SIMMONS CO /GA/
10-K, 2000-03-24
WOOD HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, (NO UPHOLSTERED)
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<PAGE>   1
                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K
(Mark One)

[ X ]    ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

         For the fiscal year ended December 25, 1999
                                   -----------------

                                       OR

[   ]    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

         For the transition period from                 to
                                       --------------      ------------------

         Commission file number   333-76723
                               ------------

                                 SIMMONS COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

               DELAWARE                                  06-1007444
- ----------------------------------------   -------------------------------------
 (State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
       incorporation or organization)

One Concourse Parkway, Suite 600
         Atlanta, Georgia                                 30328
- ----------------------------------------   -------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)               (Zip Code)

         Registrant's telephone number, including are code        (770) 512-7700
                                                          ----------------------

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:   None.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:   None.

         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 period 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 [ ]

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the
registrant as of March 24, 2000 was $  0  .
                                    ------

         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 the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]

The number of shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding as of March
24, 2000 is 31,964,452.
            ----------

           DOCUMENTS OR PARTS THEREOF INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None

<PAGE>   2

ITEM 1.           BUSINESS

         GENERAL

         Founded in 1871, Simmons (the "Company") is a leading manufacturer and
distributor of premium branded bedding products in the United States and the
world leader in Pocketed Coil(TM) innerspring technology. We manufacture and
license a broad range of mattresses and related sleep products under
well-recognized brand names including Simmons(R), Beautyrest(R), BackCare(R),
Connoisseur(R) and Maxipedic(R). Sales of conventional bedding, which includes
fully assembled mattresses and box springs, accounted for substantially all of
our 1999 net sales.

         We sell to a diversified nationwide base of over 2,700 customers,
representing more than 5,600 retail outlets. We support our sales to furniture
stores, specialty sleep shops, department stores and warehouse showrooms with
significant local and national brand advertising and promotional spending as
well as extensive customer support services. We operate 18 strategically located
manufacturing facilities across the United States and in Puerto Rico. Unlike
most of our competitors, which operate as associations of independent licensees,
we are one of two national industry participants that operates each of its
manufacturing facilities, allowing us greater quality control and
standardization of best manufacturing practices.

         RECENT HISTORY OF THE COMPANY

         Prior Ownership

         On March 22, 1996, Simmons Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"), a company
organized on behalf of INVESTCORP S.A. ("Investcorp"), management and certain
other investors, acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of the Company
from affiliates of Merrill Lynch Capital Partners, Inc., the Simmons Company
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (together with a trust forming a part thereof, the
"ESOP") and certain management stockholders (collectively, the "Sellers") for
(i) a purchase price of $253.2 million (including the refinancing or assumption
of existing indebtedness and the purchase of management stock options, and
excluding the payment of fees, expenses and compensation payable to management)
plus (ii) the issuance to the ESOP of 5,670,406 shares of the Company's Series A
Preferred Stock, having one vote per share and a liquidation preference of $5.00
per share (together with the financing thereof, the "Acquisition"). Financing
for the Acquisition was provided by (i) $85.0 million of capital provided by
affiliates of Investcorp, management and certain other investors, (ii) $80.4
million of borrowings under a $115.0 million senior credit facility among the
Company, certain lenders and Chase Manhattan Bank (formerly known as Chemical
Bank) ("Chase"), as administrative agent and (iii) $100.0 million of borrowings
under a Subordinated Loan Facility among the Company, certain lenders (including
an affiliate of Investcorp) and Chase, as administrative agent (the
"Subordinated Loan Facility"). The Subordinated Loan Facility was repaid on
April 18, 1996 with the net proceeds of the issuance of Senior Subordinated
Notes which, in turn, were replaced with Series A Senior Subordinated Notes due
2006 in a registered exchange offer completed in September 1996.

         Recapitalization

         On July 16, 1998, Holdings entered into a recapitalization agreement
with the Company and REM Acquisition, Inc., a transitory Delaware merger
corporation ("REM"), sponsored by Fenway Partners, Inc., ("Fenway"). Pursuant to
the agreement on October 29, 1998 REM merged with and into Holdings (the
"Recapitalization"), with Holdings being the surviving corporation. The
Recapitalization





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<PAGE>   3

resulted in certain stockholders of Holdings who are affiliates of or investors
arranged by Investcorp receiving an aggregate amount of cash equal to
approximately $193.4 million, and certain stockholders of Holdings who are
members of management of the Company receiving an aggregate amount of cash equal
to approximately $14.0 million. Investcorp retained shares of common stock of
Holdings with an estimated fair value of $9.0 million and management retained
shares of stock and options to purchase stock of Holdings with an estimated fair
value of $16.5 million. As part of the Recapitalization, REM purchased the
outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock of the Company (the "Series A
Preferred Stock") owned by the ESOP that had been allocated to its participants
for an aggregate purchase price of $15.4 million, and the ESOP exchanged its
remaining outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock for shares of common
stock of Holdings. The Series A Preferred Stock purchased by REM was cancelled
in connection with the Transactions, as defined below. The ESOP retained shares
of stock of Holdings with an estimated fair value of $23.4 million.

         Financing for the Recapitalization, the related transactions, and the
fees and expenses incurred therewith, was provided by (i) the Company's
borrowings under a new $270.0 million senior credit facility (the "Senior Credit
Facility") which refinanced the majority of the Company's existing senior and
subordinated obligations, (ii) the Company's borrowings of $75.0 million Senior
Subordinated Bridge Loans (the "Senior Bridge Loans"), (iii) the Company's
borrowings of $30.0 million under the Junior Subordinated Notes (the "Junior
Simmons Notes") issued to an affiliate of Fenway, (iv) Holdings' borrowings of
$10.0 million under the Junior PIK Notes issued to an affiliate of Fenway, and
(v) $177.0 million of capital provided by Fenway, affiliates of Investcorp,
management and certain other investors of Holdings.

         The Recapitalization, the refinancing under the Senior Credit Facility,
the Senior Bridge Loans financing and the Junior Simmons Notes financing are
collectively referred to herein as the "Transactions". As a result of the
Recapitalization and related transactions, Simmons Holdings, LLC, an entity
controlled by funds managed by Fenway, acquired 75.1% of the outstanding voting
shares of Holdings, and management, the ESOP and Investcorp retained
approximately 5.9%, 13.7% and 5.3%, respectively, of the outstanding shares of
Holdings. The Company has accounted for the Transactions as a leveraged
recapitalization, whereby the historical bases of the assets and liabilities of
the Company have been maintained.

         On March 16, 1999, we completed a refinancing, which consisted of the
sale of $150.0 million of 10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 (the
"Notes") pursuant to a private offering. We used the net proceeds from this
offering to:

         (1)      repay the indebtedness and related accrued interest under the
                  Senior Bridge Loans and the Junior Simmons Notes issued by us;

         (2)      repay the amounts outstanding and related accrued interest
                  under our revolving credit facility; and

         (3)      prepay a portion of the amounts outstanding and related
                  accrued interest under our term loan facility.

         On September 9, 1999, we issued 10.25% Series B Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2009 (the "New Notes") in exchange for all Notes, pursuant to an
exchange offer whereby holders of the Notes received New Notes which have been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, but are otherwise
identical to the Notes.



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<PAGE>   4


         MANAGEMENT CHANGES

         On January 4, 2000, Mr. Zenon Nie resigned as our Chairman of the Board
of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President, and Charles R. Eitel was
hired as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. During
January 2000, Mr. Eitel completed an assessment of the effectiveness of our
organizational structure, and in early February, 2000, we undertook an
enterprise-wide management reorganization to reflect a new management structure
going forward. The management reorganization resulted in the termination of 14
management employees. In connection with that reorganization, we hired Peter
Brink to serve as our Chief Operations Officer effective February 8, 2000, and
named Roger W. Franklin as our interim Chief Financial Officer. We are in the
process of finalizing our selection of a Chief Financial Officer.

         INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

         The domestic wholesale bedding industry generated sales of over $4.0
billion in 1999 according to industry sales data compiled by the International
Sleep Products Association ("ISPA"). Although fragmented with approximately 700
manufacturers, the industry is mature and stable. The stability of the bedding
market is supported by the fact that over 70% of bedding sales result from
replacement purchases. We believe that key demographic trends are driving growth
in the demand for larger sized, premium bedding products including;

- -        the rapidly growing 45-64 year old population category, a group with
         higher levels of disposable income and which historically has been more
         likely to purchase premium bedding;

- -        the increasing consumer awareness of the health-related benefits of
         proper rest; and

- -        the increasing number and size of bedrooms in homes.

         Most of conventional bedding is sold to furniture stores and specialty
sleep shops. The remaining channels of distribution include department stores,
national mass merchants, membership clubs and contract customers.

         COMPETITION

         There are approximately 700 bedding manufacturers in the United States,
with three companies, Simmons, Sealy Corporation, and Serta, Inc. accounting for
a significant portion of the industry's wholesale revenues. We believe we
principally compete against these two primary competitors on the basis of brand
recognition, product quality and the quality of customer support programs, which
include cooperative advertising, sales force training and marketing assistance.
We believe we compare favorably to our primary competitors in each of these
areas. In addition, only Simmons and Sealy Corporation have national, company
operated manufacturing and distribution capabilities.

         The rest of the United States conventional bedding market consists of
approximately seven smaller national manufacturers and nearly 700 independent
local and regional manufacturers. These local and regional manufacturers
generally focus on the sale of lower price point products. While we primarily
manufacture high margin, differentiated bedding products, we also offer a full
line of bedding products to our retailer base in order for these retailers to
maintain their competitive positioning.



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         PRODUCTS

         We provide our customers with a full range of mattress products that
cover the breadth of the market price points. Our strategic focus is on premium
bedding products sold at retail price points between $699 and $2,999.
         We employ two different base manufacturing technologies in our
mattresses, the pocketed coil and the open coil, and market our products under a
variety of well known brands. Most of our products are based on our patented
Pocketed Coil(TM) technology, which we believe offers a substantially better
sleep experience than our competitors' products. Pocketed Coil(TM) products such
as the Beautyrest(R) line account for the majority of our sales, as well as our
retail floor presence and brand image.

         Our Beautyrest(R) and Connoisseur(R) lines employ Pocketed Coil(TM)
manufacturing technology. Pocketed Coil(TM) mattresses are designed to be the
most comfortable and durable mattresses in the market. Unlike open coil
mattresses in which each innerspring coil is joined to adjacent coils at the top
and the bottom, Pocketed Coil(TM) innersprings are constructed so that each row
of innerspring coils is joined to adjacent rows of coils in the center third of
the fabric pocket enclosing each coil. This permits the top and bottom of each
coil to respond independently to pressure applied to the surface of the
mattress. As a result, Pocketed Coil(TM) design enables the mattress to contour
to the user's body, reduces lateral transmission of movement in the mattress and
provides exceptional comfort.

         Beautyrest(R). Beautyrest(R), our flagship premium product, has been
our primary focus for 75 years and we expect it to continue to generate the
majority of sales. Beautyrest(R) has employed Pocketed Coil(TM) technology since
its introduction in 1925. The Beautyrest(R) line is available to end-users
through a broad range of distribution channels including furniture stores, major
department stores, specialty sleep shops and warehouse showrooms.

         Connoisseur(R). We introduced the Connoisseur(R) line to capitalize on
the accelerating growth in the premium bedding segment. The Connoisseur(R) line
combines the benefits of Pocketed Coil(TM) technology with variable pressure
foam for maximum comfort and support. Connoisseur(R) is the only luxury bedding
product that is designed with an enhanced Pocketed Coil(TM) construction. Most
luxury brands build their line with increased amounts of upholstery materials as
opposed to increased amounts of support coils. Connoisseur(R) employs both. The
Connoisseur(R) product line is primarily available through selected major
department stores and specialty sleep shops.

         BackCare(R). BackCare(R), our second flagship brand, was introduced in
1995. The BackCare(R) line was created to meet the needs of health conscious
consumers, as well as chronic back pain sufferers. We have positioned
BackCare(R) as another of our premium bedding products. BackCare(R) has received
an endorsement from the National Foundation for Spinal Health. BackCare(R)
employs five zone construction designed through each element of the sleep set.
Anatomic foam provides support under the lower back and thighs while offering
comfort under the calves, upper shoulders and buttocks. Anatomic foam also
allows the back to better assume a natural position ensuring proper spinal
alignment and comfort.

         We expect increasing consumer concerns for comfort and health to help
support increased retail penetration of the BackCare(R) product line. To ensure
continued retail penetration, we have developed a BackCare(R) national
television advertising campaign entitled "Five Zones for Your Bones".

         Maxipedic(R). Maxipedic(R) provides our customers with a superior open
coil product. The Maxipedic(R) mattress features non-skid quilting and a variety
of high quality foam components. The




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matching foundation features a steel grid that anchors the coils, reducing
lateral motion and providing uniform firmness. This product is intended to
provide customers with a high quality, moderately priced, open coil product.

         CUSTOMERS

         Our strong brand name and reputation for high quality products,
innovation and service to our customers, together with the highly attractive
retail margins associated with bedding products, have enabled us to establish a
strong customer base throughout the United States and across all major
distribution channels, including furniture stores, specialty sleep shops,
department stores and warehouse showrooms. We manufacture and supply
conventional bedding to over 5,600 retail outlets, representing more than 2,700
customers. Furthermore, our sales to specialty sleep shops, the fastest growing
channel of retail bedding distribution, has been increasing.

         We also distribute branded products on a contract sale basis directly
to commercial users of bedding products such as hotels, motels, and commercial
centers. Major commercial accounts include Westin Hotel Limited Partnership,
Hyatt Corporation, Marriott International, Inc. and The Walt Disney Company.

         In 1999, Starwood Hotels selected Beautyrest(R) as the bed for their
"Heavenly Bed" program. Starwood's Heavenly Bed program is a luxury hotel room
program targeted at their Preferred Customer Club members.

         Our 10 largest customers accounted for approximately 36% of 1999 net
sales, while sales to Heilig-Meyers Company and its subsidiaries, represented
approximately 11% of 1999 net sales.

         SALES, MARKETING AND ADVERTISING

         Our products are sold by approximately 170 local field sales
representatives, backed by sales management centralized at each of our 18
manufacturing facilities, as well as national account representatives. This
selling infrastructure provides retailers with coordinated national marketing
campaigns as well as local support that is tailored to the competitive
environment of the local market.

         Our sales strategy focuses on two areas:

         (1)      cooperative promotional advertising and other retailer support
                  programs designed to complement individual retailers'
                  marketing programs; and

         (2)      national advertising designed to establish and build brand
                  awareness with consumers.

         We develop advertising and retail sales incentive packages specifically
for each individual retailer. Point-of-sale materials including mattresses and
box springs that we design and supply highlight the differentiating features of
our products. In addition, we offer training for retail sales people through our
Mattress Business Academy programs. We believe that our sales training and
consumer education programs are the most extensive in the bedding industry. We
have designed these programs, delivered on-site at our retailers' facilities or
at our research and education center, to teach retail floor salespeople how to
match customers with their mattress comfort preference by improving the retail
floor salespersons' product knowledge and sales skills. We seek to improve our
retailers' unit sales as well as increase sales of bedding in the higher price
segment. We also establish individual incentive programs for our customers and
their sales personnel. Our sales force is trained extensively in advertising,
merchandising and salesmanship which increases the value of the marketing
support they provide to retailers. We




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believe that our focus on the training of sales representatives and our
customers' retail floor salespeople differentiates us from most of our largest
competitors.

         SUPPLIERS

         We purchase substantially all of our conventional bedding raw materials
centrally in order to maximize economies of scale and volume discounts. The
major raw materials that we purchase are wire, spring components, lumber,
cotton, insulator pads, innersprings, fabrics and roll goods consisting of foam,
fiber, ticking and non-wovens. We obtain a large percentage of our required raw
materials from a small number of suppliers. In 1999, we bought approximately 83%
of our raw material needs from 10 suppliers. Supplier concentration is common in
the bedding industry.

         We have long-term supply agreements with Leggett & Platt, Incorporated,
Foamex International Inc. and Amoco Fabrics and Fiber Company. With the
exception of Leggett & Platt, we believe that we can readily replace our other
suppliers because we have already identified and used alternative sources.
Leggett & Platt supplies the majority of several components, including spring
components, insulator pads, wire, fiber, quilt backing and flange material, to
the bedding industry. In 1999, we bought approximately one-third of our raw
materials from Leggett & Platt. We expect that in 2000 we will buy a comparable
portion of our raw materials from Leggett & Platt. To ensure a long-term
adequate supply of various components, we have entered into agreements with
Leggett & Platt, generally expiring in the year 2010, for the supply of grid
tops, innersprings and wire. Among other things, these agreements generally
require us to purchase a majority of our requirements of several components from
Leggett & Platt.

         SEASONALITY

         Our sales volume is somewhat seasonal, with sales generally lower
during the first quarter of each year than in the remaining three quarters of
the year. Historically, our working capital borrowings have increased during the
first half of each year and have decreased in the second half of each year. We
also experience a seasonal fluctuation in profitability, with our gross profit
percentage during the first quarter of each year slightly lower than the margin
percentages obtained in the remaining part of the year. We believe that
seasonality of profitability is a factor that affects the conventional bedding
industry generally and that it is primarily due to retailers' emphasis in the
first quarter on price reductions and promotional bedding and manufacturers'
emphasis on close-outs of the prior year's product lines. These two factors
together result in lower profit margins.

         ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT

         We invest substantially in new product development, enhancement of
existing products and improved operating processes. We believe new product
development and product enhancements are crucial to maintaining our strong
industry position. We maintain close contact with bedding industry developments
through sleep research conducted by industry groups and by our engineering
department, as well as through participation in the Better Sleep Council, an
industry association that promotes awareness of sleep issues, and ISPA. Our
marketing and manufacturing departments work closely with the engineering staff
to develop and test new products for marketability and durability.

         We also seek to reduce costs and improve productivity by continually
developing more efficient manufacturing and distribution processes at the
Simmons Institute of Technology and Education ("SITE"), a state-of-the-art
38,000 square foot research and education center in Atlanta, Georgia.
Approximately 24 engineers and technicians are employed full-time at SITE. These
employees ensure that we maintain high quality products by conducting product
and materials testing, designing manufacturing facilities and equipment and
improving process engineering and development. We believe





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that our engineering staff gives us a competitive advantage over some of our
competitors who do not have significant in-house engineering departments.

         WARRANTIES; PRODUCT RETURNS

         Our conventional bedding products generally offer 10 year limited
warranties against manufacturing defects, while some promotional products carry
one year warranties. We believe that our warranty terms are generally consistent
with those of our primary national competitors. The historical costs to us of
honoring warranty claims have been immaterial. We have also experienced
non-warranty returns for reasons generally related to order entry errors and
shipping damage. We resell our non-warranty returned products primarily through
as-is furniture vendors or outlet stores.

         PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND LICENSES

         We own many trademarks, including Simmons(R), Beautyrest(R),
BackCare(R), Connoisseur Collection(R), Maxipedic(R) and Pocketed Coil(TM), most
of which are registered in the United States and in many foreign countries. We
protect our manufacturing equipment and processes as trade secrets and through
patents. We possess several patents on the equipment used to manufacture our
Pocketed Coil(TM) innersprings. While we do not consider our overall success to
be dependent upon any particular intellectual property rights, we cannot assure
you that the degree of protection offered by the various patents will be
sufficient, that patents will be issued in respect of pending patent
applications, or that we will be able to protect our technological advantage
upon the expiration of our patents. If we were unable to maintain the
proprietary nature of our intellectual property, our financial condition or
results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

         Through the early 1990s, we disposed of most of our foreign operations
and secondary domestic lines of business. As a result, we now license the
Simmons(R) name and many of our trademarks, processes and patents on an
exclusive basis to third-party manufacturers abroad to produce and distribute
conventional bedding products within their designated territories and to third-
party manufacturers in the U.S. to manufacture and distribute juvenile bedding
and non-bedding upholstered furniture, primarily on perpetual or automatically
renewable terms. In addition, we have licensed the Simmons(R) name and other
trademarks, generally for limited terms, for domestic use to third-party
manufacturers of adjustable beds, down comforters, pillows, bed pads, blankets,
futons, airbeds and waterbeds.

         EMPLOYEES

         As of January 31, 2000, we had approximately 2,700 employees.
Approximately 1,200 of these were represented by labor unions. Employees at nine
of our 18 manufacturing facilities are represented by at least one of the
following unions: the Upholstery Division of the United Steelworkers, the
Teamsters, the United Furniture Workers, the Longshoremen and the International
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Union contracts typically are
negotiated for four-year terms. A majority of our current contracts expire in
2001. Labor relations historically have been good. We have had no labor-related
work stoppages in over 20 years. Since 1980, we have opened nine new plants,
none of which are unionized. Approximately 1,300 of our current and former
employees are participants in the ESOP.

         REGULATORY MATTERS

         As a manufacturer of bedding and related products, we use and dispose
of a number of substances, such as glue, lubricating oil, solvents, and other
petroleum products, that may subject us to





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regulation under numerous federal and state statutes governing the environment.
Among other statutes, we are subject to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Air Act and related state
statutes and regulations. We have made and will continue to make capital and
other expenditures to comply with environmental requirements. As is the case
with manufacturers in general, if a release of hazardous substances occurs on or
from our properties or any associated offsite disposal location, or if
contamination from prior activities is discovered at any of our properties, we
may be held liable and the amount of such liability could be material. We are
currently evaluating our potential liability with respect to the cleanup of
environmental contamination at and in the vicinity of our leased manufacturing
facilities in San Leandro, California.

         We have recorded a reserve to reflect our potential liability for
environmental matters. Because of the uncertainties associated with
environmental remediation, we cannot assure you that the costs incurred with
respect to the potential liabilities will not exceed the recorded reserves.

         Our conventional bedding and other product lines are subject to various
federal and state laws and regulations relating to flammability, sanitation and
other standards. We believe that we are in material compliance with all such
laws and regulations.

         FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

         "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. A number of the matters and subject areas discussed in the
foregoing "Business" section and in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" that are not
historical or current facts deal with potential future circumstances and
developments. The discussion of such matters and subject areas is qualified by
the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally,
and such discussion also may materially differ from our actual future experience
involving any one or more of such matters and subject areas. We have attempted
to identify, in context, certain of the factors that it currently believes may
cause actual future experience and results to differ from the our current
expectations regarding the relevant matter or subject area. The operation and
results of our bedding manufacturing business may also be subject to the effect
of other risks and uncertainties in addition to the relevant qualifying factors
identified elsewhere in the foregoing "Business" section and in Part II, Item 7,
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations," including, but not limited to, general economic conditions in the
geographic areas and market segments in which we operate, the ability to achieve
further market penetration, additional customers and distribution channels,
aggressive promotional and discounting tactics by certain of our national
competitors, and other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in
our reports filed with the Commission.




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<PAGE>   10

ITEM 2.           DESCRIPTION OF FACILITIES

Our corporate offices are located at One Concourse Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia
30328. The following table sets forth selected information regarding
manufacturing and other facilities we operated as of January 31, 2000:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                  Year of
                                                       Date        Lease         Square
                     Location                        Occupied     Expiration     Footage               Union Affiliation
                     --------                        --------     ----------     -------               -----------------
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>
Manufacturing Facilities:
     Atlanta, Georgia                               1992        2007          148,300                United Steelworkers of America
     Charlotte, North Carolina                      1993        2003          144,180                                          None
     Columbus, Ohio                                 1988        2004          190,000               United Steelworkers of America,
                                                                                            International Association of Machinists
                                                                                                              and Aerospace Workers
     Dallas, Texas                                  1998        2008          140,981                United Steelworkers of America
     Denver, Colorado                               1998        2008          129,000                                          None
     Fredericksburg, Virginia                       1995        2010          128,500                                          None
     Honolulu, Hawaii                               1993        2003           58,530              International Longshoremen's and
                                                                                                               Warehousemen's Union
     Jacksonville, Florida                          1973        2003          205,729                United Steelworkers of America
     Janesville, Wisconsin                          1982        Owned         288,700                                          None
     Shawnee, Kansas                                1997        Owned         130,000                United Steelworkers of America
     Los Angeles, California                        1982        2005          223,382       International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
                                                                                                     United Steelworkers of America
     Phoenix, Arizona                               1997        2007          103,408                                          None
     Piscataway, New Jersey                         1988        2003          264,908       International Association of Machinists
                                                                                                             and Aerospace Workers,
                                                                                                     United Steelworkers of America
     Salt Lake City, Utah                           1998        2008           77,500                                          None
     San Leandro, California                        1964        2007          260,500           United Furniture Workers of America
     Seattle, Washington                            1992        2002          133,610                                          None
     Springfield, Massachusetts                     1988        2006          129,000                                          None
     Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico                     1998        Owned          50,000                                          None
                                                                          ------------
            Subtotal                                                        2,806,228
Other Facilities in Atlanta, Georgia:
     Corporate Headquarters                         1992        2003           37,500                                          None
     SITE Research and Development Center           1994        2005           38,000                                          None
     Consumer Service Center                        1977        2003           30,960                                          None
                                                                          ------------
            Total Square Footage                                            2,912,688
                                                                          ============
</TABLE>

         Our manufacturing facilities yield a combined practical capacity of
over 25,000 units per day, assuming two eight-hour shifts daily. Management
believes that our facilities, taken as a whole, have adequate productive
capacity and sufficient manufacturing equipment to conduct business at levels
meeting current demand.




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ITEM 3.           LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

         On April 3, 1998, Serta, Inc. filed a complaint against Simmons in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern
Division, alleging that some Simmons products--including those sold in
connection with the trademarks Connoisseur Collection(R), Crescendo(TM), and
some World Class Beautyrest(R) and BackCare(R) Ultimate models--infringe one of
their U.S. patents and that our use of the term "Crescendo" infringes their
alleged common-law trademark, "Crescendo". Serta seeks compensatory damages in
an unspecified amount, interest, an accounting and disgorgement of profits
derived from allegedly infringing acts, treble damages, an order enjoining
further alleged infringement and requiring destruction of allegedly infringing
items, costs, expenses and attorney's fees. We have denied the material
allegations of the complaint. We also have asserted affirmative defenses and/or
counterclaims against Serta alleging non-infringement, invalidity and
unenforceability of the patent-in-suit, and alleging infringement by Serta of
our rights in the term "Crescendo" in various geographic areas to the extent
usage of the term by both Serta and us would be confusingly similar. Serta
requested the Patent and Trademark Office, the PTO, to reexamine the
patent-in-suit. Pending the outcome of the reexamination, and by agreement of
the parties, the pending lawsuit was stayed. In April 1999, the PTO reinstated
Serta's patent and the stay in the action was lifted.

         In October 1999, Serta amended its complaint to join 14 U.S.
licensee/shareholders as plaintiffs and to add a claim for false advertising
under the Lanham Act as well as seek damages and injunctive relief in connection
with that claim. We again have denied the material allegations of the amended
complaint and asserted additional affirmative defenses and an additional
counterclaim seeking a declaratory judgment for unenforceability of the
patent-in-suit due to fraud on the PTO. Serta moved to dismiss this counterclaim
and we have filed a response. The court has not yet ruled on the motion. While
we deny that Serta is entitled to any relief and intend to defend the action
vigorously, settlement amounts could be material and we cannot assure you that
we will prevail in this action.

         From time to time, we have been involved in various legal proceedings.
We believe that all other litigation is routine in nature and incidental to the
conduct of our business, and that none of this other litigation, if determined
adversely to us, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition
or results of our operations.

ITEM 4.           SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.



                                       11
<PAGE>   12




                                     PART II

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

         There is no established public trading market for any class of common
equity of the Company. As of December 25, 1999 there is one holder of record of
the Company's common shares.

         No dividends have been paid on any class of common equity of the
Company during the last three fiscal years. Pursuant to the restrictions
contained in the Senior Credit Facility and the Indenture, the Company is not
expected to be able to pay dividends on its common stock for the foreseeable
future, other than certain limited dividends permitted by the Senior Credit
Facility and the Indenture governing the Notes.

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

                 Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data
                             (dollars in thousands)

         Set forth below are our selected historical consolidated financial
data. We derived our historical Statements of Operations and Balance Sheet Data
for 1999, 1998, 1997, the period from March 22, 1996 through December 28, 1996,
the period from December 31, 1995 through March 21, 1996, and 1995 from our
consolidated financial statements. You should read the information presented
below along with Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial
statements and accompanying notes and other financial information appearing in
Item 8.

         As a result of the Investcorp acquisition, our assets and liabilities
were adjusted to reflect their estimated fair values as of March 22, 1996. In
addition, we entered into new financing arrangements and changed our capital
structure. Accordingly, the results for the periods subsequent to the Investcorp
acquisition are not comparable to the prior historical periods presented.

         You should note the following when reading the table below:

- -        EBITDA represents earnings before interest expense, income tax expense,
         depreciation and amortization. We believe that EBITDA is a widely
         accepted financial indicator of a company's ability to service or incur
         debt and a similar measure is utilized for purposes of the covenants
         contained in the Indenture. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are not
         measurements of operating performance calculated in accordance with
         generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered
         substitutes for operating income, net income, cash flows from operating
         activities or other statements of operations or cash flow data prepared
         in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or as
         measures of profitably or liquidity. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA may not
         be indicative of our historical operating results, nor are they meant
         to be predictive of potential future results. Our measures of EBITDA
         and adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to those recorded by other
         companies.

- -        Working capital represents total currents assets, excluding cash and
         equivalents, less total current liabilities, excluding current
         maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations.



                                       12
<PAGE>   13
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    Successor                               Predecessor
                                            ------------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------
                                                                                        Period from   Period from
                                                                                          March 22,     Dec. 31,
                                            Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended        1996      1995 through   Year Ended
                                             Dec. 25,        Dec. 26,       Dec. 27,     Through Dec.    March 21,     Dec. 30,
                                               1999            1998           1997         28, 1996        1996          1995
                                             ---------      ---------      ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
<S>                                          <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Net sales                                    $ 619,526      $ 600,773      $ 550,085     $ 423,870      $ 106,431      $ 489,815
Cost of products sold                          350,721        348,842        319,074       254,127         66,630        292,825
                                             ---------      ---------      ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
Gross profit                                   268,805        251,931        231,011       169,743         39,801        196,990
Selling, general and
     administrative expenses                   219,924        202,213        183,556       135,762         35,846        161,202
ESOP expense                                     7,169          6,453          6,230         3,797          1,203          4,533
Amortization of intangibles                      7,628          7,629          7,679         5,650          1,324          5,753
Interest expense, net (1)                       32,214         22,454         19,088        15,277          1,489          8,185
Other expense (income), net                      2,331          3,321          1,571        (2,528)            96            400
Management compensation--
     transaction related                          --           14,223           --           4,085           --             --
Management compensation--
     severance related                           6,600           --             --            --             --             --
                                             ---------      ---------      ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
Income (loss) before taxes
     from continuing operations              $  (7,061)     $  (4,362)     $  12,887     $   7,700      $    (157)     $  16,917
                                             =========      =========      =========     =========      =========      =========
Net income (loss)                            $  (9,129)     $ (19,019)     $   6,362     $   1,312      $    (439)     $   9,411
                                             =========      =========      =========     =========      =========      =========


OTHER DATA:
Adjusted EBITDA(2)                           $  66,740      $  62,264      $  58,420     $  42,737      $   5,739      $  42,153
Adjusted capital expenditures(3)                 9,659          8,989          7,616         4,203            523          3,021
Depreciation and amortization                   17,959         16,593         13,549         9,118          2,198          9,780

BALANCE SHEET DATA (END OF
    PERIOD):
Working capital                              $  53,897      $  46,567      $  37,133     $  42,414      $    --        $  20,171
Total assets                                   406,100        400,061        375,125       367,849           --          254,492
Total debt, including current
      Maturities                               333,983        313,469        184,443       196,815           --           93,768
Total common stockholders'
      equity (deficit)                         (23,332)       (12,301)        92,614        86,291           --           44,372
<FN>

(1)      Interest expense, net includes the amortization of deferred debt
         issuance costs of $1,433, $777, $613, $521, $84 and $679 for 1999,
         1998, 1997, the period from March 22, 1996 to December 28, 1996, the
         period from December 31, 1995 through March 21, 1996 and 1995,
         respectively, and is net of interest income of $201, $184, $256, $119,
         $36 and $162 for the same periods, respectively.

         Interest expense, net for the years ending December 25, 1999 and
         December 26, 1998 reflects the increase in senior and subordinated loan
         indebtedness associated with the leveraged recapitalization effective
         October 29, 1998. "See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
         Statements."

</TABLE>



                                       13
<PAGE>   14


(2)      Items added back to EBITDA to arrive at adjusted EBITDA are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     Successor                                Predecessor
                                               ------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------
                                                                                           Period from     Period from
                                                                                             March 22,       Dec. 31,
                                               Year Ended     Year Ended      Year Ended       1996        1995 through   Year Ended
                                                Dec. 25,        Dec. 26,        Dec. 27,    Through Dec.      March 21,     Dec. 30,
                                                  1999           1998            1997        28, 1996          1996          1995
                                                --------       --------       ----------     --------       -----------    --------
<S>                                             <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>         <C>
EBITDA                                          $ 43,112       $ 34,685       $ 45,524       $ 32,095        $  3,530    $ 34,882
ESOP expense                                       7,169          6,453          6,230          3,797           1,203       4,533
Other expense (income), net                        2,331          3,321          1,571         (2,528)             96         400
Management compensation--
     transaction related                            --           14,223           --            4,085            --          --
Management compensation--
     severance related                             6,600           --             --             --              --          --
Interest income                                      201            184            256            119              36         162
SWIFT/UNITE expense                                 --            2,208          2,347          3,467             640       1,815
Management strategic initiatives                     444            418          1,693           --              --          --
Receivable write-off (a)                           6,883           --             --             --              --          --
Inventory written-up to fair
      market value (b)                              --             --             --            1,000            --          --
Discontinued product line                           --              772            799            702             234         361
                                                --------       --------       --------        --------       --------    --------
     Adjusted EBITDA                            $ 66,740       $ 62,264       $ 58,420       $ 42,737        $  5,739    $ 42,153
                                                ========       ========       ========        ========       ========    ========

<FN>
         (a)      For specific information related to this write-off, see "Significant Developments--A   cquisition
                  of a Customer" contained in Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                  Condition and Results of Operations."

         (b)      Reflects non-recurring write up to fair market value in connection with the Investcorp
                  acquisition.
</TABLE>

(3)      Adjusted capital expenditures are exclusive of expenditures related to

         (a)      our SWIFT and UNITE programs of $2,808, $3,786, $6,531, $1,044
                  and $2,813 for 1998, 1997, the period from March 22, 1996
                  through December 28, 1999, the period from December 31, 1995
                  through March 21, 1996 and 1995, respectively; and

         (b)      New plant facilities of $3,756, $4,299, $2,612, $0 and $0 for
                  the same periods, respectively.



