UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
(Mark One)
[X] Annual Report to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 1999.
[ ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from _____________to______________
Commission File No.0-22809
AZUREL LTD.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 13-3842844
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
509 MADISON AVENUE NEW YORK, NEW
--------------------------------
YORK 10022 (Address of principal
executive offices)
(Zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:(212) 317-0712
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on
Which Registered
Not Applicable None.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
COMMON STOCK, $.001 PAR VALUE
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(Title of Class)
REDEEMABLE COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANTS
-----------------------------------------
(Title of Class)
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter prior that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
--- ---
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB or any
amendment to this Form 10-KSB. Yes No X
--- ---
The issuer's net sales for the most recent fiscal year were
$4,759,000.
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates
based upon the last sale price on March 31, 2000 was approximately $4,443,950.
As of March 31, 2000 there were 6,211,797 shares of Common Stock, par
value $.001 per share, outstanding.
<PAGE>
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
The Company, directly and through wholly-owned subsidiaries distributes
and assembles luxury bath and body products and perfumes, mostly sold in gift
sets, under the Company's own brand names. In addition, in order to take
advantage of the Company's product development expertise, the Company develops
cosmetic, skin care and fragrance lines which it markets under brand names
created internally or owned by others and licensed to the Company. These
products are sometimes referred to as "Branded Products." To date, the Company
has developed five lines of Branded Products internally and currently has one
license to sell product lines using brand names owned by a third party.
The Company recently entered into an agreement to sell its Private
Label Group which consists of subsidiaries acquired in August 1996 from Michael
J. Assante, who is currently the president and chief executive officer of the
Private Label Group. In March 2000, the Company entered into an agreement to
sell the Private Label Group to Mr. Assante. See "Certain Transactions."
In March 2000, the Company attended a Nasdaq hearing to determine its
continued listing on Nasdaq concerning public policy concerns that Nasdaq
raised. To date the Company has not received any notification from Nasdaq with
respect to the recent hearing.
Products and Services
The Company sells Branded Products in the United States and
internationally. In the United States, the Company sells directly to retail
outlets that sell similar products, such as department stores, chain drug
stores, mass merchandisers and discount stores. The Company's personnel and
independent sales representatives sell the Branded Products in the United
States. Internationally, the Company currently sells Branded Products to
distribution companies having a major presence in the Far East, Middle East and
parts of Europe. The Company entered into distribution agreements with two
foreign distributors which cover certain countries in the Middle East and the
Far East, pursuant to which such distributors will purchase the Company's
products for resale in their distribution territories. In addition, the Company
currently has a sales agency agreement with a foreign sales agent which covers
certain countries in Europe. The Company's foreign distribution agreements are
exclusive for the Far East and the Middle East and do not require the
distributor to purchase any minimum quantity of products. The Company
established a sales and distribution facility in France during the latter part
of 1998.
In October 1997, the Company began developing cosmetics, fragrances and
related products for sale under the HANG TEN trade name pursuant to a license
agreement with the owner of the HANG TEN trade name (the "Licensor"). The HANG
TEN trade name is a brand name used on men's outerwear, active wear and a wide
variety of other merchandise which has been marketed in print media in both the
United States and internationally. Hang Ten currently operates approximately 400
free-standing retail outlets internationally, in addition to distribution into
other retail outlets.
The license agreement relating to the Hang Ten trade name provides for
the Hang Ten
<PAGE>
products developed by the Company to be sold and marketed directly to the Hang
Ten outlets as well as other retailers. From January 1, 1999 until December 31,
2003 the Company may sell, distribute and market products developed under the
Hang Ten tradename to other parties in the United States and internationally and
to Hang Ten outlets. Under the License, the Company is required to pay a royalty
of five percent of net sales, excluding sales to Hang Ten outlets, subject to
minimum royalties. The Company's manufacture, sale and promotion of Hang Ten
fragrances, grooming products and cosmetics is subject to the prior review and
approval of such products by the Licensor as is typical in similar licenses. The
Licensor has approved the products currently being sold by the Company.
In July 1998, the Company purchased all of the assets of Ben Rickert
Inc. from Summit Bank. Ben Rickert Inc. was founded in 1970 by Ben Rickert and
throughout the years became a leading manufacturer, distributor and assembler of
luxury bath and body products. With the purchase of the Ben Rickert Inc. assets,
the Company created a wholly-owned subsidiary and named it Ben Rickert Corp.
(which was subsequently changed to Azurel Sales and Distribution Ltd.), which
manufactures, distributes and assembles bath and body products and perfumes,
sold mostly in gift sets. Azurel Sales and Distribution sells its products under
its own brand names including Ben Rickert, Natural Botanicals, Benandre,
Privilege, Extreme, Wrapped in Romance, American Country Garden and Oceanology.
Azurel Sales and Distribution's products are sold primarily to department
stores, mass merchandisers and drug store chains throughout the United States
such as Genovese, CVS, J.C. Penny, May Co., Albertsons and
Koger. The purchasers of Azurel Sales and Distribution products are primarily
women between the ages of 12 and 65 years of age.
Azurel Sales and Distribution believes that its products are
differentiated from its competitors products by three distinct factors: (i)
aesthetics; (ii) price (value); and (iii) skin feel and fragrance. Azurel Sales
and Distribution's products compete effectively with its competition by creating
handsomely designed quality products at reasonable prices, and its products have
established the concept of "high gift value" as its core selling strategy.
While the Company has had discussions with other companies, it has not
entered into any other formal agreements for the development of cosmetic and
fragrance lines under brand names owned by other companies. There can be no
assurance that the Company will market successfully any original cosmetic or
fragrance line, or that the Company will enter into any additional formal
agreements for the development of cosmetic and fragrance lines for other
companies either under brand names created internally or owned by others and
licensed to the Company.
The Company also sells cosmetic kits, which are varieties of color
cosmetic items packaged in containers and manufactured in Asia, which are custom
made for retailers such as Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales, as well as for
cosmetic companies. This sector of the overall cosmetic market is growing
rapidly and should continue to expand in the future.
In October 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital
stock of Cambridge Business Services, Inc. Cambridge provides outsourcing and
distribution services such as: accounting, sales, marketing, warehousing and
other administrative and back offices services to cosmetic, fragrance and
accessory companies.
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Competition
All aspects of the cosmetic, fragrance and skin care industry are
subject to intense competition throughout the world. In all aspects of its
business, the Company will compete with numerous companies, many of which are
better known in the industry and have established channels of distribution and
substantially all of which have greater financial and other resources than the
Company. These competitors include Estee Lauder, Revlon, Avon, Maybelline, Coty
and Dial.
In selling the Branded Products, licensed products and cosmetic kits
and accessories the Company competes against numerous companies. Many of these
competitors are better known in the industry, have established channels of
distribution and greater financial and other resources than the Company.
The Company believes that the primary elements of competition in the
sale of Branded Products are product awareness and consumer acceptance of the
competing brands. Achieving market acceptance may require substantial marketing
efforts and expenditure of significant funds. The Company markets its Branded
Products to niche markets such as chain drug stores, discount stores and mass
merchandisers and develops Branded Products which it believes will appeal to the
customers of these retailers.
Government Regulation
The Private Label Group's manufacturing activities are subject to
extensive and rigorous governmental regulation relating to the protection of the
environment and the quality of manufacturing. Federal, state and local
regulatory agencies actively enforce these regulations and conduct periodic
inspections to determine compliance with such government regulations. The FDA
enforces regulations regarding GMP through periodic surveillances and audits.
The Company believes that it has obtained all material approvals, permits and
licenses for its manufacturing activities.
Upon completion of the sale of the Private Label Group, the Company
will not be subject to federal, state or local regulations regarding the
manufacture and filling of cosmetics.
Various laws and regulations relating to safe working conditions, and
other employment matters, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act, are
also applicable to the Company. The Company believes it is in substantial
compliance with all material federal, state and local laws and regulations
regarding safe working conditions, and other employment matters.
Trademarks
The Company has fifteen United States registered trademarks, Scent
Overnight(R), Scent 123(R) and Sports Extreme(R), U.S. - Privilege (R),
Benandre(R), Bene(R), PP Parfums Privilege & Design(R), American Country
Garden(R), Ben Rickert(R), Extreme Berry(R), Extreme Girl(R), Extreme
Vanilla(R), Private Part(R), France - Privilege(R) and Japan - Ben Rickert(R).
<PAGE>
The right to use trademarks and trade names in connection with the sale
of the Branded Products is material to the Company's business. In cases where
the Company is the licensee of the trademark or trade name, the ownership of the
trademark or trade name will be retained by the licensor. In such cases, the
Company may be subject to material claims of infringement by third- parties and
may or may not be indemnified by the licensor.
The Company will be the owner of brand names developed by it and will
seek to establish protection of names. There can be no assurance, however, that
trademark rights would sufficiently protect the Company's right to use such
names or that, if and when the Company files trademark applications for such
names, such applications would be approved. Notwithstanding such ownership,
third-parties may claim that such names infringe such third party's rights. Such
claims may seek to require the Company to cease use of the names as well as pay
monetary damages. At the time any such claim is brought, the Company may not
have the financial resources to defend against such claim. The cessation of the
use of any brand name used by the Company might have a material adverse effect
on it.
Insurance
In view of the activities conducted by the Company, there are inherent
risks of exposure to certain liabilities including product liability and
negligence claims resulting from the use of the Company's products. The Company
currently carries a general liability insurance policy (including products
liability) and property damage insurance which provides for coverage of
$1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate. Additionally, the
Company has a $4,000,000 umbrella liability insurance policy per occurrence and
in the aggregate. Although the Company believes such insurance is sufficient, no
assurance can be given that the amount of the Company's present coverage will
prove to be adequate.
The Company currently maintains officer and director liability
insurance which provides for coverage of $3,000,000 per occurrence and
$3,000,000 in the aggregate. The Company also maintains an employment practices
insurance policy with a coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 in
the aggregate.
Major Customers and Suppliers
Approximately 32% of the Company's revenues for the year ended December
31, 1999 were derived from one major customer and 53% of the Company's revenues
for the year ended December 31, 1998 were derived from the same customer. There
can be no assurance that the Company's major customer will maintain its volume
of business with the Company. A loss or a major decrease in sales to the
Company's major customer could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
results of operations.
Employees
The Company presently employs approximately 52 persons in the United
States and one person in France. Of its 52 employees, 46 are located at its
Azurel Sales and Distribution facility in New Jersey, which is comprised of one
executive officer, 29 assembly/shipping personnel,
<PAGE>
twelve administrative personnel and four in sales, marketing and customer
service. The Company anticipates that it will need to hire twenty additional
employee to handle its volume during the peak season. The Company also employs
six persons at its principal executive offices in New York City, including one
executive officer.
Seasonality and Backlog
The cosmetic and fragrance business in general is subject to seasonal
fluctuations, with net sales in the second half of the year substantially higher
than those in the first half as a result of increased demand by retailers in the
United States in anticipation of and during the back-to- school, Thanksgiving
and Holiday seasons. The Company anticipates that the sales of Branded and
Azurel Sales and Distribution Products will follow the general industry trend.
At December 31, 1999, the backlog of orders was minimal due to the fact that the
majority of its business occurs during the holiday season.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company leases 2,400 square feet of space at 509 Madison Avenue,
New York, New York, which is used as its executive offices. The lease expires in
April 2001 and provides for an annual base rent of $75,000, including utilities.
These facilities are in good condition and adequate for the Company's current
needs, and substitute space is readily available.
The Company leases a 55,000 square foot building in Fairfield, New
Jersey, which is used as a packaging plant and as Azurel Sales and
Distribution's executive offices. Approximately 10,000 square feet is used for
office space and 45,000 square feet is used for assembling, warehousing and
shipping. The lease expires in July 2004 and provides for annual rent of
approximately $336,000. The Company believes the facilities are in good
condition and are adequate for the Company's present and future purposes.
<PAGE>
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
DOWEL ASSOCIATES V. AZUREL, LTD. On March 21, 2000, plaintiff landlord of
defendant's business premises brought an action in Essex County Superior Court
in New Jersey seeking unpaid rent of $87,937.37, plus attorneys' fees and
additional future rent to accrue, and also seeking a judgment for possession of
the premises. This matter has been settled by an agreement awarding plaintiff a
judgement of possession that will be permanently stayed provided Azurel makes
timely monthly payments in compliance with an agreed upon schedule.
TWINCRAFT V. BEN RICKERT CORP. AND AZUREL, LTD. This is an action in the United
States District Court for the District of Vermont in which plaintiff is in the
process of obtaining a default judgment in excess of $339,000.
W.E. CALLIGARO. In December 1999, Azurel Ltd. and Ben Rickert Corp. entered into
an agreement with this former executive (modifying a prior severance agreement)
requiring various payments to be made in exchange for a release of any further
claims. The Company defaulted on its payment obligations after making the first
payment under the agreement, and $25,262.50 remains unpaid and is subject to
acceleration together with the reasonable attorneys' fees and costs of
collecting that unpaid balance. In April 2000, plaintiff commenced an action in
Superior Court of Morris County, New Jersey seeking $27,262.50. The defendant's
answer is due on May 11, 2000.
PACTRANS AIR & SEA. In December 1999, Ben Rickert, Inc. entered into an
agreement with Pactrans Air & Sea requiring various payments to be made in
exchange for the forebearance of any legal action and the provision of a general
release upon full payment. Ben Rickert, Inc. has defaulted on its payment
obligations and cure period has expired, which will permit acceleration of the
entire amount due of $63,108.54 plus 15% for attorneys' fees and costs.
ENSIGNIA GROUP V. BEN RICKERT, CORP. In this suit, presently pending in the
Passaic County Superior Court in New Jersey, plaintiff originally sued for
$51,935.23. After several interim payments were made pursuant to an informal
settlement agreement, plaintiff obtained an arbitration award in the amount of
$7,305.93, plus interest and costs, which amount represented the balance due as
previously agreed by the defendant although the defendant has since sought to
reconsider its agreement on the grounds that the previously agreed balance was
not calculated correctly. Ben Rickert has requested a trial de novo, in effect
nullifying the arbitration award, and it is expected that a trial or a summary
judgement motion will be forthcoming shortly.
VAN CHRISTAKOS V. AZUREL LTD., GERARD SEMHON AND BEN RICKERT CORP. This is a
suit presently pending in New York State Supreme Court in which a former
executive of Azurel, Ltd. is seeking unspecified damages exceeding $500,000 on
allegations of breach of contract and related claims. Defendant has moved to
dismiss the complaint and plaintiff has cross-moved for summary judgment on
liability; oral argument on the motions was held on April 7, 2000 and the
parties are awaiting a decision from the Court.
CHEMAID LABORATORIES V. BEN RICKERT CORP. AND AZUREL, LTD. This is a suit
pending in Bergen
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County Superior Court in New Jersey seeking damages of $94,549.98 on a guarantee
agreement. Defendants have filed an answer denying the allegations and asserting
affirmative defenses including plaintiff's own breach of contract rendering
defendants' alleged obligations null and void.
NEW JERSEY FILL PACK, INC. V. NEW JERSEY LOGISTICS AND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES,
INC., JOSE AVECILLAS, ABRAHAM AVECILLAS, AND BEN RICKERT CO. This action naming
"Ben Rickert Co." as a defendant was brought in Passaic County Superior Court in
New Jersey. Pursuant to a subsequent settlement agreement, "Ben Rickert Co."
agreed to make periodic payments totaling $26,000 to the plaintiff and
$23,984.30 to New Jersey Logistics; no such payments have been made pursuant to
the agreement after an initial total payment of $5,000.
TRICOR BRAUN V. BEN RICKERT CORP. This action in Superior Court of Essex County,
New Jersey was served in April 2000 and seeks compensatory damages of $45,178.06
plus allegedly agreed- upon attorneys' fees totaling and additional 20% for a
total of $59,273.61 plus interest and costs. Defendant's answer is due May 11,
2000.
Other than the above, the Company is not a party to any material
legal proceedings.
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ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during
the fourth quarter of 1999.
<PAGE>
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK
As of the date hereof, the Company has outstanding 6,211,797 shares of
its Common Stock $.001 par value ("Common Stock"). The Company's Common Stock is
traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market ("Nasdaq SmallCap") under the symbol
"AZUR." The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices for the
Common Stock as reported by on the Nasdaq SmallCap. The high and low bid prices
reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission,
and may not represent actual transactions.
COMMON STOCK
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FISCAL 1998 HIGH LOW
- ----------- ---- ---
First $4.9375 $3.1875
Second 3.875 2.4375
Third 2.50 1.00
Fourth 1.25 0.625
FISCAL 1999
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First $3.28125 $1.00
Second 2.313 1.063
Third 1.75 1.00
Fourth 2.50 0.938
FISCAL 2000
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First $1.531 $0.71
Second
(through April 17, 2000) .6875 .406
On March 31, 2000, there were approximately 79 holders of record of the
Company's 6,211,797 outstanding shares of Common Stock.
On April 17, 2000, the last sale price of the Common Stock as reported
on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market was $0.4375.
DIVIDEND POLICY
The Company has never paid or declared dividends on its Common Stock.
The payment of cash dividends, if any, in the future is within the discretion of
the Board of Directors and will depend upon the Company's earnings, its capital
requirements, financial condition and other relevant factors. The Company
intends, for the foreseeable future, to retain future earnings for use in the
Company's business.
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ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
When used in this Form 10-KSB and in future filings by the Company with
the Securities and Exchange commission, the words or phrases "will likely
result" and "the company expects," "will continue," "is anticipated,"
"estimated," "project," or "outlook" or similar expressions are intended to
identify "forward-looking statements." The Company wishes to caution readers not
to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, each of which
speak only as of the date made. Such statements are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from
historical earnings and those presently anticipated or projected. The Company
has no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be
made to any forward-looking statements to reflect anticipated or unanticipated
events or circumstances occurring after the date of such statements.
General
Azurel, directly and through wholly-owned subsidiaries distributes and
assembles luxury bath and body products and perfumes, most sold in gift sets,
under the Company's own brand names.
In August 1996, Azurel acquired the stock of the Private Label Group
which was subsequently was sold in March 2000, and in October 1996, Azurel
acquired the assets of Scent Overnight. In October 1997, Azurel acquired the
stock of Cambridge Business Services. In July 1998, Azurel's wholly-owned
subsidiary, Azurel Sales and Distribution, acquired the assets of Ben Rickert
Inc.
The following discussion and analysis should be read together with the
financial statements and notes for Azurel included herein.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage
of net sales represented by certain items included in the statements of
operations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
1999 1998
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AMOUNT % AMOUNT %
------ --- ------ ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales ..................................................................... $ 4,759 100% $ 6,338 100%
Cost of goods sold ............................................................ 6,189 130 4,584 72
------- ------- ------- ----
Gross profit ................................................................. (1,430) (30) 1,754 28
Selling, general and
administrative expenses .................................................... 4,780 100 2,999 48
------- ------- ------- ----
Operating (loss) .............................................................. (6,210) (130) (1,245) (20)
Interest expense .............................................................. (560) (12) (264) (4)
Gain on sale of fixed assets .................................................. 236 5 -- --
Other income .................................................................. 440 9 -- --
------- ------- ------- ----
Net loss from continuing operations ........................................... (6,094) (128) (1,509) (24)
------- ------- ------- ----
Loss from operations of
Private Label Cosmetics ..................................................... (8) -- (171) (3)
Provision for loss on divestiture ............................................. (1,156) (24) -- --
------- ------- ------- ----
Net loss from discontinued operations ......................................... (1,164) (24) (171) (3)
------- ------- ------- ----
Net loss....................................................................... $(7,258) (152)% $(1,680) (27)%
------- ------- ------- ----
</TABLE>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 (THE "1999 PERIOD") AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 (THE "1998 PERIOD").
Net sales of $4,758,713 for the year ended December 31, 1999 declined $1,579,689
or 25.0%, as compared to the 1998 Period. Sales decreased in the 1999 Period due
to increased competitive pressure.
Cost of goods sold for the 1999 Period was $6,188,999 or 130% of net sales, as
compared to $4,584,133 or 72% of net sales for the 1998 Period. The decrease in
gross profit percentage in the 1999 Period was primarily related to the sales of
closeout merchandise and the disposal of obsolete inventory during the first six
months of the 1999 Period.
<PAGE>
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the 1999 Period were $4,779,552
or 100% of sales as compared to $2,998,915 or 47% of sales for the 1998 Period.
The increase in SG&A expenses was due primarily to expenses associated with the
Azurel Sales and Distribution operations, which only operated for five months in
the 1998 Period as compared to a full twelve months during the 1999 Period.
Additionally, Semfraco, the Company's Paris-based subsidiary, began operations
in April 1999, thus incurring expenses of approximately $159,003 during the
final three quarters of the 1999 Period.
Interest expense was $559,952 for the 1999 Period, compared to $264,061 for the
1998 Period. The increase represents interest expense associated with the
issuance of $2,757,000 of unsecured short-term notes during the 1999 Period.
Non-operating income in 1999 includes $500,000 related to a web design and
consulting agreement, and a $236,000 gain on the sale of fully depreciated soap
machines at the Azurel Sales and Distribution operation.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
From inception to date, Azurel's operations have been funded by a
combination of debt and equity financings. Azurel completed its initial public
offering of its securities in August 1997, whereby the Company issued 1,200,000
shares of common stock and 1,200,000 common stock purchase warrants. The Company
received approximately $5,538,000 from its initial public offering. In addition,
prior to the Company's initial public offering, it sold 750,000 shares of Common
Stock at $2.00 per share from February through July 1996 and in January and
April of 1997 the Company secured additional debt financing in connection with
the completion of private placements of $200,000 and $350,000 respectively,
which were repaid upon the completion of the Company's initial public offering.
In December 1997 the Company secured a 4 year term loan of $800,000
at 11.3% from GE Capital. Such loan is secured by the Company's existing
machinery and equipment. During 1998, the Company arranged a new machinery and
equipment line of credit with CIT, which finances 100% of new machinery and
equipment purchases of the Private Label Group over a five year term at a rate
of approximately 10.5%, which line of credit will remain with the Private Label
Group upon completion of the sale. In 1998, the Company purchased $281,518 of
equipment through capital leases under this arrangement and an additional
$80,490 in 1999. In February 1998, the Company secured a revolving line of
credit of $3,500,000 with Finova Capital Corporation which will be transferred
to the Private Label Group upon completion of the sale. This line of credit
bears an interest rate of 2.5% above the prime rate and is secured by the
Company's receivables, inventory and a second lien on machinery and equipment.
An additional line of credit of $4,000,000 was secured for the Company's
wholly-owned subsidiary, Azurel Sales and Distribution, in September 1998 with
Finova Capital Corp. The terms and expiration date are the same as the
$3,500,000 line of credit except that the $4,000,000 line is secured by Azurel
Sales and Distribution's receivables, inventory and a first lien on Azurel Sales
and Distribution's machinery and equipment. In June 1999, Finova notified
the Company of a default condition with respect to its security agreement,
pursuant to which it increased the
<PAGE>
interest rate by an additional 2%, to 4 1/2% above the prime rate, in accordance
with the terms of the security agreement. However, Finova has continued to
provide financing to the Company under modified terms, including a $15,000 per
month administration fee. In connection with the Company's sale of PLC, it is
required pursuant to the contract to pay off the outstanding balance owed to
Finova by the Company from the sale proceeds. The Company is in the process of
seeking alternative financing.
On August 12, 1998, the Company sold shares of its Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock receiving net proceeds of approximately $1,237,587.
In April 1999 and May 1999, the Company sold an aggregate of 716,667
shares of its Common Stock at a price of $1.50 per share, for an aggregate sale
price of $1,075,000, to several private investors, pursuant to an exemption from
the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Additionally, an aggregate of 179,167 warrants (one warrant for every four
shares purchased) to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock at an
exercise price of $2.00 per share were issued to the above investors. In
December 1999, the Company sold an additional 100,000 shares of its common stock
at a price of $1.00 per share in a private transaction pursuant to an exemption
from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
In May 1999, the Company obtained $1,000,000 and converted a $500,000
short-term note. The $1,500,000 is secured by a majority of PLC common stock.
This security was exchanged on April 10, 2000 for the $1,800,000 promissory note
that will be issued in connection with the sale of PLC.
In June 1999, the Company entered into a web-site design and
consulting agreement with Tadeo E-Commerce Corp. In connection with the
agreement Tadeo paid the Company a $500,000 non-refundable fee for the right to
develop the website and for the Company's consulting services pertaining to the
cosmetics industry. The Company believes it has substantially fulfilled all of
its requirements under the contract prior to June 30, 1999. In connection with
the agreement, Tadeo is entitled to receive a 5% royalty on gross revenues
generated from the website until it receives an aggregate of $500,000 in
royalties, at which time its royalty shall be reduced to 3% of gross revenues
generated from the website.
In September 1999, the Company sold $800,000 of its Series C
Convertible Preferred Stock.
In March 2000, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its
interest in the Private Label Group for an aggregate of $3,085,821 plus
forgiveness of $600,000 of indebtedness to Michael Assante, an affiliated party.
See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
<PAGE>
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In March 2000, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its
two-thirds interest in Private Label Cosmetics, Inc. and Fashion Laboratories,
Inc. (collectively known as the "Private Label Group") to Michael J. Assante,
President of Private Label Cosmetics. Mr. Assante currently owns one-third of
the Private Label Group. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company will receive
cash of $886,000 ($825,000 of which has been received to date) a one-year
$400,000 promissory note and a two-year $1,800,000 promissory note. In addition,
upon completion of the sale, Mr. Assante has agreed to forgive $600,000 owed to
him by the Company in connection with the Company's acquisition of the Private
Label Group in August 1996. The Company expects the sale to be completed by
April 30, 2000.
The Company has established a provision for an estimated loss of
approximately $1,156,000, which includes an estimated profit of $132,000 for the
period from January 1, 2000 to March 31, 2000 for the Private Label Group,
during the phase out period. The results of operations for the discontinued
operations have been reclassified for all periods in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements.
GOING CONCERN
The Company received a going concern opinion from its auditors for the
year ended December 31, 1999. The Company incurred losses of approximately
$7,230,000 and $1,700,000 in 1999 and 1998, respectively. Additionally, the
Company had a working capital deficit of $1,445,000 at December 31, 1999 and has
not remitted 1999 third and fourth quarter federal and state payroll taxes of
approximately $326,000. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the
Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans with
respect to these matters include restructuring its existing debt, raising
additional capital through future issuances of stock and debentures and
ultimately developing a viable business. In addition, the Company has entered
into an agreement to sell its Private Label Group.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
Many computer systems and software products worldwide and throughout
all industries were expected not to function properly as the year 2000
approached unless changed, due to a once-common programming standard that
represents years using two-digits. This is the "Year 2000 problem" that has
received considerable media coverage. During 1999, the Company upgraded its
management information systems. As part of this program, the Company identified
those systems and applications that required modification, redevelopment or
replacement. The Company believes that its management information systems are
Year 2000 compliant. Management of the Company does not believe that failure of
the Company's venders or third-party providers' systems to be Year 2000
compliant will have a material adverse effect upon the Company.
The Company has not experienced any material adverse effects as a
result of the Year 2000, either from its own computer systems or those of its
vendors and suppliers.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See pages F-1 to F-20.
AZUREL LTD.AND SUBSIDIARIES
---------------------------
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
--------------------
INDEX
-----
Page
Number
-------
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT F - 1
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Balance Sheet F - 2
Statement of Operations F - 3
Statement of Stockholders' Deficit F - 4
Statement of Cash Flows F - 5-6
Notes to Financial Statements F -7-20
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
----------------------------
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Azurel Ltd. and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Azurel
Ltd. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and the related consolidated
statements of operations and cash flows for the two years then ended. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Azurel Ltd. and Subsidiaries'
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Azurel
Ltd. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and the consolidated results of
its operations and its cash flows for the two years then ended in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming
that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2, to
the financial statements, the Company's significant operating losses and working
capital deficiency raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a
going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that
might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ Feldman Sherb Horowitz & Co., P.C.
--------------------------------------
Feldman Sherb Horowitz & Co., P.C.
Certified Public Accountants
March 14, 2000
New York, New York
(April 10, 2000, with respect to the
second paragraph of Note 4)
F-1
<PAGE>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
REPORT ON CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1999
ASSETS
------
CURRENT ASSETS:
<S> <C>
Cash $ 15,237
Accounts receivable net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $48,000 1,834,624
Inventories 2,724,797
Due from related parties 31,284
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 137,473
Net current assets of discontinued operations 1,246,239
------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 5,989,654
FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT, net 230,565
GOODWILL 143,153
OTHER ASSETS 110,521
NET NON-CURRENT ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 2,542,286
------------
$ 9,016,179
============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY
----------------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Revolving line of credit $ 1,168,950
Accounts payable 2,523,406
Note Payable 2,657,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 895,249
Current portion of long term debt 77,113
Capital lease obligation - current portion 112,000
------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 7,433,718
------------
LONG TERM DEBT 1,528,167
------------
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATION - NON-CURRENT PORTION 88,000
------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
MINORITY INTEREST 644,085
------------
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY:
Preferred stock - par value $.001 per share
4,000,000 shares authorized; 1,001,500 shares issued and outstanding 2,237,587
Common stock, par value $.001 per share;
24,000,000 shares authorized; 6,211,797 shares issued and outstanding 6,212
Additional paid in capital 8,649,683
Accumulated deficit (11,561,357)
Translation gain/loss (9,916)
------------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY (677,791)
------------
$ 9,016,179
============
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-2
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AZUREL LTD AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
1999 1998
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
NET SALES $ 4,758,713 $ 6,338,402
COST OF GOODS SOLD 6,188,999 4,584,133
----------- -----------
GROSS PROFIT (LOSS) (1,430,286) 1,754,269
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 4,779,552 2,998,915
----------- -----------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (6,209,838) (1,244,646)
INTEREST EXPENSE (559,952) (264,061)
GAIN ON SALE OF FIXED ASSETS 236,000 --
OTHER INCOME 439,404 --
----------- -----------
NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (6,094,386) (1,508,707)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Loss from operations of Private Label Group (7,185) (171,286)
Provision for loss on sale of Private Label Group (1,156,381)
----------- -----------
LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (1,163,566) (171,286)
----------- -----------
NET LOSS $(7,257,952) $(1,679,993)
=========== ===========
BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Continuing operations $ (1.03) $ (.29)
Discontinued operations (0.20) (.03)
----------- -----------
BASIC LOSS PER COMMON SHARE $ (1.23) $ (.32)
=========== ===========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 5,905,480 5,306,245
=========== ===========
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-3
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL
PAID-IN
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL
------ ------ ------ ------ -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance - January 1, 1998 -- $ -- 5,293,745 $5,294 $7,438,001
Sale of convertible preferred stock 1,500 1,500,000 -- -- --
Expenses associated with issuance of preferred stock -- (262,413) -- -- --
Stock issued for legal services -- -- 25,000 25 37,475
Write off of stock subscriptions receivable -- -- -- -- --
Reclassification of 1997 cumulative translation adjustment to
accumulated deficit -- -- -- -- --
Net loss -- -- -- -- --
--------- ----------- --------- ------ ----------
Balance - December 31, 1998 1,500 $ 1,237,587 5,318,745 $5,319 $7,475,476
--------- ----------- --------- ------ ----------
Sale of common stock -- -- 893,051 893 1,174,207
Sale of convertible preferred stock 1,000,000 1,000,000 -- -- --
Net loss -- -- -- -- --
Change in translation adjustment -- -- -- -- --
--------- ----------- --------- ------ ----------
Balance - December 31, 1999 1,001,500 $ 2,237,587 6,211,796 $6,212 $8,649,683
========= =========== ========= ====== ==========
STOCK CUMULATIVE
ACCUMULATED SUBSCRIPTIONS TRANSLATION
DEFICIT RECEIVABLE ADJUSTMENT TOTAL
------- ---------- ---------- -----
Balance - January 1, 1998 $ (2,609,830) $(2,175) $(13,582) $ 4,817,708
Sale of convertible preferred stock -- -- -- 1,500,000
Expenses associated with issuance of preferred stock -- -- -- (262,413)
Stock issued for legal services -- -- -- 37,500
Write off of stock subscriptions receivable -- 2,175 -- 2,175
Reclassification of 1997 cumulative translation adjustment to
accumulated deficit (13,582) -- 13,582 --
Net loss (1,679,993) -- -- (1,679,993)
------------ ------- -------- -----------
Balance - December 31, 1998 $ (4,303,405) $ -- $ -- $ 4,414,977
------------ ------- -------- -----------
Sale of common stock -- -- -- 1,175,100
Sale of convertible preferred stock -- -- -- 1,000,000
Net loss (7,257,952) -- -- (7,257,952)
Change in translation adjustment -- -- (9,916) (9,916)
------------ ------- -------- -----------
Balance - December 31, 1999 $(11,561,357) $ -- $ (9,916) $ (677,791)
============ ======= ======== ===========
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-4
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
1999 1998
---- ----
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
<S> <C> <C>
Net loss $(7,257,952) $(1,679,993)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 22,254 14,249
Amortization 8,169 7,737
Gain on sale of fixed assets (236,000) --
Loss on debt forgiveness 60,596 --
Issuance of common stock for legal services -- 37,500
Other -- 2,175
Provision for discontinued operation 1,156,381 --
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisition:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable 756,745 (2,099,870)
Decrease (Increase) in inventories 629,902 (2,139,992)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other (81,526) 134,931
Increase in other assets (75,481) (25,465)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,091,572 1,347,623
Decrease in customers advances -- (8,000)
Decrease in related party loans -- (320,133)
Decrease in net assets of discontinued operations 201,732 62,074
----------- -----------
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES (3,723,608) (4,667,164)
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired -- (1,700,000)
Disposal of property and equipment 236,000 --
Purchases of property and equipment (213,899) (14,612)
----------- -----------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES 22,101 (1,714,612)
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings for purchase of Ben Rickert, Corp. -- 1,350,000
(Decrease) increase in revolving line of credit (2,552,770) 3,721,720
Decrease in long-term debt (207,650) (400,188)
Reduction in capital lease obligations (2,105) (8,420)
Iincrease in minority interest 357 --
Proceeds from borrowings on notes 2,757,000 --
Borrowings from long term debt 1,742,104 173,099
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,175,100 --
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock 800,000 1,237,587
----------- -----------
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES 3,712,036 6,073,798
----------- -----------
Effect of exchange rate (9,916) --
----------- -----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 613 (307,978)
CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 14,624 322,602
----------- -----------
CASH AT END OF YEAR $ 15,237 $ 14,624
=========== ===========
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-5
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
1999 1998
---- ----
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION:
<S> <C> <C>
Cash paid for interest $353,511 $162,132
======== ========
Cash paid for income taxes $ 4,087 $ 3,042
======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING
AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Exchange of short-term debt for Series C
Convertible Preferred Stock $200,000 $ --
======== ========
Forgiveness of debt in exchange for one third of
common stock $583,132 $ --
======== ========
Purchase of equipment through capital leases $200,000 $ --
======== ========
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-6
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
----------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
-----------------------------------
Azurel Ltd. ( "Azurel") was incorporated in Delaware on June 26, 1995.
In July 1996, the Company formed a subsidiary, Scent 123, Inc. and
subsequently acquired the assets of Scent Overnight, Inc., an overnight
delivery service of men's cologne and women's fragrances. Azurel
intends to market and develop original cosmetic and fragrance lines. As
of December 31, 1999, no significant operations had commenced.
In August 1996, Azurel purchased all of the outstanding common stock of
Private Label Cosmetics, Inc. and affiliates ("Private Label Group")
for cash, notes and common stock aggregating $2,782,500 plus
acquisition costs of $285,000. The Private Label Group is located in
New Jersey and manufactures cosmetics for sale to major cosmetic
companies.
In August 1997, Azurel sold 1,200,000 units consisting of 1,200,000
shares of common stock and an equal number of common stock purchase
warrants in an initial public offering. The Company received gross
proceeds before underwriter discounts and offering expenses of
$5,538,000. Offering expenses were approximately $1,373,000.
Azurel concurrently issued approximately 200,000 common shares to a
principal shareholder and a former shareholder as additional
consideration for machinery and equipment included in the Private Label
Group acquisition.
In October 1997, Azurel acquired all of the outstanding shares of
Cambridge Business Services Corporation for $212,000 of which $95,000
was paid at the closing and the balance in February 1998.
Azurel opened a sales and distribution facility in France in the latter
part of 1998.
On July 31, 1998, Azurel acquired from a bank the assets of Ben
Rickert, Inc. a manufacturer and distributor of cosmetics, fragrances
and gift items, for $1.5 million. The acquisition was financed by
$150,000 in cash and a $1,350,000 note.
During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company issued 1,500 units
of convertible preferred stock and warrants for net proceeds of
$1,238,000.
During April 1999, the Company sold to various investors an aggregate
of 716,667 shares of its common stock at a price of $1.50 per share,
for an aggregate sales price of $1,075,000. In addition, an aggregate
of 179,167 warrants (one warrant for every four shares) to purchase
shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per
share were issued to the above investors.
F-7
<PAGE>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
----------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
------------------------------------------------------
During August and September 1999, the Company issued 800,000 shares of
its convertible preferred stock at a price of $1.00 per share for an
aggregate sales price of $800,000.
In March 2000, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its
ownership in its Private Label Group subsidiary.
Hereinafter all of the above entities are collectively referred to as
the "Company".
2. GOING CONCERN
-------------
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that
the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company incurred
losses of approximately $7,230,000 and $1,700,000 in 1999 and 1998,
respectively. Additionally, the Company had a working capital
deficiency of $1,445,000 at December 31, 1999 and has not remitted 1999
third and fourth quarter federal and state payroll taxes of
approximately $326,000. These conditions raise substantial doubt about
the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's
plans with respect to these matters include restructuring its existing
debt, raising additional capital through future issuances of stock and
debentures and ultimately developing a viable business. In addition, as
discussed in Note 3, the Company entered into a contract to dispose of
its Private Label Group subsidiary. The accompanying financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary
should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
------------------------------------------
a. Principles of consolidation - The consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly
owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions and
balances have been eliminated.
b. Accounting estimates - The preparation of financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires
management to make significant estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date
of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
c. Inventories - Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost or
market. Cost was determined using the FIFO method.
d. Property and equipment - Property and equipment are stated at
cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets.
F-8
<PAGE>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
----------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
------------------------------------------------------
e. Fair value of financial instruments - The carrying amounts
reported in the balance sheet for cash, receivables, accounts
payable, and accrued expenses approximate fair value based on the
short-term maturity of these instruments.
f. Income taxes - The Company accounts for income taxes under the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" (SFAS No. 109). SFAS No. 109
requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities
for both the expected impact of differences between the financial
statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for the
expected future tax benefit to be derived from tax loss and tax
credit carryforwards. SFAS No. 109 additionally requires the
establishment of a valuation allowance to reflect the likelihood
of realization of deferred tax assets.
g. Stock based compensation - The Company accounts for employee
stock transactions in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting For Stock Issued To Employees." The Company has
adopted the proforma disclosure requirements of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting For
Stock-Based Compensation."
h. Goodwill - Goodwill is amortized on a straight line basis over a
period of 20 years. The Company periodically assesses the
recoverability of the cost of its goodwill for impairment.
i. Impairment of long-lived assets - The Company reviews long-lived
assets for impairment whenever circumstances and situations
change such that there is an indication that the carrying amounts
may not be recovered. At December 31, 1999, the Company believes
that there has been no impairment of its long-lived assets.
j. Earnings per share - Basic net loss per common share is based on
the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Potential
common shares includable in the computation of fully diluted per
share results are not presented in the financial statements as
their effect would be anti-dilutive.
4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
-----------------------
In December 1999, the Company defaulted on its note to the former
shareholder of approximately $600,000 and current President of the
Private Label Group. Such officer issued a notice of default and the
collateral on such note representing one third of the stock of Private
Label Group was transferred to the officer.
In March 2000, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its
remaining two thirds interest in the Private Label Group to its
President for cash of $886,000 and two notes, one
F-9
<PAGE>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
----------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
------------------------------------------------------
for $1,800,000 bearing interest of 7.5 % per annum due 24 months after
the closing date of the sale and another note for $400,000 bearing
interest at 9% per annum due 12 months after the closing date of the
sale. In addition, receivables of approximately $400,000 due from the
Private Label Group are to be repaid. The Company's two thirds interest
in the Private Label Group had been pledged as collateral for
approximately $1,500,000 in notes to another entity. On April 10, 2000,
the Company and the lender agreed to a substitution of collateral being
the aforementioned $1,800,000 note. The balance sheet, results of
operations and cash flows of the Private Label Group have been
reclassified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The
Company accrued a provision for an estimated loss on the sale of
Private Label Group of approximately $1,150,000.
Net assets of discontinued operations at December 31, 1999 are as
follows:
NET CURRENT ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Current Assets:
Cash $ 72,591
Accounts receivable, net 1,939,351
Inventories 1,846,845
Due from stockholders/others 27,500
Current Liabilities:
Line of credit 1,241,104
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 912,774
Customer advances 162,030
Current portion of long term debt 254,300
Obligations under capital lease - current 69,840
----------
Net Current Assets from Discontinued Operations $1,246,239
==========
NET NON CURRENT ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Non-Current Assets:
Property, plant and equipment $1,620,106
Formulae and customer lists 1,411,942
Other assets 77,422
Non-Current Liabilities:
Obligations under capital lease - long-term 203,912
Long-term debt 362,972
----------
Net Non-Current Assets of Discontinued Operations $2,542,586
==========
F-10
<PAGE>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
----------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
------------------------------------------------------
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - CONTINUED
-----------------------------------
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS DECEMBER 31,
--------------------- ------------
1999 1998
---- ----
Net Sales $14,025,390 $14,519,942
Loss from operations (net of income tax
benefit) $ (7,185) $ (171,286)
Loss on disposal $(1,156,381)
----------- -----------
Total loss on discontinued operations $(1,163,566) $ (171,286)
=========== ===========
5. BEN RICKERT ACQUISITION
-----------------------
In July 1998, the Company acquired the assets of Ben Rickert, Inc. The
following summarizes the 1998 pro forma consolidated results of
operations (unaudited) of the Company and the 1998 Ben Rickert asset
acquisition as though the acquisition had been consummated at January
1, 1998. The pro forma amounts give effect to the appropriate
adjustments of the fair value of assets acquired and the debt incurred
and resulting interest expense.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AZUREL
WITHOUT
BEN RICKERT BEN RICKERT
CORP. CORP. ONLY CONSOLIDATED
----- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total revenue $1,061,901 $ 7,679,081 $ 8,740,982
Net loss from continuing operations $ (724,441) $(4,549,834) $(5,274,275)
Loss from discontinued operations $ (171,286) $ (171,286)
Basic net loss per share:
Continuing operations $ (0.14) $ (0.85) $ (0.99)
Discontinued operations $ (0.03) $ (0.03)
Weighted average number of shares 5,306,245 5,306,245 5,306,245
</TABLE>
F-11
<PAGE>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
----------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
------------------------------------------------------
6. INVENTORIES
Inventories at December 31, 1999 consisted of the following:
Raw Materials $1,123,803
Work In Process 159,898
Finished Goods 1,441,396
----------
$2,724,797
==========
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Amounts due from related parties consist of advances to officers in the
amount of $31,284.
8. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following at December 31, 1999:
ESTIMATED YEARS
OF USEFUL LIVES AMOUNT
--------------- ------
Furniture and fixtures 5 years $ 23,028
Machinery and equipment held
under capital leases 5-7 years 200,000
Machinery and equipment 3-9 years 55,453
---------
278,481
Less accumulated depreciation 47,916
---------
$ 230,565
=========
In October 1999, the Company entered into a sale and leaseback
agreement with another entity. As part of the agreement the Company
sold certain fixed assets to the entity for $200,000 and agreed to
lease these assets back over a 25 month period. The Company recorded no
gain or loss and has recorded this transaction as a capital lease.
F-12
<PAGE>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
----------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
------------------------------------------------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT- CONTINUED
The following is a summary of property held under capital lease at
December 31, 1999:
DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
----------- ------
Computer software equipment $200,000
Less: Accumulated Depreciation 6,668
--------
$193,332
========
Minimum future lease payments under capital leases as of December 31,
1999 are as follows:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 AMOUNT
---------------------- ------
2000 $130,130
2001 92,620
--------
Total minimum lease payments 222,750
Less: Amounts representing interest 22,750
--------
Amount representing principal $200,000
========
9. GOODWILL:
Goodwill which results from the acquisition of Cambridge Business
Services is as follows:
ESTIMATED
USEFUL LIFE COST
----------- ----
Goodwill 20 Years $159,059
Less accumulated amortization 15,906
--------
$143,153
=========
F-13
<PAGE>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
----------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
------------------------------------------------------
10. NOTES PAYABLE
-------------
Note payable - four notes of $125,000 bearing
interest at 8% per annum which were due February
2000. In July and December 1999, the Company
granted to the lender a total of 150,000 warrants
at an exercise price of $1.50 per share of which
50,000 were granted in exchange for extended
repayment terms. The Company is currently in
negotiations to re-extend the payment terms of the
note. $ 500,000
Note payable with interest at 8% per annum which
was due March 2000. The note has been extended to
September 2000. 87,000
Note payable with interest at 10% per annum payable
quarterly in arrears, due June 2000 550,000
Note payable with interest at 10% per annum due
July 2000 300,000
Note payable with interest at 10% per annum due
July 2000 300,000
Various notes payable with interest at 8% per annum
maturing between March 2000 and October 2000 920,000
----------
$2,657,000
==========
11. REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
In September 1998, the Company financed a $4,000,000 line of credit
with an institution for the Ben Rickert Corp subsidiary at 2.5% per
annum interest rate above prime. Proceeds of $1,350,000 from such
credit line was used to repay the loan for the acquisition of the
assets of Ben Rickert, Inc. Borrowings are secured by a first lien on
trade receivables, inventory and equipment. The line is also guaranteed
by the Company's Private Label Group subsidiary which has a credit line
of $3,500,000 that is guaranteed by the Company. The subsidiary's
outstanding line of credit is $1,200,000 at December 31, 1999.
