to backup withholding
tax and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding tax rules. A
U.S. Holder that does not provide us with its correct taxpayer identification number may be subject
to penalties imposed by the IRS.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding
rules from a payment to a U.S. Holder can be refunded or credited against the U.S. Holders
U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to
the IRS in a timely manner.
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Non-U.S. Holders
Interest on Notes
Interest, including OID, if any, payable on the Notes by us or any paying agent to a
Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax, provided that (i) such
Non-U.S. Holder does not own, actually or constructively, 10 percent or more of the total combined
voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote; (ii) such Non-U.S. Holder is not, for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, a controlled foreign corporation related, directly or indirectly,
to us through stock ownership; and (iii) certain certification requirements (summarized below) are
met (the Portfolio Interest Exemption). If a Non-U.S. Holder of a Note is engaged in a trade or
business in the United States, and if interest (including OID, if any) on such Note is effectively
connected with the conduct of such trade or business (and, if required by an applicable tax treaty,
is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder), the
Non-U.S. Holder, although exempt from U.S. withholding tax, generally will be subject to
U.S. federal income tax on such interest (including OID, if any) in the same manner as a
U.S. Holder described above. In addition, if such Non-U.S. Holder is a foreign corporation, it may
be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate provided by an applicable
treaty) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, subject to certain
adjustments. For purposes of the branch profits tax, interest (including OID, if any) on a Note
will be included in the earnings and profits of such Non-U.S. Holder if such interest (including
OID, if any) is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or
business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable tax treaty, is attributable to a
U.S. permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder).
Interest, including OID, if any, on a Note made to a Non-U.S. Holder generally will qualify
for the Portfolio Interest Exemption or, as the case may be, the exception from withholding for
income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if
required by an applicable tax treaty, attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment maintained by
the Non-U.S. Holder) if, at the time such payment is made, the withholding agent holds a valid
Form W-8BEN or Form W-8ECI and, if necessary, a Form W-8IMY, respectively (or an acceptable
substitute form), from the Non-U.S. Holder and can reliably associate such payment with such
Form W-8BEN or W-8ECI. In addition, under certain circumstances, a withholding agent is allowed to
rely on Form W-8BEN (or an acceptable substitute form) furnished by a financial institution or
other intermediary on behalf of one or more Non-U.S. Holders (or other intermediaries) without
having to obtain copies of the Non-U.S. Holders Form W-8BEN (or substitute thereof), provided that
the financial institution or intermediary has entered into a withholding agreement with the IRS and
thus is a qualified intermediary, and may not be required to withhold on payments made to certain
other intermediaries if certain conditions are met.
Sale, Exchange, Retirement or Other Disposition of the Notes
A Non-U.S. Holder of Notes generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any
gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of such Notes unless (i) the gain is
effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United
States (and, if required by an applicable tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. permanent
establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder); or (ii) the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who
holds the Notes as a capital asset, is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and either (a) such
individual has a U.S. tax home (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) or (b) the gain
is attributable to an office or other fixed place of business maintained in the United States by
such individual. A Non-U.S. Holder that is described under clause (i) will be subject to the
U.S. federal income tax on the net gain except as otherwise required by an applicable tax treaty
and, if such Non-U.S. Holder is a foreign corporation, it may also be subject to the branch profits
tax at a 30% rate (or a lower rate if so specified by an applicable tax treaty). An individual
Non-U.S. Holder that is described under clause (ii) above will be subject to a flat 30% tax on the
gain derived from the sale, exchange or other disposition, which may be offset by U.S. source
capital losses (notwithstanding the fact that the Non-U.S. Holder is not considered a
U.S. resident).
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Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
We will, when required, report to the IRS and to each Non-U.S. Holder the amount of any
interest paid to, and the tax withheld with respect to, such Non-U.S. Holder, regardless of whether
any tax was actually withheld on such payments. Copies of these information returns may also be
made available to the tax authorities of the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder resides under the
provisions of a specific treaty or agreement. Backup withholding and information reporting will not
apply to payments of interest on or principal of the Notes by us or our agent to a Non-U.S. Holder
if the Non-U.S. Holder certifies as to its Non-U.S. Holder status under penalties of perjury. Sales
or exchanges of the Notes by a Non-U.S. Holder may be subject to information reporting, and may be
subject to backup withholding at the applicable rate, currently 28%, unless the seller certifies
its non-U.S. status (and certain other conditions are met) or otherwise establishes an exemption.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. A Non-U.S. Holder may obtain a refund or a credit
against such Non-U.S. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability of any amounts withheld under the
backup withholding rules provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Non-U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the
information reporting and backup withholding rules in their particular situations, the availability
of an exemption therefrom, and the procedure for obtaining such an exemption, if available.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Based on existing SEC staff interpretations, we believe that the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act will not apply to holders of exchange notes issued in
this exchange offer who offer those notes for resale, resell, or otherwise transfer them. This
exemption only applies, however, if the holder:
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acquired the exchange notes in the ordinary course of its business, and |
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is not participating in, and does not intend to participate in, a
distribution of the exchange notes, either alone or in cooperation
with another. |
Each holder of original notes who wishes to participate in the exchange offer must make
certain representations to us concerning its status and intent. These representations are
described in The Exchange Offer Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer.