                                       14
<PAGE>   15



ITEM 7.      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
             RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion along with the "Selected Historical
Consolidated Financial and Other Data" and our consolidated financial statements
and the accompanying notes included elsewhere herein.

GENERAL

         Simmons is a leading manufacturer and distributor of premium branded
bedding products in the United States and is the world leader in Pocketed
Coil(TM) innerspring technology. We design, manufacture, distribute and license
a broad range of mattresses, box springs, bedding frames and sleep accessories
under well recognized brand names including Simmons(R), Beautyrest(R),
BackCare(R), Connoisseur Collection(R), and Maxipedic(R). While we provide a
full range of conventional bedding products, our focus is on the higher-end
market segments, emphasizing retail price points from $699 to $2,999 per queen
set. We believe that these products offer more attractive growth prospects and
higher gross margins than lower-end products.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         The following table sets forth some components of our consolidated
statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of net sales.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Fiscal Year
                                                               -------------------------------------------
                                                                   1999           1998           1997
                                                               -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                               <C>              <C>              <C>
Net sales                                                         100.0%           100.0%           100.0%
Cost of products sold                                              56.6             58.1             58.0
                                                                -------          -------          -------
Gross margin                                                       43.4             41.9             42.0
Selling, general and administrative expenses                       35.5             33.7             33.4
                                                                -------          -------          -------
Operating income before ESOP expense and
     amortization of intangibles
                                                                    7.9%             8.2%             8.6%
                                                                =======          =======          =======
Adjusted EBITDA margin
                                                                   10.8%            10.4%            10.6%
                                                                =======          =======          =======
</TABLE>


FISCAL 1999 AS COMPARED TO FISCAL 1998

         Net Sales. Net sales increased 3.1%, or $18.7 million, from $600.8
million in 1998 to $619.5 million in 1999. We attribute $26.7 million of this
increase to a 4.4% increase in our bedding average unit selling price, offset,
in part, by a $8.0 million or 1.3% decline in our bedding unit sales volume. The
bedding average unit selling price increase is attributable to sales of higher
priced products, particularly in the BackCare(R) line and a higher product mix
concentration of BackCare(R) and Beautyrest(R) products. The movement in product
mix is the result of our brand positioning of Better Sleep Through Science(TM).
The decline in bedding unit sales volume is attributable to the shift in product
mix toward higher price point products occurring primarily in the second half of
1999.

         Cost of Products Sold. As a percentage of net sales, cost of products
sold for 1999 improved 1.5 percentage points from 58.1% in 1998 to 56.6% in
1999. Our gross margin improvement reflects the shift in product mix toward
higher price point products, raw material cost efficiencies and increased
productivity in certain of our manufacturing facilities.




                                       15
<PAGE>   16



                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
                             Operations - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. As a percentage of net
sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 33.7% in 1998
to 35.5% in 1999. We attribute this increase to the following:

         (1)      the non-recurring write-off of $6.9 million related to the
                  assumption of certain assets, leases and liabilities of two
                  customers in exchange for amounts owed to us, "See Note 17 to
                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.";

         (2)      an increase in cooperative advertising and promotion costs as
                  we move our mix toward higher price point products which carry
                  higher promotional rates; and

         (3)      higher legal and consulting fees.

Offsetting these increases, in part, were lower:

         (1)      distribution costs; and

         (2)      various other selling and marketing expenses.

         ESOP Expense. ESOP expense increased $0.7 million from $6.5 million in
1998 to $7.2 million in 1999. We attribute this increase to an increase in the
appraised value of the shares subject to the ESOP in 1999.

         Amortization of Intangibles. Amortization of intangibles for 1999
remained stable at approximately $7.6 million.

         Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net increased $9.8 million
from $22.5 million in 1998 to $32.2 million in 1999 due primarily to increased
indebtedness as a result of the Recapitalization and the March 1999 Refinancing
and higher amortization of deferred debt issuance costs in 1999. "See Note 1 of
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

         Other Expense, Net. Other expense, net decreased $1.0 million from $3.3
million in 1998 to $2.3 million in 1999. An increase in management advisory
services paid to Fenway was offset by non-recurring charges incurred in 1998
related to the Recapitalization.

         Management Compensation--Transaction Related. In 1998, in connection
with the Recapitalization, we incurred non-recurring costs of $14.2 million
consisting of:

         (1)      $6.3 million related to the election by management to cancel a
                  portion of their compensatory incentive stock options which
                  were immediately vested; and

         (2)      $7.9 million of management bonuses.

         Management Compensation--Severance Related. In connection with the
termination of and decision to terminate certain senior executives, we incurred
costs in 1999 of $6.6 million consisting of:

         (1)      $3.2 million related to the severance provisions contained in
                  certain executive employment agreements; and

         (2)      $3.4 million related to the cancellation of vested
                  compensatory incentive stock options.

         Provision for Income Taxes. Our effective tax rates for 1999 and 1998
differ from the federal statutory rate primarily because of non tax-deductible
amortization of goodwill.



                                       16
<PAGE>   17
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
                             Operations - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         Extraordinary Item. In 1999, we recorded a $2.2 million extraordinary
charge, net of $1.1 million of related income taxes, representing the remaining
unamortized debt issuance costs related to certain long-term obligations repaid
in connection with the March 1999 Refinancing.

         Net Income. For the reasons set forth above, we incurred a net loss of
$9.1 million as compared to net loss of $19.0 million for 1998.

FISCAL 1998 AS COMPARED TO FISCAL 1997

         Net Sales. Net sales increased 9.2%, or $50.7 million, from $550.1
million in 1997 to $600.8 million in 1998. We attribute $29.2 million of this
increase to a 5.3% increase in our bedding unit sales volume and $21.5 million
of it to a 3.9% increase in our bedding average unit selling price. The growth
in bedding unit sales volume resulted primarily from increased BackCare(R)
product shipments and an increase in open coil contract bedding sales in the
last three quarters of 1998. Bedding average unit selling price increased due to
a shift in our product mix to higher priced products, particularly in the
Beautyrest(R) and BackCare(R) lines.

         Cost of Products Sold. As a percentage of net sales, cost of products
sold for 1998 remained stable at approximately 58.1% as compared to the same
time period a year ago. Our gross margins for 1998 reflect an increase in unit
sales of some premium products with gross margins lower than our average, offset
by raw material cost efficiencies together with higher levels of procurement.
Gross margins during 1998 also benefited from the increase in bedding average
unit selling price described above.

         Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. As a percentage of net
sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 33.4% in 1997
to 33.7% in 1998. We attribute this increase to an increase in marketing
expenditures and to higher depreciation expense, offset, in part, by increased
royalty income, a lower bad debt provision and reduced discretionary
expenditures. Marketing expenditures increased due to higher cooperative
advertising and promotion costs. Depreciation increased due to the amortization
of the systems upgrade project.

         ESOP Expense. ESOP expense increased slightly from $6.2 million in 1997
to $6.5 million in 1998. We attribute this slight increase to an increase in the
appraised value of the shares subject to the ESOP in 1998.

         Amortization of Intangibles. Amortization of intangibles for 1998
remained stable at approximately $7.6 million.

         Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net increased $3.4 million
from $19.1 million in 1997 to $22.5 million in 1998 due primarily to increased
indebtedness and higher interest rates primarily in the fourth quarter of 1998.

         Other Expense, Net. Other expense, net increased $1.7 million from $1.6
million in 1997 to $3.3 million in 1998. We attribute the increase to various
non-recurring expenses incurred in connection with the Recapitalization.

         Management Compensation--Transaction Related. In connection with the
Recapitalization, we incurred non-recurring costs in 1998 of $14.2 million
consisting of:

         (1)      $6.3 million related to the election by management to cancel a
                  portion of their compensatory incentive stock options which
                  were immediately vested; and

                                       17
<PAGE>   18
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
                             Operations - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         (2)      $7.9 million of management bonuses.

         Provision for Income Taxes. Our effective tax rates for 1998 and 1997
differ from the federal statutory rate primarily because of non tax-deductible
amortization of goodwill.

         Extraordinary Item. In 1998, we recorded a $15.0 million extraordinary
charge representing the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs related to the
repayment of some long-term obligations repaid and the redemption of the old
senior subordinated notes in connection with the Recapitalization.

         Net Income. For the reasons set forth above, we incurred a net loss of
$19.0 million as compared to net income of $6.4 million for 1997.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         Our principal source of cash to fund liquidity needs is net cash
provided by operating activities and availability under our senior credit
facility. Our primary use of funds consists of payments of principal and
interest, capital expenditures, severance and equity related repurchases.

         Our operating activities generated cash of $0.9 million in 1999
compared to $14.0 million used in 1998. The difference is due primarily to a
higher net loss during 1998, the timing of payments of accounts payable, the
timing of accounts receivable collections, severance related expenses and the
non-recurring write-off related to the assumption of certain assets.

         Our capital expenditures totaled $9.7 million for the 1999. These
capital expenditures consisted primarily of normal recurring capital
expenditures. We believe that annual capital expenditure limitations in our
Senior Credit Facility and the Indenture will not significantly inhibit us from
meeting our ongoing capital needs.

Effective March 22, 2000, the Company amended its Senior Credit Facility as
follows:

         (1)      for purposes of calculating Adjusted EBITDA, to permit the
                  add-back of $13.5 million and $3.8 million to 1999 and 2000,
                  respectively, as severance charges and certain one-time
                  charges;

         (2)      to delay the step-ups in Minimum Cash Interest Coverage and
                  Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratios by one year;

         (3)      to increase Permitted Capital Expenditures; and

         (4)      to permit the Company to add up to $50 million in additional
                  Term Loan C capacity.

         As of December 25, 1999, we had no borrowings and $79.8 million
available under our revolving credit facility. Due to severance and certain
one-time charges, at December 25, 1999, the Company was not in compliance with
certain of these financial covenants; however, the Company amended such
covenants on March 22, 2000 and was in compliance through December 25, 1999
based on the amended covenants.

         The terms of the Senior Credit Facility require an additional payment
on the Company's outstanding Term Loans on an annual basis based upon the
Company's excess cash flows ("Consolidated Excess Cash Flow," as defined in the
Senior Credit Facility). Based upon the Company's cash flows for the year ended
December 25, 1999, the payment required under the Consolidated Excess Cash Flow
provision would have been approximately $4.5 million. This payment was
permanently waived effective March 22, 2000, in accordance with the amendment to
the Senior Credit Facility previously discussed above.



                                       18
<PAGE>   19
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
                             Operations - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         On March 16, 1999, we completed a refinancing (the "March 1999
Refinancing"), which consisted of the sale of $150.0 million of 10.25% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2009 (the "Notes") pursuant to a private offering. We
used the net proceeds from this offering to:

         (1)      repay the indebtedness and related accrued interest under the
                  senior bridge loan agreement and the junior subordinated notes
                  issued by us;

         (2)      repay the amounts outstanding and related accrued interest
                  under our Revolving Credit Facility; and

         (3)      prepay a portion of the amounts outstanding and related
                  accrued interest under our Term Loan Facility.

         Following the prepayments made from the proceeds of the original
offering, our term loan facility was reduced to approximately $166.1 million and
will require annual principal amortization payments of $0.3 million in 2000,
$1.1 million in 2001 and $14.9 million in 2002.

         On September 9, 1999, we issued 10.25% Series B Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2009 (the "New Notes") in exchange for all Notes, pursuant to an
exchange offer whereby holders of the Notes received New Notes which have been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, but are otherwise
identical to the Notes.

SEASONALITY

         Our sales volume is somewhat seasonal, with sales generally lower
during the first quarter of each year than in the remaining three quarters of
the year. Historically, our working capital borrowings have increased during the
first half of each year and have decreased in the second half of each year. We
also experience a seasonal fluctuation in profitability, with our gross profit
percentage during the first quarter of each year slightly lower than the margin
percentages obtained in the remaining part of the year. We believe that
seasonality of profitability is a factor that affects the conventional bedding
industry generally and that it is primarily due to retailers' emphasis in the
first quarter on price reductions and promotional bedding and manufacturers'
emphasis on close-outs of the prior year's product lines. These two factors
together result in lower profit margins.

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

         In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities". SFAS No. 133 standardizes the accounting
for derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts, by requiring that an entity recognize those items as assets or
liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure them at fair
value. This statement, as amended by SFAS No. 137, is effective for all fiscal
quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. Financial statements for
prior periods need not be restated. We are currently reviewing the provisions of
SFAS No. 133 and do not believe that our financial statements will be materially
impacted by the adoption of this provision.

SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS

Acquisition of a Customer

         On January 21, 2000, one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, Gallery
Corp. ("Gallery"), acquired substantially all of the retail store locations and
other assets of H&H Sleep Centers, Inc. ("H&H") and CBMC Corp. ("CBMC"). H&H and
CBMC had previously operated retail stores in the Los Angeles,




                                       19
<PAGE>   20
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
                             Operations - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Orange County and San Diego, California areas, selling primarily mattresses and
related bedding products. Through Gallery, we acquired the H&H and CBMC assets
in resolution of those companies' outstanding debt obligations to us, and our
assumption of certain other liabilities of H&H and CBMC. As a result of these
transactions, Gallery will operate approximately 30 retail locations in Southern
California previously owned by H&H and CBMC. These customers were indebted to us
in an amount approximating $23.9 million, relating to notes, certain advances
and trade receivables. We have included in long-term receivables at December 25,
1999 and December 26, 1998, amounts of $14.2 million and $3.4 million,
respectively, and have included in current assets at December 26, 1998 an amount
of $6.0 million related to these customers.

         Based on an independent third party appraisal of the businesses
acquired, we have charged $6.9 million to expense in 1999 representing amounts
receivable from these customers in excess of the collateral value. The eventual
recovery of our investment in this business is dependent upon the ability of the
operations to achieve improvements sufficient to generate profitable operations
and positive cash flows. We currently believe that such improvements are
achievable, based upon our expertise in bedding manufacturing and distribution,
our knowledge of this business' markets, and its established presence in its
market. In addition, the sale of all or a portion of the stock of this customer,
or its underlying assets to a third party may be considered. However, the actual
achievement of such improvements or the realization in respect of the stock or
assets of this customer is not assured.

Pending Customer Transaction

         A customer is indebted to us in an amount approximating $4.2 million,
relating to notes and trade receivables. We have included in long-term
receivables at December 25, 1999 and December 26, 1998, amounts of $4.2 million
and $1.0 million, respectively, and have included in current assets at December
26, 1998, an amount of $1.9 million related to this customer. We are currently
pursuing an acquisition of the capital stock of this customer at an amount equal
to the fair market value of the business less obligations owed to us. We believe
the collateral value of this customer's business exceeds the net amount of the
receivable; however, the results and timing of any eventual transaction is
uncertain. We have not received a completed independent third party appraisal of
the value of the capital stock of this customer at this time. Further, the
eventual recovery of our investment in this business is dependent upon the
ability of the operations to achieve improvements sufficient to generate
profitable operations and positive cash flows. We currently believe that such
improvements are achievable, based upon our expertise in bedding manufacturing
and distribution, our knowledge of this business' markets, and its established
presence in its market. In addition, the sale of all or a portion of the stock
of this customer, or its underlying assets to a third party may be considered.
However, the actual achievement of such improvements or the realization in
respect of the stock or assets of this customer is not assured.

Pending Acquisition - United Sleep Products

         On October 8, 1999, we announced our intent to enter into negotiations
to acquire United Sleep Products of New York, Inc. and its subsidiaries United
Sleep Products, Inc. and United Sleep Products Futon Company, and Kinder
Furniture & Bedding Company of Indiana. The acquisition is subject to the
execution of definitive documentation of the transaction and other customary
conditions.

Organizational Changes - Severance Arrangements

         On January 4, 2000, we announced that Charles R. Eitel had been
appointed as our new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. We recorded
non-recurring severance expense for the year ended December 25, 1999 of
approximately $6.6 million, including compensation expense related to vested
stock option cancellations, relating to the resignation of Zenon S. Nie, our
former Chief Executive Officer and the




                                       20
<PAGE>   21
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
                             Operations - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

resignations of two other executive level employees during the fourth quarter.
In addition, we have accrued $3.9 million in distributions payable to Holdings
in connection with Holding's repurchase of Holdings common stock.

         During January 2000, Charles R. Eitel, our new Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, completed an assessment of the effectiveness of the
organizational structure and in early February 2000, we undertook an
enterprise-wide management reorganization to reflect a new management structure
going forward. The management reorganization resulted in the termination of 14
management employees. During February 2000, we recorded non-recurring severance
expense of $3.8 million, including compensation expense related to vested stock
option cancellations. In addition, we have accrued $2.3 million in distributions
payable to Holdings in connection with Holding's repurchase of Holdings common
stock.

IMPACT OF YEAR 2000 ISSUE

         We did not experience any significant malfunctions or errors in its
operating or business systems when the date changed from 1999 to 2000. Based on
operations since January 1, 2000, the Company does not expect any significant
impact to its on-going business as a result of the "Year 2000 issue." However,
it is possible that the full impact of the date change, which was of concern due
to computer programs that use two digits instead of four digits to define years,
has not been fully recognized. For example, it is possible that Year 2000 or
similar issues such as leap year-related problems may occur with billing,
payroll, or financial closings at month end, quarterly or year end. We believe
that any such problems are likely to be minor and correctible. In addition, we
could still be negatively impacted if our customers or suppliers are adversely
affected by the Year 2000 or similar issues. We currently are not aware of any
significant Year 2000 or similar problems that have arisen for our customers or
suppliers.

          The total estimated cost for Year 2000 preparedness, including system
upgrades, was approximately $0.7 million and was funded by operating cash flows.
As of December 25, 1999, all costs had been incurred. Of the total cost of the
preparedness, no amounts were attributable to new software and equipment, and
therefore, all of these costs were expensed as incurred.

         The above statement in its entirety is designated a Year 2000 readiness
disclosure under the Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act.


                                       21
<PAGE>   22



ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

         The following discussion about our risk-management activities includes
forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. Actual results
could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statement.
See the preceding note for additional information regarding the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act.

         We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. In order
to address this risk and meet the requirements of the Senior Credit Facility, we
have developed and implemented a policy to maintain the percentage of fixed and
variable debt within certain parameters through the use of interest rate
collars. At December 25, 1999, the amount covered by collars was $95.0 million
with effective interest rates between 7.16% and 9.50%. The estimated fair values
of the interest rate collars are derived from valuation models based upon
recognized financial principles and estimates about relevant future market
conditions. The collars had no impact on interest expense in 1999. The amounts
exchanged are based upon the notional amounts of the interest rate collars, as
well as on the other terms of the collars, which relate to interest payments and
exchange rates. For detailed information on the terms and fair values of our
financial instruments and derivative instruments, see Note 8 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.

         This analysis presents the hypothetical increase in interest expense of
those financial instruments and derivative instruments held by us at December
25, 1999, which are sensitive to changes in interest rates. All other factors
remaining unchanged, a hypothetical 10 percent increase in interest rates for
one year on our variable rate financial instruments and derivative instruments
would increase interest expense by approximately $1.7 million in 2000, as
compared to a hypothetical increase in interest expense of approximately $1.5
million in 1999.



                                       22
<PAGE>   23


ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors of
Simmons Company

         In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements
listed in the index appearing under Item 14(a)(1) present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Simmons Company (the "Company') at
December 25, 1999 and December 26, 1998, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for the years ended December 25, 1999, December 26, 1998 and
December 27, 1997, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement
schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 14(a)(2) presents fairly, in
all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in
conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. The financial
statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the
Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We
conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards
generally accepted in the United States which 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,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
March 23, 2000



                                       23
<PAGE>   24
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                  Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
                                                     Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                                (in thousands, except share amounts)

                                                                                          December 25,         December 26,
                                                                                              1999                 1998
                                                                                           ---------             ---------
                                      ASSETS
                                      ------
<S>                                                                                        <C>                   <C>
Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents                                                             $   4,533             $   6,004
     Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
           of $3,449 and $4,177                                                               74,326                71,354
     Inventories                                                                              19,164                20,462
     Deferred income taxes                                                                     8,713                 7,440
     Other current assets                                                                     10,394                14,792
                                                                                           ---------             ---------
          Total current assets                                                               117,130               120,052
Property, plant and equipment, net                                                            52,863                54,153
Patents, net of accumulated amortization of $10,459 and $7,663                                 6,570                 9,366
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $18,122 and $13,290                             175,185               180,017
Deferred income taxes                                                                         18,778                17,704
Long-term receivables                                                                         22,220                 6,594
Other assets                                                                                  13,354                12,175
                                                                                           ---------             ---------
                                                                                           $ 406,100             $ 400,061
                                                                                           =========             =========

                       LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                       ------------------------------------

Current liabilities:
     Accounts payable                                                                      $  15,984             $  29,950
     Accrued wages and benefits                                                                8,449                 5,323
     Accrued taxes                                                                             1,992                 6,578
     Accrued interest                                                                          7,098                 3,260
     Accrued advertising and incentives                                                       15,413                15,321
     Other accrued expenses                                                                    9,764                 7,049
     Current maturities of long-term obligations                                                 799                 1,832
                                                                                           ---------             ---------
          Total current liabilities                                                           59,499                69,313
Noncurrent liabilities:
     Long-term obligations                                                                   333,184               311,637
     Postretirement benefit obligations other than pensions                                    8,863                 7,702
     Other                                                                                    10,582                11,626
                                                                                           ---------             ---------
          Total liabilities                                                                  412,128               400,278
                                                                                           ---------             ---------
Commitments and contingencies
Redemption Obligation--ESOP, net of related unearned
     compensation of $6,180 and $11,400                                                       17,304                12,084
Common stockholders' deficit:
     Common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized,
          31,964,452 shares issued and outstanding                                               320                   320
     Accumulated deficit                                                                     (23,608)              (12,535)
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss                                                        (44)                  (86)
                                                                                           ---------             ---------
          Total common stockholders' deficit                                                 (23,332)              (12,301)
                                                                                           ---------             ---------
                                                                                           $ 406,100             $ 400,061
                                                                                           =========             =========
</TABLE>

              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.



                                       24
<PAGE>   25
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                  Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
                                                Consolidated Statements of Operations
                                                           (in thousands)

                                                                         Year ended           Year ended          Year ended
                                                                        December 25,          December 26,       December 27,
                                                                              1999                1998               1997
                                                                           ---------           ---------           ---------

<S>                                                                        <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Net sales                                                                  $ 619,526           $ 600,773           $ 550,085

Cost and expenses:
     Cost of products sold                                                   350,721             348,842             319,074
     Selling, general and administrative                                     219,924             202,213             183,556
     ESOP expense                                                              7,169               6,453               6,230
     Amortization of intangibles                                               7,628               7,629               7,679
     Interest expense, net                                                    32,214              22,454              19,088
     Other expense, net                                                        2,331               3,321               1,571
     Management compensation--severance related                                6,600                --                  --
     Management compensation--transaction related                               --                14,223                --
                                                                           ---------           ---------           ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary
     item                                                                     (7,061)             (4,362)             12,887
Provision (benefit) for income taxes                                            (105)               (345)              6,525
                                                                           ---------           ---------           ---------
          Income (loss) before extraordinary item                             (6,956)             (4,017)              6,362
Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt,
     Net of income tax benefit of $1,095 and $7,079                            2,173              15,002                --
                                                                           ---------           ---------           ---------
Net income (loss)                                                             (9,129)            (19,019)              6,362
                                                                           ---------           ---------           ---------

Other comprehensive income:
     Foreign currency translation adjustment                                      42                 (31)                (34)
                                                                           ---------           ---------           ---------
Comprehensive income (loss)                                                $  (9,087)          $ (19,050)          $   6,328
                                                                           =========           =========           =========
</TABLE>













              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.



                                       25
<PAGE>   26
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                  Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
                             Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
                                       (in thousands, except share amounts)


                                                                                                                           Total
                                                                                Retained    Accumulated                   Common
                                                                 Additional     Earnings       Other                  Stockholders'
                                           Common      Common     Paid-In     (Accumulated  Comprehensive  Treasury       Equity
                                           Shares      Stock      Capital       Deficit)      Income        Stock        (Deficit)
                                        -----------   --------   --------       --------     --------      --------      --------

<S>                                     <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
December 28, 1996                       31, 964,452   $    320   $ 84,680      $  1,312      $    (21)     $   --        $ 86,291
   Net income                                  --         --         --           6,362          --            --           6,362
   Other comprehensive income:
        Change in foreign currency
             translation                       --         --         --            --             (34)         --             (34)
   Purchase of treasury stock                  --         --         --            --            --              (5)           (5)
                                        -----------   --------   --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
December 27, 1997                       31, 964,452        320     84,680         7,674           (55)           (5)       92,614
   Net loss                                    --         --         --         (19,019)         --            --         (19,019)
   Other comprehensive loss:
        Change in foreign currency
             translation                       --         --         --            --             (31)         --             (31)
   Purchase of treasury stock                  --         --         --            --            --             (55)          (55)
   Excess of ESOP expense at fair
        market value over cost                 --         --          731          --            --            --             731
   Increase in ESOP Redemption
        Obligation based on fair
        market value                           --         --      (10,582)         --            --            --         (10,582)

   Distribution to Holdings                    --         --      (74,829)       (1,190)         --              60       (75,959)
                                        -----------   --------   --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
December 26, 1998                       31, 964,452        320       --         (12,535)          (86)         --         (12,301)
   Net loss                                    --         --         --          (9,129)         --            --          (9,129)
   Other comprehensive income:
        Change in foreign currency
             translation                       --         --         --            --              42          --              42
   Excess of ESOP expense at fair
        market value over cost                 --         --        1,949          --            --            --           1,949
   Distribution to Holdings                    --         --       (1,949)       (1,944)         --            --          (3,893)
                                        -----------   --------   --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
December 25, 1999                       31, 964,452   $    320   $   --        $(23,608)     $    (44)     $   --        $(23,332)
                                        ===========   ========   ========      ========      ========      ========      ========



</TABLE>














              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.



                                       26
<PAGE>   27
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                  Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
                                                Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                                           (in thousands)

                                                                          Year ended         Year ended          Year ended
                                                                          December 25,       December 26,       December 27,
                                                                              1999               1998             1997
                                                                           ---------          ---------          ---------
<S>                                                                        <C>                <C>                <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)                                                          $  (9,129)         $ (19,019)         $   6,362
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
     net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
       Depreciation and amortization                                          17,959             16,593             13,549
       ESOP expense                                                            7,169              6,453              6,230
       Non-cash portion of extraordinary loss                                  2,173               (921)              --
       Provision for bad debts                                                 7,597                 75              2,750
       Provision for deferred income taxes                                    (1,252)            (1,902)             6,226
       Other, net                                                              1,864              1,072                613
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:
       Accounts receivable                                                   (23,085)           (10,335)            (1,604)
       Inventories                                                             1,298               (492)            (1,137)
       Other assets                                                            5,034             (5,208)            (5,235)
       Accounts payable                                                      (13,966)             2,103              3,047
       Accrued liabilities                                                     5,262             (2,427)             1,500
                                                                           ---------          ---------          ---------
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities                                  924            (14,008)            32,301
                                                                           ---------          ---------          ---------

Cash flows from investing activities:
       Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net                        (9,041)           (15,553)           (15,355)
       Issuance of notes receivable                                           (4,100)              --                 --
       Proceeds from notes receivable                                            100               --                 --
                                                                           ---------          ---------          ---------
Net cash used in investing activities                                        (13,041)           (15,553)           (15,355)
                                                                           ---------          ---------          ---------

Cash flows from financing activities:
       Distribution to Holdings                                               (3,893)           (75,959)              --
       Distribution to Holdings for purchase of ESOP shares                     --              (15,450)              --
       Proceeds of Senior Credit Facility                                       --              200,000               --
       Payments on Senior Credit Facility                                    (23,972)           (10,000)              --
       Proceeds of Senior Bridge Loans                                          --               75,000               --
       Payments on Senior Bridge Loans                                       (75,000)              --                 --
       Proceeds of Junior Simmons Notes                                         --               30,000               --
       Payments on Junior Simmons Notes                                      (30,391)              --                 --
       Proceeds of 10.25% Senior Sub Notes due 2009                          150,000               --                 --
       Payment on 10.75% Senior Sub Notes due 2006                              --             (100,000)              --
       Proceeds of other long-term borrowings                                   --               33,871             34,329
       Payments on other long-term borrowings                                   (514)           (99,845)           (46,701)
       Payments of financing costs                                            (5,626)           (11,074)              --
       Treasury stock purchases                                                 --                  (55)                (5)
                                                                           ---------          ---------          ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                           10,604             26,488            (12,377)
                                                                           ---------          ---------          ---------
Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash                                       42                (31)               (34)
                                                                           ---------          ---------          ---------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                              (1,471)            (3,104)             4,535
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period                                 6,004              9,108              4,573
                                                                           ---------          ---------          ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period                                   $   4,533          $   6,004          $   9,108
                                                                           =========          =========          =========

Supplemental cash flow information:
       Cash paid for interest                                              $  24,985          $  19,517          $  17,526
                                                                           =========          =========          =========
       Cash paid for income taxes                                          $   4,985          $     322          $      60
                                                                           =========          =========          =========
</TABLE>

              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.



                                       27
<PAGE>   28

                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                      (in thousands, except share amounts)

1.       THE COMPANY

         Simmons Company ("Simmons" or "the Company") is one of the largest
bedding manufacturers in the United States. The Company manufactures and
distributes mattresses, box springs, bedding frames and sleep accessories.
Simmons sells through all major distribution channels, including furniture
stores, specialty sleep shops, department stores and warehouse showrooms. The
Company manufactures and supplies conventional bedding to over 5,600 retail
outlets, representing more than 2,700 customers.

         Simmons also sells bedding products to certain institutional customers,
such as schools and government entities, and to the lodging industry and
licenses its patents and trademarks to various domestic and foreign
manufacturers.

The Recapitalization

         On July 16, 1998, the Company's parent, Simmons Holdings, Inc.
("Holdings") entered into a recapitalization agreement with the Company and REM
Acquisition, Inc., a transitory Delaware merger corporation ("REM"), sponsored
by Fenway Partners, Inc., ("Fenway"). Pursuant to the agreement on October 29,
1998 REM merged with and into Holdings (the "Recapitalization"), with Holdings
being the surviving corporation. The Recapitalization resulted in certain
stockholders of Holdings who are affiliates of or investors arranged by
INVESTCORP S.A. ("Investcorp") receiving an aggregate amount of cash equal to
approximately $193.4 million, and certain stockholders of Holdings who are
members of management of the Company receiving an aggregate amount of cash equal
to approximately $14.0 million. Investcorp retained shares of common stock of
Holdings with an estimated fair value of $9.0 million and management retained
shares of stock and options to purchase stock of Holdings with an estimated fair
value of $16.5 million. As part of the Recapitalization, REM purchased the
outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock of the Company (the "Series A
Preferred Stock") owned by the Simmons Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the
"ESOP") that had been allocated to its participants for an aggregate purchase
price of $15.4 million, and the ESOP exchanged its remaining outstanding shares
of Series A Preferred Stock for shares of common stock of Holdings. The Series A
Preferred Stock purchased by REM was cancelled in connection with the
Transactions, as defined below. The ESOP retained shares of stock of Holdings
with an estimated fair value of $23.4 million.

         Financing for the Recapitalization, the related transactions, and the
fees and expenses incurred therewith, was provided by (i) the Company's
borrowings under a new $270.0 million senior credit facility (the "Senior Credit
Facility") which refinanced the majority of the Company's existing senior and
subordinated obligations, (ii) the Company's borrowings of $75.0 million Senior
Subordinated Bridge Loans (the "Senior Bridge Loans"), (iii) the Company's
borrowings of $30.0 million under the Junior Subordinated Notes (the "Junior
Simmons Notes") issued to an affiliate of Fenway, (iv) Holdings' borrowings of
$10.0 million under the Junior PIK Notes issued to an affiliate of Fenway, and
(v) $177.0 million of capital provided by Fenway, affiliates of Investcorp,
management and certain other investors of Holdings.

         The Recapitalization, the refinancing under the Senior Credit Facility,
the Senior Bridge Loans financing and the Junior Simmons Notes financing are
collectively referred to herein as the "Transactions". As a result of the
Recapitalization and related transactions, Simmons Holdings, LLC, an entity
controlled by funds managed by Fenway, acquired 75.1% of the outstanding voting
shares of Holdings, and management, the ESOP and Investcorp retained
approximately 5.9%, 13.7% and 5.3%,


                                       28
<PAGE>   29





                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

respectively, of the outstanding shares of Holdings. The Company has accounted
for the Transactions as a leveraged recapitalization, whereby the historical
bases of the assets and liabilities of the Company have been maintained.

2.       PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

         The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the
accounts of the Company and all its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates and Reclassifications

         The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Such financial
statements include estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of
assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the
amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.

Fiscal Year

         The Company operates on a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the last
Saturday in December. Fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997 comprised 52 weeks.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

         The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an initial
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Inventories

         Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out
method) or net realizable value.

Property, Plant and Equipment

         Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation expense
is determined principally using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives for financial reporting and accelerated methods for income tax
purposes. Expenditures that substantially increase asset values or extend useful
lives are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as
incurred. When property items are retired or otherwise disposed of, amounts
applicable to such items are removed from the related asset and accumulated
depreciation accounts and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to
income. Useful lives are generally as follows:

Buildings and improvements                                       10 - 25 years
Machinery and equipment                                           5 - 15 years
Computers and software                                             3 - 7 years

         Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
value may not be recoverable, management assesses whether there has been a
permanent impairment in the value of long-lived assets by comparing anticipated
undiscounted future cash flows from operating activities with the carrying value
of the long-lived asset. The factors considered by management in this assessment
include




                                       29
<PAGE>   30
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

operating results, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of obsolescence,
demand, competition and other economic factors. If a permanent impairment is
deemed to exist, management would record an impairment charge equal to the
excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the impaired assets.

Patents and Goodwill

         The costs of patents acquired are being amortized using the
straight-line method over the estimated remaining economic lives of the
respective patents, principally seven years. Amortization expense was
approximately $2,796, $2,796 and $2,799 for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

         Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis, over the
estimated periods benefited, principally 40 years. Amortization expense was
$4,832, $4,833 and $4,880 for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

         Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
value may not be recoverable, management assesses whether there has been a
permanent impairment in the value of intangible assets by comparing anticipated
undiscounted future cash flows from operating activities with the carrying value
of the intangible asset. The factors considered by management in this assessment
include operating results, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of
obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors. If a permanent
impairment is deemed to exist, management would record an impairment change
equal to the excess of the carrying value over discounted cash flows associated
with the goodwill.

Revenue Recognition

         The Company recognizes revenue at the time the product is shipped to
the customer.

ESOP Expense

         The Company follows the provisions of Statement of Position No. 93-6 of
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, "Employers' Accounting
for Employee Stock Ownership Plans," whereby ESOP expense is recognized as an
amount equal to the fair market value of the shares committed to be released to
participants' accounts. The unearned compensation balance continues to be
amortized using the shares allocated method (i.e., at cost). The difference in
these two amounts, if any, is recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in
capital.

Other Comprehensive Income

         Comprehensive income equals net income plus other comprehensive income.
Other comprehensive income refers to revenue, expenses, gains and losses which
are reflected in stockholders' equity (deficit) but excluded from net income.
The component comprising other comprehensive income is foreign currency
translation adjustment.

Product Development Costs

         Costs associated with the development of new products and changes to
existing products are charged to expense as incurred. These costs amounted to
approximately $491, $1,112 and $1,185 for 1999, 1998 and 1997.




                                       30
<PAGE>   31
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Advertising Costs

         The Company records the cost of advertising as an expense when
incurred. Advertising expense was $65,773, $61,869 and $54,802 for 1999, 1998
and 1997, respectively, and is included as a component of selling, general and
administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations.

Significant Concentrations of Risk

         The Company manufactures and markets sleep products, including
mattresses and box springs to retail establishments primarily in the United
States. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers'
financial condition and generally does not require collateral. Sales to three of
the Company's major customers aggregated approximately 18%, 21% and 21% of total
sales for each of 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Accounts receivable from
one customer was approximately 7% of total accounts receivable at both December
25, 1999 and December 26, 1998. Sales to Heilig-Meyers entities represented
approximately 11.0%, 11.8% and 10.7% of net sales for 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.

         Purchases of raw materials from one vendor represented approximately
22%, 23% and 24% of cost of products sold for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

         The Company maintains cash balances in excess of FDIC insurance limits
at certain large financial institutions. The Company monitors the financial
condition of such institutions and considers the risk of loss to be remote.

Accounting Pronouncements

         In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities". SFAS No. 133 standardizes the accounting
for derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts, by requiring that an entity recognize those items as assets or
liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure them at fair
value. This statement, as amended by SFAS No. 137, is effective for all fiscal
quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. Financial statements for
prior periods need not be restated. We are currently reviewing the provisions of
SFAS No. 133 and do not believe that our financial statements will be materially
impacted by the adoption of this provision.

3.       EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN

         The Company is structured so that the employees of the Company have a
beneficial ownership of the stock of Holdings or, prior to the Transactions, of
the Company through their participation in the ESOP.

         The Company makes annual contributions to the ESOP in an amount up to
25% of eligible participant compensation, subject to certain limitations and
conditions. The ESOP then uses all such contributions to repay the internal ESOP
loan. As a result, there is no cash cost associated with the contributions to
the ESOP.




                                       31
<PAGE>   32
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         On October 29, 1998, REM purchased 2,295,110 shares of the Company's
Series A Preferred Stock from the ESOP, representing all the shares held by the
ESOP that had been allocated to plan participants as of such date for an
aggregate purchase price of approximately $15.4 million, which amount was
reinvested, at the direction of the participants, into diversified investments
in the respective accounts of such participants in the ESOP. The Series A
Preferred Stock purchased by REM was cancelled in connection with the
Transactions. Immediately prior to the Recapitalization, the ESOP exchanged its
remaining outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock for 3,482,036 shares of
common stock of Holdings.

         The ESOP pledged all of its shares of Holdings common stock or, prior
to the Transactions, the Company's common stock as collateral for the internal
ESOP loans from the Company. These shares are held by State Street Bank and
Trust Company, the ESOP trustee, in a suspense account and are released to the
ESOP participants' accounts based on debt service. In 1997, 1,096,152 shares
were released to participant's accounts for the 1996 ESOP allocation. In 1998,
1,160,734 shares were released to participant's accounts for the 1997 ESOP
allocation. In 1999, 1,133,737 shares were released to participant's accounts
for the 1998 ESOP allocation. As of December 25, 1999, 1,071,263 shares of
Holdings common stock have been committed to be released. The remaining
unallocated shares of Holdings common stock held in the ESOP had an estimated
fair value of approximately $8,596 ($6.7315 per share) at December 25, 1999.

         Under the ESOP, employees are eligible to participate in the ESOP
following the date when the employee has completed at least one year of service
and has reached age 21. All employees of the Company, except employees who are
covered by a negotiated collective bargaining agreement (unless the collective
bargaining agreement provides for participation in the ESOP) or who are
nonresident aliens, are covered by the ESOP. Approximately 49% of the Company's
full-time employees are participants in the ESOP. The participants and
beneficiaries of the ESOP are not subject to income tax with respect to
contributions made on their behalf until they receive distributions from the
ESOP.

         Under the provisions of the ESOP, the Company or Holdings is obligated
to repurchase participant shares which have been distributed under the terms of
the ESOP, as long as the shares are not publicly traded or if the shares are
subject to trading limitations. The Company repurchased approximately 974 shares
from ESOP participants in 1997 at a price of $5.00 per share, 5,711 shares from
ESOP participants in 1998 (prior to the Transactions) at a price of $5.00 per
share and on behalf of Holdings, 2,886 shares from ESOP participants in 1999 at
a price of $6.7315 per share. The shares repurchased in 1998 and 1997 are
reflected as treasury stock in the common stockholders' equity section of the
balance sheet for periods prior to the Transactions. The shares repurchased in
1999 are reflected as an intercompany receivable from Holdings.

         Because of the Company's or Holdings' obligation to repurchase its
shares from the ESOP under certain circumstances for their then current fair
value, the Company has classified the redemption value of such shares in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets as Redemption Obligation under ESOP as
of December 25, 1999 and December 26, 1998, respectively. Additionally, pursuant
to generally accepted accounting principles, the Company has classified a
proportional amount of unearned compensation under ESOP in the same manner.



                                       32
<PAGE>   33
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


4.       ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

         Accounts receivable consisted of the following at December 25, 1999 and
December 26, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             December 25,       December 26,
                                                                 1999              1998
                                                               -------            ------
<S>                                                            <C>                <C>
     Accounts receivable                                       $81,183            $79,628
     Allowance for doubtful accounts                            (3,449)            (4,177)
     Allowance for cash discounts and other                     (3,408)            (4,097)
                                                               -------             ------
                                                               $74,326            $71,354
                                                                ======             ======
</TABLE>

5.       INVENTORIES

         Inventories consisted of the following at December 25, 1999 and
December 26, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             December 25,       December 26,
                                                                 1999              1998
                                                               -------            ------
<S>                                                            <C>                <C>
     Raw materials                                             $11,664            $12,823
     Work-in-progress                                            1,357              1,376
     Finished goods                                              6,143              6,263
                                                               -------            -------
                                                               $19,164            $20,462
                                                                ======             ======
</TABLE>

6.       PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

         Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at December
25, 1999 and December 26, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             December 25,       December 26,
                                                                 1999              1998
                                                               -------            ------
<S>                                                            <C>                <C>
     Land, buildings and improvements                          $17,575            $16,343
     Machinery and equipment                                    52,807             46,050
     Construction in progress                                    2,934              7,336
                                                               -------            -------
                                                                73,316             69,729
     Less accumulated depreciation                             (20,453)           (15,576)
                                                                ------             ------
                                                               $52,863            $54,153
                                                                ======             ======
</TABLE>
         Depreciation expense for 1999, 1998 and 1997 was $10,331, $8,964 and
$5,870, respectively.

7.       OTHER ASSETS

Other assets consisted of the following at December 25, 1999 and December 26,
1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             December 25,       December 26,
                                                                 1999              1998
                                                               -------            ------
<S>                                                            <C>                <C>
     Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated                   $12,330            $11,405
          amortization of $1,472 and $177, respectively
     Other                                                       1,024                770
                                                               -------            --------
                                                               $13,354            $12,175
                                                                ======             ======
</TABLE>




                                       33
<PAGE>   34
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         Debt issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method.
Amortization of $1,433, $777 and $613 for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, is
included as a component of interest expense in the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations.

8.       LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

         Long-term obligations consisted of the following at December 26, 1998
and December 27, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               December 25,       December 26,
                                                                   1999              1998
                                                                 -------            ------
<S>                                                              <C>                 <C>
     Senior Credit Facility:
          Tranche A Term Loan                                    $48,607             $70,000
          Tranche B Term Loan                                     68,657              70,000
          Tranche C Term Loan                                     48,764              50,000
     Industrial Revenue Bonds, 7.00%, due 2017                     9,700               9,700
     Industrial Revenue Bonds, 5.15%, due 2016                     4,800               5,000
     Banco Santander loan                                          2,969               3,164
     Senior Bridge Loans                                             -                75,000
     Junior Simmons Notes                                            -                30,000
     10.25% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009          150,000                 -
     Other, including capital lease obligations                      486                 605
                                                              ----------          ----------
                                                                 333,983             313,469
     Less current portion                                           (799)             (1,832)
                                                              -----------         ----------
                                                                $333,184            $311,637
                                                              ==========          ==========
</TABLE>

         The Senior Credit Facility provides for loans of up to $270.0 million,
consisting of the Term Loan Facility of $190.0 million and the Revolving Loan
Facility of $80.0 million. Following the prepayments made from the proceeds of a
private offering of 10.25% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009, the Term
Loan Facility was reduced to approximately $166.0 million. Our indebtedness
under the Senior Credit Facility bears interest at a floating rate, is
guaranteed by Holdings and one of our current domestic subsidiaries and is
collateralized by substantially all of our assets.

         The interest rates per annum in effect at December 25, 1999 for the
Tranche A term, Tranche B term and Tranche C term loans were 8.31%, 8.81% and
9.06%, respectively.

         The use of interest rate risk management instruments, such as collars,
is required under the terms of the Senior Credit Facility. The Company has
developed and implemented a policy to maintain the percentage of fixed and
variable debt within certain parameters. Through the use of collars the Company
limits its exposure to and benefits from interest rate fluctuations on variable
rate debt to within a certain range of rates. At December 25, 1999, the amount
covered by collars was $95.0 million with effective interest rates between 7.16%
and 9.50%. The estimated fair value of these collars at December 25, 1999 was
approximately $1.1 million. While collars represent an integral part of the
Company's interest rate risk management program, their impact on interest
expense for the year ended December 25, 1999 was not significant.

         At December 25, 1999, the amount under the Revolving Credit Facility
that was available to be drawn was $79.8 million, after giving effect to $0.2
million that was reserved for the Company's reimbursement obligations with
respect to outstanding letters of credit. The remaining availability under the
Revolving Credit Facility may be utilized to meet the Company's current working
capital requirements, including issuance of stand-by and trade letters of
credit. The Company also may utilize





                                       34
<PAGE>   35
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

the remaining availability under the Revolving Credit Facility to fund
acquisitions and capital expenditures.

         On March 16, 1999, we completed a refinancing, which consisted of the
sale of $150.0 million of 10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 (the
"Notes") pursuant to a private offering. We used the net proceeds from this
offering to:

         (1)      repay the indebtedness and related accrued interest under the
                  senior bridge loan agreement and the junior subordinated notes
                  issued by us;

         (2)      repay the amounts outstanding and related accrued interest
                  under our Revolving Credit Facility; and

         (3)      prepay a portion of the amounts outstanding and related
                  accrued interest under our Term Loan Facility.

         On September 9, 1999, we issued 10.25% Series B Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2009 (the "New Notes") in exchange for all Notes, pursuant to an
exchange offer whereby holders of the Notes received New Notes which have been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, but are otherwise
identical to the Notes.

Effective March 22, 2000, the Company amended its Senior Credit Facility as
follows:

         (1)      for purposes of calculating Adjusted EBITDA, to permit the
                  add-back of $13.5 million and $3.8 million to 1999 and 2000,
                  respectively, as severance charges and certain one-time
                  charges;

         (2)      to delay the step-ups in Minimum Cash Interest Coverage and
                  Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratios by one year;

         (3)      to increase Permitted Capital Expenditures; and

         (4)      to permit the Company to add up to $50 million in additional
                  Term Loan C capacity.

         The Senior Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain certain
financial ratios including fixed-charge, cash interest coverage and leverage
ratios. The Senior Credit Facility also contains covenants which, among other
things, limit capital expenditures, the incurrence of additional indebtedness,
investments, dividends, transactions with affiliates, asset sales, mergers and
consolidations, prepayments of other indebtedness, liens and encumbrances and
other matters customarily restricted in such agreements. Due to severance and
certain one-time charges, at December 25, 1999, the Company was not in
compliance with certain of these financial covenants; however, the Company
amended such covenants on March 22, 2000 and was in compliance through December
25, 1999 based on the amended covenants.

         The terms of the Senior Credit Facility require an additional payment
on the Company's outstanding Term Loans on an annual basis based upon the
Company's excess cash flows ("Consolidated Excess Cash Flow," as defined in the
Senior Credit Facility). Based upon the Company's cash flows for the year ended
December 25, 1999, the payment required under the Consolidated Excess Cash Flow
provision would have been approximately $4.5 million. This payment was
permanently waived effective March 22, 2000, in accordance with the amendment to
the Senior Credit Facility previously discussed.

         In November 1998, Simmons Caribbean Bedding, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company, entered into a permanent loan facility with Banco
Santander in the amount of $3.2 million accruing interest at a fluctuating rate
based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (or LIBOR) plus the applicable
spread. The actual rate was 8.1% as of December 25, 1999.




                                       35
<PAGE>   36
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         Future maturities of long-term obligations as of December 25, 1999 are
as follows:

                          1999                                     $  799
                          2000                                      1,617
                          2001                                     15,472
                          2002                                     16,779
                          2003                                     21,713
                          Thereafter                              277,603
                                                                  -------
                                                                 $333,983
                                                                  =======

         The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated based on
the current rates offered to the Company for debt of similar terms and
maturities except for the 10.25% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009
which are at quoted market values. The fair value of the Company's 10.25% Series
B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 was $141,750 at December 25, 1999. All
other long-term debt approximates the carrying value at December 25, 1999.

9.       OTHER EXPENSE, NET

         Other expense, net is comprised of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 Year ended         Year ended         Year ended
                                                December 25,       December 26,       December 27,
                                                    1999               1998               1997
                                                 ---------          ---------          ----------
<S>                                                <C>                <C>                <C>
     Recapitalization/acquisition related
          expenses                                 $ 124             $1,012              $  -
     Management advisory fee                       1,505              1,074               1,000
     Other non-operating expenses                    702              1,235                 571
                                                   -----              -----              ------
                                                  $2,331             $3,321              $1,571
                                                   =====              =====               =====
</TABLE>

10.      EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS

         In March 1999, we recorded a $2,173 (net of income tax benefit of
$1,095) charge representing the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs
related to certain long-term obligations repaid in connection with the March
1999 Refinancing.

         In October 1998, the Company recorded a $15,002 charge (net of income
tax benefit of $7,079) representing the remaining unamortized debt issuance
costs of $4,184 (net of income tax benefit of $1,974) related to long-term
obligations repaid as a result of the refinancing of certain debt in connection
with the recapitalization and the redemption premium obligation of $10,818 (net
of income tax benefit of $5,105) related to the early redemption of the
Company's then outstanding 10.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006.

11.      LEASES

         The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under operating
leases. Rent expense was $14,298, $12,705 and $11,258 for 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.




                                       36
<PAGE>   37
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         The following is a schedule of the future minimum rental payments
required under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable
lease terms in excess of one year as of December 25, 1999:

                          2000                                    $13,791
                          2001                                     13,380
                          2002                                     12,753
                          2003                                      9,389
                          2004                                      6,660
                          Thereafter                               14,997
                                                                   ------
                                                                  $70,970
                                                                   ======

12.      STOCK OPTION PLAN

         The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") and related
interpretations in accounting for its employee stock incentive plans. The
Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Financial Accounting
Standards Board Statement No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation"
("SFAS 123").

         On September 23, 1999, the board of directors established the 1999
Stock Option Plan ("1999 Plan"), which provides for the granting of up to
3,456,000 options for shares of Holdings common stock to directors (including
those who are not employees), all executive officers of the Company and its
Subsidiaries and other employees, consultants and advisors. Under the terms of
the 1999 Plan, options may be either incentive or nonqualified. Generally, the
options outstanding under the 1999 Plan are granted at prices which equate to or
are above the market value of the common stock of Holdings on the date of grant
and vest ratably over a five year period based upon the achievement of an annual
Adjusted EBITDA target, as defined in the plan, or as otherwise established by
the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The 1999 Plan permits the
Compensation Committee to grant other incentive options on terms and conditions
established by the Committee. Under APB 25, because the vesting of the plan
options is dependent upon achieving an annual Adjusted EBITDA target or as
otherwise established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors,
the ultimate number of vested shares, and therefore the measurement date, is not
determinable and compensation expense will be recognized until the measurement
date. No compensation expense was recognized in 1999.

         In 1996, the board of directors established a Management Stock
Incentive Plan (the "1996 Plan"), which provided for the granting of
nonqualified options for Class C common stock of Holdings to members of
management and certain key employees. The options outstanding under the 1996
Plan were granted at prices which equate to or were above the market value of
the Class C stock on the date of grant. Under APB 25, because the exercise price
of employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the
date of grant, no compensation expense is recorded.

         In 1996, the Company entered into an agreement with Holdings whereby if
Holdings grants any options to purchase shares of common or Class C Stock of
Holdings to a director, employee or consultant of the Company, the Company will
grant to Holdings corresponding options, exercisable only upon exercise of the
Holdings options, to purchase the same number of shares of common stock of the
Company at the same per share exercise price and subject to substantially the
same terms and conditions as the Holdings options. All references to stock
options pertain to the Holdings options which have been attributed to the
Company for disclosure purposes.




                                       37
<PAGE>   38
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


         Information relating to stock options during 1999, 1998 and 1997 is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                Weighted
                                                                                                 Average
                                                                       Number                   Exercise
                                                                     of Shares                    Price
                                                                    ----------                   --------
<S>                                                                <C>                            <C>
Shares under option at December 27, 1997                             3,168,602                      $2.73
Granted                                                                 59,000                      $5.15
Forfeited                                                              (17,062)                     $2.66
Canceled                                                            (1,571,463)                     $2.72
                                                                    ----------                   --------
Shares under option at December 26, 1998                             1,639,077                      $2.73
Granted                                                              2,880,000                      $6.73
Forfeited                                                             (100,000)                     $6.73
Canceled                                                               (41,585)                     $2.88
                                                                    ----------                   --------
Shares under option at December 25, 1999                             4,377,492                      $5.27
                                                                    ==========                   ========

Shares exercisable at December 27, 1997                                574,369                      $2.66
                                                                    ==========                   ========

Shares exercisable at December 26, 1998                              1,639,077                      $2.73
                                                                    ==========                   ========

Shares exercisable at December 25, 1999                              1,597,492                      $2.73
                                                                    ==========                   ========
</TABLE>

         All outstanding options were nonqualified options.

         Pro forma information regarding net income is required by SFAS 123, and
has been determined as if the Company had accounted for the employee stock
options under the fair value method under that Statement. The fair value for
these options was estimated at the date of grant using the minimum present value
method with the following weighted average assumptions for 1999, 1998 and 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                           1999               1998               1997
                                     ---------------    ---------------    ----------------
<S>                                       <C>                <C>                 <C>
     Risk-free interest rate              5.71%              5.47%               6.08%
     Expected life                       7 years            7 years             7 years
</TABLE>

         For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options is amortized to expense over the options' expected life. The Company's
pro forma net earnings were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       1999                 1998                1997
                                                  -------------        --------------      -------------
<S>                                                   <C>                <C>                 <C>
     Net earnings (loss)--as reported                 $(9,915)           $(19,019)           $6,362
     Net earnings (loss)--proforma                    (10,032)            (20,309)            6,133
     Weighted average fair value of options
          granted during the year                        2.17                1.60              1.00
</TABLE>

         The effects of applying SFAS 123 in this proforma disclosure are not
indicative of future amounts.

         As a result of the Transactions, the vesting of the issued and
outstanding stock options under the 1996 plan was accelerated. At the time of
the Transaction option holders under the 1996 plan elected to cancel a portion
of their options. For option shares canceled, each holder received reasonable
compensation for the options, which was equal to the spread between the
recapitalization price of $6.7315 and the respective per share exercise price
for the canceled options. The remaining option shares are fully vested and are
exercisable at their respective issuance price (ranging from $2.66 to $5.15).



                                       38
<PAGE>   39
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13.      INCOME TAXES

         The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    Year ended               Year ended               Year ended
                                                    December 25,             December 26,            December 27,
                                                        1999                     1998                    1997
                                                      -------                  -------                  ------
<S>                                                   <C>                         <C>
Current tax provision:
     Federal                                          $  --                       $657                    --
     State                                                600                      600                    --
     Foreign                                              547                      300                    $299
                                                      -------                  -------                  ------
                                                        1,147                    1,557                     299
                                                      -------                  -------                  ------
Deferred tax provision:
     Federal                                           (1,007)                  (1,530)                  5,230
     State                                               (245)                    (372)                    996
                                                      -------                  -------                  ------
                                                       (1,252)                  (1,902)                  6,226
                                                      -------                  -------                  ------
                                                        $(105)                   $(345)                 $6,525
                                                      =======                  =======                  ======
</TABLE>

         The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the
effective income tax rate for 1999, 1998 and 1997 provision for income taxes is
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   Year ended            Year ended            Year ended
                                                   December 25,          December 26,        December 27,
                                                       1999                  1998                  1997
                                                     -------               -------               ------
<S>                                                  <C>                   <C>                   <C>
Income taxes at federal statutory rate               $(2,401)              $(1,483)              $4,382
State income taxes, net of federal
     benefit                                             438                  (218)                 657
Goodwill amortization                                  1,643                 1,643                1,393
Other, net                                               215                  (287)                  93
                                                     -------               -------               ------
                                                       $(105)                $(345)              $6,525
                                                     =======               =======               ======
</TABLE>




                                       39
<PAGE>   40
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



         In addition, the Company recorded a deferred tax benefit of $1,095 and
$7,079 for 1999 and 1998, respectively, associated with the extraordinary item.
Components of the net deferred income tax asset at December 25, 1999 and
December 26, 1998 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 December 25,             December 26,
                                                                     1999                    1998
                                                                   --------                --------
<S>                                                                <C>                     <C>
Current deferred income taxes:
     Accounts receivable and inventory reserves                    $  3,886                $  3,757
     Accrued liabilities not currently deductible                     8,556                   8,253
     Prepaids and other assets, not currently taxable                (3,729)                 (4,570)
                                                                   --------                --------
                                                                      8,713                   7,440
Noncurrent deferred income taxes:
     Property basis differences                                      (6,554)                 (7,382)
     Patents basis differences                                       (2,230)                 (3,222)
     ESOP liability basis differences                                 3,604                   6,247
     Net operating loss carryforwards                                21,321                  19,610
     Valuation allowance                                             (3,999)                 (3,999)
     Other noncurrent accrued liabilities, not
          currently deductible                                        6,636                   6,450
                                                                   --------                --------
                                                                     18,778                  17,704
                                                                   --------                --------
     Net deferred tax asset                                        $ 27,491                $ 25,144
                                                                   ========                ========
</TABLE>

         At December 25, 1999, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards
for federal income tax purposes of approximately $54,670, all of which are
limited to utilization under the Internal Revenue Code. Due to such limitations,
the Company believes it is more likely than not that it will not realize the
full benefit of the loss carryforwards and has provided a valuation allowance of
approximately $3,999 to reserve such amounts as of December 25, 1999. These
carryforwards expire through 2019. Undistributed earnings to be permanently
reinvested by the international subsidiaries totaled approximately $2,798 at
December 25, 1999. Because these earnings are to be permanently reinvested, no
U.S. deferred income tax has been recorded for them.

14.      RETIREMENT PLANS

         Simmons 401(k) Plan

         The Company has a defined contribution pension plan (a 401(k) plan) for
substantially all employees other than employees subject to collective
bargaining agreements. Eligible participants may make limited contributions to
the defined contribution plan; however, no employer contributions are allowed.

         Nonqualified Employee Stock Ownership Plan

         The Company also has an unfunded nonqualified employee stock ownership
plan to provide benefits to certain employees who were not eligible to
participate in the ESOP. Benefits are to be paid in cash and are computed based
on the value of shares the participants would have received had they
participated in the ESOP.

         Participants are entitled to receive accrued benefits upon termination
of employment with the Company, retirement, death, or permanent disability.
Benefits vest based on the provisions of the ESOP. The Company charged
approximately $137, $184 and $64 to expense for 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. The Company made distributions to participants in the amount of
$233 in 1999. The





                                       40
<PAGE>   41
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

accrued benefits under the nonqualified plan were $277 and $373 at December 25,
1999 and December 26, 1998, respectively, and are included in other long-term
liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

         Other Plans

         Certain union employees participate in multi-employer pension plans
sponsored by their respective unions. Amounts charged to pension cost,
representing the Company's required contributions to these plans for 1999, 1998
and 1997 were $1,725, $1,633 and $1,439, respectively.

         The Company had accrued $2,573 and $2,653 at December 25, 1999 and
December 26, 1998, respectively, for a supplemental executive retirement plan
for a former executive. Such amounts are included in postretirement benefit
obligations other than pensions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

         Retiree Health Coverage

         The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits to
eligible retired employees. Eligibility is defined as retirement from active
employment, having reached age 55 with 15 years of service, and previous
coverage as a salaried or nonunion employee. Additionally, dependents are
eligible to receive benefits, provided the dependent was covered prior to
retirement. The medical plan pays a stated percentage of most medical expenses
reduced for any deductible and payments made by government programs and other
group coverage. Additionally, there is a $20,000 lifetime maximum benefit for
participants age 65 and over. The Company also provides life insurance to all
retirees who retired before 1979. These plans are unfunded.

         The Company accrues the cost of providing postretirement benefits,
including medical and life insurance coverage, during the active service period
of the employee. Such amounts are included in postretirement benefit obligations
other than pensions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.




                                       41
<PAGE>   42
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


         The following table presents a reconciliation of the plan's status at
December 25, 1999 and December 26, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    December 25,             December 26,
                                                                       1999                       1998
                                                                     --------                   --------
<S>                                                                   <C>                       <C>
Change in Benefit Obligation:
     Benefit obligation, beginning of year                            $ 5,466                   $ 5,138
     Service cost                                                         230                       205
     Interest cost                                                        357                       347
     Benefits paid                                                        (97)                      (93)
     Actuarial (gain)/loss                                               (686)                     (131)
                                                                      -------                   -------
     Benefit obligation, end of year                                  $ 5,270                   $ 5,466
                                                                      =======                   =======

Change in Plan Assets:
     Fair value of assets, beginning of year                          $  --                     $  --
     Employer contributions                                                97                        93
     Benefits paid                                                        (97)                      (93)
                                                                      -------                   -------
     Fair value of assets, end of year                                $  --                     $  --
                                                                      =======                   =======

Reconciliation of Accrued Benefit Cost:
     Funded status                                                    $(5,270)                  $(5,466)
     Unrecognized prior service cost                                     (183)                     (213)
     Unrecognized net gain                                             (1,537)                     (867)
                                                                      -------                   -------
     Accrued benefit cost, end of year                                $(6,990)                  $(6,546)
                                                                      =======                   =======

Weighted-Average Assumptions:
     Discount rate                                                       7.50%                     6.75%

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
     Service cost                                                     $   230                   $   205
     Interest cost                                                        357                       347
    Amortization of:
          Prior service cost                                              (30)                      (30)
          Gain                                                            (16)                      (12)
                                                                      -------                   -------
     Net periodic benefit cost                                        $   541                   $   510
                                                                      =======                   =======
</TABLE>

         A 9.5% annual rate of increase in the cost of health care benefits was
assumed for 1999; the rate was assumed to decrease 0.5% per year until 5.0% is
reached. A 1.0% change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the
following effects:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                               1%                 1%
                                                                            Increase           Decrease
                                                                        -----------------   --------------
<S>                                                                           <C>                <C>
     Effect on Total of Service and Interest Cost Components                  $90                $(77)
     Effect on Benefit Obligation                                            $540               $(486)
</TABLE>




                                       42
<PAGE>   43
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15.      CONTINGENCIES

         On April 3, 1998, Serta, Inc. filed a complaint against Simmons in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern
Division, alleging that some Simmons products--including those sold in
connection with the trademarks Connoisseur(R) collection, Crescendo(TM), and
some World Class Beautyrest(R) and Back Care(R) Ultimate models--infringe one of
their U.S. patents and that our use of the term "Crescendo" infringes their
alleged common-law trademark, "Crescendo". Serta seeks compensatory damages in
an unspecified amount, interest, an accounting and disgorgement of profits
derived from allegedly infringing acts, treble damages, an order enjoining
further alleged infringement and requiring destruction of allegedly infringing
items, costs, expenses and attorney's fees. We have denied the material
allegations of the complaint. We also have asserted affirmative defenses and/or
counterclaims against Serta alleging non-infringement, invalidity and
unenforceability of the patent-in-suit, and alleging infringement by Serta of
our rights in the term "Crescendo" in various geographic areas to the extent
usage of the term by both Serta and us would be confusingly similar. Serta
requested the Patent and Trademark Office, the PTO, to reexamine the
patent-in-suit. Pending the outcome of the reexamination, and by agreement of
the parties, the pending lawsuit was stayed. In April 1999, the PTO reinstated
Serta's patent and the stay in the action was lifted.

         In October 1999, Serta amended its complaint to join 14 U.S.
licensee/shareholders as plaintiffs and to add a claim for false advertising
under the Lanham Act as well as seek damages and injunctive relief in connection
with that claim. We again have denied the material allegations of the amended
complaint and asserted additional affirmative defenses and an additional
counterclaim seeking a declaratory judgment for unenforceability of the
patent-in-suit due to fraud on the PTO. Serta moved to dismiss this counterclaim
and we have filed a response. The court has not yet ruled on the motion. While
we deny that Serta is entitled to any relief and intend to defend the action
vigorously, a settlement could be material and we cannot assure you that we will
prevail in this action.

         From time to time, we have been involved in various legal proceedings.
We believe that all other litigation is routine in nature and incidental to the
conduct of our business, and that none of this other litigation, if determined
adversely to us, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition
or results of our operations.

16.      RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

         The Company, Holdings and Fenway entered into a management agreement
(the "Fenway Advisory Agreement") effective upon consummation of the
Transactions pursuant to which Fenway agreed to provide strategic advisory
services to the Company. In exchange for such services, the Company agreed to
pay Fenway (i) annual management fees of 0.25% of net sales for the prior fiscal
year, (ii) fees in connection with the consummation of any acquisition
transactions for Fenway's assistance in negotiating such transactions and (iii)
certain fees and expenses, including legal and accounting fees and any
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Fenway in connection with providing services
to the Company. Included in other expense is $1.5 million and $0.3 million for
the years ended December 25, 1999 and December 26, 1998, respectively, related
to the management fee.

         The Company entered into an agreement with Holdings pursuant to which
the Company agreed to reimburse Holdings for certain expenses incident to
Holdings' ownership of the Company's capital stock for as long as Holdings and
the Company file consolidated federal income tax returns. Such expenses include
franchise taxes and other fees required to maintain Holdings' corporate
existence; operating costs incurred by Holdings attributable to its ownership of
the Company's capital stock not to exceed $850 per fiscal year; federal, state
and local taxes paid by Holdings and attributable to income of the Company and
its subsidiaries other than taxes arising from the sale or exchange by Holdings
of the Company's common




                                       43
<PAGE>   44
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

stock; the purchase price of capital stock or options to purchase capital stock
of Holdings owned by former employees of the Company or its subsidiaries not to
exceed $2.5 million per year permitted under the Senior Credit Facility, as
amended; and registration expenses incurred by Holdings incident to a
registration of any capital stock of Holdings under the Securities Act.

17.      SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Acquisition of a Customer

         On January 21, 2000, one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, Gallery
Corp. ("Gallery"), acquired substantially all of the retail store locations and
other assets of H&H Sleep Centers, Inc. ("H&H") and CBMC Corp. ("CBMC"). H&H and
CBMC had previously operated retail stores in the Los Angeles, Orange County and
San Diego, California areas, selling primarily mattresses and related bedding
products. Through Gallery, we acquired the H&H and CBMC assets in resolution of
those companies' outstanding debt obligations to us, and our assumption of
certain other liabilities of H&H and CBMC. As a result of these transactions,
Gallery will operate approximately 30 retail locations in Southern California
previously owned by H&H and CBMC. These customers were indebted to us in an
amount approximating $23.9 million, relating to notes, certain advances and
trade receivables. We have included in long-term receivables at December 25,
1999 and December 26, 1998, amounts of $14.2 million and $3.4 million,
respectively, and have included in current assets at December 26, 1998 an amount
of $6.0 million related to these customers.

         Based on an independent third party appraisal of the businesses
acquired, we have charged $6.9 million to expense in 1999 representing amounts
receivable from these customers in excess of the collateral value. The eventual
recovery of our investment in this business is dependent upon the ability of the
operations to achieve improvements sufficient to generate profitable operations
and positive cash flows. We currently believe that such improvements are
achievable, based upon our expertise in bedding manufacturing and distribution,
our knowledge of this business' markets, and its established presence in its
market. In addition, the sale of all or a portion of the stock of this customer,
or its underlying assets to a third party may be considered. However, the actual
achievement of such improvements or the realization in respect of the stock or
assets of this customer is not assured.

Pending Customer Transaction

         A customer is indebted to us in an amount approximating $4.2 million,
relating to notes and trade receivables. We have included in long-term
receivables at December 25, 1999 and December 26, 1998, amounts of $4.2 million
and $1.0 million, respectively, and have included in current assets at December
26, 1998, an amount of $1.9 million related to this customer. We are currently
pursuing an acquisition of the capital stock of this customer at an amount equal
to the fair market value of the business less obligations owed to us. We believe
the collateral value of this customer's business exceeds the net amount of the
receivable; however, the results and timing of any eventual transaction is
uncertain. We have not received a completed independent third party appraisal of
the value of the capital stock of this customer at this time. Further, the
eventual recovery of our investment in this business is dependent upon the
ability of the operations to achieve improvements sufficient to generate
profitable operations and positive cash flows. We currently believe that such
improvements are achievable, based upon our expertise in bedding manufacturing
and distribution, our knowledge of this business' markets, and its established
presence in its market. In addition, the sale of all or a portion of the stock
of this customer, or its underlying assets to a third party may be considered.
However, the actual achievement of such improvements or the realization in
respect of the stock or assets of this customer is not assured.

                                       44
<PAGE>   45
                        Simmons Company and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pending Acquisition - United Sleep Products

         On October 8, 1999, we announced our intent to enter into negotiations
to acquire United Sleep Products of New York, Inc. and its subsidiaries United
Sleep Products, Inc. and United Sleep Products Futon Company, and Kinder
Furniture & Bedding Company of Indiana. The acquisition is subject to the
execution of definitive documentation of the transaction and other customary
conditions.

Organizational Changes - Severance Arrangements

         On January 4, 2000, we announced that Charles R. Eitel had been
appointed as our new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. We recorded
non-recurring severance expense for the year ended December 25, 1999 of
approximately $6.6 million, including compensation expense related to vested
stock option cancellations, relating to the resignation of Zenon S. Nie, our
former Chief Executive Officer and the resignations of two other executive level
employees during the fourth quarter. In addition, we have accrued $3.9 million
in distributions payable to Holdings in connection with Holding's repurchase of
Holdings common stock.

         During January 2000, Charles R. Eitel, our new Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, completed an assessment of the effectiveness of the
organizational structure and in early February 2000, we undertook an
enterprise-wide management reorganization to reflect a new management structure
going forward. The management reorganization resulted in the termination of 14
management employees. During February 2000, we recorded non-recurring severance
expense of $3.8 million, including compensation expense related to vested stock
option cancellations. In addition, we have accrued $2.3 million in distributions
payable to Holdings in connection with Holding's repurchase of Holdings common
stock.




                                       45
<PAGE>   46



ITEM 9.      CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

             None.






                                       46
<PAGE>   47



                                    PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

         The following table sets forth the name, age as of March 22, 2000 and
position of each of our directors, executive officers and other key employees.
Each of our directors will hold office until the next annual meeting of our
shareholders or until his successor has been elected and qualified. Our officers
are elected by our Board of Directors and serve at the discretion of the Board
of Directors.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Name                                         Age       Position
- ----                                         ---       --------
<S>                                           <C>      <C>
Charles R. Eitel                              50       Chairman of the Board of Directors and
                                                            Chief Executive Officer
Peter Brink                                   50       Executive Vice President--Chief Operations Officer
                                                            and Director
Robert W. Hellyer                             40       Executive Vice President--Sales
Peter Lamm                                    48       Director
Richard C. Dresdale                           44       Director
Mark R. Genender                              35       Director
Robert K. Barton                              59       Senior Vice President--Human Resources
Donald J. Hofmann                             47       Senior Vice President--Marketing
Michael P. Rakauskas                          49       Senior Vice President--Strategic Planning
Roger W. Franklin                             44       Interim Chief Financial Officer
Gary L. Senese                                53       Vice President--Chief Information Officer
</TABLE>

         Charles R. Eitel joined Simmons in January 2000 as Chairman of the
Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining Simmons, Mr.
Eitel served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Interface, Inc., a
leading global manufacturer and marketer of floorcoverings, interior fabrics and
architectural raised floors. Prior to serving as Chief Operating Officer, he
held the positions of Executive Vice President of Interface, President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Floorcoverings Group, and President of Interface
Flooring Systems, Inc. Mr. Eitel is a director of Duke-Weeks Corporation, an
industrial real estate company (REIT) based in Indianapolis, Indiana and
American Fidelity Assurance Company in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

         Peter Brink joined Simmons in February 2000 as Executive Vice President
and Chief Operations Officer. Prior to joining Simmons, Mr. Brink served as
President and Chief Operating Officer of Paramount Apparel, an apparel and
headwear manufacturer. From 1997 to 1998 Mr. Brink served as Chief Operating
Officer of Warnaco Inc, an apparel manufacturer. From 1994 to 1997 Mr. Brink
served as Chief Operating Officer of Champion Products, a division of Sara Lee
Corporation.

         Robert W. Hellyer joined Simmons in 1995 and has served as Executive
Vice President of Sales since 1999. Mr. Hellyer served as General
Manager--Janesville and Vice President of Sales--Janesville prior to assuming
his current position. Prior to joining Simmons, Mr. Hellyer held various sales
positions with Stearns & Foster.

         Peter Lamm became a director of Simmons in 1998 in connection with the
Recapitalization. Mr. Lamm is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and a
founding partner of Fenway, a New York-based direct investment firm for
institutional investors with a primary objective of acquiring leading
middle-market companies. From February 1982 to April 1994, Mr. Lamm was a member
of Butler Capital Corporation, a private investment firm, most recently as
Senior Direct Investment Officer and Managing Director. Mr. Lamm currently
serves as a director of Aurora Foods, Inc., Central Tractor Farm &




                                       47
<PAGE>   48

Country, Inc., Iron Age Corporation, Delimex Holdings, Inc., MW Manufacturers
Holdings Corp., DCI Holdings, Inc. and Blue Capital Management.

         Richard C. Dresdale became a director of Simmons in 1998 in connection
with the Recapitalization. Mr. Dresdale is President and a founding partner of
Fenway. From June 1985 until March 1994, Mr. Dresdale was a member of Clayton,
Dubilier & Rice, Inc. a private investment firm, most recently as a Principal.
Mr. Dresdale currently serves as a director of Aurora Foods, Inc., Central
Tractor Farm & Country, Inc., Delimex Holdings, Inc., MW Manufacturers Holdings
Corp., DCI Holdings, Inc. and Blue Capital Management.

         Mark R. Genender became a director of Simmons in 1999. Mr. Genender has
been a Managing Director of Fenway since 1999. From 1996 to 1999, Mr. Genender
was a Vice President of Fenway. From 1994 to 1996, Mr. Genender was a Director
of Sales and Marketing for Nabisco International. From 1991 to 1994, Mr.
Genender held various senior management positions at Hostess Frito-Lay, the
Canadian snack food division of PepsiCo, Inc. Prior to 1991, Mr. Genender was
employed by Goldman, Sachs & Co. in the Merger and Acquisitions department. Mr.
Genender currently serves as director of Delimex Holdings, Inc.

         Robert K. Barton joined Simmons in 1982 and has served as Senior Vice
President--Human Resources since 1990. Prior to assuming his current position,
Mr. Barton served as Vice President--Human Resources, Vice
President--Administration, Vice President--Dealer Financial Services and
Director of Dealer Financial Services.

         Donald J. Hofmann joined Simmons in 1995 and has served as Senior Vice
President--Marketing since February 2000. Mr. Hofmann served as Vice
President--Marketing and Vice President--Advertising prior to assuming his
current position. Prior to joining Simmons Mr. Hofmann held various marketing
and advertising positions, including President of Earle Palmer Brown Advertising
and Executive Vice President of Marketing at Tupperware, Inc.

         Michael P. Rakauskas joined Simmons in 1998 and has served as Senior
Vice President--Strategic Planning since February 2000. Prior to assuming his
current position Mr. Rakauskas served as Executive Vice President- Strategic
Ventures. Prior to joining Simmons, Mr. Rakauskas served as Executive Vice
President-Chief Financial Officer and as Senior Vice President-Administration
and Chief Financial Officer since 1995 of The Spring Air Company. Prior to 1995,
he held various positions including Vice President- Planning and Development,
Vice-President-Administration, Operations Manager, Corporate Controller and
several financial positions with Sealy Corporation. Mr. Rakauskas is a Certified
Public Accountant.

         Roger W. Franklin joined Simmons in 1986 and has served as Interim
Chief Financial Officer since February 2000. Prior to assuming his current
position Mr. Franklin was Vice President--Finance and Treasurer, Vice
President--Controller and Director of Taxes. Prior to joining Simmons, Mr.
Franklin was a manager with Price Waterhouse, a predecessor to
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, in both the audit and tax areas from 1978 to 1986.
Mr. Franklin is a Certified Public Accountant.

         Gary L. Senese joined Simmons in 1998 as Vice President--Chief
Information Officer. Prior to joining Simmons, Mr. Senese served as Vice
President--Chief Information Officer of VWR Scientific Products Corporation, a
laboratory supplies distributor, from 1995 until 1998 and as Vice
President--Chief Information Officer of Rubbermaid Commercial Products Inc. from
1989 to 1995.



                                       48
<PAGE>   49


DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

         We pay no additional remuneration to our employees or to executives of
Fenway for serving as directors. See "--Executive Compensation". There are no
family relationships among any of the directors or executive officers.








                                       49
<PAGE>   50


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

         The following table sets forth all cash compensation earned in the
previous three years by our Chief Executive Officer and each of our other four
most highly compensated executive officers. The compensation arrangements for
each of these officers that are currently in effect are described under the
caption "-- Employment Arrangements" below. The bonuses set forth below include
amounts paid in connection with the Recapitalization and amounts earned in the
year shown but paid in the subsequent year.


                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                               Annual Compensation                Number of Securities          All Other
                                    ----------------------------------------     Underlying Long-Term         Compensation
Name and Principal Position            Year       Salary ($)      Bonus ($)      Compensation Options (#)         ($) (1)
- ---------------------------         ---------    -----------    ------------  ----------------------------  -----------------
<S>                                     <C>         <C>          <C>                    <C>                       <C>
Zenon S. Nie                           1999        $612,373      $     --               1,350,000                 $ 16,130
     Chairman, Chief Executive         1998         579,792       5,116,125                  --                    287,846
     Officer and President             1997         517,500         586,366                  --                     32,853

Martin R. Passaglia                    1999         267,500            --                  75,000                  106,448
     Senior Executive Vice             1998         267,500         295,573                  --                     48,511
     President                         1997         267,500         211,325                  --                     29,133

Jonathan C. Daiker                     1999         236,000            --                  75,000                    8,345
     Executive Vice President--        1998         226,917         496,053                  --                     52,035
     Finance & Administration,         1997         213,000         169,060                  --                     27,008
     Chief Financial Officer

Robert K. Barton                       1999         209,000            --                  75,000                   11,577
     Senior Vice President--           1998         202,417         276,102                  --                     45,389
     Human Resources                   1997         180,000         143,517                  --                     29,329

Joseph Ulicny                          1999         197,000            --                  70,000                   11,922
     Executive Vice President--        1998         190,417         161,389                  --                     42,221
     Market Development                1997         180,000         142,793                  --                     28,600

(1)      These amounts consist of:

         (a)      our contributions to our ESOP in 1998 and 1997, respectively, in the amounts of $272,570 and
                  $18,571 for Mr. Nie, $37,437 and $18,614 for Mr. Passaglia, $41,860 and $18,571 for Mr. Daiker,
                  $33,667 and $18,614 for Mr. Barton, and $30,233 and $18,571 for Mr. Ulicny, respectively; the
                  amount of our contribution to our ESOP for 1999 has not been determined;

         (b)      premiums for term life insurance and long-term disability insurance in 1999, 1998 and 1997,
                  respectively, in the amounts of $13,130, $13,276 and $14,282 for Mr. Nie, $10,071, $9,074 and
                  $10,519 for Mr. Passaglia, $6,345, $8,175 and $8,437 for Mr. Daiker, $9,577, $9,722 and $10,715
                  for Mr. Barton, $9,922, $9,988 and $10,029 for Mr. Ulicny, respectively;

         (c)      payments of benefits under non-qualified ESOP in 1999, in the amount of $85,632 for Mr.
                  Passaglia;

         (d)      $2,000 per named  executive  officer in 1999 and 1998 for financial  planning  services.
                  Mr. Nie's amount for 1999 was $3,000;

         (e)      $8,745 of vacation pay in 1999 for Mr. Passaglia.
</TABLE>


                                       50
<PAGE>   51

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                      OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR

                              Individual Grants
                        ------------------------------
                                         Percent of
                                            Total                                        Potential Realizable Value
                          Number of       Options /                                                  of
                         Securities     SARs Granted      Exercise                        Assumed Annual Rates of
                         Underlying     to Employees         or                           Stock Price Appreciation
                        Option/ SARs      in Fiscal     Base Price      Expiration           For Option Terms
         Name            Granted (#)        Year          ($ / Sh)        Date           5% ($)           10% ($)
         ----           --------------  --------------  -----------  --------------    -------------- --------------
<S>                         <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>           <C>
Zenon S. Nie                1,350,000       46.9%         $6.7315         2009            5,708,475     14,483,475
Martin R. Passaglia            50,000        1.7%         $6.7315         2009              211,425        536,425
Jonathan C. Daiker             80,000        2.8%         $6.7315         2009              338,280        858,280
Robert K. Barton              100,000        3.5%         $6.7315         2009              422,850      1,072,850
Joseph Ulicny                 100,000        3.5%         $6.7315         2009              422,850      1,072,850
</TABLE>

Aggregated Option Exercises

         The table below sets forth information concerning the exercise of stock
options during 1999 and the value of unexercised stock options at the end of
1999 for our Chief Executive Officer and each of our other four most highly
compensated executive officers. There was no public trading market for our
common stock as of December 25, 1999. Therefore, the values in the table below
have been calculated on the basis of the per share consideration paid in
connection with the Recapitalization less the applicable exercise price. The
number of options shown as exercisable reflect options to purchase common stock
of Holdings retained in connection with the Recapitalization.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                          FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES

                                  Number of Shares                     Value of Unexercised
                               Underlying Unexercised                      In-The-Money
                                     Options at                             Options at
                                Fiscal Year End (#)                    Fiscal Year End ($)
         Name              Exercisable       Unexercisable        Exercisable      Unexercisable
- -----------------------   ----------------  ---------------    ----------------   ----------------
<S>                             <C>            <C>                 <C>                  <C>
Zenon S. Nie                    752,608        1,350,000           3,035,146            -
Martin R. Passaglia              51,642           50,000             198,370            -
Jonathan C. Daiker              121,439           80,000             490,724            -
Robert K. Barton                 54,017          100,000             208,467            -
Joseph Ulicny                    26,473          100,000             100,089            -
</TABLE>

RETIREMENT PLANS

         We maintain several single employer retirement plans including a single
employer defined benefit plan and two single employer defined contribution
plans, the ESOP and a 401(k) Plan, which are intended to be qualified under
Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. We also participate in a
number of multi-employer pension plans, from which we have no present intention
to withdraw. In the aggregate, these plans cover substantially all permanent
employees.

         Simmons 401(k) Plan. The Simmons 401(k) Plan, formed in 1987, contains
a cash or deferred arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue
Code. Employees with 12 weeks of employment who have reached age 21 are
permitted to participate in the plan. Generally employees covered by collective
bargaining agreements are not permitted to participate in the plan, unless the
collective bargaining agreement expressly provides for participation.



                                       51
<PAGE>   52

         Presently, approximately 862 employees participate in this plan.
Participants direct the investment of their account balances. Eligible employees
may defer the receipt of up to 6% of compensation on a pre-tax basis, subject to
various limitations. Participants are fully vested in their contributions at all
times. Other than the pre-tax deferrals mentioned above, we did not make any
contributions to the 401(k) plan during the 1999 plan year.

         ESOP. The ESOP, formed in 1989, is a defined contribution pension
benefit plan that is designed to qualify as a leveraged employee stock ownership
plan within the meaning of Section 4975(e)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Assets of the ESOP are held in a trust for which State Street Bank & Trust
Company serves as trustee. The ESOP covers otherwise eligible employees of
Simmons who are 21 or older and who have completed at least one year of service
for Simmons. Generally, employees covered by collective bargaining agreements
are not permitted to participate, unless the collective bargaining agreement
expressly provides for participation. As of December 25, 1999, approximately
1,300 of our current and former employees were participants in the ESOP.

         The ESOP provides benefits to each participating employee based on the
value of the stock allocated to such participant's account over the period of
such participant's participation in the plan. In general, benefits become
payable to participants only following retirement or other separation from
employment.

         The ESOP is a leveraged ESOP. Leveraged ESOPs differ from other defined
contribution employee pension benefit plans in that they can borrow funds from
the employer sponsoring the plan or from other parties in order to acquire
company stock for allocation to participants' accounts as such indebtedness is
repaid. Pending such allocation, as described below, Simmons' stock acquired by
the ESOP is held by the ESOP trustee in a suspense account. In connection with
the establishment of the ESOP in 1989, the ESOP borrowed funds from us for the
purpose of acquiring Simmons' stock. As of December 25, 1999, the borrowed
amount outstanding was approximately $27.4 million. As of December 26, 1998, the
ESOP was indebted to us in the approximate principal amount of $39.4 million.
Prior to March 22, 1996, the date of the Investcorp acquisition, the ESOP held
11,671,663 shares of our common stock. On the closing of the Investcorp
acquisition, the ESOP sold 6,001,257 shares, representing all shares previously
allocated to participants' ESOP accounts, to Holdings for approximately $31.2
million in the aggregate, the net proceeds of which were reinvested in
diversified investments in the respective accounts of such participants in the
ESOP. Pursuant to the Investcorp acquisition, the remaining 5,670,406 shares,
representing all unallocated shares held in the suspense account, were converted
into our Series A preferred stock. Prior to the Recapitalization, if converted
into common stock of Simmons or capital stock of Holdings, this Series A
preferred stock would have represented direct or indirect ownership of 15.1% of
our common stock, after giving effect to such conversion, exclusive of
outstanding stock options.

         On July 22, 1998, we entered into the ESOP Stock Sale and Exchange
Agreement with Holdings, the ESOP trustee and REM Acquisition, Inc., a
transitory merger corporation set up for the Recapitalization. Pursuant to this
agreement, immediately prior to the Recapitalization, REM purchased all of our
Series A preferred shares held by the ESOP that had been allocated to plan
participants as of such date for an aggregate purchase price of approximately
$15.4 million. These shares were cancelled in connection with the
Recapitalization. In addition, immediately prior to the Recapitalization, the
ESOP exchanged its remaining outstanding shares of our Series A preferred stock
for 3,482,036 shares of common stock of Holdings. The ESOP received a fairness
opinion from its financial advisor to the effect that the $15.4 million
consideration received for our shares under the ESOP agreement was fair to the
ESOP from a financial point of view.




                                       52
<PAGE>   53

         We will make annual cash contributions to the ESOP in an amount up to
25% of eligible participant compensation, subject to limitations and conditions.
The ESOP will then use this cash to repay the internal loan to us. As a result,
there is no cash cost to us associated with the contributions to the ESOP. As
the internal loan is repaid, a portion of, the shares of Holdings held by the
ESOP will be allocated to participant accounts and non-cash compensation expense
equal to the fair value of the allocated shares will be charged to non-cash ESOP
expense. When the internal loan is repaid in full in approximately two years,
all shares of Holdings held by the ESOP immediately after the Recapitalization
will have been allocated to plan participants.

         With limited exceptions, such as an exception required by law
permitting retirement age individuals with at least 10 years of plan
participation to liquidate over a six-year period those shares allocated to
their accounts, shares allocated to a participant's account under the ESOP
cannot be sold or otherwise transferred by the participant. The ESOP provides
for distributions to be made to participants following termination of
employment. With respect to participants whose termination of employment occurs
after becoming eligible for retirement at age 65, early retirement at age 55
with at least 10 years of service, or on account of permanent disability or
death, distribution generally is made during the plan year following the plan
year in which such termination occurs. In all other cases, distribution
generally is made or commences to be made after the expiration of a five plan
year period following the plan year in which termination occurs. Distributions
are made in cash, based on the fair market value, as determined pursuant to an
annual appraisal, of the shares allocated to the participant's account. A
participant entitled to a distribution is entitled under law to have our shares
allocated to his or her account distributed in kind. A participant electing to
have a distribution of shares has a limited right to require us to purchase such
shares at fair market value over an approximately two year period.

         Defined Benefit Plan. We also sponsor a single employer defined benefit
pension plan for eligible employees called the Retirement Plan for Simmons
U.S.A. Employees. This plan currently benefits only employees covered by
specific collective bargaining agreements, and has approximately 120
participants. The monthly benefit for these participants upon normal retirement
is generally determined as the sum of:

         (1)      0.75% of monthly earnings as of January 1, 1963 multiplied by
                  specified credited service as of May 1, 1963;


         (2)      1.0% of the first $400 of monthly earnings plus 1.75% of
                  monthly earnings in excess of $400 for the time period from
                  May 1, 1963 through April 30, 1967; and


         (3)      1.25% of the first $550 of monthly earnings plus 1.75% of
                  monthly earnings in excess of $550 for each year and completed
                  month of credited service, beginning May 1, 1967.

         There is a reduction for benefits accrued under the Retirement Plan for
Simmons Employees, a predecessor plan that was terminated in 1987. A somewhat
different formula applies to employees who are represented by IAM Local 315 in
New Jersey and UFWA Local 262 in California. This plan is fully funded and will
incur no additional liability. None of the named executive officers benefits
under the plan.

         Nonqualified Employee Stock Ownership Plan. In 1989, we instituted a
nonqualified plan to provide benefits to eligible employees similar to those
benefits provided under the ESOP, described above. This plan covers employees
who are not eligible to participate in the ESOP because of restrictions imposed
by the ESOP on employees who elected favorable income tax treatment under Code
Section 1042 with respect to the sale of employer securities to the ESOP.
Benefits are to be paid in cash and are computed based on the value of shares
the participants would have received had they participated in the




                                       53
<PAGE>   54

ESOP. Participants are entitled to receive accrued benefits upon termination of
employment with us, retirement, death or permanent disability. The nonqualified
plan provides for bookkeeping entries to be provided on account of each
designated employee, to be credited with the shares of stock which would have
been allocated to the designated employee's accounts under the ESOP but for the
fact that the ESOP terms restricted such an allocation. The same vesting
schedule and distribution provisions apply as are described in the ESOP. We
charged approximately $137,000 in 1999 and $184,000 in 1998. We made
distributions to participants in the amount of $233,000 in 1999. The accrued
benefits under the nonqualified plan were $277,000 at December 25, 1999 and
$373,000 December 26, 1998 and are included in other long term liabilities in
the accompanying balance sheets. We have continued the nonqualified plan after
the consummation of the Recapitalization.

         Retiree Health Coverage. We provide health care and life insurance
benefits to eligible retired employees. Eligibility is defined as retirement
from active employment, having reached age 55 with 15 years of service, and
previous coverage as a salaried or non-union employee. Additionally, dependents
are eligible to receive benefits, provided the dependent was covered prior to
retirement. The medical plan pays a stated percentage of most medical expenses
reduced for any deductible and payments made by government programs and other
group coverage. Additionally, there is a $20,000 lifetime maximum benefit for
participants age 65 and over. We also provide life insurance to all retirees who
retired before 1979. These plans are unfunded.

EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

         Charles R. Eitel, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer, Holdings, and we have entered into an employment agreement
effective as of January 4, 2000. Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Eitel
is entitled to receive (i) a base salary, currently $500,000 per year, or such
other amount as approved by our Board of Directors, (ii) an annual cash bonus
based upon the achievement of specified levels of operating performance by us,
and (iii) specified fringe benefits, including country club dues and provision
of an automobile. In addition, on the commencement of his employment, Mr. Eitel
was granted, under our 1999 Stock Option Plan, stock options to purchase
1,350,000 shares of common stock of Holdings at an exercise price of $6.7315 per
share. If Mr. Eitel's employment is terminated other than for death, incapacity
or cause, Mr. Eitel will be entitled to (i) payment of his base salary then in
effect for two years following the date of termination, (ii) a lump sum
pro-rated bonus amount, and (iii) participation in medical and dental benefit
programs for as long as applicable law and such plans permit.

         Peter Brink, Executive Vice President--Chief Operations Officer, and we
have entered into an employment agreement effective as of February 8, 2000.
Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Brink is entitled to receive (i) a
base salary, currently $325,000 per year, or such other amount as approved by
our Board of Directors, (ii) an annual cash bonus based upon the achievement of
specified levels of operating performance by us, (iii) fringe benefit
arrangements generally available to our executive officers, (iv) relocation
assistance, and (v) provision of an automobile. In addition, on commencement of
his employment, Mr. Brink was granted, under our 1999 Stock Option Plan, stock
options to purchase 500,000 shares of common stock of Holdings at an exercise
price of $6.7315 per share. If Mr. Brink's employment is terminated other than
for death, incapacity or cause, Mr. Brink will be entitled to (i) payment of his
base salary then in effect for two years following the date of termination,
subject to reduction if he commences other employment, (ii) a lump sum pro-rata
bonus amount, and (iii) participation in medical and dental benefit programs for
as long as applicable law and such plans permit.

         Robert K. Barton, Senior Vice President--Human Resources, and we
entered into an employment agreement which commenced on June 29, 1998. This
employment agreement initially runs for two years and automatically extends one
year on a daily basis beginning on the first anniversary of the




                                       54
<PAGE>   55

commencement of employment term, subject to termination upon one year's notice.
This agreement currently provides a base annual salary, subject to further
increases approved by our Board of Directors, of $220,000. If Mr. Barton's
employment is terminated without cause, he shall be entitled to receive payment
of his base salary, an annualized bonus equal to 42.5% of his base salary then
in effect and participation in health and welfare benefit programs for the
longer of the remainder of the initial two year employment term or one year.

SEVERANCE ARRANGEMENTS

         On February 22, 2000, Holdings, Zenon Nie and we entered into a
separation agreement. The terms of Mr. Nie's separation agreement provided for a
lump sum separation amount of $2,280,000. Subject to the approval of our lenders
under the Senior Credit Facility, Holdings also agreed to (i) repurchase 280,000
shares of Holdings common stock held by Mr. Nie for a total purchase price of
$1,884,820, of which $1,250,000 will be paid in a lump sum and $634,820 will be
paid under a promissory note maturing on January 4, 2001, and (ii) pay deferred
compensation over a three year period in an amount of $3,035,146. Mr. Nie also
received coverage and benefits under our employee benefit plans and programs for
three years, outplacement assistance up to $90,000, and reimbursements of legal
expenses incurred in the negotiation of the separation agreement up to $20,000.

         The employment of Jonathan C. Daiker, Executive Vice President--Finance
and Administration, Chief Financial Officer and Director; Martin R. Passaglia,
Senior Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director; William L. Ayers, IV,
Executive Vice President--Sales; Joseph Ulicny, Executive Vice President--Market
Development; James P. Maher, Divisional President; and Cleve B. Murphy,
Divisional President, has been terminated. Pursuant to their employment
agreements, these former officers received the following separation payments:

Executive                                                 Separation Payment
- ----------                                             -------------------------
Mr. Daiker                                                     $336,300
Mr. Passaglia                                                  $381,188
Mr. Ayers                                                      $243,594
Mr. Ulicny                                                     $280,725
Mr. Maher                                                      $269,325
Mr. Murphy                                                     $263,625

         Pursuant to their employment agreements, each of these former officers
also received continuation of health and welfare benefits and outplacement
assistance up to $20,000.

         We have also entered into separation agreements with 10 other former
officers and managers. These separation agreements provide for an aggregate
separation payment of $524,750, the continuation of health and welfare benefits
and outplacement assistance.

MANAGEMENT STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

         Holdings has also adopted a management stock incentive plan to provide
incentives to our employees and directors and to the employees and directors of
Holdings by granting them awards tied to the common stock of Holdings. This
incentive plan is administered by the compensation committee of the Board of
Directors of Holdings, which has broad authority in administering and
interpreting the incentive plan. Awards to employees are not restricted to any
specified form or structure and may include, without limitation, restricted
stock, stock options, deferred stock or stock appreciation rights. Options
granted under the incentive plan may be options intended to qualify as incentive
stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code or options not
intended to so qualify. An award granted





                                       55
<PAGE>   56

under the incentive plan to an employee may include a provision terminating the
award upon termination of employment under some circumstances or accelerating
the receipt of benefits upon the occurrence of specified events, including, at
the discretion of the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of
Holdings, any change of control of Simmons.

         Upon the closing of the Recapitalization, there were outstanding under
the incentive plan options to purchase an aggregate of 1,639,077 shares of
Holdings common stock issued to 47 individuals with a weighted average exercise
price of $2.825 per share. All such options are exercisable in full immediately.

         In connection with the Recapitalization, management received cash for
shares of stock owned by them and also received with respect to outstanding
options, an amount equal to the difference between the per share merger
consideration and the exercise price per share.

             COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

         The Compensation Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of Directors
is responsible for the general compensation policies of the Company, and in
particular is responsible for setting and administering the policies that govern
executive compensation. The Committee evaluates the performance of management
and determines the compensation levels for the Chief Executive Officer (the
"CEO"). The CEO determines compensation levels for all other executive officers
subject to the informal approval of the Committee.

         The objective of the Committee is to establish policies and programs to
attract and retain key executives, and to reward performance by these executives
which benefit the Company. The primary elements of executive compensation are
base salary, annual cash bonus and stock option awards. The salary is based on
factors such as the individual executive officer's level of responsibility, and
comparison to similar positions in the Company and in comparable companies. The
annual cash bonuses are based on the Company's performance measured against
attainment of financial and other objectives. Stock option awards are intended
to align the executive officer's interests with those of the Company and its
stockholders in promoting the long-term growth of the Company, and are
determined based on the executive officer's level of responsibility, number of
options previously granted, and contributions toward achieving the objectives of
the Company. Further information on each of these compensation elements follows.

SALARIES

         Base salaries are adjusted annually, following a review by the CEO. In
the course of the review, performance of the individual with respect to specific
objectives is evaluated, as are any increases in responsibility, and salaries
for similar positions. The specific objectives for each executive officer are
set by the individual's manager or the CEO, and will vary for each executive
position and for each year. Since this is a base salary review, performance of
the Company does not weigh heavily in the result. When all reviews are
completed, the CEO makes a recommendation to the Committee for their review and
final approval.

         With respect to the CEO, the Committee reviews and fixes his base
salary primarily on the Committee's assessment of his performance and its
expectations as to his future contributions. Competitive compensation data is
also a major factor in establishing the CEO's salary, but no precise formula is
applied in considering this data. The Committee's review takes place annually.





                                       56
<PAGE>   57

ANNUAL CASH BONUSES

         Certain of our employees are eligible, pursuant to their employment
agreements, to receive annual cash bonuses based upon the financial performance
of the Company, and less so on individual performance.

STOCK OPTION AWARDS

         Holdings has adopted a management stock incentive plan to provide
incentives to our employees and directors and the employees and directors of
Holdings by granting them awards tied to the common stock of Holdings. These
stock options are intended to provide an incentive to continue as these
employees over a long term, and to align their interest with the Company by
providing a stake in Holdings. In making grants the Holdings' compensation
committee takes into account the total number of shares available for grant,
prior grants outstanding, and estimated requirements for future grants.
Individual awards take into account the executive officer's contributions to the
Company, scope of responsibilities, strategies and operational goals, salary and
number of unvested options. In determining an option grant for the CEO, the
Holdings' compensation committee weighs all of the above factors, but also
recognizes the CEO's critical role in developing strategies for the long-term
benefit of the Company. Stock options are an important element in attracting and
retaining capable executives at all levels, and this is particularly so in the
case of the CEO.

         The Committee continually reviews the Company's compensation programs
to ensure the overall package is competitive, balanced, and that proper
incentives and rewards are provided.

Compensation Committee:

Charles R. Eitel
Peter Lamm
Richard C. Dresdale




                                       57
<PAGE>   58

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

         After the consummation of the Recapitalization on October 29, 1998, we
had one class of issued and outstanding common stock and Holdings owned all of
it.

         After the consummation of the Recapitalization, Holdings had
25,343,075.80 shares of issued and outstanding common stock, excluding its Class
B common stock. The following table describes the beneficial ownership of each
class of issued and outstanding equity securities of Holdings by each of our
directors and executive officers, our directors and executive officers as a
group and each person who beneficially owns more than 5% of the outstanding
shares of any class of equity securities of Holdings as of December 25, 1999. As
used in this table, beneficial ownership has the meaning set forth in Rule
13d-3(d)(1) of the Exchange Act.

         Fenway Partners Capital Fund, L.P. and Fenway Partners Capital Fund II,
L.P. together hold substantially all of the voting interests of Simmons
Holdings, LLC, and may therefore be deemed to have the power to vote or dispose
of the shares of common stock held directly by Simmons Holdings, LLC.
Additionally, the general partners of Fenway Partners Capital Fund and Fenway
Partners Capital Fund II, Fenway Partners, L.P. and Fenway Partners II, LLC,
respectively, may also be deemed to own beneficially these Fenway funds'
holdings. Fenway Partners Management, Inc. is the general partner of Fenway
Partners, L.P. and may also be deemed to own beneficially the holdings of Fenway
Partners Capital Fund. Fenway provides investment advisory services to the
Fenway funds and may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by the Fenway
funds. Messrs. Lamm and Dresdale control Fenway Partners, L.P., Fenway Partners
II, LLC, Fenway Partners, Inc. and Fenway Partners Management, Inc., and
therefore may be deemed to own beneficially our shares of common stock held by
Simmons Holdings, LLC. Mr. Genender is a managing director of Fenway, and Fenway
Partners Management, Inc., and they are each a limited partner of Fenway
Partners, L.P., and a member of Fenway Partners II, LLC. Accordingly, each may
be deemed to own beneficially our shares of common stock held by Simmons
Holdings, LLC. All of such persons and entities disclaim beneficial ownership of
any shares in which they do not have pecuniary interests.

         The discussion above and the table below do not include 379,119.069
shares of Class B common stock, representing all of the issued and outstanding
shares of Class B common stock, issued by Holdings and held by FPIP, LLC, of
which Messrs. Lamm, Dresdale and Genender may be deemed to have beneficial
ownership. Messrs. Lamm, Dresdale and Genender disclaim beneficial ownership of
any such shares of common stock or Class B common stock, in which they do not
have pecuniary interests. Class B common stock has the same rights and
privileges as Holdings' other common stock except that currently, each share of
Class B common stock:

         (1)      has 16% of the amount of voting power of a share of common
                  stock; and

         (2)      entitles its holder to 16% of the amount of any distributions
                  by Holdings to which a holder of a share of Holdings' common
                  stock is entitled.

         The voting power and rights to distributions of the Class B common
stock shall be increased to equal that of Holdings' common stock upon a
determination of the board of directors that the value of a share of common
stock, taking into account prior distributions, is equal to $6.7315 plus an
amount sufficient to generate an internal rate of return of 7.5% per year,
compounded annually.





                                       58
<PAGE>   59

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>




                                                                                Number of
                                                                                 Shares
                                                                               Underlying
                                                        Number of Shares       Exercisable                             Total
                        Name                          (excluding Options/        Options/                            Ownership
                        ----                               Warrants)            Warrants         Total Shares        Percentage
                                                      ---------------------  ----------------  ---------------      ------------
<S>                                                          <C>                <C>             <C>                   <C>
Simmons Holdings, LLC                                        19,030,131.18      1,653,703.24    20,683,834.42         76.62%
   c/o Fenway Partners, Inc
   152 West 57th Street
   New York, NY 10019
ESOP shares                                                   3,482,036.00                --     3,482,036.00         13.74%
   c/o State Street Bank & Trust Company
   225 Franklin Street
   Boston, MA 02110
SH Investment Limited, a Cayman Islands                       1,336,997.70                --     1,336,997.70          5.28%
    corporation
    P.O. Box 1111, West Wind Building,
   George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands(a)
Zenon S. Nie                                                    280,000.00        752,608.00     1,032,608.00 (b)      3.96%
Martin R. Passaglia                                             171,458.00         51,642.00       223,100.00 (b)        *
Jonathan C. Daiker                                               40,622.00        121,439.00       162,061.00 (b)        *
Robert K. Barton                                                140,181.00         54,017.00       194,198.00            *
Joseph Ulicny                                                    75,688.00         26,473.00       102,161.00 (b)        *
Peter Lamm                                                   19,030,131.18      1,653,703.24    20,683,834.42         76.62%
Richard C. Dresdale                                          19,030,131.18      1,653,703.24    20,683,834.42         76.62%
Mark R. Genender                                             19,030,131.18      1,653,703.24    20,683,834.42         76.62%
All directors and executive officers as a group
   (8 persons)                                               19,738,080.18      2,659,882.24    22,397,962.42         79.98%
<FN>

*     Less than 1%.

         (a)      SH Investment Limited is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Investcorp S.A., a global investment firm whose
                  address is 37 rue Notre-Dame, Luxumbourg. SIPCO Limited may be deemed to control Investcorp S.A. through its
                  ownership of a majority of a company's stock that indirectly owns a majority of Investcorp S.A.'s shares. SIPCO
                  Limited's address is P.O. Box 1111, West Wind Building, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

         (b)      Subsequent to December 25, 1999, the employment of this executive officer has been terminated, and the shares of
                  Holdings common stock and options to purchase such common stock that were held by such officer have been
                  repurchased or otherwise terminated.

</TABLE>




                                       59
<PAGE>   60




ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENTS

         Pursuant to the subscription agreements entered into in connection with
the Recapitalization, Simmons Holdings, LLC purchased 19,030,131.18 shares of
common stock of Holdings for $128.1 million. Under the subscription agreement
with Simmons Holdings, LLC, Holdings agreed to indemnify and pay various
expenses of Simmons Holdings, LLC and its affiliates and their advisors and
consultants.

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

         In connection with the Recapitalization, we entered into a stockholders
agreement with Holdings, Simmons Holdings, LLC, the ESOP, and the Investcorp
group. In addition, we entered into a stockholders agreement with Simmons
Holdings, LLC, Holdings and members of management. The stockholders agreements
provide, among other things, that in the event that Simmons Holdings, LLC
transfers to a non-affiliate sufficient common stock of Holdings that reduces
its ownership percentage below 75% of the shares it acquired in the
Recapitalization, the ESOP, the Investcorp group and the members of management
may participate in the transfer in proportion to their holdings, referred to as
tag-along rights. If Simmons Holdings, LLC sells at least 80% of the shares it
acquired in the Recapitalization, it may require the ESOP, the Investcorp group
and the members of management to participate in the transfer in proportion to
their holdings, referred to as a drag-along right. In addition, the stockholders
agreement with management provides, among other things, that:

         (1)      except under specific conditions, members of management may
                  not transfer their shares of common stock of Holdings; and

         (2)      upon termination of employment of a member of management,
                  Holdings and Simmons Holdings, LLC may purchase the shares of
                  common stock owned by such employee and such employee may
                  require Holdings to purchase such shares.

FENWAY ADVISORY AGREEMENT

         We, Holdings and Fenway entered into an advisory agreement effective
upon consummation of the Recapitalization pursuant to which Fenway agreed to
provide strategic advisory services to Holdings and us. In exchange for such
services, Holdings and we agreed to pay Fenway the following:

         (1)      annual management fees of 0.25% of net sales for the prior
                  fiscal year;

         (2)      fees in connection with the consummation of any acquisition
                  transactions for Fenway's assistance in negotiating such
                  transactions; and

         (3)      fees and expenses, including legal and accounting fees and any
                  out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Fenway in connection with
                  providing services to Holdings and us.

         The annual management fees are subject to increase in the event of
acquisitions. Holdings and we also agreed to indemnify Fenway under specific
circumstances. In addition, pursuant to the advisory agreement, upon the
consummation of the merger, Fenway received $5.1 million and approximately
379,000 shares of Holdings' Class B common stock. For a description of the Class
B common stock, see "Principal Stockholders".





                                       60
<PAGE>   61


                                     PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)(1)   The following consolidated financial statements of Simmons Company and
         its subsidiaries are included in Part II, Item 8:

                  Report of Independent Accountants

                  Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 25, 1999 and December
                  26, 1998

                  Consolidated Statements of Operations for years ended December
                  25, 1999, December 26, 1998 and December 27, 1997

                  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Common Stockholders'
                  Equity for the years ended December 25, 1999, December 26,
                  1998 and December 27, 1997

                  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
                  December 25, 1999, December 26, 1998 and December 27, 1997

                  Notes to consolidated financial statements

(a)(2)   Financial Statement Schedule

                  Schedule II - Valuation Account

(a)(3) The exhibits to this report are listed in section (c) of Item 14 below.

(b)      The Company filed no reports on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of
         its fiscal year ended December 25, 1999.

(c)      Exhibits:

Exhibit
Number   Exhibit Description
- ------   -------------------

         The following exhibits, except as specifically noted, are incorporated
by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-76723) declared effective on September 9, 1999.

2.1      Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") dated July 16,
         1998 by and among Simmons Company (the "Company"), Simmons Holdings,
         Inc. ("Simmons Holdings") and REM.

2.2      Amendment No. 1 to Merger Agreement dated as of September 22, 1998.

2.3      Amendment No. 2 to Merger Agreement dated as of October 26, 1998.

3.1      Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.

3.2      By-laws of the Company.





                                       61
<PAGE>   62

4.1      Indenture between the Company and SunTrust Bank, Atlanta, as Trustee,
         dated as of March 16, 1999.

10.1     ESOP Stock Sale and Exchange Agreement (the "ESOP Purchase Agreement")
         dated as of July 22, 1998 by and among Simmons Holdings, the Company,
         State Street Bank & Trust Company ("State Street"), solely in its
         capacity as trustee of the ESOP and REM.

10.2     Amendment No. 1 to ESOP Purchase Agreement dated as of September 25,
         1998.

10.3     1998 Stockholders' Agreement (the "1998 Stockholders' Agreement") dated
         as of October 29, 1998 among Simmons Holdings, the Company, Simmons
         Holdings, LLC ("Simmons Holdings, LLC"), Investcorp, and State Street,
         solely as trustee of the ESOP.

10.4     Joinder to 1998 Stockholders' Agreement dated as of October 29, 1998 by
         SH Investment Limited.

10.5     1998 Stockholders' Agreement dated as of October 29, 1998 by and among
         Simmons Holdings, Simmons Holdings, LLC and the Management Investors
         listed therein.

10.6     Credit and Guaranty Agreement (the "Credit and Guaranty Agreement")
         dated as of October 29, 1998, among the Company, Simmons Holdings and
         Certain Subsidiaries of the Company, as Guarantors, the financial
         institutions listed therein, as Lenders, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners
         L.P., as a Joint Lead Arranger and as Syndication Agent, Warburg Dillon
         Read LLC as a Joint Lead Arranger, and UBS A.G., Stamford Branch, as
         Administrative Agent.

10.7     First Amendment to Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of March 1,
         1999.

10.8     Advisory Agreement dated as of October 29, 1998 by and between Simmons
         Holdings, the Company and Fenway Partners, Inc.

10.9*    Simmons 1996 Management Stock Incentive Plan.

10.10*   Form of Stock Option Agreement.

10.11*   Form of Management Bonus Agreement.

10.12*   1999 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company's
         Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period ended September
         25, 1999.)

10.13*   1999 Stockholders' Agreement (incorporated by reference to the
         Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period ended
         September 25, 1999.)

10.14    Labor Agreement between the Company and The United Steel Workers, Local
         No. 425 for all employees at the Jacksonville, Florida plant of the
         Company excluding executives, sales employees, office workers,
         supervisors, inspectors, departmental coordinators or persons in any
         way identified with management for the period from October 16, 1997 to
         October 15, 2001.

10.15    Labor Agreement between the Company and The United Steel Workers, Local
         No. 422 for all production and maintenance employees at the Dallas,
         Texas plant of the Company excluding supervisors, foremen, factory
         clerks, office employees, time keepers, watchmen or persons in any way
         identified with management for the period from October 16, 1997 to
         October 15, 2001.




                                       62
<PAGE>   63

10.16    Labor Agreement between the Company and The United Steel Workers, Local
         No. 2401 for all production at the Atlanta, Georgia plant of the
         Company excluding office workers, supervisors, foremen, inspectors,
         watchmen, plant guards, departmental coordinators, carload checkers or
         persons in any way identified with management for the period from
         October 16, 1997 to October 15, 2001.

10.17    Labor Agreement between the Company and The United Steel Workers, Local
         No. 173 for all employees at the Shawnee, Kansas plant of the Company
         excluding executives, sales employees, office workers, supervisors,
         foremen, time keepers, mechanics or machinist for the period from April
         23, 1997 to April 22, 1999.

10.18    Labor Agreement between the Company and The United Steel Workers, Local
         No. 515U for all employees at the Los Angeles, California plant of the
         Company excluding executives, sales employees, office workers, and
         supervisors for the period from October 16, 1997 to October 15, 2001.

10.19    Labor Agreement between the Company and The United Steel Workers, Local
         No. 420 for employees at the Piscataway, New Jersey plant of the
         Company excluding watchmen, office janitors, maintenance department
         employees, truck drivers, tool makers, machinists, supervisors,
         porters, matrons, main office, clerical, and maintenance helpers for
         the period of October 16, 1997 to October 15, 2001.

10.20    Labor Agreement between the Company and The United Steel Workers, Local
         No. 424 for all production employees at the Columbus, Ohio plant of the
         Company excluding executives, sales employees, office workers,
         timekeepers, watchmen, office janitors, maintenance department
         employees, truck drivers, foremen, supervisors, private chauffeurs,
         main office, clerical, and engine room and power plant employees for
         the period from October 16, 1997 to October 15, 2001.

10.21    Lease Agreement Concourse at Landmark Center between Concourse I, Ltd.,
         as Landlord, and the Company, as Tenant, dated February 7, 1992.

10.22    Lease between Beaver Ruin Business Center-Phase V between St. Paul
         Properties, Inc., as Landlord, and the Company, as Tenant, dated
         October 19, 1994, as amended by Addendum to Lease, dated September 1,
         1995.

10.23    Loan Agreement, dated as of November 1, 1982, between the City of
         Janesville, Wisconsin and the Company, as successor by merger to
         Simmons Manufacturing Company, Inc., relating to $9,700,000 City of
         Janesville, Wisconsin Industrial Development Revenue Bond, Series A.

10.24    Loan Agreement between the City of Shawnee and the Company relating to
         the Indenture of Trust between City of Shawnee, Kansas and State Street
         Bank and Trust Company of Missouri, N.A., as Trustee, dated December 1,
         1996 relating to $5,000,000 Private Activity Revenue Bonds, Series
         1996.

10.25    Loan Agreement dated December 12, 1997 between Simmons Caribbean
         Bedding, Inc. and Banco Santander Puerto Rico.

10.25A   English Language Summary of Appendix to Exhibit 10.25.




                                       63
<PAGE>   64

10.26    Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 29, 1998 among the
         Company, Simmons Holdings and the Purchasers listed on Schedule I
         attached thereto.

10.27    Warrant to purchase 601,346.63 shares of common stock of Simmons
         Holdings.

10.28    Warrant to purchase 2,104,713.22 shares of common stock of Simmons
         Holdings dated October 29, 1998.

10.29    Escrow Agreement dated as of October 29, 1998 by and among Simmons
         Holdings, the Company, Simmons Holdings, LLC and Ropes & Gray, as
         Escrow agent.

10.30*   Employment Agreement between the Company and Zenon S. Nie, dated as of
         November 25, 1993, as amended.

10.31*   Employment Agreement between the Company and Martin R. Passaglia, dated
         as of June 29, 1998, as amended.

10.32*   Employment Agreement between the Company and Jonathan C. Daiker, dated
         as of June 29, 1998, as amended.

10.33*   Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert K. Barton, dated as
         of June 29, 1998, as amended.

10.34*   Employment Agreement between the Company and Joseph Ulicny, dated as of
         June 29, 1998, as amended.

The following are exhibits included in this Form 10-K:

10.35*   Employment Agreement between Simmons Holdings, Inc., the Company and
         Charles R. Eitel, dated as of January 4, 2000.

10.36*   Employment Agreement between Simmons Holdings, Inc., the Company and
         Peter Brink, dated as of February 8, 2000.

10.37*   Separation Agreement dated as of February 22, 2000 by and among Simmons
         Holdings, Inc., the Company and Zenon S. Nie.

10.38*   Separation Agreement and General Release dated as of January 7, 2000 by
         and between the Company and Martin R. Passaglia.

10.39    Second Amendment to Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of March 22,
         2000.

21       Subsidiaries of the Company.

27       Financial Data Schedule.

*        Identifies each exhibit that is a "management contract or compensatory
         plan or arrangement" required to be filed as an exhibit to this Annual
         Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.





                                       64
<PAGE>   65

                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934, Simmons Company has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                 SIMMONS COMPANY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             Signature                                   Title
<S>                                 <C>                                              <C>
By   /s/ Charles R. Eitel           Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief        March 24, 2000
  -------------------------           Executive Officer and Director
         Charles R. Eitel               (Principal Executive Officer)
<CAPTION>

        PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,  THIS REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED
BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE SIMMONS COMPANY AND IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.

<S>                                <C>                                              <C>
By   /s/ Charles R. Eitel          Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief         March 24, 2000
  -------------------------           Executive Officer and Director
         Charles R. Eitel               (Principal Executive Officer)

    /s/ Peter Brink                Executive Vice President--Chief                   March 24, 2000
  -------------------------           Operations Officer and Director
        Peter Brink

   /s/ Roger W. Franklin           Interim Chief Financial Officer                   March 24, 2000
  -------------------------           (Principal Financial and Accounting
       Roger W. Franklin                Officer)


  /s/ Peter Lamm                    Director                                         March 24, 2000
 --------------------------
      Peter Lamm

  /s/ Richard C. Dresdale            Director                                        March 24, 2000
 ---------------------------
      Richard C. Dresdale

  /s/ Mark R. Genender               Director                                        March 24, 2000
 ---------------------------
      Mark R. Genender

</TABLE>



                                       65
<PAGE>   66








                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    SCHEDULE

         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 25, 1999, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 26, 1998, AND
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 27, 1997

                   FORMING A PART OF ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO
                     THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                                    FORM 10-K

                                       OF

                                 SIMMONS COMPANY






                                       66
<PAGE>   67
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                 SIMMONS COMPANY

                         SCHEDULE II - VALUATION ACCOUNT

                   Col. A                           Col. B             Col. C              Col. D             Col. E
- ---------------------------------------------  ------------------ ------------------  -----------------  ------------------
                                                  Balance at                                                Balance at
                                                 Beginning of                                                 End of
                Description                         Period            Additions          Deductions           Period
- ---------------------------------------------  ------------------ ------------------  -----------------  ------------------
                                                                             (in thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>                <C>                <C>                 <C>
Fiscal year ended December 25, 1999                 $4,177             $7,597             $8,325              $3,449
     Allowance for doubtful accounts
Fiscal year ended December 26, 1998                 $3,938             $   75             $ (164)             $4,177
     Allowance for doubtful accounts
</TABLE>







                                       67

<PAGE>   1
                                 Exhibit 10.35

<PAGE>   2


                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


         This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT is made as of January 4, 2000 (the "EFFECTIVE
DATE") among Simmons Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("HOLDINGS"),
Simmons Company, a Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY"), and Charles R. Eitel
(the "EXECUTIVE").

         WHEREAS, the Executive is possessed of certain experience and expertise
in management; and

         WHEREAS, the Company wishes to employ the Executive as its Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer and the Executive wishes to accept such employment.

         NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

1.  EMPLOYMENT.

         1.1. AGREEMENT. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive, and
the Executive hereby agrees to serve the Company, in each case subject to the
terms and conditions set forth herein.

         1.2. TERM. The employment of the Executive by the Company shall be for
the period commencing on the Effective Date and expiring on the date on which
termination of employment is effective pursuant to the provisions of Section 8
(the "TERMINATION DATE"). For all purposes of this Agreement, references to the
"term" of the Executive's employment hereunder shall mean the period commencing
on the Effective Date and ending on the Termination Date.

         2. POSITION AND DUTIES. The Executive shall serve as Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, and shall be accountable to, and shall have
such powers, duties and responsibilities as may from time to time be prescribed
by, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "BOARD"). The Executive shall
perform and discharge, faithfully, diligently, competently and in good faith
such duties and responsibilities. In addition, during the term hereof, the
Company shall cause and maintain the election of the Executive as a member of
the Board, and Holdings shall cause and maintain the election of the Executive
as a member of the board of directors of Holdings. The Executive (a) shall
devote all of his business time and attention and his best efforts and ability
to the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries and (b) shall
not engage in other business activities whether or not compensated (other than
serving on the board of directors of each of Duke-Weeks Realty Corporation and
American Fidelity Assurance Company) during the term of this Agreement without
prior written consent of the Board. The services of the Executive shall be
performed at the offices of the Company in the Metropolitan Area; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that the Executive acknowledges that substantial travel will be
required in view of the


                                      -1-

<PAGE>   3



fact that the Company conducts operations and maintain facilities throughout the
United States and elsewhere around the world.

3.  COMPENSATION.  Subject to all of the terms and conditions hereof and to the
performance by the Executive of his duties and obligations to the Company:

         3.1. SALARY. As compensation for services performed during the term of
his employment hereunder, the Company shall pay the Executive a salary at a rate
of $500,000 per annum or such other amount as may from time to time be
established by the Board (such annual rate of salary in effect from time to time
being referred to as the "SALARY"). The Salary shall be payable in accordance
with the payroll practices of the Company. Except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, the Salary shall be prorated for any period less than a full year.

         3.2. ANNUAL BONUS. As additional compensation for services hereunder,
the Executive shall be eligible for a bonus for each Bonus Year commencing on
the first day of each fiscal year and ending on or prior to the last day of the
term hereof. For the sole purpose of calculating Executive's annual bonus for
fiscal year 2000 pursuant to this Section 3.2, the Executive will be presumed to
have commenced employment with the Company as of the first day of fiscal year
2000. The amount of any such bonus shall be determined based upon the
achievement of specified levels of operating performance by the Company for such
Bonus Year measured by the business plan approved by the Board for such fiscal
year (the "EBITDA PERFORMANCE"). The target bonus payable for any Bonus Year
with respect to the EBITDA Performance shall equal 80% of the Salary. The actual
bonus payable for any Bonus Year with respect to the EBITDA Performance shall be
computed as set forth on Exhibit A. Any bonus payable under this Section 3.2 is
referred to herein as an "ANNUAL BONUS".

         3.3. STOCK OPTIONS. As soon as practicable after the date of
commencement of the Executive's employment hereunder, the Company shall grant to
the Executive under the Company's 1999 Stock Option Plan stock options (the
"STOCK OPTIONS") to purchase 1,350,000 shares of Common Stock of Holdings. The
Stock Options will have an exercise price of $6.7315 per share of Common Stock.
The Stock Options will be issued pursuant to a stock option certificate in
substantially the form of Exhibit B (the "STOCK OPTION CERTIFICATE"). The Stock
Options will vest on the schedule specified in, and in accordance with the terms
of, the Stock Option Certificate. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of
this Section 3.3, in the case of a conflict between this Section 3.3 and the
Stock Option Certificate, the Stock Option Certificate shall govern.

         3.4. BUSINESS EXPENSES. During the term of his employment hereunder,
the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement by the Company
for all reasonable business expenses incurred by him on behalf of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (in accordance with the policies and
procedures established by the Board from time to time for the Company's
executive officers) in performing services hereunder; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
the Executive shall properly account therefor in accordance with requirements
for federal income tax deductibility and the Company's policies and procedures.




                                       2
<PAGE>   4

         3.5. FRINGE BENEFITS. From the period commencing on the Effective Date
and ending on the earliest to occur of (i) the date the Executive elects to
participate in or receive benefits under any life insurance, health and accident
plans, retirement plans, or other similar fringe benefits made available by the
Company and (ii) March 30, 2002, the Executive shall be entitled to
reimbursement of the premium and deductible payments of the medical and dental
policies provided to the Executive by his former employer Interface, Inc. and
its successors. At the election of the Executive, the Executive shall be
entitled to participate in or receive benefits under any life insurance, health
and accident plans, retirement plans and other similar fringe benefit
arrangements made generally available by the Company to its executives and key
management employees, subject to and on a basis consistent with the terms,
conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements.
Notwithstanding any other arrangements that the Company may make available from
time to time to its other executives or key management employees, the Salary,
the bonuses payable under this Agreement and any stock options granted by the
Company to the Executive in accordance with the Agreement shall be in lieu of
the Executive's participation in any other bonus, equity incentive or
equity-type incentive plans established by the Company, except that the
Executive shall be entitled to participate in any supplemental executive
retirement plans, "401(k) plans" and profit sharing plans.

         0.1. VACATIONS. During the term of his employment hereunder, the
Executive shall be entitled to 20 paid working days as vacation in each year and
shall also be entitled to all paid holidays given by the Company to its
employees. The paid vacation days shall be prorated for any period of service
hereunder less than a full year. The Executive shall not be entitled to cash
compensation for any vacation time not taken during the term hereof and shall
not be entitled to accrue unused vacation.

         3.6. TRANSPORTATION STIPEND. During the term of his employment
hereunder, the Executive shall be entitled to a stipend of $1,000 each month to
cover expenses associated with transportation, including leasing or owning an
automobile; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Executive shall properly account
therefor on his federal and applicable state tax returns and related
documentation in accordance with the requirements for federal income tax
deductibility and the Company's policies and procedures.

         3.7. COUNTRY CLUB ALLOWANCE. The Company shall maintain a corporate
membership at The Golf Club of Georgia, and, during the term of his employment
hereunder, the Executive shall be a designated member of such membership. During
the term of his employment hereunder and so long as Executive is a member of
Cherokee Country Club, the Executive shall be entitled to a reimbursement of
monthly membership dues payable to Cherokee Country Club; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that the Executive shall properly account therefor in accordance with the
requirements for federal income tax deductibility and the Company's policies and
procedures.

         3.8. ORGANIZATIONAL FEES. During the term of his employment hereunder,
the Executive shall be entitled to a reimbursement of up to $5,000 per annum to
cover membership fees in the





                                       3
<PAGE>   5

Young Presidents' Organization/World Presidents' Organization and the Society of
International Business Fellows.


4.  OFFICES; SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES.

         4.1. GENERALLY. The Executive agrees to serve during the term of his
employment hereunder, if elected or appointed thereto, in one or more positions
as an officer or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
Affiliates, or as an officer, trustee, director or other fiduciary of any
pension or other employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
or Affiliates. Service in such additional positions will be without additional
compensation except for reimbursement of reasonably related business expenses on
the same terms as provided elsewhere in this Agreement.

         4.2. INDEMNIFICATION. The Company agrees that in connection with the
Executive's service in additional positions as provided under Section 4.1, the
Executive shall be entitled to the benefit of any indemnification provisions in
the charter and by-laws of the Company and any of its Subsidiaries and
Affiliates for which the Executive serves in such an additional position and any
director and officer liability insurance coverage carried by the Company and any
of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates for which the Executive serves as an officer
or director; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this Section 4.2 shall not impose on the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates any obligation to include any
such indemnification provisions in its charter or by-laws or to maintain any
such insurance coverage.

5.  UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE; INVENTIONS.

         5.1. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. The Executive acknowledges that the
Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates continually develop Confidential
Information, that the Executive may develop Confidential Information for the
Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and that the Executive may learn of
Confidential Information during the course of employment. The Executive will
comply with the policies and procedures of the Company and its Subsidiaries and
Affiliates for protecting Confidential Information and agrees not to disclose to
any Person (except as required by applicable law or for the proper performance
of his duties and responsibilities to the Company and its Subsidiaries and
Affiliates), or use for his own benefit or gain, any Confidential Information
obtained by the Executive incident to his employment or other association with
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates. The Executive understands
that this restriction shall continue to apply after his employment terminates,
regardless of the reason for such termination.


                                       -4-

<PAGE>   6



         5.2. PROTECTION OF DOCUMENTS. All documents, records, tapes and other
media of every kind and description relating to the business, present or
otherwise, of the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and any copies, in
whole or in part, thereof (the "DOCUMENTS"), whether or not prepared by the
Executive, shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company or its
Subsidiaries or Affiliates. The Executive shall safeguard all Documents and
shall surrender to the Company at the time his employment terminates, or at such
earlier time or times as the Board or its designee may specify, all Documents
then in the Executive's possession or control.

         5.3. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. Any and all inventions, discoveries,
developments, methods, processes, compositions, works, supplier and customer
lists (including information relating to the generation and updating thereof),
concepts and ideas (whether or not patentable or copyrightable) conceived, made,
developed, created or reduced to practice by the Executive (whether at the
request or suggestion of the Company or otherwise, whether alone or in
conjunction with others, and whether during regular hours of work or otherwise)
prior to or during the term of his employment by the Company and for one year
thereafter, which may be directly or indirectly useful in, or related to, the
business, ventures or other activities of or products manufactured or sold by
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any business or products
contemplated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates while the
Executive was or is an employee, officer or director of the Company
(collectively, "PROPRIETARY RIGHTS"), shall be promptly and fully disclosed by
the Executive to the Board and shall be the exclusive property of the Company as
against the Executive and his successors, heirs, devisees, legatees and assigns,
and the Executive hereby assigns to the Company his entire right, title and
interest therein and shall promptly deliver to the Company all papers, drawings,
models, data and other material relating to any of the foregoing Proprietary
Rights conceived, made, developed, created or reduced to practice by him as
aforesaid. All copyrightable Proprietary Rights shall be considered "works made
for hire." The Executive shall, upon the Company's request and without any
payment therefor, execute any documents necessary or advisable in the opinion of
the Company's counsel to assign, and confirm the Company's title in, his entire
right, title and interest in the foregoing Proprietary Rights and to direct
issuance of patents or copyrights to the Company with respect to such
Proprietary Rights as are the Company's exclusive property as against the
Executive and his successors, heirs, devisees, legatees and assigns under this
Section 5.3 or to vest in the Company title to such Proprietary Rights as
against the Executive and his successors, heirs, devisees, legatees and assigns,
the expense of securing any such patent or copyright, however, to be borne by
the Company.

6.   RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES. The Executive agrees that some restrictions on his
activities during and after his employment are necessary to protect the
goodwill, Confidential Information and other legitimate interests of the Company
and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates:

         6.1. NON-COMPETITION. While the Executive is employed by the Company
and for a period of two years immediately following termination of his
employment (the "NON- COMPETITION PERIOD"), the Executive shall not, directly or
indirectly, whether as owner, partner, investor, consultant, agent, employee,
co-venturer or otherwise, compete with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
Affiliates within the United States in any Competitive Business or undertake any




                                      -5-
<PAGE>   7


planning for any Competitive Business. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, during the Non-Competition Period, the Executive will not solicit or
encourage any Person who is or was a customer of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or Affiliates to terminate its relationship with any of them, or to
conduct with any other Person any business or activity which such customer
conducted or could conduct with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
Affiliates.

         6.2. OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES. The Executive agrees that, during his
employment with the Company, he will not undertake any outside activity (other
than serving on the board of directors of each of Duke-Weeks Realty Corporation
and American Home Assurance Company), whether or not competitive with the
business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, that could
reasonably give rise to a conflict of interest or otherwise interfere with his
duties and obligations to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

         6.3. NON-SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES. Acknowledging the strong interest
of the Company in an undisrupted workplace, the Executive further agrees that
while he is employed by the Company and for a period of two years immediately
following termination of his employment, the Executive will not (a) hire or
attempt to hire any employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
Affiliates for employment by any other Person, assist in such hiring by any
Person or seek to persuade any employee of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or Affiliates to discontinue employment with the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or (b) solicit or encourage any independent
contractor providing services to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
Affiliates to terminate or diminish its relationship with the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

         6.4. OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES. Notwithstanding the provisions of this
Sections 6, the Executive shall have the right to acquire as a passive investor
(with no involvement in the operations or management of the business) up to 1%
of any class of securities which is (a) issued by any Person engaged in a
Competitive Business and (b) publicly traded on a national securities exchange
or over-the-counter market.

7.  ENFORCEMENT OF COVENANTS. The Executive acknowledges that he has carefully
read and considered all the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including
the restraints imposed upon him pursuant to Sections 5 and 6. The Executive
agrees that such restraints are necessary for the reasonable and proper
protection of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates and that each and
every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length
of time and geographic area. The Executive further acknowledges that, were he to
breach any of the covenants contained in Section 5 or 6, the damage to the
Company would be irreparable. The Executive therefore agrees that the Company,
in addition to any other remedies available to it, shall be entitled to
preliminary and permanent injunctive relief against any breach or threatened
breach by the Executive of any of such covenants, without having to post bond.
The parties further agree that, in the event that any provision of Section 5 or
6 shall be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable
by reason of its being extended over too great a time, too large a geographic
area or too great a range of activities, such provision shall be deemed to be
modified to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law.



                                      -6-
<PAGE>   8

8.  TERMINATION.

         8.1. DEATH. The Executive's employment hereunder shall terminate upon
his death.

         8.2. INCAPACITY. If the Executive shall have been unable to perform his
duties hereunder by reason of any physical or mental illness, injury or other
incapacity (a) for any period of 60 consecutive days or (b) for a total of 120
days in any period of 12 consecutive calendar months, in the reasonable judgment
of the Board, after consultation with such experts, if any, as the Board may
deem necessary or advisable, the Company may terminate the Executive's
employment hereunder by written notice to the Executive.

         8.3. CAUSE. The Company may terminate the Executive's employment
hereunder for Cause at any time upon written notice to the Executive. For the
purposes of this Agreement, the Company shall have "CAUSE" to terminate the
Executive's employment hereunder upon: (a) the Executive's breach of any of his
obligations set forth in this Agreement, which breach is not cured within 15
days after receipt by the Executive from the Board of written notice of such
breach; (b) the Executive's breach of his fiduciary duties as an officer or
director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or as an
officer, trustee, director or other fiduciary of any pension or employee benefit
plan of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates; (c) the
Executive's commission of a felony involving fraud, personal dishonesty or moral
turpitude (whether or not in connection with his employment); or (d) the
Executive's failure to follow the reasonable instructions of the Board, which
failure does not cease within 15 days after receipt by the Executive from the
Board of written notice of such failure.

         8.4. OTHER THAN FOR CAUSE. The Company may terminate the Executive's
employment hereunder other than for Cause at any time upon written notice to the
Executive.

         8.5. GOOD REASON. The Executive may terminate the Executive's
employment hereunder for Good Reason at any time upon 60 days' prior written
notice to the Company. In the event of termination of the Executive pursuant to
this Section 8.5, the Board may elect to waive the period of notice or any
portion thereof. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Executive shall have
"GOOD REASON" to terminate the Executive's employment hereunder upon: (a)
material diminution in the nature or scope of Executive's responsibilities,
duties or authority, in each case except in the event of termination of the
Executive's employment pursuant to Section 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 or 8.6; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that the Company's failure to continue Executive's appointment or
election as a director or officer of any of its Affiliates and any diminution of
the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates, including without
limitation the sale or transfer of any or all of the assets of the Company or
any of its Affiliates, shall not constitute "Good Reason", or (b) material
failure of the Company to provide Executive the Salary and benefits in
accordance with the terms of Section 3 hereof.

         8.6. OTHER THAN FOR GOOD REASON. The Executive may terminate his
employment hereunder at any time upon 60 days' prior written notice to the
Company. In the event of




                                      -7-
<PAGE>   9

termination of the Executive pursuant to this Section 8.6, the Board may elect
to waive the period of notice, or any portion thereof.

9.  COMPENSATION UPON TERMINATION.

         9.1. DEATH. In the event of the Executive's death during the term
hereof, the Company shall pay or transfer, as the case may be, to the
Executive's designated beneficiary or, if no beneficiary has been designated by
the Executive, to his estate, (a) his Salary that is earned and unpaid at the
date of death and (b) on the earlier of (i) the date of the release of the
audited financial statements of the Company for the Bonus Year during which
death occurs or (ii) the date which is 120 days after the end of such Bonus
Year, an amount equal to the product of (A) the Annual Bonus that the Executive
would otherwise have earned for such Bonus Year if death had not occurred
MULTIPLIED BY (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days from
the beginning of such Bonus Year until the date of death and the denominator of
which is 365.

         9.2. INCAPACITY. If the Executive's employment shall be terminated by
reason of his incapacity pursuant to Section 8.2, the Company shall (a) continue
to pay the Executive his Salary through the Termination Date and (b) pay the
Executive on the earlier of (i) the date of the release of the audited financial
statements of the Company for the Bonus Year during which termination pursuant
to Section 8.2 occurs or (ii) the date which is 120 days after the end of such
Bonus Year, an amount equal to the product of (A) the Annual Bonus that the
Executive would otherwise have earned for such Bonus Year if termination
pursuant to Section 8.2 had not occurred MULTIPLIED BY (B) a fraction, the
numerator of which is the number of days from the beginning of such Bonus Year
until the date of termination pursuant to Section 8.2 and the denominator of
which is 365.

         9.3. CAUSE. If the Company shall terminate the Executive's employment
for Cause, the Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive under
this Agreement other than payment of his Salary through the Termination Date.

         9.4. OTHER THAN FOR CAUSE; GOOD REASON. If the Company shall terminate
the Executive's employment pursuant to Section 8.4 or the Executive shall
terminate the Executive's employment pursuant to Section 8.5, then the Company
shall pay to the Executive:

                  (a) as soon as reasonably practicable after the Termination
         Date, his Salary through the Termination Date;

                  (b) as soon as reasonably practicable after the Termination
         Date, his Annual Bonus as described in Section 3.2; provided that for
         purposes of computing the Annual Bonus payment under this Section 9.4,
         the budgeted EBITDA target on the date the Executive's employment
         terminates shall be an amount equal to the product of (A) the budgeted
         EBITDA target for the fiscal year in which the Executive's employment
         terminates MULTIPLIED BY (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the
         number of days from




                                      -8-
<PAGE>   10

         the beginning of the Bonus Year during which such termination occurs
         until the date of such termination and the denominator of which is 365;
         and

                  (c) until the second anniversary of the Termination Date,
         severance at a rate equal to 100% of his Salary in effect at the time
         notice of termination is given, such severance to be paid on a monthly
         basis or such other time increment as the Executive and the Company
         mutually agree.

With respect to any termination of employment to which this Section 9.4 applies,
until the earlier to occur of (1) the second anniversary of the Termination Date
or (2) the date on which the Executive commences other employment in connection
with which the Executive receives medical and dental benefits substantially
comparable to those made available by the Company (including self-employment or
engaging in an enterprise as a sole proprietor or partner) (the "BENEFITS
TERMINATION DATE"), the Company shall, if medical and dental insurance coverage
was not being provided by Interface, Inc. and the Executive was participating in
any Company medical and dental insurance plans pursuant to Section 3.5
immediately prior to the effectiveness of his termination of employment and
subject to any employee contribution applicable to the Executive immediately
prior to such effectiveness, continue to contribute to the cost of the
Executive's participation in such medical and dental insurance plans so long as
the Executive is entitled to continue such participation under applicable law
and plan terms. The obligations of the Company to the Executive under this
Section 9.4 (other than clause (a) of the first sentence of this Section 9.4)
are conditioned upon the Executive's signing a release of claims in the form of
Exhibit C (the "RELEASE") within 28 days of the date on which notice of
termination is given and upon such Release remaining in full force and effect
thereafter. All severance payments under this Section 9.4 will be in the form of
salary continuation, payable in accordance with the normal payroll practices of
the Company and will begin at the Company's next regular payroll period
following the effective date of the Release, but shall be retroactive to the
Termination Date.

         9.5. OTHER THAN FOR GOOD REASON. If the Executive shall terminate his
employment pursuant to Section 8.6, the Company shall have no further
obligations to the Executive under this Agreement other than payment of his
Salary through the Termination Date (it being understood that if, in accordance
with Section 8.6, the Board elects to waive the period of notice, or any portion
thereof, the payment of Salary under this Section 9.5 shall continue through the
notice period or any portion thereof so waived).

         9.6. POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS GENERALLY. Except as expressly set
forth in this Section 9 and the Stock Option Certificate, the Company shall have
no further obligations to the Executive following expiration of the term of the
Executive's employment hereunder, and performance by the Company of any
obligation specifically provided in this Section 9 shall constitute full
settlement of any claim that the Executive may have on account of such
termination against the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates and all of
their respective past and present officers, directors, stockholders, controlling
Persons, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns and all
other others connected with any of them, both individually and in their official
capacities.




                                      -9-
<PAGE>   11

10.  CONFLICTING AGREEMENTS. Executive hereby represents and warrants that the
execution of this Agreement and the performance of Executive's obligations
hereunder will not breach or be in conflict with any other agreement to which
Executive is a party or is bound and that Executive is not now subject to any
covenants against competition, nonsolicitation or similar covenants that would
affect the performance of Executive's obligations hereunder or would restrict
the Company in its operations, including hiring any additional executives.
Executive has provided the Company with a true and correct copy of all
agreements between Executive and Executive's former employer or employers and
any similar agreements governing Executive's rights and obligations relating to
any former employer. Executive will not disclose to or use on behalf of the
Company any confidential or proprietary information of a third party without
such party's consent.

11.  WITHHOLDING. All payments made by the Company under this Agreement shall be
net of any tax or other amounts required to be withheld by the Company under any
applicable law or legal requirement.

12.  NOTICES. All notices, requests and demands to or upon the parties hereto to
be effective shall be in writing, by facsimile, by overnight courier or by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, and
shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon: (a) delivery by hand, (b)
one business day after being sent by nationally recognized overnight courier; or
(c) in the case of transmission by facsimile, when confirmation of receipt is
obtained. Such communications shall be addressed and directed to the parties as
follows (or to such other address as either party shall designate by giving like
notice of such change to the other party):

                  If to the Executive:

                           Charles R. Eitel
                           1245 West Garmon Road, N.W.
                           Atlanta, Georgia  30327
                           Facsimile:  (404) 816-9613

                  If to the Company:

                           Simmons Company
                           c/o Fenway Partners, Inc.
                           152 West 57th Street, 59th Floor
                           New York, NY  10019
                           Attention:  Richard C. Dresdale
                           Facsimile:  (212) 757-0609




                                      -10-
<PAGE>   12

                  with a copy to:

                           Ropes & Gray
                           One International Place
                           Boston, MA  02110
                           Attention:  Lauren I. Norton, Esq.
                           Facsimile:  (617) 951-7050

13. DEFINITIONS; CERTAIN RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. Certain capitalized terms are
used in this Agreement with the specific meanings defined below in this Section
13. Except as otherwise explicitly specified to the contrary or unless the
context clearly requires otherwise, (a) the capitalized term "Section" refers to
sections of this Agreement, (b) the capitalized term "Exhibit" refers to
exhibits to this Agreement, (c) references to a particular Section include all
subsections thereof, (d) the word "including" shall be construed as "including
without limitation" and (e) references to "$" mean United States dollars.

         13.1.  "AAA" is defined in Section 19.

         13.2. "AFFILIATE" shall mean (a) any Person directly or indirectly
controlling, controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the
Company (or other specified Person), (b) any other Person which, together with
its Affiliates (as defined in clause (a) above), shall, directly or indirectly,
own beneficially or control the voting of at least 10% of the ownership interest
in the Company (or other specified Person) and (c) any other Person of which the
Company (or other specified Person) and its Affiliates (as defined in clauses
(a) and (b) above) shall, directly or indirectly, own beneficially or control
the voting of at least 10% of any class of outstanding capital stock or other
evidence of beneficial interest or of any interest as a general partner or joint
venturer.

         13.3. "ANNUAL BONUS" is defined in Section 3.2.2.

         13.4. "BENEFITS TERMINATION DATE" is defined in Section 9.4.

         13.5. "BONUS YEAR" means fiscal year of the Company, PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that in the event the fiscal year of the Company is changed, any calculations
made under Section 3.2 and Exhibit A shall be proportionately adjusted as the
Board, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall deem appropriate.

         13.6. "BOARD" is defined in Section 2.

         13.7. "CAUSE" is defined in Section 8.3.

         13.8. "COMMON STOCK" means the common stock, $.01 par value, of
Holdings.

         13.9. "COMPANY" is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.




                                      -11-
<PAGE>   13

         13.10. "COMPETITIVE BUSINESS" means any business conducted or proposed
to be conducted by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries during the term of the
Executive's employment with the Company.

         13.11. "CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION" means any and all information of the
Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates that is not generally known by
others with whom they compete or do business, or with whom they actively plan to
compete or do business, including such information relating to (a) the
development, research, testing, manufacturing, marketing and financial
activities of the Company and its subsidiaries, (b) the Products, (c) the costs,
sources of supply, financial performance and strategic plans of the Company and
its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, (d) the identity and special needs of the
customers of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates and (e) the people
and organizations with whom the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates have
business relationships and those relationships, but excluding information which
(i) is generally available to and known by the public or (ii) is or becomes
known on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Executive.

         13.12.  "DOCUMENTS" is defined in Section 5.2.

         13.13.  "EBITDA PERFORMANCE" is defined in Section 3.2.

         13.14.  "EFFECTIVE DATE" is defined in the preamble.

         13.15.  "EXECUTIVE" is defined in the preamble.

         13.16.  "FENWAY" means Fenway Capital Partners Fund, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership, and Fenway Capital Partners Fund II, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership.

         13.17.  "GOOD REASON" is defined in Section 8.5.

         13.18.  "HOLDINGS" means Simmons Holdings, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

         13.19.  "METROPOLITAN AREA" means the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan
area.

         13.20.  "NON-COMPETITION PERIOD" is defined in Section 6.1.

         13.21.  "PERSON" means any individual, partnership, corporation,
association, trust, joint venture, limited liability company, unincorporated
organization or entity, and any government, governmental department or agency
or political subdivision thereof.

         13.22.  "PRODUCTS" means all products planned, researched, developed,
tested, manufactured, sold, licensed, leased or otherwise distributed or put
into use by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, together with
all services provided or planned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
Affiliates, during the Executive's employment.




                                     -12-
<PAGE>   14

         13.23.  "PROPRIETARY RIGHTS" is defined in Section 5.3.

         13.24.  "RELEASE" is defined in Section 9.4.

         13.25.  "SALARY" is defined in Section 3.1.

         13.26.  "STOCK OPTION CERTIFICATE" is defined in Section 3.3.

         13.27.  "STOCK OPTIONS" is defined in Section 3.3.

         13.28. "SUBSIDIARY" means any Person of which the Company (or other
specified Person) shall, directly or indirectly, own beneficially or control the
voting of at least a majority of the outstanding capital stock (or other shares
of beneficial interest) entitled to vote generally or at least a majority of the
partnership, joint venture or similar interests, or in which the Company (or
other specified Person) or a Subsidiary thereof shall be a general partner or
joint venturer without limited liability.

         13.29.  "TERMINATION DATE" is defined in Section 1.2.

14.   MISCELLANEOUS. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or
discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is approved by the
Board and agreed to in writing by the Executive and such officer as may be
specifically authorized by the Board in connection with such approval. No
waiver by either party hereto at any time of compliance with or of any breach
by the other party hereto of any condition or provision of this Agreement to be
performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar
provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No
agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with
respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are
not set forth expressly in this Agreement. The validity, interpretation,
construction and performance of this Agreement and the legal relations created
thereby shall be governed by the domestic substantive laws of the State of
Georgia without giving effect to any choice or conflict of laws provision or
rule that would cause the application of the domestic substantive laws of any
other jurisdiction. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that, because the
Company's legal remedies may be inadequate in the event of a breach of, or
other failure to perform, any of the covenants and agreements set forth in
Section 5 or 6 by the Executive, the Company may, in addition to obtaining any
other remedy or relief available to it (including damages at law), enforce the
provisions of Sections 5 and 6 by injunction and other equitable relief.

15.   SEVERABILITY. If any portion or provision of this Agreement shall to any
extent be declared illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent
jurisdiction, then the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such
portion or provision in circumstances other than those as to which it is so
declared illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each
portion and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the
fullest extent permitted by law.





                                     -13-
<PAGE>   15

16.   COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

17.   ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement (together with the Stock Option
Certificate) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and
supersedes any and all prior communications, agreements and understandings,
written or oral, with respect to the terms and conditions of the Executive's
employment with the Company.

18.   ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon (a) the Executive, his personal or legal representatives, executors,
administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees and (b)
the Company and its successors (including by means of reorganization, merger,
consolidation or liquidation) and permitted assigns. The Company may assign
this Agreement to any of its Subsidiaries or to any successor of the Company by
reorganization, merger, consolidation or liquidation and any transferee of all
or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company or of any
division or line of business of the Company with which the Executive is at any
time associated. The Company requires the personal services of the Executive
hereunder and the Executive may not assign this Agreement.

19. ARBITRATION. With the exception of Sections 5 and 6, any unresolved dispute
or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be
settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted by a single arbitrator in
Atlanta, Georgia in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of
Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") then in
effect; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the parties may agree to use an arbitrator
other than those provided by the AAA. The arbitrator shall not have the
authority to add to, detract from, or modify, any provision hereof nor to award
punitive damages to any injured party. The arbitrator shall have the authority
to order back-pay, severance compensation, reimbursement of costs (including
those incurred to enforce this Agreement), together with interest thereon. A
decision by a the arbitrator shall be final and binding. Judgment may be
entered on the arbitrator's award in any court having competent jurisdiction.
Responsibility for bearing the cost of the arbitration shall be determined by
the arbitrator and shall be proportional to the arbitrator's decision on the
merits.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have hereunto set their hands
under seal, as of the date first above written.

                                     THE COMPANY:

                                     SIMMONS COMPANY


                                     By_________________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:




                                     -14-
<PAGE>   16


                                     HOLDINGS (SOLELY FOR
                                     PURPOSES OF SECTION 2
                                     HEREOF):


                                     SIMMONS HOLDINGS, INC.


                                     By:  ___________________________________
                                            Name:
                                            Title:


                                     THE EXECUTIVE:


                                     -----------------------------------
                                     Charles R. Eitel






                                     -15-

<PAGE>   1
                                 Exhibit 10.36


<PAGE>   2

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


         This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT is made as of February 8, 2000 (the
"EFFECTIVE DATE") between Simmons Company, a Delaware corporation (the
"COMPANY"), and Peter Brink (the "EXECUTIVE").

         WHEREAS, the Executive is possessed of certain experience and
expertise in management; and

         WHEREAS, the Company wishes to employ the Executive as Executive Vice
President and Chief Operations Officer and the Executive wishes to accept such
employment.

         NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

1.  EMPLOYMENT.

         1.1. AGREEMENT. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive, and
the Executive hereby agrees to serve the Company, in each case subject to the
terms and conditions set forth herein.

         1.2. TERM. The employment of the Executive by the Company shall be for
the period commencing on the Effective Date and expiring on the date on which
termination of employment is effective pursuant to the provisions of Section 8
(the "TERMINATION DATE"). For all purposes of this Agreement, references to the
"term" of the Executive's employment hereunder shall mean the period commencing
on the Effective Date and ending on the Termination Date.

2.  POSITION AND DUTIES. The Executive shall serve as Executive Vice President
and Chief Operations Officer of the Company, and shall be accountable to, and
shall have such powers, duties and responsibilities as shall be consistent
therewith as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors of
the Company (the "BOARD"). The Executive shall perform and discharge,
faithfully, diligently, competently and in good faith such duties and
responsibilities. The Executive (a) shall devote all of his business time and
attention and his best efforts and ability to the business and affairs of the
Company and its Subsidiaries and (b) shall not engage in other business
activities whether or not compensated during the term of this Agreement without
prior written consent of the Board. The services of the Executive shall be
performed at the offices of the Company in the Metropolitan Area; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that the Executive acknowledges that substantial travel will be
required in view of the fact that the Company conducts operations and maintain
facilities throughout the United States and elsewhere around the world.


<PAGE>   3




3.  COMPENSATION.  Subject to all of the terms and conditions hereof and to the
performance by the Executive of his duties and obligations to the Company:

         3.1. SALARY. As compensation for services performed during the term of
his employment hereunder, the Company shall pay the Executive a base salary at
a rate of $325,000 per annum or such other amount as may be increased from time
to time by the Board (such annual rate of salary in effect from time to time
being referred to as the "SALARY"). The Salary shall be payable in accordance
with the payroll practices of the Company. Except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, the Salary shall be prorated for any period less than a full year.

         3.2. ANNUAL BONUS. As additional compensation for services hereunder,
the Executive shall be eligible for a bonus for each Bonus Year commencing on
the first day of each fiscal year and ending on or prior to the last day of the
term hereof. For the sole purpose of calculating Executive's annual bonus for
fiscal year 2000 pursuant to this Section 3.2, the Executive will be presumed
to have commenced employment with the Company as of the first day of fiscal
year 2000. The amount of any such bonus shall be determined based upon the
achievement of specified levels of operating performance by the Company for
such Bonus Year measured by the business plan approved by the Board for such
fiscal year (the "EBITDA PERFORMANCE"). The target bonus payable for any Bonus
Year with respect to the EBITDA Performance shall equal 60% of the Salary. The
actual bonus payable for any Bonus Year with respect to the EBITDA Performance
shall be computed as set forth on Exhibit A. Any bonus payable under this
Section 3.2 is referred to herein as an "ANNUAL BONUS".

         3.3. STOCK OPTIONS. As soon as practicable after the date of
commencement of the Executive's employment hereunder, the Company shall grant
to the Executive under the Company's 1999 Stock Option Plan stock options (the
"STOCK OPTIONS") to purchase 500,000 shares of Common Stock of Holdings,
250,000 of which will be Regular Options (as defined in the stock option
certificate) and 250,000 of which will be Superincentive Options (as defined in
the stock option certificate). The Stock Options will have an exercise price of
$6.7315 per share of Common Stock. The Stock Options will be issued pursuant to
a stock option certificate in substantially the form of Exhibit B (the "STOCK
OPTION CERTIFICATE"). The Stock Options will vest on the schedule specified in,
and in accordance with the terms of, the Stock Option Certificate.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.3, in the case of a
conflict between this Section 3.3 and the Stock Option Certificate, the Stock
Option Certificate shall govern.

         3.4. BUSINESS EXPENSES. During the term of his employment hereunder,
the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement by the Company
for all reasonable business expenses incurred by him on behalf of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (in accordance with the policies and
procedures established by the Board from time to time for the Company's
executive officers) in performing services hereunder; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
the Executive shall properly account therefor in accordance with requirements
for federal income tax deductibility and the Company's policies and procedures.




                                      -2-
<PAGE>   4

         3.5. FRINGE BENEFITS. The Executive shall be entitled to participate
in or receive benefits under any life insurance, health and accident plans,
retirement plans and other similar fringe benefit arrangements made generally
available by the Company to its executives and key management employees,
subject to and on a basis consistent with the terms, conditions and overall
administration of such plans and arrangements. Notwithstanding any other
arrangements that the Company may make available from time to time to its other
executives or key management employees, the Salary, the bonuses payable under
this Agreement and any stock options granted by the Company to the Executive in
accordance with the Agreement shall be in lieu of the Executive's participation
in any other bonus, equity incentive or equity-type incentive plans established
by the Company, except that the Executive shall be entitled to participate in
any supplemental executive retirement plans, "401(k) plans" and profit sharing
plans.

         0.1. VACATIONS. During the term of his employment hereunder, the
Executive shall be entitled to 20 paid working days as vacation in each year
and shall also be entitled to all paid holidays given by the Company to its
employees. For the sole purpose of calculating paid vacation days pursuant to
this Section 3.6, the Executive will be presumed to have commenced employment
with the Company as of the first day of fiscal year 2000. The paid vacation
days shall be prorated for any period of service hereunder less than a full
year. The Executive shall not be entitled to cash compensation for any vacation
time not taken during the term hereof and shall not be entitled to accrue
unused vacation.

         3.6. RELOCATION ASSISTANCE. The Company shall reimburse the Executive
for the reasonable costs associated with the closing of the sale of the
Executive's Westport, Connecticut home (including attorney's fees and brokers'
fees) and costs associated with the relocation of the Executive's personal
property from Westport, Connecticut to the Metropolitan Area; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that the Executive shall properly account therefor in accordance with
the requirements for federal income tax deductibility and the Company's
policies and procedures. If the Executive purchases a house or condominium in
the Metropolitan Area, then the Company shall reimburse the Executive for the
costs associated with the closing of such purchase (including loan organization
fees, attorney's fees and brokers' fees); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Executive
shall properly account therefor in accordance with the requirements for federal
income tax deductibility and the Company's policies and procedures. In addition
to the foregoing, the reimbursement owed to the Executive under this Section
3.7 shall be increased by the aggregate amount, computed at the highest
applicable marginal tax rate, of federal, state and local income taxes for
which the Executive will be liable on account of such reimbursement to be made
under this Section 3.7.

         3.7. TEMPORARY LIVING ALLOWANCE. During the term of his employment
hereunder, while the Executive is providing services to the Company in the
Metropolitan Area, the Company agrees to provide Executive a reasonable housing
and food allowance until the date on which the Executive relocates from
Westport, Connecticut to the Metropolitan Area.

         3.8. TRAVEL EXPENSES. During the term of his employment hereunder,
until the date on which the Executive relocates from Westport, Connecticut to
the Metropolitan Area, the





                                      -3-
<PAGE>   5

Executive shall be entitled to receive reimbursement by the Company for all
reasonable travel expenses incurred by him in connection with travel between
Westport, Connecticut and the Metropolitan Area, provided that appropriate
documentation evidencing such expenses is submitted to the Company; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that such reimbursement shall not exceed $2,000.00 per month.

         3.10. AUTOMOBILE STIPEND. During the term of employment hereunder, the
Executive shall be entitled to a stipend of up to $750.00 each month to cover
expenses associated with leasing or owning an automobile; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that the Executive shall properly account therefor on his federal and
applicable state tax returns and related documentation in accordance with the
requirements for federal income tax deductibility and the Company's policies
and procedures.

4.  OFFICES; SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES.

         4.1. GENERALLY. The Executive agrees to serve during the term of his
employment hereunder, if elected or appointed thereto, in one or more positions
as an officer or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
Affiliates, or as an officer, trustee, director or other fiduciary of any
pension or other employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or Affiliates. Service in such additional positions will be
without additional compensation except for reimbursement of reasonably related
business expenses on the same terms as provided elsewhere in this Agreement.

         4.2. INDEMNIFICATION. The Company agrees that in connection with the
Executive's service in additional positions as provided under Section 4.1, the
Executive shall be entitled to the benefit of any indemnification provisions in
the charter and by-laws of the Company and any of its Subsidiaries and
Affiliates for which the Executive serves in such an additional position and
any director and officer liability insurance coverage carried by the Company
and any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates for which the Executive serves as an
officer or director; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this Section 4.2 shall not impose
on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates any obligation to
include any such indemnification provisions in its charter or by-laws or to
maintain any such insurance coverage.

5.  UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE; INVENTIONS.






                                      -4-
<PAGE>   6

         5.1. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. The Executive acknowledges that the
Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates continually develop Confidential
Information, that the Executive may develop Confidential Information for the
Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and that the Executive may learn of
Confidential Information during the course of employment. The Executive will
comply with the policies and procedures of the Company and its Subsidiaries and
Affiliates for protecting Confidential Information and agrees not to disclose
to any Person (except as required by applicable law or for the proper
performance of his duties and responsibilities to the Company and its
Subsidiaries and Affiliates), or use for his own benefit or gain, any
Confidential Information obtained by the Executive incident to his employment
or other association with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.
The Executive understands that this restriction shall continue to apply after
his employment terminates, regardless of the reason for such termination.

         5.2. PROTECTION OF DOCUMENTS. All documents, records, tapes and other
media of every kind and description relating to the business, present or
otherwise, of the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and any copies, in
whole or in part, thereof (the "DOCUMENTS"), whether or not prepared by the
Executive, shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company or its
Subsidiaries or Affiliates. The Executive shall safeguard all Documents and
shall surrender to the Company at the time his employment terminates, or at
such earlier time or times as the Board or its designee may specify, all
Documents then in the Executive's possession or control.

         5.3. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. Any and all inventions, discoveries,
developments, methods, processes, compositions, works, supplier and customer
lists (including information relating to the generation and updating thereof),
concepts and ideas (whether or not patentable or copyrightable) conceived,
made, developed, created or reduced to practice by the Executive (whether at
the request or suggestion of the Company or otherwise, whether alone or in
conjunction with others, and whether during regular hours of work or otherwise)
during the term of his employment by the Company and for one year thereafter,
which may be directly or indirectly useful in, or related to, the business,
ventures or other activities of or products manufactured or sold by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any business or products
contemplated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates while the
Executive was or is an employee, officer or director of the Company
(collectively, "PROPRIETARY RIGHTS"), shall be promptly and fully disclosed by
the Executive to the Board and shall be the exclusive property of the Company
as against the Executive and his successors, heirs, devisees, legatees and
assigns, and the Executive hereby assigns to the Company his entire right,
title and interest therein and shall promptly deliver to the Company all
papers, drawings, models, data and other material relating to any of the
foregoing Proprietary Rights conceived, made, developed, created or reduced to
practice by him as aforesaid. All copyrightable Proprietary Rights shall be
considered "works made for hire." The Executive shall, upon the Company's
request and without any payment therefor, execute any documents necessary or
advisable in the opinion of the Company's counsel to assign, and confirm the
Company's title in, his entire right, title and interest in the foregoing
Proprietary Rights and to direct issuance of patents or copyrights to the
Company with respect to such Proprietary Rights as are the Company's exclusive
property as against the Executive and his successors, heirs, devisees, legatees
and assigns under this Section 5.3 or to vest in the Company title to such





                                      -5-
<PAGE>   7

Proprietary Rights as against the Executive and his successors, heirs,
devisees, legatees and assigns, the expense of securing any such patent or
copyright, however, to be borne by the Company. In the event the Executive is
not employed by the Company at the time a request for the Executive's
assistance is made by the Company pursuant to this Section 5.3, (a) the Company
shall reimburse the Executive for reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive
in assisting the Company, provided that appropriate documentation evidencing
such expenses is submitted to the Company and (b) the Company shall use its
reasonable best efforts to schedule any such assistance so as not to interfere
with the Executive's employment at such time.

6.   RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES. The Executive agrees that some restrictions on his
activities during and after his employment are necessary to protect the
goodwill, Confidential Information and other legitimate interests of the
Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates:

         6.1. NON-COMPETITION. While the Executive is employed by the Company
and for a period which is the earlier of (a) two years immediately following
termination of his employment and (b) after the first anniversary of the
Termination Date, the date on which the Executive elects not to receive
severance pursuant to Section 9.4(c) hereof (the "NON- COMPETITION PERIOD"),
the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, whether as owner, partner,
investor, consultant, agent, employee, co-venturer or otherwise, compete with
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates within the United States
in any Competitive Business or undertake any planning for any Competitive
Business. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, during the
Non-Competition Period, the Executive will not solicit or encourage any Person
who is or was a customer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
Affiliates to terminate its relationship with any of them, or to conduct with
any other Person any business or activity which such customer conducted at the
termination of the Executive's employment or could conduct with the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

         6.2. OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES. The Executive agrees that, during his
employment with the Company, he will not undertake any outside activity,
whether or not competitive with the business of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or Affiliates, that could reasonably give rise to a conflict of
interest or otherwise interfere with his duties and obligations to the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Executive
shall be permitted to spend a reasonable period, which period shall not exceed
sixty days from the Effective Date, assisting in the transition of his
employment from Paramount Headwear, Inc. to the Company.

         6.3. NON-SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES. Acknowledging the strong interest
of the Company in an undisrupted workplace, the Executive further agrees that
while he is employed by the Company and for a period which is the earlier of
(a) two years immediately following termination of his employment and (b) after
the first anniversary of the Termination Date, the date on which the Executive
elects not to receive severance pursuant to Section 9.4(c) hereof, the
Executive will not (a) hire or attempt to hire any employee of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates for employment by any other Person,
assist in such hiring by any Person or seek to persuade any employee of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates to discontinue employment with
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or (b) solicit or
encourage any independent contractor providing services to the Company or
any of its




                                      -6-
<PAGE>   8

Subsidiaries or Affiliates to terminate or diminish its relationship with the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

         6.4. OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES. Notwithstanding the provisions of this
Sections 6, the Executive shall have the right to acquire as a passive investor
(with no involvement in the operations or management of the business) up to 1%
of any class of securities which is (a) issued by any Person engaged in a
Competitive Business and (b) publicly traded on a national securities exchange
or over-the-counter market.

7. ENFORCEMENT OF COVENANTS. The Executive acknowledges that he has carefully
read and considered all the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including
the restraints imposed upon him pursuant to Sections 5 and 6. The Executive
agrees that such restraints are necessary for the reasonable and proper
protection of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates and that each and
every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length
of time and geographic area. The Executive further acknowledges that, were he
to breach any of the covenants contained in Section 5 or 6, the damage to the
Company would be irreparable. The Executive therefore agrees that the Company,
in addition to any other remedies available to it, shall be entitled to obtain
preliminary and permanent injunctive relief against any breach or threatened
breach by the Executive of any of such covenants, without having to post bond.
The parties further agree that, in the event that any provision of Section 5 or
6 shall be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be
unenforceable by reason of its being extended over too great a time, too large
a geographic area or too great a range of activities, such provision shall be
deemed to be modified to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted
by law.

8.  TERMINATION.

         8.1. DEATH. The Executive's employment hereunder shall terminate upon
his death.

         8.2. INCAPACITY. If the Executive shall have been unable to perform
his duties hereunder by reason of any physical or mental illness, injury or
other incapacity (a) for any period of 60 consecutive days or (b) for a total
of 120 days in any period of 12 consecutive calendar months, in the reasonable
judgment of the Board, after consultation with such experts, if any, as the
Board may deem necessary or advisable, the Company may terminate the
Executive's employment hereunder by written notice to the Executive.

         8.3. CAUSE. The Company may terminate the Executive's employment
hereunder for Cause at any time upon written notice to the Executive. For the
purposes of this Agreement, the Company shall have "CAUSE" to terminate the
Executive's employment hereunder upon: (a) the Executive's breach of any of his
obligations set forth in this Agreement, which breach is not cured within 15
days after receipt by the Executive from the Board of written notice of such
breach; (b) the Executive's breach of his fiduciary duties as an officer or
director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or as an
officer, trustee, director or other fiduciary of any pension or employee
benefit plan of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates; (c) the




                                      -7-
<PAGE>   9

Executive's commission of a felony involving fraud, personal dishonesty or
moral turpitude (whether or not in connection with his employment); or (d) the
Executive's failure to follow the reasonable instructions of the Board, which
failure does not cease within 15 days after receipt by the Executive from the
Board of written notice of such failure.

         8.4. OTHER THAN FOR CAUSE. The Company may terminate the Executive's
employment hereunder other than for Cause at any time upon written notice to
the Executive.

         8.5. GOOD REASON. The Executive may terminate the Executive's
employment hereunder for Good Reason at any time upon 60 days' prior written
notice to the Company. In the event of termination of the Executive pursuant to
this Section 8.5, the Board may elect to waive the period of notice or any
portion thereof. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Executive shall have
"GOOD REASON" to terminate the Executive's employment hereunder upon: (a)
material diminution in the nature or scope of Executive's responsibilities,
duties or authority, in each case except in the event of termination of the
Executive's employment pursuant to Section 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 or 8.6; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that the Company's failure to continue Executive's appointment or
election as a director or officer of any of its Affiliates and any diminution
of the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates, including without
limitation the sale or transfer of any or all of the assets of the Company or
any of its Affiliates, shall not constitute "Good Reason", or (b) material
failure of the Company to provide Executive the Salary and benefits in
accordance with the terms of Section 3 hereof.

         8.6. OTHER THAN FOR GOOD REASON. The Executive may terminate his
employment hereunder at any time upon 60 days' prior written notice to the
Company. In the event of termination of the Executive pursuant to this Section
8.6, the Board may elect to waive the period of notice, or any portion thereof.

9.  COMPENSATION UPON TERMINATION.

         9.1. DEATH. In the event of the Executive's death during the term
hereof, the Company shall pay or transfer, as the case may be, to the
Executive's designated beneficiary or, if no beneficiary has been designated by
the Executive, to his estate, (a) his Salary that is earned and unpaid at the
date of death and (b) on the earlier of (i) the date of the release of the
audited financial statements of the Company for the Bonus Year during which
death occurs or (ii) the date which is 120 days after the end of such Bonus
Year, an amount equal to the product of (A) the Annual Bonus that the Executive
would otherwise have earned for such Bonus Year if death had not occurred
MULTIPLIED BY (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days from
the beginning of such Bonus Year until the date of death and the denominator of
which is 365.

         9.2. INCAPACITY. If the Executive's employment shall be terminated by
reason of his incapacity pursuant to Section 8.2, the Company shall (a)
continue to pay the Executive his Salary through the Termination Date and (b)
pay the Executive on the earlier of (i) the date of the release of the audited
financial statements of the Company for the Bonus Year during which
termination pursuant to Section 8.2 occurs or (ii) the date which is 120 days
after the end of such Bonus





                                      -8-
<PAGE>   10

Year, an amount equal to the product of (A) the Annual Bonus that the Executive
would otherwise have earned for such Bonus Year if termination pursuant to
Section 8.2 had not occurred MULTIPLIED BY (B) a fraction, the numerator of
which is the number of days from the beginning of such Bonus Year until the
date of termination pursuant to Section 8.2 and the denominator of which is
365.

         9.3. CAUSE. If the Company shall terminate the Executive's employment
for Cause, the Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive under
this Agreement other than payment of his Salary through the Termination Date.

         9.4. OTHER THAN FOR CAUSE; GOOD REASON. If the Company shall terminate
the Executive's employment pursuant to Section 8.4 or the Executive shall
terminate the Executive's employment pursuant to Section 8.5, then the Company
shall pay to the Executive:

                  (a)  his Salary through the Termination Date;

                  (b) on the earlier of (i) the date of the release of the
         audited financial statements of the Company for the Bonus Year during
         which such termination occurs or (ii) the date which is 120 days after
         the end of such Bonus Year, an amount equal to the product of (A) the
         Annual Bonus that the Executive would otherwise have earned for such
         Bonus Year if such termination had not occurred MULTIPLIED BY (B) a
         fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days from the
         beginning of such Bonus Year until the date of such termination and
         the denominator of which is 365; and

                  (c) until the second anniversary of the Termination Date,
         severance at a rate equal to 100% of his Salary in effect at the time
         notice of termination is given, such severance to be paid on a monthly
         basis (or such other increment as the Company and the Executive
         mutually agree) for a period of 24 months after the termination of the
         Executive's employment; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if after the first
         anniversary of the Termination Date the Executive commences other
         employment, the Executive shall be entitled to severance at a rate
         equal to the difference between (i) 100% of his Salary in effect at
         the time notice of termination is given and (ii) 100% of the annual
         salary to be received by the Executive upon commencement of other
         employment and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that the Executive may elect by
         written notice to the Company after the first anniversary of the
         Termination Date not to receive severance pursuant to this Section
         9.4(c).

With respect to any termination of employment to which this Section 9.4
applies, until the earlier to occur of (1) the second anniversary of the
Termination Date, (2) the date on which the Executive commences other
employment in connection with which the Executive receives medical and dental
benefits substantially comparable to those made available by the Company
(including self-employment or engaging in an enterprise as a sole proprietor or
partner) or (3) the date the Executive elects pursuant to Section 9.4(c) not to
receive severance under such section (the "BENEFITS TERMINATION DATE"), the
Company shall continue to contribute to the cost of the Executive's
participation in such medical and dental insurance plans so long as the
Executive is




                                      -9-
<PAGE>   11


entitled to continue such participation under applicable law and plan terms.
The obligations of the Company to the Executive under this Section 9.4 (other
than clause (a) of the first sentence of this Section 9.4) are conditioned upon
the Executive's signing a release of claims in the form of Exhibit C (the
"RELEASE") within 28 days of the date on which notice of termination is given
and upon such Release remaining in full force and effect thereafter. All
severance payments under this Section 9.4 will be in the form of salary
continuation, payable in accordance with the normal payroll practices of the
Company and will begin at the Company's next regular payroll period following
the effective date of the Release, but shall be retroactive to the Termination
Date.

         9.5. OTHER THAN FOR GOOD REASON. If the Executive shall terminate his
employment pursuant to Section 8.6, the Company shall have no further
obligations to the Executive under this Agreement other than payment of his
Salary through the Termination Date (it being understood that if, in accordance
with Section 8.6, the Board elects to waive the period of notice, or any
portion thereof, the payment of Salary under this Section 9.5 shall continue
through the notice period or any portion thereof so waived).

         9.6. POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS GENERALLY. Except as expressly set
forth in this Section 9 and the Stock Option Certificate, the Company shall
have no further obligations to the Executive following expiration of the term
of the Executive's employment hereunder, and performance by the Company of any
obligation specifically provided in this Section 9 shall constitute full
settlement of any claim that the Executive may have on account of such
termination against the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates and all of
their respective past and present officers, directors, stockholders,
controlling Persons, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns
and all other others connected with any of them, both individually and in their
official capacities.

10. CONFLICTING AGREEMENTS. Executive hereby represents and warrants that the
execution of this Agreement and the performance of Executive's obligations
hereunder will not breach or be in conflict with any other agreement to which
Executive is a party or is bound and that Executive is not now subject to any
covenants against competition, nonsolicitation or similar covenants that would
affect the performance of Executive's obligations hereunder or would restrict
the Company in its operations, including hiring any additional executives.
Executive has provided the Company with a true and correct copy of all
agreements between Executive and Executive's former employer or employers and
any similar agreements governing Executive's rights and obligations relating to
any former employer. Executive will not disclose to or use on behalf of the
Company any confidential or proprietary information of a third party without
such party's consent.

11.  WITHHOLDING. All payments made by the Company under this Agreement shall be
net of any tax or other amounts required to be withheld by the Company under
any applicable law or legal requirement.

12.  NOTICES. All notices, requests and demands to or upon the parties hereto to
be effective shall be in writing, by facsimile, by overnight courier or by
registered or certified






                                     -10-
<PAGE>   12

mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, and shall be deemed to have
been duly given or made upon: (a) delivery by hand, (b) one business day after
being sent by nationally recognized overnight courier, or (c) in the case of
transmission by facsimile, when confirmation of receipt is obtained. Such
communications shall be addressed and directed to the parties as follows (or to
such other address as either party shall designate by giving like notice of
such change to the other party):

                  If to the Executive:

                           Peter Brink
                           4 Shadbush Lane
                           Westport, CT  06880
                           Facsimile:  (203) 227-6940

                  with a copy to:

                           Eaton & VanWinkle
                           3 Park Avenue, 16th Floor
                           New York, NY  10016
                           Attention:  Thomas A. Hickey, Esq.
                           Facsimile:  (212) 779-9930

                  If to the Company:

                           Simmons Company
                           c/o Fenway Partners, Inc.
                           152 West 57th Street, 59th Floor
                           New York, NY  10019
                           Attention:  Richard C. Dresdale
                           Facsimile:  (212) 757-0609

                  with a copy to:

                           Ropes & Gray
                           One International Place
                           Boston, MA  02110
                           Attention:  Lauren I. Norton, Esq.
                           Facsimile:  (617) 951-7050

13.  DEFINITIONS; CERTAIN RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. Certain capitalized terms are
used in this Agreement with the specific meanings defined below in this Section
13. Except as otherwise explicitly specified to the contrary or unless the
context clearly requires otherwise, (a) the capitalized term "Section" refers
to sections of this Agreement, (b) the capitalized term "Exhibit" refers to
exhibits to this Agreement, (c) references to a particular Section include all





                                     -11-
<PAGE>   13

subsections thereof, (d) the word "including" shall be construed as "including
without limitation" and (e) references to "$" mean United States dollars.

         13.1.  "AAA" is defined in Section 19.

         13.2. "AFFILIATE" shall mean (a) any Person directly or indirectly
controlling, controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the
Company (or other specified Person), (b) any other Person which, together with
its Affiliates (as defined in clause (a) above), shall, directly or indirectly,
own beneficially or control the voting of at least 10% of the ownership
interest in the Company (or other specified Person) and (c) any other Person of
which the Company (or other specified Person) and its Affiliates (as defined in
clauses (a) and (b) above) shall, directly or indirectly, own beneficially or
control the voting of at least 10% of any class of outstanding capital stock or
other evidence of beneficial interest or of any interest as a general partner
or joint venturer.

         13.3.  "ANNUAL BONUS" is defined in Section 3.2.2.

         13.4.  "BENEFITS TERMINATION DATE" is defined in Section 9.4.

         13.5. "BONUS YEAR" means fiscal year of the Company, PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that in the event the fiscal year of the Company is changed, any
calculations made under Section 3.2 and Exhibit A shall be proportionately
adjusted as the Board, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall deem
appropriate.

         13.6.  "BOARD" is defined in Section 2.

         13.7.  "CAUSE" is defined in Section 8.3.

         13.8.  "COMMON STOCK" means the common stock, $.01 par value, of
Holdings.

         13.9.  "COMPANY" is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

         13.10. "COMPETITIVE BUSINESS" means any business conducted or proposed
to be conducted by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries during the term of
the Executive's employment with the Company.

         13.11. "CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION" means any and all information of the
Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates that is not generally known by
others with whom they compete or do business, or with whom they actively plan
to compete or do business, including such information relating to (a) the
development, research, testing, manufacturing, marketing and financial
activities of the Company and its subsidiaries, (b) the Products, (c) the
costs, sources of supply, financial performance and strategic plans of the
Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, (d) the identity and special needs
of the customers of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates and (e) the
people and organizations with whom the Company and its Subsidiaries





                                     -12-
<PAGE>   14

and Affiliates have business relationships and those relationships, but
excluding information which (i) is generally available to and known by the
public or (ii) is or becomes known on a non-confidential basis from a source
other than the Executive.

         13.12.  "DOCUMENTS" is defined in Section 5.2.

         13.13.  "EBITDA PERFORMANCE" is defined in Section 3.2.

         13.14.  "EFFECTIVE DATE" is defined in the preamble.

         13.15.  "EXECUTIVE" is defined in the preamble.

         13.16.  "FENWAY" means Fenway Capital Partners Fund, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership, and Fenway Capital Partners Fund II, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership.

         13.17.  "GOOD REASON" is defined in Section 8.5.

         13.18.  "HOLDINGS" means Simmons Holdings, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

         13.19.  "METROPOLITAN AREA" means the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan
area.

         13.20.  "NON-COMPETITION PERIOD" is defined in Section 6.1.

         13.21. "PERSON" means any individual, partnership, corporation,
association, trust, joint venture, limited liability company, unincorporated
organization or entity, and any government, governmental department or agency
or political subdivision thereof.

         13.22. "PRODUCTS" means all products planned, researched, developed,
tested, manufactured, sold, licensed, leased or otherwise distributed or put
into use by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, together with
all services provided or planned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
Affiliates, during the Executive's employment.

         13.23.  "PROPRIETARY RIGHTS" is defined in Section 5.3.

         13.24.  "RELEASE" is defined in Section 9.4.

         13.25.  "SALARY" is defined in Section 3.1.

         13.26.  "STOCK OPTION CERTIFICATE" is defined in Section 3.3.

         13.27.  "STOCK OPTIONS" is defined in Section 3.3.

         13.28. "SUBSIDIARY" means any Person of which the Company (or other
specified Person) shall, directly or indirectly, own beneficially or control
the voting of at least a majority of





                                     -13-
<PAGE>   15

the outstanding capital stock (or other shares of beneficial interest) entitled
to vote generally or at least a majority of the partnership, joint venture or
similar interests, or in which the Company (or other specified Person) or a
Subsidiary thereof shall be a general partner or joint venturer without limited
liability.

         13.29.  "TERMINATION DATE" is defined in Section 1.2.

14.  MISCELLANEOUS. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or
discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is approved by the
Board and agreed to in writing by the Executive and such officer as may be
specifically authorized by the Board in connection with such approval. No
waiver by either party hereto at any time of compliance with or of any breach
by the other party hereto of any condition or provision of this Agreement to be
performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar
provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No
agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with
respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are
not set forth expressly in this Agreement. The validity, interpretation,
construction and performance of this Agreement and the legal relations created
thereby shall be governed by the domestic substantive laws of the State of
Georgia without giving effect to any choice or conflict of laws provision or
rule that would cause the application of the domestic substantive laws of any
other jurisdiction. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that, because the
Company's legal remedies may be inadequate in the event of a breach of, or
other failure to perform, any of the covenants and agreements set forth in
Section 5 or 6 by the Executive, the Company may, in addition to obtaining any
other remedy or relief available to it (including damages at law), enforce the
provisions of Sections 5 and 6 by injunction and other equitable relief.

15.  SEVERABILITY. If any portion or provision of this Agreement shall to any
extent be declared illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent
jurisdiction, then the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such
portion or provision in circumstances other than those as to which it is so
declared illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each
portion and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the
fullest extent permitted by law.

16.  COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

17.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement (together with the Stock Option
Certificate) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and
supersedes any and all prior communications, agreements and understandings,
written or oral, with respect to the terms and conditions of the Executive's
employment with the Company.

18.  ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon (a) the Executive, his personal or legal representatives, executors,
administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees and (b)
the Company and its successors (including by means of




                                     -14-
<PAGE>   16

reorganization, merger, consolidation or liquidation) and permitted assigns.
The Company may assign this Agreement to any of its Subsidiaries or to any
successor of the Company by reorganization, merger, consolidation or
liquidation and any transferee of all or substantially all of the business or
assets of the Company or of any division or line of business of the Company
with which the Executive is at any time associated. The Company requires the
personal services of the Executive hereunder and the Executive may not assign
this Agreement.

19.  ARBITRATION. With the exception of Sections 5 and 6, any unresolved dispute
or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be
settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted by a single arbitrator in New
York, New York in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of
Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") then in
effect; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the parties may agree to use an arbitrator
other than those provided by the AAA. The arbitrator shall not have the
authority to add to, detract from, or modify, any provision hereof nor to award
punitive damages to any injured party. The arbitrator shall have the authority
to order back-pay, severance compensation, reimbursement of costs (including
those incurred to enforce this Agreement), together with interest thereon. A
decision by a the arbitrator shall be final and binding. Judgment may be
entered on the arbitrator's award in any court having competent jurisdiction.
Responsibility for bearing the cost of the arbitration shall be determined by
the arbitrator and shall be proportional to the arbitrator's decision on the
merits.

20.  STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL OF CERTAIN PAYMENTS. The Executive hereby agrees that
any payments owed to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement or the Stock
Option Certificate that would be construed as "parachute payments" for purposes
of sec. 280G of the Internal Revenue Code are hereby conditioned on the receipt
by Holdings of a vote of persons who own more than 75% of the voting stock of
Holdings approving such payments.




                                     -15-
<PAGE>   17




         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have hereunto set their hands
under seal, as of the date first above written.

                                     THE COMPANY:

                                     SIMMONS COMPANY


                                     By_________________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:


                                     THE EXECUTIVE:


                                     -----------------------------------
                                     Peter Brink






                                     -16-


<PAGE>   1
                                 Exhibit 10.37

<PAGE>   2



                                SIMMONS COMPANY
                        ONE CONCOURSE PARKWAY, SUITE 600
                             ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30328


                               February 22, 2000



BY HAND DELIVERY

Mr. Zenon Nie
8490 Sentinae Chase Drive
Roswell, Georgia  30076

Dear Mr. Nie:

         As we have discussed, Simmons Company (the "Company") will accept your
resignation of employment with the Company and all offices and positions that
you held with the Company, its parent Simmons Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings") or
any of their subsidiaries, employee benefit or stock ownership plans or
affiliates, as well as Simmons dining and country clubs and other
organizations, as applicable, effective January 4, 2000 (the "Separation
Date"). Reference is made to your employment agreement dated as of November 15,
1993, as amended to date (the "Employment Agreement"). The Employment Agreement
is modified as follows, and except as so modified will remain in full force and
effect. Provided that you accept this letter and have not revoked it as
permitted in the last paragraph hereof, this letter contains the agreement
between you and the Company concerning your separation arrangements, as
follows:

         1. Within five business days of the later of (a) the expiration of the
revocation period as provided in this letter or (b) the date of our receipt of
this executed agreement, you will receive a wire transfer payment of $4,615.38
based on the Company's payroll practices and your current base salary, for all
work performed for the Company from the end of the last payroll period through
the Separation Date.

         2. In consideration for your acceptance of this agreement and subject
to your fully meeting your obligations under it, the Company will provide you
with the following:

                  1. To the extent earned, the Company will provide you with a
         bonus amount for the 1999 fiscal year as provided in the Employment
         Agreement.



<PAGE>   3




Mr. Zenon Nie                        -2-                       February 22, 2000

                  2. Within five business days of the later of (a) the
         expiration of the revocation period as provided in this letter or (b)
         the date of our receipt of this executed agreement, the Company will
         provide you with a separation payment equal to $2,280,000, payable by
         wire transfer to an account designated by you.

                  3. Subject to the terms and conditions of this paragraph
         2(c), Holdings will repurchase 280,000 shares of Holdings Common Stock
         held by you at a price per share of $6.7315 for a total value of
         $1,884,820. Subject to the terms and conditions of this paragraph
         2(c), Holdings hereby agrees to pay you deferred compensation over a
         three-year period in the sum of $3,035,146 ("Deferred Compensation")
         plus interest as hereinafter provided. All options of Holdings held by
         you are hereby terminated.

                  Subject to approval by the Company's senior lenders and as
         soon as practicable thereafter, Holdings will pay to you $1,250,000 by
         wire transfer to an account designated by you in partial payment for
         your shares of Holdings Common Stock. Subject to approval by the
         Company's senior lenders, Holdings will pay you (i) the principal
         balance owed under the Promissory Note (as defined below), which note
         shall be delivered to you coincident to the payment of $1,250,000 as
         set forth in the preceding sentence and (ii) the Deferred Compensation
         over a three-year period, as provided below, and all sums owing to you
         for the Deferred Compensation and the Promissory Note shall bear
         interest, computed on the basis of a 365-day year, commencing on the
         date of this agreement, on the principal amount from time to time
         unpaid at a per annum rate equal to 9%, and will be payable to you as
         follows:

         (1) $634,820 plus accrued interest will be payable by delivery of a
         promissory note (the "Promissory Note") from Holdings maturing on
         January 4, 2001;

         (2) $615,180 plus accrued interest will be payable on January 4, 2001
         by wire transfer to an account designated by you as the first payment
         on the Deferred Compensation due you;

         (3) $1,250,000 plus accrued interest will be payable on January 4,
         2002 by wire transfer to an account designated by you as the second
         payment on the Deferred Compensation due you;

         (4) $1,169,966 plus accrued interest will be payable on January 4,
         2003 by wire transfer to an account designated by you as the third and
         final payment on the Deferred Compensation due you.

                  All unpaid amounts of principal and interest under the
         Promissory Note and all unpaid amounts of Deferred Compensation plus
         accrued interest thereon owed to you



<PAGE>   4


Mr. Zenon Nie                           -3-                    February 22, 2000

         pursuant to this paragraph 2(c) will accelerate, and full payment of
         all such amounts will be immediately owed to you, upon the occurrence
         of (A) a Change of Control (as defined below), (B) an Initial Public
         Offering (as defined below) or (C) a default in any payment due under
         the Promissory Note or the Deferred Compensation due you; PROVIDED,
         HOWEVER, that Holdings' obligation to pay such amounts under clauses
         (A), (B) and (C) above is subject to the limitations of the indenture
         governing the senior subordinated notes of the Company. The Company
         agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to promptly obtain the
         approval of the Company's senior lenders for all amounts payable to
         you as provided under this paragraph 2(c) (the "Approval"). The
         Company agrees that if initially it is unsuccessful in obtaining such
         Approval, it shall on a continuing basis seek such Approval and upon
         your request will confirm to you the status of their efforts to obtain
         such Approval.

                  "Change of Control" means a transaction or series of related
         transactions which results in a bona fide, unaffiliated change of
         beneficial ownership of the Company or its business of greater than
         50% (disregarding for this purpose any disparate voting rights
         attributable to the outstanding stock of Holdings), whether pursuant
         to the sale of the stock of Holdings or the Company, the sale of the
         assets of the Company, or a merger or consolidation involving Holdings
         or the Company.

                  "Initial Public Offering" means the effectiveness of a
         registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
         covering any of the capital stock of Holdings or the Company (other
         than preferred stock that is not convertible into common stock) and
         the completion of a sale of such stock thereunder, if as a result of
         such sale (i) Holdings or the Company becomes a reporting company
         under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
         as amended, and (ii) such stock is traded on the New York Stock
         Exchange or the American Stock Exchange, or is quoted on the Nasdaq
         Stock Market or is traded or quoted on any other national stock
         exchange or securities system.

                  4. As provided in the Employment Agreement, the Company will,
         for three (3) years after the Separation Date, continue to provide
         coverage and benefits under the employee benefit plans and programs in
         which you currently participate at the same rate at which the Company
         currently provides such benefits to you.

                  5. As provided in the Employment Agreement, the Company will
         provide you with outplacement services (including but not limited to
         an office and secretarial, telephone and related support services)
         with a provider selected by you and reimbursement for job search costs
         and expenses incurred by you, provided that the total cost of such
         services shall not exceed $90,000.




<PAGE>   5


Mr. Zenon Nie                         -4-                      February 22, 2000

                  6. As provided in the Employment Agreement, the Company shall
         continue to provide you with a leased automobile under the terms of
         the lease in effect as of the Separation Date, and will continue to
         provide for insurance and maintenance for such automobile, until the
         later of (i) three years after the Separation Date or the expiration
         of the lease of such automobile and (ii) 180 days after the Separation
         Date.

                  7. The Company will provide you with payment for expenses for
         dining and country club dues and membership fees that have been
         incurred since the last payment of such expenses.

                  8. The Company will reimburse you for legal expenses incurred
         by you in connection with the negotiation of this agreement, provided
         that the total cost of such expenses shall not exceed $20,000.

         3. All payments by the Company under this agreement will be reduced by
all taxes and other amounts that the Company is required to withhold under
applicable law and all other deductions authorized by you.

         4. You agree that the payments provided under paragraph 2 of this
agreement are in complete satisfaction of any and all payments due to you from
the Company through the Separation Date. You will not earn any additional
amounts after the Separation Date and, except as expressly provided in
paragraph 2(d) and (e), your participation in all employee benefit plans and
programs of the Company will end as of the Separation Date, in accordance with
the terms of those plans and programs.

         5. You agree that you will not disclose this agreement or any of its
terms or provisions, directly or by implication, except to members of your
immediate family and to your legal and tax advisors, and then only on condition
that they agree not to further disclose this agreement or any of its terms or
provisions to others; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in the event that you become
legally compelled (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents,
subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose this
agreement or any of its terms or provisions, you will provide the Company with
prompt prior written notice of such requirement so that the Company may seek a
protective order or other appropriate remedy and/or waive compliance with the
terms of this paragraph 5. In the event that such protective order or other
remedy is not obtained, or that the Company waives compliance with the
provisions hereof, you agree to furnish only the portion of this agreement or
its terms or provisions which you are advised by counsel is legally





<PAGE>   6
Mr. Zenon Nie                         -5-                      February 22, 2000

required to be furnished, and to exercise your reasonable efforts to obtain
assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded to such information.

         6. You agree that you will not directly or indirectly disparage in any
public communication the Company, Holdings, its direct or indirect stockholders
or any affiliate or employee or director thereof, or otherwise publicly
communicate, in writing or orally, or do or say anything that could reasonably
be expected to injure the business or reputation of any of them, including in
connection with any communication with employees or customers of the Company;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this sentence will not prevent you from responding to
any disparaging statements made in a public forum or any public communications
that could reasonably be expected to injure your reputation. The Company and
Holdings, for themselves and their affiliates, agree that they will not
directly or indirectly disparage you in any public communication or otherwise
publicly communicate, in writing or orally, or do or say anything that could
reasonably be expected to injure your name or reputation; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that this sentence will not prevent the Company from responding to any
disparaging statements made in a public forum or any public communications that
could reasonably be expected to injure its business or reputation.

         7. In signing this agreement, you give the Company assurance that you
have returned to the Company any and all documents, materials and information
related to the business, whether present or otherwise, of the Company, its
parent, subsidiaries and other affiliates, and all keys and other property of
the Company, its parent, subsidiaries and other affiliates in your possession
or control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you shall retain in your possession
and hereby become the owner of the personal computer located at your home,
provided that all electronic data related to the Company's business is returned
to the Company and you hereby give the Company assurance that you have returned
to the Company such electronic data. Recognizing that your employment with the
Company has terminated, you agree that you will not, for any purpose, attempt
to access or use any Company computer or Company computer network or system,
including without limitation its electronic mail system.

         8. From and after the Separation Date, you will not make any
commitments of any nature on behalf of, or otherwise attempt to bind, the
Company or its affiliates, and you will not charge any expenses to the account
of, or otherwise cause any expenses to be incurred on behalf of, the Company or
its affiliates. You agree to cooperate with the Company hereafter with respect
to all matters arising during or related to your employment, including but not
limited to all matters in connection with any governmental investigation,
litigation or regulatory or other proceeding


<PAGE>   7
Mr. Zenon Nie                         -6-                      February 22, 2000



which may have arisen or which may arise following the signing of this
agreement, and the Company agrees, upon your submission of appropriate
documentation, to reimburse you for reasonable travel and incidental expenses
incurred in connection with such cooperation by you. You agree to turn over to
Kenneth Barton or his designee all of your work responsibilities, any and all
documents, materials and other information relating to the Company or any of
its affiliates, and all Company keys, credit cards and other Company property.

         9. The Company agrees (a) to reimburse you for all reasonable
attorney's fees and expenses incurred by you to enforce the provisions of this
agreement if your claims are successful and (b) to reimburse you for 25% of
such reasonable attorney's fees and expenses if your claims are not successful;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that you and the Company shall each use good faith efforts
to reach mutual agreement, and based on such good faith efforts, shall have
reached mutual agreement as to the amount of such expenses.

         10. In order to be certain that this agreement will resolve any and
all dissatisfaction that you might have and to be certain that you are signing
this letter knowingly and voluntarily, the Company requests that you carefully
consider its terms, including the release of claims set forth below and, in
that regard, encourages you to seek the advice of an attorney before signing
this agreement. This letter contains the entire agreement between you and the
Company and its affiliates and replaces all prior and contemporaneous
agreements, communications and understandings, whether written or oral, with
respect to your employment and its termination and all related matters except
as explicitly contemplated hereby. This agreement will be governed by and
interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia.

         11. In exchange for benefits provided you under this agreement, you
agree that, except as set forth in the proviso to the next succeeding sentence,
this letter shall be in complete and final settlement of any and all causes of
action, rights, or claims that you have had, now have or might now have in any
way related to or arising out of or in connection with your employment with the
Company and its termination or your equity or other interests in the Company
and its affiliates or pursuant to any federal, state or local employment laws,
regulations, executive orders or other requirements, including without
limitation the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as
amended, Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and the
Georgia fair employment practices statutes. On behalf of yourself and your
heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, assigns,
and anyone else claiming by or through you, you hereby release the


<PAGE>   8
Mr. Zenon Nie                          -7-                     February 22, 2000


Company, its affiliates, and their respective past, present and future
directors, trustees, shareholders, officers, partners, employees, agents,
successors and assigns and any others associated with any of them, individually
and in their official capacities, from any such cause of action, right or claim
that you have had, now have or might now have against any of them; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that you are not hereby releasing any cause of action, right or claim
for breach of the Company's obligations to you under or contemplated by this
letter.

         In exchange for your agreements contained in this letter, the Company
agrees that, except as set forth in the proviso to the next succeeding
sentence, this letter shall be in complete and final settlement of any and all
causes of action, rights, or claims that the Company or any of its affiliates
has had, now has or might now have against you in any way related to or arising
out of or in connection with your employment with the Company. On behalf of
themselves and their successor and assigns, the Company and its affiliates
hereby release you from any such cause of action, right or claim that they have
had, now have or might now have against you; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that they are
not hereby releasing any cause of action, right or claim for breach of your
obligations under or contemplated by this letter.

         12. In signing this agreement, you give the Company assurance that you
have signed it voluntarily and with a full understanding of its terms and that
you have had sufficient opportunity to consider this agreement and to consult
with those persons described in paragraph 10 above before signing it.





<PAGE>   9


Mr. Zenon Nie                           -8-                    February 22, 2000




         In signing this agreement, you also acknowledge that you first
received this agreement on January 4, 2000, and, whether or not the changes to
this agreement since that date are material, you freely and voluntarily waive
any right you may have to an additional twenty-one days to consider this
agreement. You may revoke this agreement at any time during the seven- day
period immediately following the date of your signing, provided that you do so
to me in writing. If you do not do so, then, at the expiration of that
seven-day period, this letter will take effect as a legally-binding agreement
between you and the Company on the basis set forth above. The enclosed copy of
this letter, which you should also sign and date, is for your records.

                                               Sincerely,



                                               Richard C. Dresdale
                                               Director, Simmons Company and
                                               Simmons Holdings, Inc.

Accepted and agreed:


Signature:  ____________________________
               Zenon Nie


Date:  ________________________________








<PAGE>   1
                                 Exhibit 10.38

<PAGE>   2



                    SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
                    ----------------------------------------


         This Separation Agreement and General Release ("Agreement") is made as
of this 7th day of January, 2000, between SIMMONS COMPANY ("Company"), a
Delaware corporation, and Martin R. Passaglia ("Employee"), a resident of
Duluth, GA.
                                    RECITALS
                                    --------

         1. Employee was originally employed by the Company on 11/1/73.

         2. The Company and Employee desire to enter into this Agreement to
resolve any disputes relating to Employee's employment relationship with the
Company and all other matters as set forth herein.

         In consideration of the above premises and agreements contained
herein, the parties agree hereto as follows:

         1. NO ADMISSION. Employee agrees, represents, and acknowledges (i)
that neither this Agreement nor the Company's offer to enter into this
Agreement shall be construed as an admission by the Company that it has acted
wrongfully towards the Employee or any other person or that the Employee has
any rights against the Company and (ii) that the Company expressly denies any
liability to, or wrongful acts against, the Employee or any other person on the
part of itself, its employees or its agents.

         2. SEPARATION DATE. Employee agrees that his employment with the
Company ceased on November 12, 1999 (the "Separation Date").

         3. EMPLOYEE CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT. Employee agrees, represents and
acknowledges that as a result of his employment with the Company he has had and
may now have in his possession and control proprietary documents, data,
materials, files and similar items concerning Trade Secrets and Confidential
Information of the Company. Employee acknowledges, warrants and agrees that he
will return to the Company all such items and any copies or excerpts thereof
and


<PAGE>   3

any other properties, files or documents obtained as a result of his employment
with the Company by the close of business on January 31, 2000. "Confidential
Information" means information, regardless of form, that (i) the Company keeps
confidential from competitors and the general public; (ii) relates to the
business in which the Company is engaged; and (iii) either derives actual or
potential economic value from not being generally known by competitors of the
Company or the public, or might result in harm to the Company if disclosed to
competitors or the public. Confidential Information does not include
information that is generally available to or known by the public other than as
a result of a breach of this Agreement. From and after November 12, 2001, the
term Confidential Information does not include any information that is not a
Trade Secret. Whether any particular information constitutes Confidential
Information shall be determined as of the time of any alleged violation of any
provision of this Agreement. "Trade Secrets" means any information, regardless
of form, constituting a trade secret of the Company under applicable state law.
Whether any particular information constitutes a Trade Secret shall be
determined as of the time of any alleged violation of any provision of this
Agreement. Except as hereinafter provided in this Section, Employee shall never
use or disclose, or threaten to use or disclose, any Confidential Information
other than as required in the performance of his duties under this Agreement.
Further, the Employee will use his best efforts to protect Confidential
Information from any unauthorized disclosure. The Employee may otherwise
disclose Confidential Information only to the extent that disclosure is
required by force of law (such as by subpoena, court order or civil
investigative demand), but then only if he both notifies the Company in writing
of the required disclosure and furnishes the Company with a copy of each
instrument purporting to require disclosure as far





                                       2
<PAGE>   4

in advance of the date for disclosure as the circumstances permit so that the
Company may take such action as it deems proper to obviate the requirement for
disclosure or otherwise protect its interests.

         4. RELEASE BY EMPLOYEE. Except as to claims arising after this
Agreement is executed, Employee hereby forever releases, dismisses and
discharges the Company and its officers, directors, employees, agents,
predecessors, successors, assigns, and transferees from any and all causes of
action, suits, damages, debts, claims, counterclaims, obligations and
liabilities in law or equity of whatever nature, known or unknown, resulting
from or arising out of, directly or indirectly, Employee's employment
relationship with the Company or the termination of Employee's employment
relationship with the Company, including, without limitation by reason of
specification, any claims for wrongful discharge of any kind and any claims
arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. && 2000 e
ET. SEQ., the Age Discrimination In Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. && 621 ET. SEQ.,
and any federal, state or local laws or ordinances prohibiting employment
discrimination and any common law claims resulting from or growing out of any
legal restrictions on the Company's right to terminate an employee.

         5. RELEASE BY COMPANY. Except as to claims arising after this
Agreement is executed, Company hereby forever releases, dismisses and
discharges Employee from any and all causes of action, suits, damages, debts,
claims, counterclaims, and liability in law or equity of whatever nature, known
or unknown, resulting from or arising out of, directly or indirectly,
Employee's employment relationship with the Company.



                                       3
<PAGE>   5



         6.       SEVERANCE CONSIDERATION. In full consideration and as
                  material inducement for Employee's signing of this Agreement,
                  the Company will provide to Employee the following Severance
                  Benefits:

                  (a)      Severance payments to Employee at a rate equal to
                           $22,291.67 per month, less legal deductions, for a
                           period of seventeen and one tenths (17.1) months,
                           terminating on April 15, 2001. The maximum gross
                           amount payable to Employee under this Section 6 (a)
                           is $381,187.56.

                  (b)      Pay 1999 Management Bonus prorated through
                           Separation Date, if earned.

                  (c)      Distribution of the cash value of stock held by the
                           Employee will be made as soon as possible under
                           conditions of the stock holder agreement.

                  (d)      Continue Employee's coverage under all company
                           benefit plans in which Employee is currently
                           enrolled terminating November 12, 2000 provided,
                           however, Employee shall be responsible for and shall
                           pay his portion as currently paid by the Employee as
                           of the Separation Date.

         (e)      Distribute to Employee his portion of Simmons Company
                  Non-Qualified ESOP Plan at $6.73 per share.

         (f)      Provide Outplacement assistance equal to a value of
                  $20,000.00.

         (g)      Provide company phone extension, voice mail, and phone credit
                  card through December 31, 1999.

         (h)      Provide financial planning assistance through Creative
                  Financial through November 30, 2000.




                                       4
<PAGE>   6

         (i)      Provide neutral employment references.

         7.  EMPLOYEE'S EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT; RIGHT OF REVOCATION.
Employee may revoke this agreement within seven (7) days after the date the
employee executes this agreement and delivers a properly executed agreement to
the company. This Agreement shall not become effective and the Company shall
have no obligation to provide any payment or other benefits enumerated in this
Agreement until seven days after the date the Employee executes this Agreement
and delivers a properly executed copy of it to the Company and does not revoke
it.

         8.  COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE. Employee agrees that for a period of
Seventeen and one tenths (17.1) months following the last day of the employee's
employment with the Company, he will not render any service within the United
States for the benefit of any Proscribed Company (as hereinafter defined) that
is the same as, or substantially similar to, any service that was a material
function of any position he held as an officer and/or director of the Company
at any time during the last two (2) years of employment with the Company. For
purposes of this Section VIII, the term `'Proscribed Company" includes the
following companies, their parents, affiliates, and/or subsidiaries: Heilig
Meyers Company; Heilig Meyers Furniture Company; Mattress Discounters, Inc.;
Bedding Experts, Inc.; Sealy & Company, Inc.; Serta, Inc.; Spring Air Bedding
Company; and The Mattress Firm.

         9.  COVENANT NOT TO SOLICIT EMPLOYEES. Employee agrees and represents
that he will not for a period of twenty-four (24) calendar months from the
Separation Date, either directly or indirectly, on his own behalf or in the
service, or on behalf of others, divert, solicit or hire away or attempt to





                                       5
<PAGE>   7

divert, solicit or hire away to any person, concern or entity, any person
employed by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, whether or not such
employee is a full-time employee or a temporary employee of the Company or any
subsidiary of the Company, whether or not such employment is pursuant to
written agreement, and whether or not such employment is for a determined
period or is at will. During such period, the Employee shall not, and shall
cause any person or entity with which he is affiliated not to solicit or
induce, or attempt to solicit or induce, any person who was employed by the
Company or any of its subsidiaries on a full-time basis during the ninety (90)
days immediately prior to the termination of the employee's employment to
accept employment with the Employee or with any person or entity with which he
is affiliated. For the purpose of this Agreement, a subsidiary of the Company
shall mean any person, concern or entity in which the Company has an equity
interest representing 20% or more of the voting or other controlling rights in
the person, concern or entity.

         10. CONSULTATION. Employee agrees that notwithstanding the cessation
of his employment in accordance with Section 2 hereof he shall, from and after
the date hereof, without any additional cost to the Company except for
reimbursement of his direct out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred: (i)
provide assistance to, consult with and advise the Company and its
subsidiaries, including their respective lawyers, with respect to any actual or
threatened litigation or investigation to which the Company or a subsidiary of
the Company may become party or subject arising out of activities in which he
was involved during his employment with the Company (or of which he has any
knowledge as a result of his employment with the Company), and (ii) appear
and/or testify, if requested upon





                                       6
<PAGE>   8

reasonable notice, in depositions, at trials and other court proceedings
relating thereto regardless of location.

         11. CONFIDENTIALITY OF THIS AGREEMENT. Employee represents and agrees
that he will keep the existence of this Agreement, the terms of and amounts set
forth in this Agreement completely CONFIDENTIAL, and that he will not hereafter
disclose any such information concerning this Agreement to anyone except his
immediate family, investment advisor, tax advisor, accountant and attorney,
provided that they agree to keep this information CONFIDENTIAL, or as necessary
to enforce the terms of this Agreement.

         12. BREACH BY EMPLOYEE. In the event that the Board of Directors of
the Company makes a good faith determination that Employee has breached or
violated any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement, all payments then
outstanding and unpaid under Section 6 of this Agreement will cease. In
addition to all other remedies provided at law or in equity for damages or
otherwise to which the Company may be entitled, the Company shall be entitled
to a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction to prevent a breach
of any of the terms or provisions contained in this Agreement.

         13. CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY; KNOWLEDGEABLE DECISION BY EMPLOYEE.
Employee represents and warrants that he has read all the terms of this
Agreement, and has had an opportunity to discuss these documents with any
attorney of his choosing prior to executing it. Employee understands the terms
of this Agreement, and understands that this Agreement releases forever the
Company from any legal action arising from his employment relationship and the
termination of his employment relationship by the Company except as
specifically set forth in this Agreement. Employee is signing and delivering
this Agreement of his own free will in exchange for the consideration to be
given to him, which





                                       7
<PAGE>   9

he acknowledges is in addition to any remuneration or other items of value to
which he is already entitled. Employee further acknowledges and agrees that the
consideration provided by the Company for executing this Agreement is adequate
and satisfactory. Employee acknowledges and agrees that in executing and
delivering this Agreement, he did not rely on any representation or statement
written or oral by the Company or any of its agents, representatives,
consultants or employees concerning the terms or effects of this Agreement, not
set forth in this document.

         14. SEVERABILITY. In case one or more of the provisions contained in
this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect, the same shall not affect any other provisions in
this Agreement, but this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid or
illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been contained herein or therein.

         15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT, MODIFICATION. This Agreement embodies the entire
agreement of the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof. No
amendment or modification of this Agreement shall be valid or binding upon the
parties unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

         16. BINDING EFFECT, ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefits of the parties hereto and their respective heirs,
representatives, successors, transferees and assigns. This Agreement shall not
be assignable by Employee but shall be freely assignable by the Company.

         17. COUNTERPART COPIES. This Agreement may be executed in any number
of counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which,
when taken together, shall constitute one agreement.

         18. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia.



                                       8
<PAGE>   10


         19. HEADINGS. The section headings set forth in this Agreement are
included for convenience only and shall not be considered in the construction
or interpretation of this Agreement.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement this
________ day of _________________, 1999.

EMPLOYEE;                                      COMPANY:

                                            SIMMONS COMPANY

________________________________            By: __________________________

Martin R. Passaglia                         Title: _______________________





                                       9
<PAGE>   11


                              NOTE OF LEGAL RIGHTS
                UNDER THE OLDER WORKERS' BENEFIT PROTECTION ACT

         Simmons Company has prepared a severance pay and benefit package to
assist you when your employment with us ends. In exchange for this severance
pay and benefit package, you will be required to sign a general release. By
signing the attached Separation Agreement and General Release (hereinafter
"Release"), you are giving up all claims you may have against Simmons Company
including claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (hereinafter
called "ADEA"), which arose on or before the date you sign the Release. Federal
law requires Simmons Company to inform you of your legal rights before you sign
the attached release.

         You should carefully review the terms of the Release with an attorney
before you sign it. Be sure you understand all of its terms and conditions and
are signing it voluntarily. If you do not understand any of its terms or
conditions, or if you have any questions, please ask a representative of
Simmons Company for assistance.

         You may consider whether to sign this Release for twenty-one (21)
days. After you sign the Release, you may change your mind and revoke it for a
period of seven (7) days following the date you signed it. If you do not revoke
the Release within this time period, it will become enforceable, and Simmons
Company will give you the pay and benefits outlined in it.

         The law also requires that you receive consideration in addition to
anything of value that you are already entitled to receive in exchange for
signing any settlement agreement and release in which you waive your rights and
claims under the ADEA against Simmons Company. Because Simmons Company does not
pay severance pay and benefits as a matter of policy and practice, but has
implemented this agreement in conjunction with your termination, this severance
pay is the additional consideration required by the law.

         Please sign and date the attached copy of this Notice. This is simply
to let us know that you received it.


                                ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

         I acknowledge that I received a Notice of Legal Rights explaining my
legal rights under the Older Workers' Benefit Protection Act on the date stated
below.


- -----------------------                     ------------------------------------
       (date)                                           (signature)





                                      10

<PAGE>   1


                                Exhibit 10.39
<PAGE>   2
                                 SIMMONS COMPANY

                               SECOND AMENDMENT TO
                        CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

           THIS SECOND AMENDMENT (this "AMENDMENT") dated as of March __, 2000
to the CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT dated as of October 29, 1998 (as amended by
that certain First Amendment to Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of March
1, 1999, the "CREDIT AGREEMENT") is entered into by and among SIMMONS COMPANY, a
Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY"), SIMMONS HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware
corporation ("HOLDINGS"), the CREDIT SUPPORT PARTY listed on the signature
papers hereto, CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS listed on the signature pages
hereto, GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P., as Syndication Agent and UBS A.G.,
STAMFORD BRANCH, as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used herein without
definition shall have the same meanings herein as set forth in the Credit
Agreement and in the amendments contained in Section 1 hereof.


                               RECITALS

           WHEREAS, Company and Requisite Lenders desire to amend the Credit
Agreement to (i) permit certain incremental Tranche C Term Loans in an aggregate
principal amount not in excess of $50,000,000 and (ii) make certain adjustments
to the calculation of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA.

           NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements,
provisions and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

SECTION 1. AMENDMENTS TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

1.1    AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 1: DEFINITIONS.

         A. Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the
following definitions in proper alphabetical order:

                     "INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM LOAN COMMITMENTS" as
              defined in Section 2.25(a).


<PAGE>   3

                     "INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM LOANS" as defined in
              Section 2.25(b)(i).

                     "INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM LOAN LENDER" as
              defined in Section 2.25(b)(ii).

                     "INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM LOAN NOTICE" means an
              Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Notice substantially in
              the form of Exhibit A-4.

                     "INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM LOAN SYNDICATION
              AGENT" as defined in Section 2.25(c).

                     "SECOND AMENDMENT" means that certain Second
              Amendment to Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of
              March __, 2000 among Company, Holdings, Syndication
              Agent, Administrative Agent and the financial
              institutions and the Credit Support Parties listed on
              the signature pages thereto.

                     "SECOND AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date
              of satisfaction of the conditions referred to in Section
              2 of the Second Amendment.

       B. Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby further
amended by amending the definition of "Agent" to read in its entirety
as follows:

                     "AGENT" means each of Syndication Agent, Joint
              Lead Arrangers, Administrative Agent and, if applicable,
              Incremental Tranche C Syndication Agent.

       C. Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby further
amended by amending the definition of "Notice" to read in its entirety
as follows:

                     "NOTICE" means a Funding Notice, a Request for
              Issuance, a Conversion/Continuation Notice or an
              Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Notice.

       D. Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby further
amended by amending the definition of "Tranche C Lender" to read in
its entirety as follows:




                                  2
<PAGE>   4

                     "TRANCHE C LENDER" means a Lender making a
              Tranche C Term Loan on the Closing Date or pursuant to
              Section 2.25.

1.2    AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 2: CREDIT EXTENSIONS.

       A. Section 2.5 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by
adding the following at the end thereto:

              "Notwithstanding the foregoing, the proceeds from any
              Incremental Tranche C Term Loans shall be applied by
              Company for acquisitions and general corporate
              purposes."

       B. Section 2.11 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by
adding the following Section 2.11(d) at the end thereto:

              "     (d) In the event any Incremental Tranche C Term
              Loans are made, such Incremental Tranche C Term Loans
              shall be repaid on each Installment Date occurring on or
              after the applicable Incremental Tranche C Term Loan
              Effective Date in an amount equal to (i) the aggregate
              principal amount of Incremental Tranche C Term Loans as
              of such Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Effective Date,
              times (ii) the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of (y)
              the amount of Tranche C Term Loans (without giving
              effect to the Incremental Tranche C Term Loans) being
              repaid on such Installment Date and (z) the total
              aggregate amount of Tranche C Term Loans (without giving
              effect to the Incremental Tranche C Term Loans)
              outstanding on such Incremental Tranche C Term Loan
              Effective Date."

       C. Section 2.13(e) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by
adding the following proviso at the end thereto:

              "PROVIDED FURTHER, that no such prepayment and/or
              reduction shall be required for Fiscal Year 1999 except
              to the extent Consolidated Excess Cash Flow for such
              Fiscal Year exceeds $6,100,000; PROVIDED FURTHER, that
              the amount added to Consolidated Net Income for purposes
              of determining Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA relating to
              severance charges during calendar years 1999 and 2000
              shall not be deducted for purposes of determining
              Consolidated Excess Cash Flow."

       D. Section 2 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by
adding the following Section 2.25 at the end thereto:




                                  3
<PAGE>   5

          "2.25 INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM LOAN COMMITMENTS AND LOANS.

                  (a) INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM LOAN COMMITMENTS. Company may
         elect to increase the Tranche C Term Loan Commitments by an aggregate
         amount not in excess of $50,000,000 and in minimum amounts of not less
         than $10,000,000 and in integral multiples of $5,000,000 (such
         increase, the "INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM LOAN COMMITMENTS").

                  (b) INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM LOAN MECHANICS. In order to
         make the election set forth in Section 2.25(a), Company shall deliver
         to the Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Syndication Agent an Incremental
         Tranche C Term Loan Notice setting forth the following:

                           (i) the date (each, an "INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM
         LOAN EFFECTIVE DATE"), which shall be not less than ten (10) Business
         Days after the date on which the applicable Incremental Tranche C Term
         Loan Notice is delivered to the Incremental Tranche C Term Loan
         Syndication Agent, on which Company proposes that the applicable
         Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Commitment shall be effective and, if
         applicable, that the Loans to be made pursuant to the Incremental
         Tranche C Term Loan Commitments (THE "INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM LOAN")
         shall be made;

                           (ii) the identity of each Lender or other Person that
         meets the requirements of an Eligible Assignee (each, an "INCREMENTAL
         TRANCHE C TERM LOAN LENDER") to whom Company proposes any portion of
         the applicable Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Credit Commitments be
         allocated and the amounts of such allocations; and

                           (iii) if applicable, the aggregate principal amount
         of Incremental Tranche C Term Loans to be made on the Incremental
         Tranche C Term Loan Effective Date.

                  (c) ARRANGEMENT AND SYNDICATION. The Incremental Tranche C
         Term Loan Commitments shall be arranged and syndicated by Syndication
         Agent in the capacity as lead arranger and syndication agent with
         respect thereto (in such capacities, "INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM LOAN
         SYNDICATION AGENT"), and Company shall pay to Incremental Tranche C
         Term Loan Syndication Agent such customary fees and expenses in
         connection with arranging, syndicating and providing the Incremental
         Tranche C Term Loan Commitments as may be necessary, in the reasonable
         judgment of Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Syndication Agent, to
         achieve a successful syndication thereof and no portion of such fees
         shall be allocable to any persons other than Incremental Tranche C Term
         Loan Syndication Agent and those persons providing the Incremental
         Tranche C Term Loan Commitments. Notwithstanding anything in this
         Agreement to the contrary,



                                  4
<PAGE>   6

         Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Syndication Agent shall be entitled to
         the benefits of Section 9 as if it were named therein. Any Lender given
         the option to participate in any Incremental Tranche C Term Loan
         Commitment may elect or decline, in its sole discretion, to provide
         such Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Commitment.

                  (d) CONDITIONS TO INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM LOAN AMOUNTS. Any
         Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Commitments shall become effective and,
         if applicable, any Incremental Tranche C Term Loans shall be made as of
         the applicable Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Effective Date subject
         to the following conditions:

                           (i) no Default or Event of Default shall exist as of
         such date before or after giving effect to such Incremental Tranche C
         Term Loan Commitments;

                           (ii) Company and its Subsidiaries shall be in pro
         forma compliance with each of the covenants set forth in Section 6.6 as
         of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter after giving
         effect, on a pro forma basis, to such Incremental Tranche C Term Loans;

                           (iii) both before and after giving effect to the
         making of any Incremental Tranche C Term Loans, each of the conditions
         set forth in Section 3.2 shall be satisfied;

                           (iv) each increase in the Tranche C Term Loan
         Commitments shall be effected pursuant to one or more joinder
         agreements, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
         to the Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Syndication Agent, and executed
         by each Credit Party and each Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Lender
         and delivered to Administrative Agent and recorded in the Register; and

                           (v) Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered
         any legal opinions or other documents reasonably requested by the
         Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Syndication Agent or Administrative
         Agent in connection with any such transaction.

                  (e) INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM LOANS. On any Incremental
         Tranche C Term Loan Effective Date on which Incremental Tranche C Term
         Loan Commitments are effected, subject to the satisfaction of the
         foregoing terms and conditions:

                           (i) each Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Lender
         holding an Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Commitment shall make
         Tranche C Term Loans to Company in an amount equal to its allocated
         Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Commitment;



                                       5
<PAGE>   7

                           (ii) each such Loan shall be deemed and treated for
         all purposes as a Tranche C Term Loan; and

                           (iii) each Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Lender
         shall become a Lender hereunder with respect to the Incremental Tranche
         C Term Loan Commitments and for purposes of all other provisions of
         this Agreement shall be deemed a Tranche C Lender.

                  (f) NOTICE OF INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C AMOUNTS. Administrative
         Agent shall notify the Lenders promptly upon receipt of Company's
         notice of each Incremental Tranche C Effective Date and in respect
         thereof the Incremental Tranche C Commitments and the Incremental
         Tranche C Term Loans."

1.3    AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 6: NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

         A. Section 6.5(v)(b) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by
restating it in its entirety as follows:

         "(b) the aggregate amount of Restricted Junior Payments made pursuant
         to this clause (v) in any Fiscal Year shall not exceed $2,500,000 plus
         the cumulative unused portion, if any, of such $2,500,000 per year
         amount not so utilized during the preceding Fiscal Years."

         B. Section 6.6A of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting
the table set forth therein in its entirety and substituting therefor the
following:

                                                    MINIMUM FIXED CHARGE
           PERIOD                                      COVERAGE RATIO
           ------                                      --------------


The last day of Fiscal Year 1999 - the day imme-          1.55:1.00
diately preceding the end of 2(nd) Fiscal Quarter
2001

The last day of 2(nd) Fiscal Quarter 2001 - the day       1.65:1.00
immediately preceding the end of Fiscal Year
2001

The last day of Fiscal Year 2001 - the day imme-          1.75:1.00
diately preceding the end of 2(nd) Fiscal Quarter
2002



                                       6
<PAGE>   8


                                                  MINIMUM FIXED CHARGE
                 PERIOD                              COVERAGE RATIO
                 ------                              --------------

The last day of 2(nd) Fiscal Quarter 2002 -            1.95:1.00
thereafter

         C. Section 6.6B of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting
the table set forth therein in its entirety and substituting therefor the
following:

                                                 MINIMUM CASH INTEREST
                 PERIOD                             COVERAGE RATIO
                 ------                             --------------



The last day of Fiscal Year 1999 - the day imme-        1.90:1.00
diately preceding the end of 2(nd) Fiscal Quarter
2001

The last day of 2(nd) Fiscal Quarter 2001 - the day     2.10:1.00
immediately preceding the end of Fiscal Year
2001

The last day of Fiscal Year 2001 - the day imme-        2.30:1.00
diately preceding the end of 2(nd) Fiscal Quarter
2002

The last day of 2(nd) Fiscal Quarter 2002 -             2.50:1.00
thereafter

         D. Section 6.8 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting
the reference to "$10,000,000" for the period ending 12/31/00 in the table set
forth therein and substituting "$12,500,000" therefor.

         E. Section 6.8 of the Credit Agreement is hereby further amended by
adding the following proviso at the end thereto:

         "PROVIDED FURTHER, in addition to the foregoing, Company and its
         Subsidiaries may incur additional Capital Expenditures in an amount
         not to exceed $1,700,000 in the aggregate with respect to the
         acquisition of United Sleep Products, as long as such Capital
         Expenditures are incurred within twelve months of the date of such
         acquisition and made with respect to United Sleep Products and its
         Subsidiaries."




                                       7
<PAGE>   9

1.4     AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 10: Miscellaneous. Section 10.5(d) of the Credit
Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the "." at the end thereto and adding
the following:

         "or of Section 2.25 as it relates to the Incremental Tranche C Term
         Loan Syndication Agent, in each case without the consent of such
         Agent."

1.5     AMENDMENTS TO EXHIBITS.

         A. The Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding thereto a new
EXHIBIT A-4 (Incremental Tranche C Term Loan Notice) in the form of ANNEX A
attached hereto.

         B. The Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the current
EXHIBIT M (Certain Adjustments to EBITDA) in its entirety and substituting
therefor a new EXHIBIT M in the form of ANNEX B attached hereto.

SECTION 2. CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS

         Section 1 of this Amendment shall become effective only upon the
satisfaction of all of the following conditions precedent (the date of
satisfaction of such conditions being referred to herein as the "SECOND
AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE"):

         A. EXECUTION. Credit Parties and Requisite Lenders shall have executed
this Amendment.

         B. AMENDMENT FEE. The Administrative Agent shall have received, for
distribution to all Lenders executing this Amendment, an amendment fee equal to
0.125% of such Lender's outstanding Loans and Commitments.

         C. OTHER FEES. The Agents shall have received all other fees and other
amounts due and payable on or prior to the Second Amendment Effective Date,
including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or other payment of all
out-of-pocket expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Company
hereunder or under any other Credit Document.

         D. NECESSARY CONSENTS. Each Credit Party shall have obtained all
material consents necessary or advisable in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Amendment.

         E. OTHER DOCUMENTS. Administrative Agent and Lenders shall have
received such other documents and information regarding Credit Parties as
Administrative Agent may reasonably request.




                                       8
<PAGE>   10

SECTION 3. BORROWER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         In order to induce Lenders to enter into this Amendment and to amend
the Credit Agreement in the manner provided herein, each of the Company
represents and warrants to each Lender that the following statements are true,
correct and complete in all material respects:

         A. CORPORATE POWER AND AUTHORITY. Each Credit Party which is party
hereto has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this
Amendment and to carry out the transactions contemplated by, and perform its
obligations under, the Credit Agreement as amended by this Amendment (the
"Amended Agreement") and the other Credit Documents.

         B. AUTHORIZATION OF AGREEMENTS. The execution and delivery of this
Amendment and the performance of the Amended Agreement and the other Credit
Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the
part of each Credit Party.

         C. NO CONFLICT. The execution and delivery by each Credit Party of this
Amendment and the performance by each Credit Party of the Amended Agreement and
the other Credit Documents do not and will not (i) violate (A) any provision of
any law, statute, rule or regulation, or of the certificate or articles of
incorporation or partnership agreement, other constitutive documents or by-laws
of Holdings, the Company or any Subsidiary, (B) any applicable order of any
court or any rule, regulation or order of any Governmental Authority or (C) any
provision of any indenture, certificate of designation for preferred stock,
agreement or other instrument to which Holdings, the Company or any Subsidiary
is a party or by which any of them or any of their property is or may be bound,
(ii) be in conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute (alone or with
notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any such indenture, certificate
of designation for preferred stock, agreement or other instrument, where any
such conflict, violation, breach or default referred to in clause (i) or (ii) of
this Section 3.C., individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect, (iii) result in or require the creation or
imposition of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of each Credit Party
(other than any Liens created under any of the Credit Documents in favor of
Administrative Agent on behalf of Lenders), or (iv) require any approval of
stockholders or partners or any approval or consent of any Person under any
contractual obligation of each Credit Party, except for such approvals or
consents which will be obtained on or before the Second Amendment Effective
Date.

         D. GOVERNMENTAL CONSENTS. No action, consent or approval of,
registration or filing with or any other action by any Governmental Authority is
or will be required in connection with the execution and delivery by each Credit
Party of this Amendment and the performance by Company and Holdings of the
Amended Agreement and the other Credit Documents, except for such actions,
consents and approvals the failure to obtain or make which could not reasonably
be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or which have been obtained
and are in full force and effect.




                                       9
<PAGE>   11

         E. BINDING OBLIGATION. This Amendment and the Amended Agreement have
been duly executed and delivered by each of the Credit Parties party thereto and
each constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Credit Party to
the extent a party thereto enforceable against such Credit Party in accordance
with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium, reorganization or other similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally and except as enforceability may be limited by
general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

         F. INCORPORATION OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES FROM CREDIT
AGREEMENT. The representations and warranties contained in Section 4 of the
Amended Agreement are and will be true, correct and complete in all material
respects on and as of the Second Amendment Effective Date to the same extent as
though made on and as of that date, except to the extent such representations
and warranties specifically relate to an earlier date, in which case they were
true, correct and complete in all material respects on and as of such earlier
date.

         G. ABSENCE OF DEFAULT. No event has occurred and is continuing or will
result from the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Amendment
that would constitute an Event of Default or a Default.

SECTION 4. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT

         Simmons International Holdings Company, Inc. referred to herein as the
"CREDIT SUPPORT PARTY", and the Credit Documents to which they are a party are
collectively referred to herein as the "CREDIT SUPPORT DOCUMENTS".

         Credit Support Party hereby acknowledges that it has reviewed the terms
and provisions of the Credit Agreement and this Amendment and consents to the
amendment of the Credit Agreement effected pursuant to this Amendment. Credit
Support Party hereby confirms that each Credit Support Document to which it is a
party or otherwise bound and all Collateral encumbered thereby will continue to
guarantee or secure, as the case may be, to the fullest extent possible in
accordance with the Credit Support Documents the payment and performance of all
"Obligations" under each of the Credit Support Documents to which is a party (in
each case as such terms are defined in the applicable Credit Support Document).

         Credit Support Party acknowledges and agrees that any of the Credit
Support Documents to which it is a party or otherwise bound shall continue in
full force and effect and that all of its obligations thereunder shall be valid
and enforceable and shall not be impaired or limited by the execution or
effectiveness of this Amendment. Credit Support Party represents and warrants
that all representations and warranties contained in the Amended Agreement and
the Credit Support Documents to which it is a party or otherwise bound are true,
correct and complete in all material respects on and as of the Second Amendment
Effective Date to the same extent as though made on and as of that date, except
to the extent such representations



                                       10
<PAGE>   12

and warranties specifically relate to an earlier date, in which case they were
true, correct and complete in all material respects on and as of such earlier
date.

         Credit Support Party acknowledges and agrees that (i) notwithstanding
the conditions to effectiveness set forth in this Amendment, Credit Support
Party is not required by the terms of the Credit Agreement or any other Credit
Support Document to consent to the amendments to the Credit Agreement effected
pursuant to this Amendment and (ii) nothing in the Credit Agreement, this
Amendment or any other Credit Support Document shall be deemed to require the
consent of Credit Support Party to any future amendments to the Credit
Agreement.

SECTION 5. MISCELLANEOUS

         A. REFERENCE TO AND EFFECT ON THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN
DOCUMENTS.

                  (i) On and after the Second Amendment Effective Date, each
         reference in the Credit Agreement to "this Agreement", "hereunder",
         "hereof", "herein" or words of like import referring to the Credit
         Agreement, and each reference in the other Credit Documents to the
         "Credit Agreement", "thereunder", "thereof" or words of like import
         referring to the Credit Agreement shall mean and be a reference to the
         Credit Agreement as amended by this Amendment.

                  (ii) Except as specifically amended by this Amendment, the
         Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents shall remain in full
         force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed.

                  (iii) The execution, delivery and performance of this
         Amendment shall not, except as expressly provided herein, constitute a
         waiver of any provision of, or operate as a waiver of any right, power
         or remedy of any Agent or Lender under, the Credit Agreement or any of
         the other Credit Documents.

         B. HEADINGS. Section and Subsection headings in this Amendment are
included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a
part of this Amendment for any other purpose or be given any substantive effect.

         C. APPLICABLE LAW. THIS AMENDMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF
THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING
WITHOUT LIMITATION SECTION 5-1401 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF
NEW YORK), WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.




                                       11
<PAGE>   13

         D. COUNTERPARTS. This Amendment may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of
which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such
counterparts together shall constitute but one and the same instrument;
signature pages may be detached from multiple separate counterparts and attached
to a single counterpart so that all signature pages are physically attached to
the same document.

                  [Remainder of page intentionally left blank]





                                       12
<PAGE>   14

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be
duly executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized as of the date first written above.

       BORROWER:              SIMMONS COMPANY

                              By:    /s/ Roger W. Franklin
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                     Name: Roger W. Franklin
                                     Title: Vice-President-Finance, Treasurer

       HOLDINGS:              SIMMONS HOLDING, INC.

                              By:    /s/ Roger W. Franklin
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                     Name: Roger W. Franklin
                                     Title: Vice-President-Finance, Treasurer

       CREDIT SUPPORT         SIMMONS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS
       PARTIES:               COMPANY, INC.
                              (for the purposes of Section 4 only) as a Credit
                              Support Party

                              By:    /s/ Roger W. Franklin
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                     Name: Roger W. Franklin
                                     Title: Vice-President-Finance, Treasurer

         LENDERS              GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P.,
         AND AGENTS:

                              By:    /s/ Elizabeth Fischer
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                         Authorized Signatory

                              UBS AG, STAMFORD BRANCH

                              By:    /s/ Renata Jacobson
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                     Name: Renata Jacobson
                                     Title: Director

                              By:    /s/ David Barth
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                     Name: David Barth
                                     Title: Director



                                      S-1

<PAGE>   15
                              WACHOVIA BANK, N.A.,

                              By:    /s/ Howard Kim
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                     Name: Howard Kim
                                     Title: Senior Vice President

                              FLEET NATIONAL BANK

                              By:    /s/ Pauline So
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                     Name: Pauline So
                                     Title: Assistant Vice President

                              U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                              By:
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                     Name:
                                     Title:

                              BHF-BANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
                              NEW YORK BRANCH

                              By:
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                     Name:
                                     Title:

                              By:
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                     Name:
                                     Title:


                                      S-2
<PAGE>   16

                                 SUNTRUST BANK, ATLANTA

                                 By:
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Name:
                                    Title:

                                 By:
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Name:
                                    Title:

                                WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.

                                 By:
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Name:
                                    Title:

                                BAYERISCHE HYPO-UND VEREINSBANK, AG
                                NEW YORK BRANCH

                                 By:
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Name:
                                    Title:

                                 By:
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Name:
                                    Title:




                                      S-3

<PAGE>   17
                                 THE BANK OF NEW YORK

                                 By:    /s/ David C. Siegel
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: David C. Siegel
                                        Title:  Vice President

                                 BANK AUSTRIA CREDITANSTALT
                                 CORPORATE FINANCE, INC.

                                 By:
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:

                                 HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.

                                 By:    /s/ Robert M. Reeg
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Robert M. Reeg
                                        Title: Assistant Vice President

                                 THE MITSUBISHI TRUST AND BANKING COR-
                                 PORATION

                                 By:    /s/ Toshihiro Hayashi
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Toshihiro Hayashi
                                        Title: Senior Vice President

                                 THE PROVIDENT BANK

                                 By:    /s/ Thomas W. Doe
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Thomas W. Doe
                                        Title: Vice President


                                      S-4
<PAGE>   18










                                      S-5
<PAGE>   19


                                 SCOTIABANC INC.

                                 By:
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:








                                      S-6
<PAGE>   20

                                 ALLSTATE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                 By:    /s/ David Walsh
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: David Walsh
                                        Title: Authorized Signatory

                                 By:    /s/ Daniel C. Leimbach
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Daniel C. Leimbach
                                        Title: Authorized Signatory








                                      S-7
<PAGE>   21
















                                      S-8
<PAGE>   22


                                 MERRILL LYNCH PRIME RATE PORTFOLIO

                                 By:    /s/ Andrew C. Liggio
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Andrew C. Liggio
                                        Title: Authorized Signatory













                                      S-9
<PAGE>   23






                                 HSBC BANK USA

                                 By:    /s/ Paul M. Harrington
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Paul M. Harrington
                                        Title: Authorized Signatory









                                      S-10
<PAGE>   24

                                 FREMONT INVESTMENT & LOAN

                                 By:
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:






                                      S-11
<PAGE>   25


                                 ARCHIMEDES FUNDING III, LTD.
                                 BY: ING CAPITAL ADVISORS LLC,
                                 AS COLLATERAL MANAGER

                                 By:    /s/ Michael J. Campbell
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Michael J. Campbell
                                        Title: Managing Director






                                      S-12
<PAGE>   26

                                 AERIES  2 FINANCE LTD.
                                 BY:    INVESCO SENIOR SECURED MANAGEMENT,
                                        INC, AS SUB-MANAGING AGENT

                                 By:    /s/ Gregory Stoeckle
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Gregory Stoeckle
                                        Title: Authorized Signatory

                                 AMARA 1 FINANCE LTD.
                                 BY:   INVESCO SENIOR SECURED MANAGEMENT,
                                        INC., AS SUB-ADVISOR

                                 By:    /s/ Gregory Stoeckle
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Gregory Stoeckle
                                        Title: Authorized Signatory

                                 AMARA 2 FINANCE LTD.
                                 BY:   INVESCO SENIOR SECURED MANAGMENT,
                                        INC., AS SUB ADVISOR

                                 By:    /s/ Gregory Stoeckle
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:  Gregory Stoeckle
                                        Title: Authorized Signatory








                                      S-13
<PAGE>   27


                                 NORTH AMERICAN SENIOR FLOATING RATE
                                 FUND
                                 BY:    CYPRESSTREE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
                                        COMPANY, INC. AS PORTFOLIO MANAGER

                                 By:    /s/ Catherine C. McDermott
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Catherine C. McDermott
                                        Title: Principal

                                 CYPRESSTREE INSTITUTIONAL FUND, LLC
                                 By:    CYPRESSTREE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
                                        COMPANY, INC. ITS  MANAGING MEMBER

                                 By:    /s/ Catherine C. McDermott
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Catherine C. McDermott
                                        Title: Principal













                                      S-14
<PAGE>   28

                                 KZH CYPRESSTREE - 1 LLC

                                 By:    /s/ Peter Chin
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Peter Chin
                                        Title: Authorized Agent










                                      S-15
<PAGE>   29

                                 SENIOR DEBT PORTFOLIO
                                 By:   BOSTON MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH
                                       AS INVESTMENT ADVISOR

                                 By:    /s/ Scott H. Page
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Scott H. Page
                                        Title: Vice President

                                 EATON VANCE SENIOR INCOME TRUST
                                 By:    EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT
                                        AS INVESTMENT ADVISOR

                                 By:    /s/ Scott H. Page
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Scott H. Page
                                        Title: Vice President

                                 EATON VANCE INSTITUTIONAL SENIOR
                                 LOAN FUND
                                 By:   EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT
                                       AS INVESTMENT ADVISOR

                                 By:    /s/ Scott H. Page
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Scott H. Page
                                        Title: Vice President

                                 OXFORD STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
                                 By:   EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT
                                       AS INVESTMENT ADVISOR

                                 By:    /s/ Scott H. Page
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Scott H. Page
                                        Title: Vice President



                                      S-16
<PAGE>   30


                                 MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
                                 PRIME INCOME TRUST

                                 By:    /s/ Sheila Finnerty
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Sheila Finnerty
                                        Title: Senior Vice President







                                      S-17
<PAGE>   31

                                     ANNEX A

                                                                  EXHIBIT A-4 TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                     INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM LOAN NOTICE

         Reference is made to the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of
October 29, 1998 (as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, the
"CREDIT AGREEMENT"; the terms defined therein and not otherwise defined herein
being used herein as therein defined), by and among SIMMONS COMPANY, A DELAWARE
CORPORATION ("COMPANY"), SIMMONS HOLDINGS, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION
("HOLDINGS"), certain Subsidiaries of Company, as Guarantors, the Lenders party
thereto from time to time, GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P., as Syndication
Agent, and UBS A.G., STAMFORD BRANCH, as Administrative Agent.

         Pursuant to Section 2.25(a) of the Credit Agreement, Company [(i)]
elects to increase the Tranche C Term Loan Commitments in the following
aggregate amounts[, and (ii) requests that Lenders make the following Loans to
Company in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions of the Credit
Agreement, in each case] to be effective as of [date] the date (the "INCREMENTAL
TRANCHE C TERM LOAN EFFECTIVE DATE"):

              TRANCHE C TERM LOANS:

              INCREMENTAL TRANCHE C TERM LOAN COMMITMENTS:       $_____________

              [$[__,__,__]    Eurodollar Rate Loans        Initial Interest
                                                            Period of _________
                                                            month(s)
               $[__,__,__]    Base Rate Loans]

         Company hereby certifies that as of Incremental Tranche C Term Loan
Effective Date:

                  (i) no Default or Event of Default shall exist either before
         or after giving effect to the Incremental Tranche C Term Loan
         Commitments contemplated hereby;

                  (ii) Company and its Subsidiaries shall be in pro forma
         compliance with each of the covenants set forth in Section 6.6 as of
         the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter after giving
         effect to the Incremental Tranche C Term Loans contemplated hereby;





                                  Exhibit A-4-1
<PAGE>   32

                  (iii) both before and after giving effect to the making of any
         Incremental Tranche C Term Loans, each of the conditions set forth in
         Section 3.2 of the Credit Agreement shall have been satisfied;

                  (iv) the increase in the Tranche C Term Loan Commitments shall
         be effected pursuant to one or more joinder agreements, in each case in
         form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, and
         shall be executed by each Credit Party and each Incremental Tranche C
         Term Loan Lender and delivered to Administrative Agent and recorded in
         the Register;

                  (v) Company has delivered or caused to be delivered any legal
         opinions or other documents reasonably requested by Administrative
         Agent in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby; and

                  (vii) attached as Annex A hereto is a list of each Incremental
         Tranche C Term Loan Lender and the amount of each Incremental Tranche C
         Term Loan Commitment applicable thereto.

Date: [date]                                    SIMMONS COMPANY




                                                By:____________________________
                                                Title:_________________________







                                  Exhibit A-4-2
<PAGE>   33

                                     ANNEX B

                                   [ATTACHED]







                                   Exhibit M-1

<PAGE>   34
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    EXHIBIT M TO THE
                                                                       CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                                              Simmons Company
                                         Historical Adjusted EBITDA
                                               ($ thousands)

                                              1997            1998            1999            2000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
EBITDA                                       53,325          58,682          52,612          ACTUAL
     Interest Income                            256             184             201          ACTUAL


Non-Recurring SWIFT/UNITE                     2,347           2,208              --
Management Strategic Initiatives
     Strategic Initiative #1                  1,363              --              --
     Strategic Initiative #2                    330              --              --
     Strategic Initiative #3                     --             418             444
Other

Discontinued Product Line                       799             772              --
Severance                                        --              --           6,600           3,800
H&H                                              --              --           6,883

EBITDA, as Adjusted                          58,420          62,264          66,740

</TABLE>

         The numbers set forth above under "EBITDA, as Adjusted" for periods
prior to Fiscal Year 2000 shall be used as "Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA" in
computing the covenants set forth in Section 6.6 of the Credit Agreement. EBITDA
for each Fiscal Quarter in 2000 shall use the actual numbers for such quarter
adjusted as provided under the heading "2000". The severance and H&H adjustments
for 1999 were incurred in the fourth Fiscal Quarter of 1999. It is estimated
that the adjustment provided under the Heading "2000" will be made in the first
Fiscal Quarter of 2000.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      Exhibit 21


                                  SUBSIDIARIES

A.       DOMESTIC SUBSIDIARIES
                                                             Jurisdiction of
Name                                                          Incorporation
- ----                                                          -------------

(1)      Simmons International Holding Company, Inc.         New York

(2)      Gallery Corp.                                       Delaware

B.       FOREIGN SUBSIDIARIES

                                                             Jurisdiction of
Name                                                          Incorporation
- ----                                                          -------------

(1)      Simmons Caribbean Bedding, Inc.                     Puerto Rico

(2)      INFO Establishment                                  Liechtenstein

(3)      Simmons I.P., Inc.                                  Ontario

(4)      688363 Ontario Limited                              Ontario

(5)      897701 Ontario Limited                              Ontario

(6)      Simmons International Ltd.                          Bahamas


                                       68

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-25-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-27-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-25-1999
<CASH>                                           4,533
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   77,775
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,449
<INVENTORY>                                     19,164
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               117,130
<PP&E>                                          73,316
<DEPRECIATION>                                  20,453
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 406,100
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           59,499
<BONDS>                                        333,184
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           320
<OTHER-SE>                                     (6,348)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   406,100
<SALES>                                        619,526
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               619,526
<CGS>                                          350,721
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  350,721
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 7,597
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              32,214
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (7,061)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     (105)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (6,956)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                (2,173)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (9,129)
<EPS-BASIC>                                          0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0


</TABLE>


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