In June 1999, the financial institution declared the Company in default
as a result of continued losses experienced by the Company and imposed
a default rate of an additional 2%. Currently, the financial
institution has also imposed a $15,000 per month administrative charge.
The Company has accelerated its payments to the financial institution
in an attempt
F-14
<PAGE>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
----------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
------------------------------------------------------
to settle its obligation. Pursuant to the sale agreement of the Private
Label Group, the Company is required to repay the line. The Company's
outstanding balance is approximately $300,000 at March 31, 2000.
12. LONG-TERM DEBT
--------------
The following is a summary of long-term debt at December 31, 1999:
Note payable with interest at 8% per annum, payable
monthly. Principal amount due June 2001 and is
secured by a $1,800,000 long-term note received in
connection with the sale of the Private Label
Group. The Company granted 500,000 warrants at an
exercise price of $1.50 per share to the lender
which was reduced to $.60 per share as
consideration of the substitution of collateral. $1,528,167
Note payable to shareholder, interest at 9%,
principal payment due April 2000. 49,574
Note payable to shareholder, payable in semi-annual
installments of $9,219 plus interest at 9% due
October 2000. 18,438
Note payable, interest at prime plus 4%, secured by
first lien on equipment. 9,100
----------
1,605,279
Less: current portion 77,112
----------
$1,528,167
==========
Long-term debt matures as follows:
2000 $ 77,112
2001 1,528,167
----------
$1,605,279
==========
The fair value of the Company's long term debt approximates its
carrying amount.
F-15
<PAGE>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
----------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
------------------------------------------------------
13. INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes ("SFAS No.
109"). SFAS No. 109 requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and
liabilities for both the expected impact of differences between the
financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for
the expected future tax benefit to be derived from tax loss and tax
credit carry forwards. SFAS No. 109 additionally requires the
establishment of a valuation allowance to reflect the likelihood of
realization of deferred tax assets. At December 31, 1999, the Company
had net deferred tax assets of $4,044,000. The Company has recorded a
valuation allowance for the full amount of the net deferred tax assets.
The following table illustrates the source and status of the Company's
major deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforward $ 3,939,000
Accumulated depreciation book/tax
difference (10,000)
Accounts receivable allowance 19,000
Inventory allowance 96,000
Valuation allowance (4,044,000)
-------------
Net deferred tax asset recorded $ --
=============
The provision for income taxes for year ended December 31, 1999 and
1998 differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal
income tax rate to income before income taxes as follows:
1999 1998
---- ----
Income tax benefit computed at
statutory rate $(2,450,000) $ (571,000)
Tax benefit not recognized 2,450,000 571,000
----------- -------------
Provision for income taxes $ -- $ --
=========== =============
The Company has net operating loss carry forwards for tax purposes of
approximately $9,850,000 at December 31, 1999 expiring in the years
2010 to 2019.
F-16
<PAGE>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
----------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
------------------------------------------------------
14. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
In March 1997, the Company adopted a stock option plan which provides
for grants to officers and other employees, directors, consultants and
other persons who perform significant services for the Company. The
exercise price of each option may not be less than 100% of the fair
market value of the common stock at the time of the grant. Options to
acquire up to 1,750,000 shares may be granted under the plan.
For disclosure purposes the fair value of each stock option grant is
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model with the weighted-average assumptions used for stock options
granted during the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively: annual dividends of $0.00 for both years, expected
volatility of 50%, risk-free interest rate of 5.7% and expected life of
five years. The weighted-average fair value of the stock options
granted during the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 were $.73 and
$.53, respectively.
If the Company recognized compensation cost for the employee stock
option plan in accordance with SFAS No. 123, the Company's pro forma
net loss and loss per share would have been $7.36 million and $1.24 in
1999 and $1.77 million and $.33 in 1998.
Prior to the Company's initial public offering, 980,500 warrants were
issued at an exercise price of $4.50 per share. The Company issued
1,200,000 warrants in connection with the initial public offering of
its common stock. Each warrant entitles its holder to purchase one
share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.50 per share. The
warrants are exercisable commencing July 30, 1998 and expire in July
2003. The warrants are redeemable by the Company at a price of $.10
each subject to certain conditions commencing July 30, 1998 and
thereafter up to their expiration. The Company additionally issued
120,000 redeemable warrants to the underwriter for $18,000. Such
warrants are exercisable for four years commencing July 30, 1998 at a
price equal to 150% of the initial public offering price of the Common
Stock and Redeemable Warrants. Also, 180,000 warrants were issued
pursuant to the exercise of the underwriter's over-allotment option.
During 1998, the Company issued 200,000 warrants at an exercise price
of $2 per share. Each warrant entitles its holder to purchase one share
of Common Stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share. During 1999,
the Company issued 1,355,168 warrants at an exercise prices ranging
from $.90 to $2.00 per share. Each warrant entitles its holder to
purchase one share of Common Stock. The Company has reserved 4,035,668
shares of common stock for issuance upon exercise of the warrants.
F-17
<PAGE>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
----------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
------------------------------------------------------
STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS - CONTINUED
<TABLE>
OPTIONS WARRANTS
--------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
NUMBER PRICE PER NUMBER OF NUMBER PRICE PER NUMBER OF
OF SHARE SHARES OF SHARE SHARES
SHARES RANGE EXERCISABLE SHARES RANGE EXERCISABLE
------ ----- ----------- ------ ----- -----------
Outstanding
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
at January 1, 1998 154,250 $4.25 - 4.38 -- 2,480,500 $ 6.75 --
Granted 1,546,352 $ .81 - 4.00 200,000 $ 2.00
Canceled (227,250) $ .81 - 4.38 --
--------- --------- ---------
Outstanding
at December 31, 1998 1,473,352 $ .81 - 4.38 -- 2,680,500 $2.00 -$6.75 2,680,500
========= ============ =========
Granted 51,000 $1.19 - $2.13 1,355,168 $ .90 -$2.00
Canceled (533,676) $ .81 - $4.25 --
Exercised (11,500) $ 1.00
---------- ----------
Outstanding
at December 31, 1999 979,176 $ .81 - $4.25 -- 4,035,668 $.90 - $6.75 3,985,668
========== ============= ========= ========= ============ =========
</TABLE>
15. PREFERRED STOCK
---------------
The Company is authorized to issue preferred stock with such
designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to
time by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the Board of Directors is
empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with
dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights. In September
1999, the Company received authorization to sell up tp $3,000,000 of
its convertible preferred stock. During the third quarter 1999, the
Company raised $800,000 in the issuance of this stock and converted
$200,000 of existing debt into preferred stock.
F-18
<PAGE>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
----------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
------------------------------------------------------
16. LEASES
------
In August 1999 the Company moved its operations to another facility in
New Jersey. In accordance with the new lease, the Company is obligated
to make annual rental payments totaling $336,000 under such lease which
expires in July 2004. The Company is further obligated under a lease
for its administrative and marketing facility in New York City for
annual rentals of $75,000 through April 2001.
Total rent expense for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 was
$666,000 and $435,000, respectively.
Future minimum rental payments under non cancelable leases as of
December 31, 1999 were as follows:
YEAR
ENDED AMOUNT
----- ------
2000 $ 438,000
2001 385,000
2002 355,000
2003 346,000
2004 201,000
----------
$1,725,000
==========
Future minimum rental payments on the lease for the Company's
discontinued operation were approximately $1,200,000 expiring in August
2002.
16. SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
---------------------
The Company's largest customer represented 32% of sales in 1999 and 53%
of sales in 1998.
17. OTHER INCOME
------------
In June 1999, the Company entered into a web-site design and consulting
agreement with another company. In connection with the agreement the
other entity paid the Company a $500,000 non- refundable fee for the
right to develop the website and for the Company's consulting services
pertaining to the cosmetics industry which is included in other income
in the accompanying financial statements. The Company believes it has
substantially fulfilled all of its requirements under the contract. In
connection with the agreement, such entity is entitled to receive a 5%
F-19
<PAGE>
AZUREL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
----------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
------------------------------------------------------
royalty on gross revenues generated from the website until it receives
an aggregate of $500,000 in royalties at which time its royalty shall
be reduced to 3% of gross revenues from the website.
18. CONTINGENCIES
-------------
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings:
a. The landlord of the Company's premises brought an action against
the Company for the non- payment of approximately $90,000 of rent
to the landlord. This matter has been settled by an agreement
awarding the landlord a judgement for possession of the premises
that will be permanently stayed provided the Company makes timely
payments in compliance with an agreed upon schedule.
b. A former executive of the Company is seeking unspecified damages
exceeding $500,000 on breach of contract and related claims. The
Company has moved to dismiss the complaint and the plaintiff has
moved for summary judgement on the liability. Management believes
the claim is without merit. This matter has yet to be resolved.
c. The Company is a defendant in a suit whereby damages of
approximately $95,000 is being sought against the Company under a
guarantee agreement. The Company is contesting the allegations.
d. The Company is subject to various other claims aggregating
approximately $500,000 for amounts owed to various vendors. Such
amount has been recorded as accounts payable and accrued expenses
in the accompanying financial statements.
19. COMMITMENTS
-----------
In October 1997, the Company entered into a license agreement with the
owner of the "Hang- Ten" trademark. The agreement grants the Company
the exclusive right to manufacture and distribute cosmetics and other
items under the "Hang-Ten" mark. The agreement which expires in
December 2003, requires the Company to pay aggregate minimum royalties
of $864,000 through December 2003.
F-20
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
There were no changes in or disagreements with the Company's
Accountants on accounting or financial disclosures.
<PAGE>
PART III
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL
PERSON
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Gerard Semhon 64 Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Officer and Director
Frank DeSimone 46 Executive Vice President, Chief
Operating Officer and Director
Kay Shortway 58 Director
Norman Grief 69 Director
Brian Bookmeier 41 Director
OTHER SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEES
NAME AGE POSITION
- ---- --- --------
Michael J. Assante 63 President and Chief Executive Officer,
Private Label Group
</TABLE>
Directors are elected to serve until the next meeting of stockholders and
until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Meetings of stockholders
of the Company will be held on an annual basis. However, if at any time an
annual meeting is not held for the election of directors, the then current
directors will continue to serve until their successors are elected and
qualified. Vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase
in the number of directors may be filled by a majority vote of Directors then in
office. Officers are appointed by, and serve at the discretion of, the Board of
Directors. Non-employee directors are eligible to receive options under the 1997
Stock Option Plan.
The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee, consisting of
Gerard Semhon, Kay Shortway and Norman Grief. The Board of Directors has
established a Compensation Committee consisting of Frank DeSimone, Kay Shortway
and Norman Grief.
The following is a brief summary of the background of each director,
executive officer and significant employee of the Company:
GERARD SEMHON has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company since its inception in June 1995. Mr. Semhon has over 30
years of management experience in consumer products. From March 1993 to May
1995, Mr. Semhon served as chairman of the board and chief executive officer of
Dominion Associates, Inc. ("Dominion"), a distributor of health and beauty aids
that he helped found. In May 1995, Dominion ceased operations due to a lack of
financial resources. From 1990 to March 1993, Mr. Semhon served as an
international consultant for several cosmetic companies, including Boots Ltd.
and Cambridge Development Corp. In 1983, Mr. Semhon founded Parlux Fragrances,
Inc. ("Parlux"), where he was employed until 1990. Parlux operated as the United
States and
<PAGE>
Canadian distributor of the Giorgio Armani women's fragrance line. From 1981 to
1983 Mr. Semhon served as Helena Rubinstein, Inc.'s president of North American
Operations. In 1976, Mr. Semhon became president of ITT Corp. Cosmetics
Division. From 1972 to 1976, Mr. Semhon served as Director of International
Marketing for Revlon International, Inc.
FRANK DESIMONE joined the Company in September, 1997 as Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer. On December 10, 1998, Mr. DeSimone became
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Mr.
DeSimone co-founded Cambridge Business Services in January 1986 and served as
President until September 1997. Prior to founding Cambridge Business Services in
1986, Mr. DeSimone was the Chief Financial Officer at Parfum Givanchy and Parlux
Fragrances and Finance Director of Helena Rubinstein Beaute.
KAY SHORTWAY was elected to the Company's Board of Directors on February
6, 1998. Ms. Shortway served as the President and CEO of Adrienne Vittadini
Retail Division from January 1, 1989 to June 6, 1995. From January 1, 1984 to
December 31, 1989 Ms. Shortway was Executive Vice President of Charles Jourdan
North America. From February 6, 1981 to December 15, 1984 Ms. Shortway served as
Executive Vice President and General Merchandise Manager at Bergdoff Goodman.
Ms. Shortway served on the Board of Directors of Frost Brothers from March 10,
1985 to December 15, 1990 and is currently the Chairman and Secretary of the
International Fashion Group's Board of Directors.
NORMAN GRIEF was elected to the Company's Board of Directors on
February 23, 1998. From January 1995 to July 1999, Mr. Grief was Chief Executive
Officer of The Jarrott Group, Inc., a full service marketing agency with a
specialty in developing cosmetic brands. From March 1, 1981 to December 1, 1994
Mr. Grief was the President of Givandan. From March 9, 1970 to December 15, 1986
Mr. Grief served as the Vice President of Research and Development at Revlon.
BRIAN BOOKMEIER was appointed as a director of the Company in March 2000.
Since August 1997, Mr. Boomeier has been the Vice President of Seven Sons, Inc.,
d/b/a Las Vegas Golf & Tennis, a company in the business of franchised retailing
of golf and tennis equipment. From July 1995 to February 2000, Mr. Bookmeier
served and the President , Chief Executive Officer and a director of
TekInsight.com, Inc., a publicly-traded company. From 1989 Mr. Bookmeier served
as Executive Vice President and a director of Patient Care Services, a home
medical equipment supply company that specialized in diabetes management, and
the sale of related equipment and supplies, until its merger into
TekInsight.com. Mr. Bookmeier has been a director of the American Diabetes
Association since June 1995.
MICHAEL J. ASSANTE joined the Company in August 1996 as part of the
acquisition of the Private Label Group of which he had been the principal owner
and senior executive for more than forty years. He presently serves as President
and Chief Executive Officer of the Private Label Group.
COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Company has one formal committee, the Audit Committee, consisting
of Gerard Semhon, Kay Shortway and Norman Grief. The Audit Committee is
responsible for communicating with the Company's auditors regarding the
financial and reporting affairs of the Company. The Company does not currently
have a Stock Option Committee or a Nominating Committee.
There Company's Board of Directors did not meet during 1999. There were
five unanimous written consents of the Company's Board of Directors, pursuant to
Section 141 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, during 1999. Neither
Audit Committee nor the Compensation Committee met during 1999.
<PAGE>
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth all cash compensation for services
rendered in all capacities to the Company, for the year ended December 31, 1999
(referred to as "1999" in this table), the year ended December 31, 1998
(referred to as "1998" in this table) and the year ended December 31, 1997
(referred to as "1997" in this table) paid to the Company's Chief Executive
Officer ("Named Executive Officer") and to each of the Company's executive
officers who earned in excess of $100,000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RESTRICTED ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL STOCK OPTIONS/ COMPEN-
POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS AWARDS SARS SATION
- -------- ---- ------ ----- ------ --------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Gerard Semhon 1999 $144,369 -0- -0- -0- $ 5,314
Chairman, Chief 1998 111,667 -0- -0- -0- 9,600
Executive Officer (1) 1997 95,689 -0- -0- -0- 400
Frank DeSimone 1999 $119,600 -0- -0- -0- $ 1,868
Executive Vice 1998 99,999 -0- -0- -0- 4,800
President (2)
Michael J. Assante 1999 $250,000 $98,721 -0- -0- $ -0-
President, Private 1998 250,000 73,277 -0- -0- -0-
Label Group (3) 1997 195,000 75,851 -0- -0- 20,196
<FN>
- ------------
(1) Mr. Semhon's "other compensation" for 1997, 1998 and 1999 relates to a car allowance and life insurance
premiums paid by the Company.
(2) Mr. DeSimone's "other compensaiton" for 1998, 1999 relates to a car allowance and life insurance premiums
paid by the Company.
(3) Mr. Assante's "other compensation" for 1997 relates to a $12,000 car allowance and $8,196 for
life insurance premiums paid by the Company.
</FN>
</TABLE>
OPTIONS TO NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER
There were no options granted to any of the executive officers named
in the Summary Compensation Table above.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
On July 31, 1997, the Company entered into a three year employment
agreement with Gerard Semhon, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
of the Board. On December 10, 1998, the Company and Mr. Semhon amended such
employment agreement whereby Mr. Semhon's salary was increased to $135,000 per
annum and the term of the employment agreement was extended to December 31,
2001. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Semhon will continue
<PAGE>
to serve as a full-time employee and officer of the Company. Mr. Semhon will
continue to be entitled to receive bonuses and salary increases as determined by
the Board of Directors. The employment agreement entitles Mr. Semhon to an
annual car allowance of $9,600 and the right to participate in welfare plans
adopted by the Company and to enjoy medical, dental and disability insurance
benefits and life insurance benefits under policies obtained by the Company for
such purposes. The agreement is automatically renewable for successive one-year
terms. The employment agreement may be terminated by the Company for cause, as
described in the agreement. In the event that the Company terminates Mr.
Semhon's agreement without cause, Mr. Semhon is to receive his full compensation
for the remainder of the term of the agreement, but in no event less than 12
months compensation. In the event of a change in control of the Board of
Directors, Mr. Semhon is to receive two times his full compensation for the
remainder of the term of the agreement. In addition, the agreement precludes Mr.
Semhon from disclosing confidential information, and from competing with the
Company during the term of his employment and for one year thereafter.
On December 10, 1998, the Company entered into a three year employment
agreement, effective January 1, 1999, with Frank DeSimone, the Company's Chief
Operating Officer and Executive Vice President under which Mr. DeSimone will
serve as a full-time employee and officer and receive an annual salary of
$115,000 and bonuses and salary increases as determined by the Board of
Directors. The employment agreement entitles Mr. DeSimone to an annual car
allowance of $4,800 and the right to participate in welfare plans adopted by the
Company and to enjoy medical, dental and disability insurance benefits and life
insurance benefits under policies obtained by the Company for such purposes. The
agreement is automatically renewable for successive one-year terms. The
employment agreement may be terminated by the Company for cause, as described in
the agreement. In the event that the Company terminates Mr. DeSimone's agreement
without cause, Mr. DeSimone is to receive his full compensation for the
remainder of the term of the agreement, but in no event less than 12 months
compensation. In the event of a change in control of the Board of Directors, Mr.
DeSimone is to receive two times his full compensation for the remainder of the
term of the agreement. In addition, the agreement precludes Mr. DeSimone from
disclosing confidential information, and from competing with the Company during
the term of his employment and for one year thereafter.
Mr. Assante's employment agreement will be assigned to the Private
Label Group upon completion of the Company's sale of the Private Label Group to
Mr. Assante. In August 1996, the Company entered into a three year employment
agreement with Michael J. Assante under which he served as President and Chief
Executive Officer of each of the two companies that comprise the Private Label
Group. Mr. Assante will received a base annual salary of $195,000 and an annual
car allowance of $12,000. In addition, the Company maintained a $1.1 million
life insurance policy on the life of Mr. Assante, the beneficiary of which was
designated by Mr. Assante. The employment agreement is renewable at his option
for an additional two year period. Mr. Assante will receive a bonus equal to 10%
of the amount by which the Private Label Group's annual profit, before interest
and taxes but after depreciation and amortization, exceeds $500,000 for each of
the years ending December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999. The employment agreement may
be terminated by the Company for cause, as described in the agreement. Mr.
Assante is entitled to receive his salary for the remaining term of the
agreement as severance pay in the event that the Company terminates the
agreement without cause. In addition, the agreement precludes Mr. Assante from
disclosing confidential information during the term of his employment and for
five years thereafter, and from competing with the Company during the term of
his employment and for one year thereafter.
<PAGE>
CONSULTING AGREEMENTS
Mr. Louis DiVita ("DiVita"), a former shareholder of the companies
comprising the Private Label Group, serves as a consultant to the Private Label
Group pursuant to a consulting agreement dated August 17, 1993 pursuant to which
DiVita provides services relating to the Private Label Group's computer system.
The agreement provides for a monthly consulting fee of $11,117 through August
2003.
STOCK OPTION PLAN
In March 1997 the Board of Directors adopted, and the stockholders
subsequently approved, the Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "1997 Plan").
In December 1998, the 1997 Plan was amended whereby the number of options to
acquire common stock which may be granted was increased from 750,000 to
1,750,000. The 1997 Plan provides for grants to officers and other employees of
the Company, non-employee directors, consultants and advisors and other persons
who may perform significant services on behalf of the Company and will be
administered by the Board of Directors, or a committee (the "Committee") of two
or more directors, each of whom is a "Non-Employee Director," within the meaning
of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. Pursuant to the 1997 Plan, options to
acquire an aggregate of 1,750,000 shares of Common Stock may be granted subject
to adjustment as provided in the 1997 Plan. As of December 31, 1999,
979,176 options have been granted pursuant to the 1997 Plan.
The 1997 Plan authorizes the issuance of incentive stock options
("ISOs"), as defined in Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the
"Code"), as amended, as well as non-qualified stock options ("NQSOs"). Only
"employees" (within the meaning of Section 3401(c) of the Code) of the Company
shall be eligible for the grant of Incentive Stock Options. The exercise price
of each ISO may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Common
Stock at the time of grant, except that in the case of a grant to an employee
who owns 10% or more of the then outstanding stock of the Company or a
subsidiary or parent of the Company (a "10% Stockholder"), the exercise price
shall be at least 110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date
of grant. The exercise price of each NQSO is determined by the Committee, but
shall not be less than 85% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the
date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the exercise price of any option
granted on or after the effective date of the registration of any class of
equity security of the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, and
prior to six months after the termination of such registration, may be no less
than 100% of the fair market value per share on the date of the grant. The Board
or the Committee shall provide, in each stock option agreement, when the term of
the option subject to such agreement expires and the date when it becomes
exercisable, but in no event will an option granted under the 1997 Plan be
exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date it is granted.
Options may not be transferred during the lifetime of an option holder and are
only exercisable during the optionee's lifetime only by the optionee or by his
or her guardian or legal representative. The 1997 Plan shall terminate
automatically as of the close of business on the day preceding the 10th
anniversary date of its adoption, subject to earlier termination.
To the extent Fair Market Value, as defined in the Code, of Common Stock
with respect to which Incentive Stock Options granted hereunder are exercisable
for the first time by an optionee in any calendar year exceeds $100,000, such
options granted shall be treated as NQSO's to the extent required by Section 422
of the Code.
If the outstanding shares of Common Stock are changed by reason of an
adjustment to the capitalization of the Company or as a result of a merger or
consolidation, an appropriate adjustment shall be made by the Board or the
Committee in the number, kind and price of shares as to which options may be
granted and exercised.
<PAGE>
Subject to the provisions of the 1997 Plan, the Board of Directors or
the Committee has the authority to determine the individuals to whom stock
options are to be granted, the number of shares to be covered by each option,
the exercise price, the type of option, the option period, the restrictions, if
any, on the exercise of the option, the terms for payment of the option price
and all other terms and provisions of such options (which need not be
identical). Payments by holders of options, upon exercise of an option, may be
made (as determined by the Board or the Committee) in cash or such other form of
payment as may be permitted under the 1997 Plan, including without limitation,
by promissory note or by delivery of shares of Common Stock.
EMPLOYEE PENSION PLAN
The Company does not currently have an employee pension plan.
SECTION 16(A) REPORTING
Under the securities laws of the United States, the Company's
directors, its executive (and certain other) officers, and any persons holding
ten percent or more of the Company's Common Stock must report on their ownership
of the Company's Common Stock and any changes in that ownership to the
Securities and Exchange Commission and to the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc.'s Automated Quotation System. Specific due dates for these reports
have been established. During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company does
not believe that all reports required to be filed by Section 16(a) were filed on
a timely basis, if at all.
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information as of March 31, 2000
with respect to each beneficial owner of five percent (5%) or more of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, each officer and director of
the Company and all officers and directors as a group. The table does not
include options that have not yet vested or are not exercisable within 60 days
of the date hereof. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each such person
or entity is 509 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENTAGE OF
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIALLY OWNED(1) COMMON STOCK
- ------------------- --------------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Gerard Semhon(2) 286,534 4.6%
Frank DeSimone(3) 50,000 *
Kay Shortway -0- 0.0%
Norman Grief -0- 0.0%
Brian Bookmeier -0- 0.0%
All officers and Directors 336 5.5%
as a group (5 persons)
<FN>
- -------------
*less than one percent
(1) Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, shares of Common Stock that an individual or group has a
right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to the exercise of options
or warrants are deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of
computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group, but
are not deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of computing the
percentage ownership of any other person shown in the table.
(2) Includes 102,267 shares of Common Stock owned by Diane Papas, who is
the wife of Gerard Semhon, of which shares Mr. Semhon disclaims
beneficial ownership.
(3) Includes options to purchase up to 50,000 shares of Common
Stock.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
In October 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital
stock of Cambridge Business Services, Inc., of which Frank DeSimone, the
Company's Executive Vice President, owns 50 percent, for a purchase price of
$212,000, of which $95,000 was paid in October 1997 and the balance was paid in
February 1998.
On September 30, 1999, Mr. Semhon agreed to convert $100,000 of debt
owed to him by the Company into shares of the Company's Series C Convertible
Preferred Stock.
In March 2000, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its
interest in the Private Label Group, Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary, to
Michael J. Assante for an aggregate purchase price of $3,085,821, plus
foregiveness of $600,000 in debt owed to Mr. Assante in connection with the
original purchase of the Private Label Group from Mr. Assante in August 1996.
The Company expects this transaction to be completed by the end of April 2000.
Except as disclosed above and pursuant to certain loan transactions
with officers, all previous transactions between the Company and its officers,
directors or 5% stockholders, and their affiliates were made on terms no less
favorable to the Company than those available from unaffiliated parties. All
future transactions between the Company and its officers, directors or 5%
stockholders, and their affiliates, will be on terms no less favorable than
could be obtained from unaffiliated third parties.
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS, LISTS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8- K
<PAGE>
(A) EXHIBITS (NUMBERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITEM 601 OF REGULATION S-B).
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
27 Financial Data Schedule
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AZUREL LTD.
BY: /S/ GERARD SEMHON
---------------------
Gerard Semhon
Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed
below by the following persons and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------- ----- ----
/S/ GERARD SEMHON Chief Executive April 13, 2000
- -----------------
Gerard Semhon Officer and Chairman
of the Board
/S/ FRANK DESIMONE Executive Vice April 13, 2000
- ------------------
Frank DeSimone President, Chief
Operating Officer
and Director
Director April 13, 2000
- ------------------
Kay Shortway
/S/ NORMAN GRIEF Director April 13, 2000
- ------------------
Norman Grief
Director April 13, 2000
- -------------------
Brian Bookmeier
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1999
<CASH> 15,237
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 1,882,624
<ALLOWANCES> 48,000
<INVENTORY> 2,724,797
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 5,989,654
<PP&E> 278,481
<DEPRECIATION> 47,916
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 9,016,179
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 7,433,718
<BONDS> 1,528,167
0
2,237,587
<COMMON> 6,212
<OTHER-SE> (2,921,590)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 9,016,179
<SALES> 4,758,713
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 4,758,713
<CGS> 6,188,999
<TOTAL-COSTS> 6,188,999
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 4,779,552
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 559,952
<INCOME-PRETAX> (7,257,952)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (6,094,386)
<DISCONTINUED> (1,163,566)
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (7,257,952)
<EPS-BASIC> (1.23)
<EPS-DILUTED> (1.23)
</TABLE>