If you tender original notes in the exchange offer with the intent or for the purpose of
participating in a distribution of the exchange notes, you cannot rely on the staff interpretations
and must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a
resale transaction. Unless an exemption from registration is available, the resale transaction
should be covered by an effective registration statement containing the selling security holders
information required by Item 507 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.
The registration and prospectus delivery requirements also continue to apply to holders that
are:
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our affiliates within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, |
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broker-dealers who acquire exchange notes directly from us, or |
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broker-dealers who acquire exchange notes as a result of market-making
or other trading activities. |
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account
pursuant to the exchange offer must, in the absence of an exemption,
comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of
the Securities Act in connection with secondary resales of exchange
notes and cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC set
forth in Exxon Capital, Morgan Stanley and Shearman &
Sterling
or other interpretative letters. Broker-dealers who receive exchange notes for their own account in exchange for original notes
that they acquired through market-making activities or other trading activities are subject to the
prospectus delivery requirement. These broker-dealers must acknowledge in the letter of
transmittal that they will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resales of exchange
notes. To date, the SEC staff has allowed these broker-dealers to use the prospectus contained in
an exchange offer registration statement, such as this prospectus, to fulfill the prospectus
delivery requirement with respect to such resales of exchange notes. This rule does not apply to
resales of unsold allotments from the initial sale of the original notes.
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We have agreed to permit broker-dealers and any other person subject to similar prospectus
delivery requirements to use this prospectus in connection with the resale of exchange notes. For
a period of one year after the exchange offer expires, we will make this prospectus, as amended or
supplemented, available to any broker-dealer that so requests in its letter of transmittal. Except
as expressly authorized by us, no person may use this prospectus in connection with any offer to
resell, resale or other transfer of exchange notes.
Broker-dealers may resell exchange notes directly to purchasers or through other
broker-dealers, to whom they may pay commissions or concessions in connection with the resale. Any
broker-dealer that resells exchange notes received for its own account or that participates in a
distribution of exchange notes may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act. Any profit
on exchange note resales, including any commissions or concessions received by such broker-dealers,
may be deemed underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states
that by acknowledging the prospectus delivery requirement and delivering a prospectus, a
broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning of the
Securities Act.
We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of exchange notes by
broker-dealers. Broker-dealers who receive exchange notes for their own account in the exchange
offer may sell them from time to time:
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in the over-the-counter market, |
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in negotiated transactions, |
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by writing options on the exchange notes, or |
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by a combination of these methods. |
The prices received by broker-dealers in resale transactions may be:
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the market price prevailing at the time of resale, |
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prices related to the prevailing market price, or |
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negotiated prices. |
Persons participating in the exchange offer may engage in transactions that stabilize,
maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the exchange notes. This may include short sales of the
notes. In a short sale, a person agrees to sell more exchange notes than we issue to them in the
exchange offer. The short seller covers its short position by buying additional notes in the
open market. In addition, these persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the exchange notes
by bidding for or purchasing exchange notes in the open market or by imposing penalty bids. In a
penalty bid, the selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in the exchange offer may be
reclaimed if exchange notes sold by them are repurchased in stabilization transactions. The effect
of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the exchange notes at a
level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be
discontinued at any time.
We have agreed generally to pay all expenses of the exchange offer, other than commissions and
concessions of any brokers or dealers. We will indemnify holders of original notes, including
broker-dealers, against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Our
agreements on these issues are part of the Registration Rights Agreement we signed in connection
with our original issuance of the original notes.
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LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the exchange notes has been passed upon for us by Kilpatrick Stockton LLP,
Atlanta, Georgia.
EXPERTS
BDO Seidman LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the financial
statements of Interface, Inc. included in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 27, 2009 and
managements assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as
of December 28, 2008 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28,
2008, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and
are incorporated herein in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of said firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the
SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SECs public reference room in Washington,
D.C. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 (1-800-732-0330) for further information on the public
reference rooms. You can also obtain copies of these materials from the public reference section
of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The SEC
maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC (http://www.sec.gov). Our common stock
is quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol IFSIA. You also may read and copy
reports and other information we file at the office of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
We also maintain an Internet website at http://www.interfaceglobal.com, which provides
additional information about our company through which you can also access our SEC filings. The
information set forth on our website is not part of this prospectus.
Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document
referred to in this prospectus do not purport to be complete and, where reference is made to the
particular provisions of such contract or other document, such provisions are qualified in all
respects to all of the provisions of such contract or other document.
You should rely only on the information provided in this document or incorporated into this
document by reference. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. You
should not assume that the information in this document is accurate as of any date other than that
on the front cover of this document. You should not assume that the information in the documents
incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than their respective dates.
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Offer to Exchange
11 3/8 % Senior Secured Notes due 2013, Series A
for
11 3/8 % Senior Secured Notes due 2013, Series B
PROSPECTUS
Exchange Agent:
U.S. Bank National Association
West Side Flats Operations Center
Attention: Specialized Finance
60 Livingston Avenue
Mail StationEP-MN-WS2N
St. Paul, Minnesota 55107-2292
Telephone: (800) 934-6802
Fax: (651) 495-8158
October
16, 2009
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized
anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in
any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in
this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus.