AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 16, 1997
REGISTRATION NO. 333-19423
===============================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
--------------
AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO
FORM SB-2
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
--------------
KIDS STUFF, INC.
(NAME OF SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER IN ITS CHARTER)
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DELAWARE 5961 34-1843520
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
ORGANIZATION) CLASSIFICATION CODE NO.) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>
--------------
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WILLIAM L. MILLER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
KIDS STUFF, INC.
4450 BELDEN VILLAGE STREET, N.W., SUITE 406
4450 BELDEN VILLAGE STREET, N.W., SUITE 406 CANTON, OHIO 44718
CANTON, OHIO 44718 (330) 492-8090
(330) 492-8090
(ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
AND PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS)
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--------------
COPIES TO:
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MICHAEL T. GREIF, ESQ. STEVEN F. WASSERMAN, ESQ.
HORNSBY, SACHER, ZELMAN, BERNSTEIN & WASSERMAN, LLP
STANTON, PAUL & BEILEY, P.A. 950 THIRD AVENUE
1401 BRICKELL AVENUE, SUITE 700 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
MIAMI, FLORIDA 33131 (212) 826-0730
(305) 371-8797 (212) 371-4730 (FAX)
(305) 374-2605 (FAX)
</TABLE>
--------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis, pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box [x]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering: [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering: [ ]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box: [ ]
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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PROPOSED
MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS AMOUNT TO BE OFFERING PRICE
OF SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED REGISTERED PER UNIT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Units, each consisting of two shares of Common Stock,
$.001 par value per share, and one Class A Warrant to
purchase one share of Common Stock(2) .................. 287,500 $12.00 per Unit
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares of Common Stock included in the Units ............ 575,000 -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Warrants included in the Units .................. 287,500 -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Underwriters' Stock Purchase Option to purchase 50,000
shares of Common Stock ("Underwriters' Option").......... 50,000 $9.90 per Share
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Registration Fee ...................................................................
============================================================================================
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PROPOSED
MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
OF SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED OFFERING PRICE(1) REGISTRATION FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Units, each consisting of two shares of Common Stock,
$.001 par value per share, and one Class A Warrant to
purchase one share of Common Stock(2) .................. $3,450,000 $1,045
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares of Common Stock included in the Units ............ - -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Warrants included in the Units .................. - -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Underwriters' Stock Purchase Option to purchase 50,000
shares of Common Stock ("Underwriters' Option").......... $ 495,000 150
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Registration Fee ....................................................... $1,631
============================================================================================
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(1) Estimated solely for purposes of determining the registration fee pursuant
to Rule 457 under the Securities Act of 1933.
(2) Includes 37,500 Units which the Underwriters have the option to purchase
from the Registrant to cover over-allotments, if any.
(3) Issuable upon the exercise of Class A Warrants to be offered to the public.
--------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
================================================================================
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KIDS STUFF, INC.
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
SHOWING LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS OF
INFORMATION REQUIRED BY ITEMS IN PART I OF FORM SB-2
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
ITEM NUMBER AND CAPTION LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
- ------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
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1. Front of Registration Statement and
Outside Front Cover of Prospectus ............. Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus
2. Inside Front and Outside Bank Cover
Pages of Prospectus ............................ Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
Prospectus; Additional Information
3. Summary Information and Risk Factors ............ Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors
4. Use of Proceeds ................................. Use of Proceeds
5. Determination of Offering Price .................. Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus;
Underwriting
6. Dilution ....................................... Dilution
7. Plan of Distribution ........................... Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus;
Underwriting
8. Legal Proceedings .............................. Business-Legal Proceedings
9. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters
and Control Persons ............................ Management
10. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management ......................... Principal Stockholders
11. Description of Securities ........................ Description of Securities; Dividends
12. Interest of Named Experts and Counsel ............ Legal Matters
13. Disclosure of Commission Position
on Indemnification for Securities
Act Liabilities ............................... Underwriting
14. Organization Within Last Five Years ............ The Company and its Parent
15. Description of Business ........................ Prospectus Summary; The Company and its
Parent; Business
16. Management's Discussion and Analysis or
Plan of Operation ............................ Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
17. Description of Property ........................ Business
18. Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions .................................. Certain Transactions
19. Market for Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters ............................ Risk Factors; Unregistered Shares Eligible
for Immediate and Future Sale; Description
of Securities
20. Executive Compensation ........................... Management-Executive Compensation
21. Financial Statements ........................... Financial Statements
22. Changes in and Disagreements with
Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure ......................... Not Applicable
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED APRIL 16, 1997
PROSPECTUS
KIDS STUFF, INC.
250,000 UNITS
EACH UNIT CONSISTING OF TWO SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
AND ONE COMMON STOCK CLASS A PURCHASE WARRANT
---------------
Kids Stuff, Inc. (the "Company") is offering for sale 250,000 units
(the "Units"), each Unit consisting of two shares of common stock, $.001
par value (the "Common Stock") and one redeemable Class A warrant (the
"Warrant") to purchase one share of Common Stock. The Common Stock and the
Warrants are immediately separately transferable as of the date of this
Prospectus. Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of Common
Stock at a price of $5.00 for a period of four years commencing one year after
the date of this Prospectus. The Company may redeem the Warrants at a price of
$.05 per Warrant, at any time after they become exercisable, upon not less than
30 days' prior written notice, if the closing bid price of the Common Stock has
been at least $14.40 per share for 20 consecutive trading days ending on the 5th
day prior to the date on which the notice of redemption is given. See
"DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES."
Prior to this Offering, there has been no public market for the Units and
there can be no assurance that any such market will develop. The initial public
offering price of $12.00 per Unit has been arbitrarily determined by the Company
and VTR Capital, Inc. ("VTR Capital" or the "Representative"), the
representative of the underwriters of the Offering (the "Underwriters").
For information regarding the factors considered in determining the initial
public offering price of the Units and the exercise price of the Warrants, see
"UNDERWRITING." The Units, Common Stock and Warrants are expected to be
approved for quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbols
"KDSTU," "KDST," and "KDSTW," respectively. See "RISK
FACTORS-Certain Implications of Trading Over-The-Counter; Penny Stock'
Regulations," on page 13. There is no assurance, however, that the Company's
securities will be approved for listing on the OTC Bulletin Board or elsewhere.
The Company anticipates that the securities offered hereby will be qualified for
sale by the Company in a limited number of states. See "RISK FACTORS-Limits
on Secondary Trading; Current Prospectus and State Sky Registration Required to
Exercise Warrants," on pages 13-14.
Commencing in October, 1996, the Company sold 1,300,000 unregistered shares
of Common Stock for $.125 per share to eight private investors (the "Private
Investors") in order to obtain equity bridge financing. Assuming that each of
the two shares of Common Stock comprising a $12 Unit is valued at $6.00 per
share, and no value is attributed to a Warrant included in a Unit, the 1,300,000
shares held by the eight private investors have a hypothetical value of
$7,800,000 for which they paid a total of $162,500. See "RISK
FACTORS-Unregistered Shares Eligible for Immediate and Future Sale," on pages
14-15.
Upon completion of this Offering, Duncan Hill Co., Ltd., the Company's
parent, will own approximately 80% of the Company's outstanding voting capital
stock. See "RISK FACTORS-Control by Parent and Parent's Controlling
Stockholders," on page 11.
---------------
AN INVESTMENT IN THESE SECURITIES INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND IMMEDIATE
SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION. AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ONLY BY PERSONS WHO CAN AFFORD
THE LOSS OF THEIR ENTIRE INVESTMENT. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE
7 AND "DILUTION."
---------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION
OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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=================================================================
UNDERWRITING
PRICE TO DISCOUNTS AND PROCEEDS
PUBLIC COMMISSIONS(1) TO COMPANY(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
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Per Unit ...... $12.00 $1.20 $10.80
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3) ...... $3,000,000 $300,000 $2,700,000
=================================================================
</TABLE>
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(1) Does not include additional compensation to be received by the Underwriters
in the form of a non-accountable expense allowance equal to 3% of the public
offering price of the Units, the value of a non-redeemable option granted to
the Underwriters to purchase up to 50,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $9.90 per share, or a three-year financial consulting
agreement at a cost to the Company of $100,000 payable in advance at the
Closing of this Offering. The Company has also agreed to indemnify the
Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See "UNDERWRITING."
(2) Before deducting expenses of the Offering payable by the Company, estimated
at $489,979, including the non-accountable expense allowance in the amount
of $90,000 ($103,500 if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised
in full), and the financial consulting fee referenced in note (1).
(3) The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable within 30
days from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to 37,500 additional
Units, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If such over-allotment
option is exercised in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting
Discounts and Commissions and Proceeds to Company will be approximately
$3,450,000 and $345,000 and $3,105,000, respectively. See "UNDERWRITING."
---------------
The Units being offered for sale by the Company are being offered on a
"firm commitment" basis, subject to prior sale, when, as and if delivered
to and accepted by the Underwriters. The Underwriters reserve the right to
withdraw, cancel or modify the offering and to reject any order in whole or in
part. It is expected that delivery of certificates representing the Units will
be made against payment therefor on or about April , 1997.
VTR CAPITAL, INC.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS APRIL , 1997
<PAGE>
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN, OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE UNITS, COMMON
STOCK AND/OR WARRANTS OF THE COMPANY , INCLUDING OVER-ALLOTMENT, STABILIZING AND
SHORT-COVERING TRANSACTIONS AND THE IMPOSITION OF PENALTY BIDS. FOR A
DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF THE UNITS TO BE SOLD IN THE OFFERING MAY BE SOLD TO
CUSTOMERS OF THE UNDERWRITERS. SUCH CUSTOMERS SUBSEQUENTLY MAY ENGAGE IN
TRANSACTIONS FOR THE SALE OR PURCHASE OF THE UNITS AND/OR THE SECURITIES
INCLUDED THEREIN WITH OR THROUGH THE UNDERWRITERS. NO AGREEMENTS OR
UNDERSTANDINGS, WRITTEN OR ORAL, EXIST WITH RESPECT TO THE PURCHASE OR RESALE OF
THE SECURITIES TO BE SOLD IN THE OFFERING THROUGH OR WITH THE UNDERWRITERS AND
THEIR AFFILIATES.
NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING
DESCRIBED HEREIN OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, ANY SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING
BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY OTHER PERSON. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES
OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES, NOR DOES IT CONSTITUTE ANY OFFER
OF SUCH SECURITIES TO ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER IS
UNLAWFUL. THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE
HEREOF.
2
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO, AND
SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH, THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (INCLUDING THE NOTES THERETO) APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS. EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR IS URGED TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS IN ITS
ENTIRETY. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ALL REFERENCES IN THIS PROSPECTUS TO THE
COMPANY INCLUDE THE COMPANY AND ITS PREDECESSOR, PERFECTLY SAFE, INC.
THE COMPANY
The Company is a specialty direct marketer which currently publishes two
catalogs with an emphasis on children's hardgood products (I.E., products not
primarily made from fabrics) from prenatal to age three. The Company believes
that its first catalog, "Perfectly Safe, The Catalog For Parents Who
Care-" is the nation's only catalog devoted to child safety, child-proofing
the home and safety-related products for the family. The Company has published
Perfectly Safe since 1990, and has circulated over 20 million catalogs and
helped to childproof over 350,000 homes to date.
In 1995, the Company introduced its "Jeannie's Kids Club" catalog to
broaden its market and to introduce a new direct marketing concept in
children's products. Jeannie's Kids Club offers parents of young children who
become members the opportunity of saving up to 60% compared to the price charged
for the same products in other popular children's catalogs. The current annual
membership fee is $18.00 per year.
The Company incurred a net loss of $521,640 and $536,992 for fiscal year
1996 and 1995, respectively. Upon the completion of the Offering, the Company
intends to acquire The Natural Baby Catalog, which specializes in children's
and products made from natural fiber from prenatal to age three, and consolidate
its operations with the operations of the Company. On a pro forma basis, the
combined operations of the Company and The Natural Baby Catalog would have
resulted in revenues of $13,090,210 and pre-tax profit of $37,009 for the year
ended December 31, 1996, and revenues of $10,952,806 and a pre-tax loss of
$324,259 for the year ended December 31, 1995.
The Company believes that its expertise in the marketing and merchandising
of children's products, the recent introduction of its Jeannie's Kids Club
concept, and the intended acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog will provide
the basis for future growth by the use of the following strategies:
CONSOLIDATION OF THE NATURAL BABY'S OPERATIONS. The Company plans to
consolidate the warehouse, telemarketing, data processing and administrative
functions of The Natural Baby Catalog into the operations of the Company. The
Company believes that such consolidations will result in approximately $200,000
in direct labor savings and $450,000 in general and administrative savings, on
an annualized basis, exclusive of additional annual expenses which the Company
will incur and as a public entity, estimated to be $200,000 and $50,000 of
additional annual payroll expense relating to the salaries of the Company's two
executive officers, as well as any additional compensation that may be awarded
under any incentive compensation plan.
EXPAND JEANNIE'S KIDS CLUB. Because Jeannie's Kids Club offers popular
children's products for up to 60% less than other children's catalogs, the
Company believes that there is substantial opportunity to increase the
membership of Jeannie's Kids Club, which went from inception in July 1995 to
over 34,000 current members.
MAINTAIN THE GROWTH OF THE NATURAL BABY CATALOG. Revenues of The Natural
Baby Catalog have increased from $1.7 million in 1992 to $6.5 million in 1996.
The Company is satisfied with the
3
<PAGE>
performance of The Natural Baby Catalog and will endeavor to maintain continuity
in the merchandising and marketing of the catalog.
NEW CUSTOMER ACQUISITION PROGRAMS. Historically, the Company has relied
upon catalog circulation as the sole method to acquire new customers. Because of
the relatively short life of the acquired customer (prenatal to age three) and
the increasing costs of catalog mailings, the Company intends to pursue the
development of less costly alternative customer acquisition programs, such as
magazine solicitations, promotional inserts, and marketing joint ventures with
mass marketers of baby formula, baby food and health care products. The Company
has not yet entered into any agreements to commence any such new acquisition
program.
REFINE CATALOG MAILING STRATEGIES. The Company's catalog circulation is
determined by statistical models and analysis which targets prospective buyers
and timing of purchasers. The Company's statistical modeling system is
outdated. In February, 1997 the Company began to develop a statistical modeling
system with the assistance of a new outside vendor. The Company anticipates that
this system will be ready for testing in June 1997. The cost of developing this
new software should not exceed $10,000 and will be paid for from the Company's
cash flow or working capital. See "USE OF PROCEEDS."
REPLACE OUTDATED DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM. The Company intends to acquire
state-of-the-art computer hardware and system software, at an annualized cost of
approximately $75,000 per year, on a leased basis, to improve the efficiencies
of its operations and financial reports. Lease payments will be made monthly and
will be paid for from the Company's cash flow or working capital.
CATALOG ACQUISITIONS. Any catalog acquisitions subsequent to The Natural
Baby Catalog will depend upon the Company's ability to obtain suitable
financing. Although the Company believes that there may be additional
opportunities to acquire other children's niche catalogs, it does not intend to
pursue any other such opportunities in the near future unless it is able to
obtain suitable financing.
The Company is a subsidiary of Duncan Hill Co., Ltd. ("Duncan Hill").
Duncan Hill also operates a pipe, tobacco and cigar mail order catalog called
"Carey's Smoke Shop," through two other wholly owned subsidiaries, E.A.
Carey of Ohio, Inc. and Highland Pipe Company. The Company succeeded to the
Jeannie's Kids Club and Perfectly Safe Catalog business of Perfectly Safe,
Inc., another subsidiary of Duncan Hill, as a result of a reorganization in
which The Company acquired the assets and liabilities of Perfectly Safe, Inc.
and Perfectly Safe, Inc. was dissolved. This reorganization was effective June
30, 1996. See "THE COMPANY AND ITS PARENT."
Prior to the reorganization, the telemarketing, order fulfillment, data
processing and administrative functions of Perfectly Safe, Inc. were provided by
Duncan Hill, which also provided those services as applicable, to its other
operating subsidiaries. As part of the reorganization, the Company also acquired
from Duncan Hill the assets used by Duncan to perform those functions itself.
The purchase price of the Perfectly Safe and Duncan Hill assets acquired by the
Company is $2,613,404 payable in the issuance of stock, a promissory note and
the assumption of liabilities. See "THE COMPANY AND ITS PARENT."
The executive offices of the Company are located at 4450 Belden Village
Street, N.W., Suite 406, Canton, OH 44718, and the Company's telephone number
is (330) 492-8090.
4
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THE OFFERING
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Securities Offered by the Company ...... 250,000 Units, each Unit consisting of two shares of
Common Stock and one Class A warrant (the
"Warrants"). The Common Stock and Warrants are
immediately separately transferable as of the date of
this Prospectus. Each Warrant entitles the holder to
purchase one share of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $5.00 for a period of four years commencing
one year after the date of this Prospectus. The
Company may redeem the Warrants at a price of $.05
per Warrant at any time after they become exercisable
upon not less than 30 days' prior written notice if the
closing bid price of the Common Stock has been at
least $14.40 per share for the 20 consecutive trading
days ending on the 5th day prior to the date on which
the notice of redemption is given. See
"DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES."
Common Stock Outstanding Prior to
this Offering ........................ 3,700,000 Shares
Common Stock to be Outstanding after
this Offering(1) ..................... 4,200,000 Shares
Proposed OTC Symbols
Units ................................. KDSTU
Common Stock ........................ KDST
Warrants .............................. KDSTW
</TABLE>
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(1) Does not include: up to 75,000 shares of Common Stock subject to the
Underwriters' over-allotment option; up to 250,000 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants attributable to the 250,000 Units
offered hereby; up to 37,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the
exercise of the Warrants attributable to the Underwriters' over-allotment
option; and up to 50,000 shares of Common Stock subject to the
non-redeemable option granted to the Underwriters. See "UNDERWRITING." Also
does not include up to 200,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the
exercise of stock purchase options granted under two executive employment
agreements. See "MANAGEMENT-Employment Agreements." Also does not include up
to 50,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of a convertible
note to be issued to the seller of The Natural Baby Catalog. See "CERTAIN
TRANSACTIONS-Acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog."
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company intends to apply the net proceeds of this Offering primarily
for the acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog, accounts payable, the repayment
of debt, consolidation of the operations of The Natural Baby Catalog and for
working capital and general corporate purposes. See "USE OF PROCEEDS."
Approximately $225,000 of the debt to be repaid includes the repayment of a
Bridge Loan made to the Company and partial payment on the debt owed by the
Company to its parent, Duncan Hill. See "USE OF PROCEEDS."
RISK FACTORS
The securities offered hereby are speculative, involve a high degree of
risk and should not be purchased by investors who cannot afford the loss of
their investment. See "RISK FACTORS."
5
<PAGE>
SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
The summary financial data is derived from the historical financial
statements of the Company, and the pro forma combined financial statements of
the Company which assumes that the acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog
occurred prior to the date of the Prospectus. The financial statements of the
Company include the financial statements of its predecessor, Perfectly Safe,
Inc. The summary financial data should be read in conjunction with
"MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS" as well as the Company's historical financial tatements and the
related notes thereto, and the Company's pro forma combined financial
statements and the related notes thereto, included elsewhere in the Prospectus.
<TABLE>
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YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------
PRO FORMA(1)
1995 1996 1996
----------------------- ----------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONAL DATA:
Total Revenue ........................... $5,724,337 $6,638,995 $ 13,090,210
Income (Loss) from Operations ......... (545,602) (527,125) 26,602
Net Income (Loss) ........................ (536,992) (521,640) 37,009
Net Income (Loss) per common share ...... $ (0.15) $ (0.14) $ 0.01
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the period ....... 3,700,000 3,700,000 4,200,000(2)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1996
-------------------------------------------
ACTUAL PRO FORMA(3)
----------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total Assets .................. $1,471,689 $3,579,329
Working Capital (deficit) ...... (803,789) 282,475
Total Liabilities ............... 2,461,869 2,471,548
Stockholder's Equity ......... (990,180) 1,107,781
</TABLE>
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(1) Assumes that the Company acquired The Natural Baby Catalog as of January 1,
1996.
(2) Gives effect to the sale of 250,000 Units offered hereby.
(3) Gives effect to the sale of 250,000 Units offered hereby and the application
of the net proceeds therefrom in the amount $2,210,021. Also assumes that
the Company acquired The Natural Baby Catalog as of December 31, 1996. Also
gives effect to the issuance of 5,000,000 shares of the Company's Series A
Preferred Stock to the Company's parent in January, 1997. See "THE COMPANY
AND ITS PARENT-The Reorganization."
6
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
AN INVESTMENT IN THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IS SPECULATIVE AND INVOLVE A
HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION AND SHOULD ONLY BE PURCHASED BY
INVESTORS WHO CAN AFFORD TO LOSE THEIR ENTIRE INVESTMENT. EACH PROSPECTIVE
INVESTOR SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS INHERENT IN, AND
AFFECTING THE BUSINESS OF, THE COMPANY AND THIS OFFERING, TOGETHER WITH THE
OTHER INFORMATION IN HIS PROSPECTUS, BEFORE MAKING AN INVESTMENT DECISION.
1. HISTORY OF OPERATING AND NET LOSSES. The Company experienced
significant losses for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995. For 1996 the
Company incurred an operating loss of $527,125 and a net loss of $521,640. For
1995 the Company incurred an operating loss of $545,602 and a net loss of
$536,992. A substantial portion of these losses are associated with the
establishment and development of the Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog beginning in
July, 1995. See "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION." The Company believes that in order to
achieve profitability with respect to its two current children's catalogs, the
membership of Jeannie's Kids Club will need to reach sustainable level of
45,000 members. Currently, there are approximately 34,000 members. There can be
no assurances that the Company will increase the membership of Jeannie's Kids
Club to profitable levels or that the Company will not continue to incur net
losses in the future.
2. DEPENDENCE ON OFFERING PROCEEDS TO PAY TRADE CREDITORS AND TO ACQUIRE
THE NATURAL BABY CATALOG BUSINESS. As a result of its operating losses and lack
of capital, the Company is in arrears to many of its trade creditors. The
Company had a backlog of unshipped orders in excess of $112,000 at February 28,
1997 attributable largely to its inability to timely pay vendors and restock
inventory. Accordingly, the Company, needs the proceeds of this Offering to
continue its operations as well to as finance its planned acquisition of The
Natural Baby Catalog. Upon the closing of this Offering the Company intends to
pay all over due trade creditor balances (other than the printer of the
Company's catalogs) which, based upon 45 days sales, approximated $52,000 at
February 28, 1997. The Company owes the printer of its catalogs $382,000. The
Company intends to pay $200,000 of the outstanding balance to the printer from
the proceeds of this Offering. The Company intends to pay the balance of
$182,000 within sixty days of the date of this Prospectus from cash flow and/or
working capital. See "USE OF PROCEEDS."
3. POSSIBLE LACK OF SAVINGS FROM THE INTEGRATION AND CONSOLIDATION OF THE
NATURAL BABY CATALOG BUSINESS; ADEQUACY OF FINANCING. The Company believes that
the consolidation savings anticipated from the consolidation of the operations
of The Natural Baby Catalog, together with the working capital provided from the
Company's institutional credit facility and the net proceeds of this Offering,
will be sufficient to operate the Company on a profitable basis and to enable
the Company to pursue its short-term growth strategies. In the event, however,
that the Company is unable to achieve the anticipated consolidation savings or
is otherwise unable to operate the Company profitably, and/or the Company's
institutional credit facility is terminated, the Company may find it necessary
to seek additional financing. The Company's parent, Duncan Hill Co., Ltd.
("Duncan Hill"), does not have the financial resources to provide the
Company with additional financing if needed. Thus, there is no assurance that
the Company will be able to obtain additional financing, if needed, on terms
favorable to the Company, or at all.
Upon the acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog, the Company intends to
consolidate the telemarketing, fulfillment, data processing and administrative
functions with the Company's current operations in Canton, Ohio. The Company
will endeavor to complete the integration and consolidation of The Natural Baby
Catalog within ninety days of the consummation of the acquisition. To the
extent, however, that the Company is unable to timely complete such integration
and consolidation or there is a competitive reaction to the Company's
acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog (see "RISK FACTORS-Competition"),
the Company's anticipated consolidation savings and profitability will not be
realized short-term resulting in the possibility that the Company may need
additional financing (which there is no assurance that it will be able to
obtain) within twelve months from the date of the Prospectus. See
"BUSINESS."
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4. REQUIREMENT TO COMPLETE THE ESCROW CLOSING OF THE ACQUISITION OF THE
NATURAL BABY CATALOG. On April 15, 1997, the Company closed, in escrow, its
acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog. The only conditions upon the release of
the acquisition from escrow is the Company's payment of the purchase price to
the escrow agent within the earlier of fifteen business days from the date of
this Prospectus or five business days from the Underwriters' completion of this
Offering; but, in no event, later than April 30, 1997. See "CERTAIN
TRANSACTIONS-Acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog." The Company is entirely
dependent upon the proceeds of this Offering to pay the purchase price to the
escrow agent for the release of the acquisition from escrow. Should the Company
be unable to obtain the release of the acquisition from escrow subsequent to the
Underwriters' completion of this Offering as a result of some unforeseen action
taken by others-such as a lawsuit to enjoin the purchase-a risk which the
Company believes is very remote, the Company will not be able to complete its
acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog. Should that occur, the Company will not
be able to achieve profitability through the purchase of a profitable mail order
catalog business unless it was able to purchase another children's mail order
catalog with characteristics similar to that of The Natural Baby Catalog. The
Company has not identified any suitable potential acquisitions to replace The
Natural Baby Catalog should it become necessary to do so. Pending its efforts to
effect a replacement acquisition, should it become necessary to do so, the
Company would apply the proceeds of this Offering to pursuing its other
strategies to grow its business. See "BUSINESS-Strategies." There is no
assurance, however, that the Company will be able to become profitable without
acquiring a profitable children's mail order catalog with characteristics
similar to that of The Natural Baby Catalog.
5. IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION TO PUBLIC INVESTORS. Upon completion
of the sale of the Company's Units in this Offering, without giving effect to
the exercise of the Underwriters' Option, the net tangible book value per Share
of the Company's Common Stock will be $.22. At the initial public offering
price of $6.00 per share of Common Stock offered hereby (assuming no value
attributable to the Warrants), investors in this Offering will experience an
immediate dilution of approximately $5.78 or 96% in net tangible book value per
share and existing investors will experience an increase of approximately $.56
per share. See "DILUTION." The present stockholders of the Company have
acquired their respective equity interest at costs substantially below the
public offering price. Accordingly, to the extent that the Company incurs
losses, the public investors will bear a disproportionate risk of such losses.
6. UNCERTAINTY AS TO FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS. The Company's revenue
growth and future profitability will depend on its ability to increase catalog
sales, to expand the membership of Jeannie's Kids Club and to effectively
monitor and control costs. See "BUSINESS-Strategies; and Marketing."
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Company will operate profitably
in the future. Furthermore, future operating results depend upon many factors,
including general economic conditions, the level of competition and the ability
of the Company to continue to attract and retain customers successfully.
7. COSTS INCREASES IN POSTAGE AND PAPER. Postal rates and paper costs
affect the cost of the Company's order fulfillment and catalog and promotional
mailings. The Company relies heavily on the rate structure of the United States
Postal Service ("USPS") and strives for discounts for bulk mailings. Like
others in the catalog industry, the Company passes along a significant portion
of its shipping and handling expense, but does not pass along costs of preparing
and mailing catalogs and other promotional materials. In recent years, the USPS
has increased its rate for both the mailing of catalogs and packages. In January
1995, the USPS increased the postage rate paid by the Company by 14%. Although
there has been no rate increase since then, there is a belief, as reflected in a
recent major mail order catalog trade publication, that the USPS will raise its
rates sometime in 1998. United Parcel Service has also increased its rates, with
increases occurring in February of 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997. The price of paper
is dependent upon supply and demand in the marketplace. From January 1993
through December 1995, the price of paper available to the Company increased
95%, resulting in increased catalog production costs and contributing to
operating loses in 1995. Although paper prices decreased in 1996, any future
significant increases in postal rates or paper costs could have a material
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adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operation, unless the Company is successful in developing new methods for
acquiring new customers so that it need not rely upon catalog circulation as the
sole method to acquire new customers.
8. NEED TO DEVELOP NEW METHODS FOR ACQUIRING NEW CUSTOMERS. Historically,
the Company has relied upon catalog circulation as the sole method to acquire
new customers. Because of the relatively short life of the acquired customer
(prenatal to age three) and the increasing costs of catalog mailings, the
Company believes that its future growth and profitability will be largely
dependent upon the Company's ability to develop alternative customer
acquisition programs. See "BUSINESS-Strategies."
9. FLUCTUATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS. The Company's operating results may
vary from quarter-to-
quarter depending on the number of catalogs mailed during the quarter and the
relative profitability of the mailing lists used for the catalog mailings. The
relative profitability of the mailing lists used for a particular mailing is
determined by the mailing list mix between the Company's existing in-house
lists and lists rented from outside sources. Some rental lists turn-out to be
profitable (or more profitable) and others do not. On occasion, a rental lists
which has proven to be profitable in the past may experience an inexplicable
short-term unsatisfactory result. See "BUSINESS-Marketing." Since 1994,
the Company has experienced a quarterly fluctuation of approximately 105% on one
occasion, quarterly fluctuations of between 45% and 65% on three occassions, and
fluctuations of between 10% and 30% on four occassions.
10. COMPETITION. The mail order catalog business is highly competitive.
The Company's catalogs compete with other mail order catalogs and retail
stores, including department stores, specialty stores, discount stores and mass
merchants. Many of the Company's competitors have greater financial,
distribution and marketing resources than the Company. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be able to compete effectively with existing or potential
competitors. See "BUSINESS-
Competition."
Upon its introduction of Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog in July, 1995, the
Company experienced a competitive reaction which resulted in three other
children's catalogs refusing to exchange with, or rent their mailing lists to,
the Company. See "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION." There can be no assurance that such a
competitive reaction will not occur with respect to children's catalogs from
which The Natural Baby Catalog rents mailing lists, or that such an occurrence
would not have an adverse effect upon the profitability of The Natural Baby
Catalog.
11. DEPENDENCE UPON KEY PERSONNEL; NEED FOR ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL. The
success of the Company is highly dependent upon the continued services of
William L. Miller, the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer, and Jeanne E. Miller, the Company's Executive Vice President. Mr.
Miller, one of the co-founders of the Company's parent, is principally
responsible for the strategic planning and development of the Company. Mr.
Miller, however, will not be required to devote his full time attention to
managing the affairs of the Company. See "RISK FACTORS-The Company's Chief
Executive Officer Will Not Be Required to Work Full Time; Potential Conflict of
Interest." Mrs. Miller, the other co-founder of the Company's parent, is
primarily responsible for the merchandise selection, design and production of
the catalog. Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller have entered into a five-year employment
agreement with the Company. However, if the employment by the Company of either
Mr. or Mrs. Miller is either terminated or not renewed, or if either of them is
unable to perform his or her duties, there could be a material adverse effect
upon the business of the Company until a suitable replacement was found. The
Company will attempt to obtain a $1 million key man life insurance policy on
each of Mr. and Mrs. Miller, who are husband and wife. See "MANAGEMENT."
The Natural Baby Catalog was founded by Jane Martin and reflects her
beliefs and philosophy. Mrs. Martin will continue to be primarily responsible
for the merchandise selection, design and production of The Natural Baby Catalog
pursuant to a two year consulting agreement with the Company. If her consulting
engagement with the Company is either terminated or not renewed, or if
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she is unable to perform her duties, there could be a material adverse effect
upon the business of the Company until a suitable replacement was found. See
"MANAGEMENT-Employment Agreements."
The success of the Company's future growth and profitability will depend,
in part, on the Company's ability to recruit and retain additional qualified
personnel over time, including a suitable candidate to succeed Mr. Miller, who
is 60 years of age, as Chief Executive Officer. There can be no assurance,
however, that the Company will be able to retain such additional qualified
personnel, once recruited, or recruit other qualified personnel.
12. LACK OF INDEPENDENT APPRAISER. The Company did not engage an
independent appraiser in connection with its intended acquisition of The Natural
Baby Catalog. Since independent valuations of such business was not conducted,
the Company may pay upon the closing of the acquisition of The Natural Baby
Catalog a purchase price in excess of its fair value. See "CERTAIN
TRANSACTIONS-
Acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog."
13. POTENTIAL PRODUCT LIABILITY. While the Company endeavors to sell safe
products, there is a possibility that someone could claim personal injury or
property damage resulting from the use of products purchased from the Company.
Although the Company does not manufacture its products, as a seller of products,
the Company is exposed to potential liability. Since 1990, the Company's
parent, Duncan Hill, has maintained, for itself and its subsidiaries, product
liability insurance. Currently, the amount of coverage is $1 million per
occurrence, $2 million in the aggregate and an umbrella with identical limits of
coverage. The Company intends to attempt to procure the same coverages in its
name, alone, after the completion of this Offering. Although the Company
believes that its present insurance coverage is sufficient for its current level
of business operations, there is no assurance that such insurance will be
sufficient to cover potential claims, or that adequate, affordable insurance
coverage will be available to the Company in the future. A partially or
completely uninsured successful claim against the Company or a successful claim
in excess of the liability limits or relating to an injury excluded under the
policy could have a material adverse effect on the Company. See "BUSINESS-
Product Liability Insurance."
14. THE COMPANY'S CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO WORK
FULL TIME; POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST. William L. Miller, is a co-founder of
the Company's parent, Duncan Hill, which has other operating subsidiaries. See
"THE COMPANY AND ITS PARENT." Mr. Miller is currently the President of
Duncan and its other subsidiaries, as well as Chairman of the Board of Directors
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Miller's employment agreement
with the Company provides that he shall be permitted to devote such time to
managing the various other Duncan Hill entities as he deems appropriate.
Accordingly, Mr. Miller will not be devoting his full-time attention to managing
the operations of the Company Thus, a conflict of interest could potentially
develop to the extent that Mr. Miller is not able to devote his full time
attention to a matter that would otherwise require the full time attention of a
business' chief executive officer. Because the businesses of Duncan Hill's
other subsidiaries in no way relate to the children's catalog business of the
Company, the Company does not believe that there is a reasonable potential for
any other type of conflicts of interest, such as competition for business
opportunities. Thus the Company and Duncan Hill have not adopted any procedure
for dealing with conflicts of interest. See "MANAGEMENT-Employment
Agreements."
15. LIMITED NUMBER OF MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL. There are currently only two
executive officers of the Company, who are husband and wife. In addition, one of
those two officers, the Chief Executive Officer, will not be devoting his full
time attention to the management of the Company. Thus, following this Offering,
there can be no assurance that, if the Company grows, the current management
team will be able to continue to properly manage the Company's affairs.
Further, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify
additional qualified managers on terms economically feasible to the Company.
16. POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT OF THE SEVERANCE COMPENSATION APPLICABLE TO
THE COMPANY'S TWO EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. Each of the employment agreements for the
Company's two executive officers
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provides for severance compensation to be paid to them in all instances other
than the executive's termination for cause. The minimum amount of such
severance will be equal to the sum of the executive's salary and bonus paid in
the year preceding the year when such severance is to be paid ("base
severance"). The maximum amount of such severance is equal to the base
severance multiplied by 2.99. See "MANAGEMENT-Employment Agreements." The
payment of any severance compensation under any of the two employment agreements
within the foreseeable future would likely have a materially adverse impact upon
the Company. Assuming that severance payments were due to each of the executive
officers as of the date of the Prospectus under the immediately preceding
sentence, the amount of the severance payment to each of Mr. Miller and Mrs.
Miller would be $299,000 and $194,350, respectively. There can be no assurance
that the payment of any such severance compensation at any time in the future
would not have a materially adverse impact upon the Company.
17. CONTROL BY PARENT AND PARENT'S CONTROLLING STOCKHOLDERS. Upon
completion of this Offering, Duncan Hill, the Company's parent, will own
approximately 57% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock (approximately 56%
if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full) and 100% of
the Company's outstanding Series A Preferred Stock (5,000,000 shares) which has
the same voting privileges as the Common Stock. Accordingly, while the new
investors in this Offering will have provided approximately 87% of the total
consideration paid for the Company's outstanding Common Stock, they will only
own approximately 5% of the Company's outstanding voting capital stock (also
approximately 5% if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in
full). Duncan Hill, on the other hand, will own approximately 80% of the
Company's outstanding voting capital stock (also approximately 80% if the
Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full) for which Duncan Hill
will have provided approximately 9% of the total consideration paid for the
Company's outstanding Common Stock. As a result, Duncan Hill will remain in a
position to effectively elect all of the directors of the Company and control
its affairs and policies. William L. Miller and Jeanne E. Miller, his wife, the
Company's respective Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President, each
respectively own 53.9% and 9.7% of the shares of the outstanding common stock of
Duncan Hill, and thus are in a position to exercise effective control over the
affairs of the Company through their effective control over the affairs of
Duncan Hill. See "PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS." Ultimate voting control by the
Millers may discourage certain types of transactions involving an actual or
potential control of the Company, including transactions in which the public
holders of the Common Stock might receive a premium for their shares over
prevailing market prices.
18. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSISTS OF ONE OUTSIDE DIRECTOR. The Board of
Directors consists of three members, two of which (William L. Miller and Jeanne
E. Miller) are insiders and principal stockholders. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are also
husband and wife. Accordingly, such individuals will be in a position to control
the actions and decisions of the Board of Directors.
19. LIMITATION ON DIRECTOR LIABILITY. As permitted by Delaware law, the
Company's certificate of incorporation limits the liability of directors of the
Company from monetary damages from a breach of a director's fiduciary duty
except for liability in certain instances. As a result of the Company's charter
provision and Delaware law, stockholders may have limited rights to recover
against directors for breach of fiduciary duty. See "MANAGEMENT-Limitation of
Liability and Indemnification Matters."
20. DATA PROCESSING AND/OR TELEPHONE SYSTEMS MAY ADVERSELY EFFECT THE
COMPANY'S BUSINESS. The Company's ability to effectively promote products,
manage inventory, efficiently purchase, sell and ship products, and maintain
cost-effective operations are each dependent upon the accuracy, capability and
proper utilization of the Company's data processing and telephone systems. The
Company will need to enhance the capacity and capabilities of these systems from
time to time to support its anticipated growth and remain competitive,
commencing with the intended replacement of the Company's current computer
hardware and system software. The Company's telemarketing, customer service and
management information systems functions are housed in a single facility located
at its headquarters. The Company has a disaster recovery program through its
computer and telephone systems vendors. The Company also creates a back-up tape
for off-site storage of its customer list and computer information. However, a
significant disruption or loss affecting the telephone or computer systems or
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any significant damage to the Company's headquarters could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business. See "BUSINESS-Data Processing."
21. NEED TO KEEP CURRENT WITH TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES. The direct marketing
industry may be affected by ongoing technological developments in distribution
and marketing methods such as on-line catalogs and Internet shopping. As a
result, the Company's future success will depend on its ability to keep pace
with technological developments and respond to new customer requirements. There
can be no assurance that the Company's current marketing methods will remain
competitive in light of future technological innovations.
22. ANTI-TAKEOVER MEASURES. The Company is subject to a Delaware statute
regulating business combinations that may serve to hinder or delay a change in
control of the Company, in addition to those matters relating to control of the
Company discussed immediately, above. Also, pursuant to the Company's
certificate of incorporation, the Company's Board of Directors may from time to
time authorize the issuance of up to an additional 5,000,000 shares preferred
stock in one or more series having such preferences, rights and other provisions
as the Board of Directors may decide. Any such issuances of preferred stock
could, under certain circumstances, have the effect of delaying or preventing a
change in control of the Company and may adversely affect the rights of the
holders of the Company's Common Stock and the market for those shares. There
are no other provisions, however, in the Company's certificate of incorporation
or bylaws which would serve to delay, defer, or prevent a takeover of the
Company.
23. NO CASH DIVIDENDS. The Company has never paid cash dividends on its
Common Stock and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable
future. The Company intends to retain future earnings, if any, to finance its
growth. See "DIVIDEND POLICY."
24. POSSIBLE CHANGE OF STATE SALES TAX LAWS. Under current law, catalog
retailers are permitted to make sales in states where they do not have a
physical presence (e.g. offices) without collecting sales tax. Congress,
however, has the power to change these laws. Since 1987, legislation has been
introduced periodically in the U.S. Congress which would permit states to
require sales tax collection by mail order companies. To date, this proposed
legislation has not been passed. Should Congress, however, pass such legislation
in the future, most states could be expected to require sales tax collection by
out-of-state mail order companies. This would increase the cost of purchasing
the Company's products in those states and eliminate whatever competitive
advantage that the Company may currently enjoy with respect to in-state
competitors in terms of sales taxation, as well as increasing the administrative
and overhead costs to the company in connection with the collection of such
sales tax.
25. ARBITRARY DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE. The initial public offering
price of $12 per Unit (or $6.00 for each of the two shares of Common Stock
comprising a $12 Unit assuming no value is attributable to a Warrant included in
a Unit), as well as the exercise price and other terms of the Warrants have been
arbitrarily determined by the Company and the Underwriters and do not necessary
bear any relationship to the assets, book value or net worth of the Company or
any other recognized criteria of value. Accordingly, such prices should not be
considered an indication of the Company's actual value. See
"UNDERWRITING." In that regard, prior to this Offering, the Company issued
a total of 3.7 million shares of its Common Stock at a value of $.125 per share.
26. NO PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET; MARKET VOLATILITY. Prior to this Offering,
there has been no public market for the Company's Units, Common Stock or
Warrants. There is no assurance that following the Offering an active public
trading market will develop or be sustained or that the Units, Common Stock or
Warrants will be resold at or above the initial public offering price.
Additionally, the market price of the Company's securities may trade below the
initial public offering price in response to changes in the general condition of
the economy or the retail and catalog business, as a whole, as well as the
Company's periodic financial results which may fluctuate quarterly as a result
of several factors, including the timing of catalog mailings and changes in the
selection of merchandise offered and sold.
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27. CERTAIN IMPLICATIONS OF TRADING OVER-THE-COUNTER; "PENNY STOCK"
REGULATIONS. The Company expects to receive approval for the quotation of its
Units, Common Stock and Warrants over-the-
counter on the NASD OTC Electronic Bulletin Board. An investor may find it more
difficult to dispose of, or to obtain quotations as to the price of, the
Company's securities trading over-the-counter than had the Company sought
approval for its securities to be listed for quotation on a national securities
exchange. such as the Nasdaq SmallCap market. The Company did not apply for
listing on the Nasdaq SmallCap market because of the Representative's belief
that the Company would not meet the listing requirements.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted "penny stock"
regulations which applies to securities traded over-the-counter. These
regulations generally define "penny stock" to be any equity security that
has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or a warrant that has an
exercise price of less than $5.00 per share. Subject to certain limited
exceptions, the rules for any transaction involving a "penny stock"
require the delivery, prior to the transaction, of a risk disclosure document
prepared by the Commission that contains certain information describing the
nature and level of risk associated with investments in the penny stock market.
The broker-dealer also must disclose the commissions payable to both the
broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the
securities. Monthly account statements must be sent by the broker-dealer
disclosing the estimated market value of each penny stock held in the account or
indicating that the estimated market value cannot be determined because of the
unavailability of firm quotes. In addition, the rules impose additional sales
practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons
other than established customers and institutional credited investors (generally
institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000). These practices require that,
prior to the purchase, the broker-dealer determined that transactions in penny
stocks were suitable for the purchaser and obtained the purchaser's written
consent to the transaction. Consequently, the "penny stock" rules may
restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell the Company's securities and may
affect the ability of purchasers in the Offering to sell the Company's
securities in the secondary market.
28. UNDERWRITERS' INFLUENCE ON THE MARKET; RESTRICTIONS ON MARKET MAKING
ACTIVITIES DURING WARRANT SOLICITATION. The Underwriters intend to make a market
in the Company's Units, Common Stock and Warrants following this Offering,
although it is not obligated to do so. The Representative has advised the
Company that it anticipates that other securities dealers also will make a
market in the Company's securities, although no assurance can be given that
this will be the case. To the extent that the Underwriters act as market maker
in the Company's securities there may be dominating influences in that market.
The price and liquidity of the securities may be affected by the degree, if any,
of the Underwriters' participation in the market, because a significant portion
of those securities may be sold to customers of the Underwriters. Such customers
may subsequently engage in transactions for the sale or purchase of the
Company's securities through or with the Underwriters. In the event that market
making activities are commenced by the Underwriters, there is no obligation for
them to continue those activities.
The Underwriters' Representative, VTR Capital, Inc. (the
"Representative") has the right to act as the Company's sole agent in
connection with any future solicitation of warrantholders to exercise their
Warrants. Unless granted an exemption by the Securities and Exchange Commission
from Regulation M (formerly Rule 10b-6) promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Representative will be prohibited from
engaging in any market-making activities with regard to the Company's
securities until the later of the termination of such solicitation activity or
the termination (by waiver or otherwise) of any right that the Representative
may have to receive a fee for soliciting the exercise of the Warrants. Such
limitation could impair the liquidity and market prices of the Common Stock and
Warrants. See "UNDERWRITING."
29. LIMITS ON SECONDARY TRADING. The Company will make application to
register or has or will seek to obtain an exception from registration to offer
the Units and intends to conduct its selling efforts in Colorado, Connecticut,
Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana,
Maryland, New York, Rhode Island, Utah and Virginia (the "Primary
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Distribution States"). Purchasers of the Units in this Offering must be
residents of such jurisdictions. In addition, the Units, Common Stock and
Warrants will be immediately eligible for resale in the secondary market in each
of the Primary Distribution States and in the states of Iowa and Pennsylvania.
Purchasers of any of these securities in any secondary trading market which may
develop must be residents of such jurisdictions. Several additional states will
permit secondary market sales of these securities (i) once or after certain
financial and other information with respect to the Company is published in a
recognized securities manual such as Standard & Poor's Records Corporation;
(ii) after a certain period has elapsed from the date hereof; or (iii) pursuant
to exemptions applicable to certain institutional investors. The Company intends
to apply for listing in a recognized securities manual on or about the date of
this Prospectus. Purchasers in this Offering and future purchasers of the
Company's securities in the secondary market may be restricted or prohibited
from re-selling the securities in particular states as a result of applicable
blue sky laws. These restrictions may reduce the liquidity of the securities and
including their market price.
30. UNDERWRITERS' PURCHASE OPTION. In connection with this Offering, the
Company will sell the Underwriters an option to purchase an aggregate of up to
50,000 shares of Common Stock (the "Underwriters' Purchase Option"). The
Underwriters' Purchase Option will be exercisable commencing one year from the
date of this Prospectus and for four years thereafter at an exercise price of
$9.90 per share. For the life of the Underwriters' Purchase Option, the holders
thereof will have the opportunity to profit from a rise in the market price of
the Common Stock without assuming the risk of ownership. The Company may find it
more difficult to raise additional capital if it should be needed for the
business of the Company while the Underwriters' Purchase Option is outstanding.
At any time when the holders thereof might be expected to exercise them, the
Company would probably be able to obtain additional capital on terms more
favorable than those provided by the Underwriters' Purchase Option. See
"UNDERWRITING."
The Company has also agreed to register the Underwriters' Purchase Option
and/or the underlying securities covered thereunder in any future registration
statement that the Company may file during the life of the Underwriters'
Purchase Option. This obligation could interfere with the Company's ability to
obtain financing under any future registration statement filing. See
"UNDERWRITING."
31. POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT OF REDEMPTION OR EXERCISE OF WARRANTS. The
Warrants may be redeemed by the Company under certain circumstances. Should the
Company provide a notice of redemption of the Warrants, the holders thereof
would be forced to either exercise the Warrants at a time when it may be
disadvantageous for them to do so, sell the Warrants at the then current market
price, or accept the redemption price, which will likely be substantially less
than the market value of the Warrants. In addition, the exercise of the
Warrants, may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Company's
securities should a public trading market develop. Also, while the Warrants are
outstanding, the Company may find it more difficult to raise additional capital
upon favorable terms because of the potential for the exercise of the Warrants
to be dilutive to future investors. See "DESCRIPTION OF
SECURITIES-Warrants."
32. UNREGISTERED SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR IMMEDIATE AND FOR FUTURE SALE. In
connection with obtaining equity bridge financing, the Company issued 1,300,000
shares of Common Stock under Rule 504 (the "Rule 504 Shares") of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). 100,000 of the Rule
504 Shares are subject to "lock-up" by the Representative and cannot be
sold or transferred within 24 months of the date of the Prospectus, unless
otherwise permitted by the Representative, at which time these shares will be
freely tradeable without any necessity for their registration under the 1933
Act. The balance of the Rule 504 Shares, I.E., 1,200,000 shares, are not subject
to a Representative's "lock-up" and are freely tradeable without any
necessity for their registration under the 1933 Act. The sale of the Rule 504
Shares by each of the holders thereof may be effected in one or more
transactions that may take place over-the-counter, including ordinary broker's
transactions, previously negotiated transactions or through sales to one or more
dealers for resale of such shares as principals at market prices prevailing at
the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices, or at
negotiated prices. Usual and customary or specifically negotiated brokerage fees
or commissions may be paid by the
14
<PAGE>
Rule 504 Stockholders in connection with sales of such securities. The holders
of the Rule 504 Shares have paid significantly less for their shares of Common
Stock ($.125 per share) than the offering price of each of the two shares of
Common Stock comprising a $12 Unit and may elect to sell their Rule 504 Stock at
prices below the market value of the Common Stock on the date of sale. Such
sales (or the potential therefor) may have an adverse effect on the market price
of the Company's securities.
In addition, the Company's parent, Duncan Hill, holds 2,400,000
unregistered shares of the Company's Common Stock and 5,000,000 unregistered
shares of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock (collectively the
"Restricted Securities"). Those securities held by Duncan Hill are
"restricted securities" as that term is defined by Rule 144 of the 1933
Act, and may only be sold in compliance with the provision of Rule 144 unless
otherwise registered by the Company. Furthermore, Duncan Hill has agreed with
the Representative not to sell or transfer the Restricted Securities within 24
months of the date of this Prospectus unless earlier permitted by the
Representative. There are no agreements, arrangements or understandings with any
of the Company's Securityholders with respect to the early release of the lock
up. In previous offerings, the Representative has released the lock-up prior to
the end of the lock-up period. In making its decision to release the lock-up,
the Representative evaluates the totality of the facts and circumstances that
exist at the time the decision is made, including, without limitation, market
demand for the securities and trading volume. The possible or actual future
sales of the Restricted Securities under Rule 144 may have an adverse effect on
the market price of the Company's Common Stock should a public trading market
develop for such shares. See "SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE."
33. CURRENT PROSPECTUS AND STATE BLUE SKY REGISTRATION REQUIRED TO EXERCISE
WARRANTS. The Company will be able to issue shares of its Common Stock upon
exercise of the Warrants only if there is then a current prospectus relating to
the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants under an
effective registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and only if such shares of Common Stock are qualified for sale or
exempt from qualification under applicable state securities laws of the
jurisdiction in which the various holders of the Warrants reside. Although the
Company has agreed to use its best efforts to meet such regulatory requirements,
there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to do so. The Warrants
may be deprived of any value if a prospectus covering the shares of Common Stock
issuable upon their exercise is not kept effective or replaced or if such shares
of Common Stock are not or cannot be qualified or exempt from qualification in
the jurisdictions in which the holders of the Warrants reside. See
"DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES-Warrants." As of the date of this Prospectus,
the Company anticipates that its securities will be qualified for sale or exempt
from qualification only in a limited number of states. See "RISK
FACTORS-Limits on Secondary Trading."
34. BROAD DISCRETION IN APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS. Approximately $144,326 or
6% of the net proceeds of this Offering has been allocated to working capital of
the Company, which funds will be utilized for general corporate purposes. The
allocation of proceeds described in "Use of Proceeds" represents the
Company's best estimate of its allocation based upon the current state of its
business, operations and plans, current business conditions and the Company's
evaluation of its industry. Future events, including problems, delays, expenses
and complications which may be encountered, changes in economic or competitive
conditions and the result of the company's sales and marketing activities may
make shifts in the allocation of funds necessarily desirable. Management of the
Company will have broad discretion in the application of such proceeds. See
"USE OF PROCEEDS."
35. INEXPERIENCE OF REPRESENTATIVE. This is the tenth public offering
underwritten by VTR Capital, Inc. There can be no assurance that the
Representative's limited experience as an underwriter of public offerings will
not adversely affect the proposed public offering of the Company's securities.
Therefore, purchasers of the securities offered hereby may suffer a lack of
liquidity in their investment or a material diminution of the value of their
investment.
15
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to be received from the sale of the 250,000 Units offered
by the Company (after deducting underwriting discounts, a 3% non-accountable
expense allowance and other estimated offering expenses) will be approximately
$2,210,021 ($2,601,521 if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised
in full). The Company intends to use the net proceeds of this Offering
approximately as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE APPROXIMATE
AMOUNT OF PERCENTAGE OF
NET PROCEEDS NET PROCEEDS
--------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog(1) ........................... $1,310,777 59%
Accounts Payable(2) ................................................ 350,000 16%
Repayment of Indebtedness(3) ....................................... 304,918 14%
Consolidation of the Operations of The Natural Baby Catalog(4) ...... 100,000 5%
Working Capital(5) ................................................... 144,326 6%
----------- ----
TOTAL ............................................................ $2,210,021 100%
=========== ====
</TABLE>
- ----------------
(1) Represents the remaining cash portion of the purchase price in the amount of
$1,075,000 to be paid to the Seller of The Natural Baby Catalog, I.E., The
Natural Baby Company, Inc. (the "Seller"), a cash payment in the amount of
$210,777 in payment of a note owed by the Seller and the repayment to Duncan
Hill of a down payment on the purchase price in the amount of $25,000 made
by Duncan Hill to the Seller. In addition to the cash payment referenced
above, the Company will issue to the Seller a Promissory Note in the amount
of $250,000 convertible at any time at the election of the holder into
unregistered shares of the Company's Common Stock at a conversion rate of
$5.00 per share, and assume the obligation to pay certain liabilities of the
Seller, which is approximately $311,458 as of December 31, 1996. The
purchase price of The Natural Baby Catalog is subject to adjustment. See
"CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS-Acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog."
(2) Includes the payment of $52,000 owed to all suppliers of merchandise
purchased by the Company, which is overdue at February 28, 1997 based upon
the Company's 45 days sales, as well as an additional $19,000 to be paid to
other creditors in the Company's discretion. See "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION
AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION-Liquidity and
Capital Resources." Also includes the payment of approximately $79,000 in
professional fees incurred in connection with: the reorganization involving
the Company, its parent and Perfectly Safe, Inc.; and, the Company's
intended acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog. Also includes the payment
of $200,000 to the printer of the Company's catalogs, which will reduce the
balance outstanding owed to the printer to $182,000. The Company intends to
pay the balance of $182,000 within sixty days of the date of the Prospectus
from cash flow and/or working capital.
(3) Includes the repayment of a Bridge Loan in the aggregate principal amount of
$200,000, which bears interest at the rate of 8% per annum and is payable
upon the earlier of October 16, 1996 and the closing of the Offering. Also
includes the payment of accrued interest on the Bridge Loan through April
30, 1997 in the amount of $8,711. See "CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS-Bridge Loan."
Also includes the payment of the first installment payment due June 30, 1997
to the Company's parent, Duncan Hill, in the amount of $96,207, of which
$66,858 constitutes the repayment of principal and $29,349 constitutes
accrued interest through June 30, 1997. See "THE COMPANY AND ITS PARENT-The
Reorganization."
(4) Estimated costs associated with the consolidation of the warehouse,
telemarketing and data processing functions of The Natural Baby Catalog into
the operations of the Company. See "CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS-Acquisition of The
Natural Baby Catalog."
(5) The Company intends to use such funds, as well as the consolidation savings
anticipated from the consolidation of the operations of The Natural Baby
Catalog, for general working capital purposes. In that regard, the Company
intends to replace its outdated data processing system software and hardware
at an annualized cost of approximately $75,000 per year, on a leased basis.
Lease payments will be made monthly and paid for from the Company's cash
flow or working capital. The Company also anticipates spending no more than
$10,000 to develop new statistical modeling software, which will be paid for
by the Company's cash flow or working capital. The Company also intends to
spend up to $150,000 per year to develop new customer acquisition and other
marketing programs. See "BUSINESS-Strategies." In the event that the Company
is unable to achieve the anticipated consolidation savings from the
consolidation of the operation of The Natural Baby Catalog on a timely
basis, the Company may need additional financing within twelve months from
the date of the Prospectus. See "RISK FACTORS-Possible Lack of Savings from
the Integration and Consolidation of The Natural Baby Catalog Business;
Adequacy of Financing." There is no assurance that the Company will be able
to obtain additional financing, if needed, on terms favorable to the Company
or at all.
16
<PAGE>
The amounts set forth above are estimates. Should a reapportionment or
redirection of funds be determined to be in the best interests of the Company,
the actual amount expended to finance any category of expenses may be increased
or decreased by the Company's Board of Directors, at its discretion. Although
the Company does not intend to utilize any portion of the proceeds for payment
of officers' salaries, it is possible that portions of working capital may be
utilized for that purpose dependent upon revenues.
To the extent that the Company's expenditures are less than projected, the
resulting balances will be retained and used for general working capital
purposes. Conversely, to the extent that such expenditures require the
utilization of funds in excess of the amounts anticipated, additional financing
may be sought from other sources, such as debt financing from financial
institutions, although there can be no assurance that such additional financing,
if available, will be on terms acceptable to the Company. See "RISK
FACTORS-Dependence on Offering Proceeds to Pay Trade Creditors and to Acquire
The Natural Baby Catalog Business." The net proceeds of this Offering which
are not expended immediately may be deposited in interest-bearing accounts or
invested in government obligations or certificates of deposit.
DIVIDEND POLICY
The Company currently intends to retain any earnings to finance the
development and expansion of the Company's business and does not anticipate
paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The declaration and payment
of dividends by the Company are subject to the discretion of the Board of
Directors of the Company. Any future determination to pay dividends will depend
on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, capital
requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant at the
time by the Board of Directors. The Company is not subject to any contractual
arrangements which restrict its ability to pay dividends.
17
<PAGE>
DILUTION
The adjusted net tangible book value of the Company as of December 31, 1996
was ($1,267,649) or ($0.34) per share of Common Stock. Net tangible book value
per share is determined by dividing the tangible net worth of the Company
(tangible assets less all liabilities) by the total number of outstanding shares
of Common Stock (3,700,000 at December 31, 1996). The Company's tangible assets
consists of all of its balance sheet assets less deferred catalog expense. After
giving effect to the sale by the Company of 250,000 Units and the receipt of the
net proceeds therefrom, the adjusted net tangible book value of the Company as
of December 31, 1996 would have been $942,372 or $0.22 per share of Common
Stock. This represents an immediate increase in the adjusted net tangible book
value of $.56 per share of Common Stock to existing stockholders and an
immediate dilution (the difference between the price to the public per share of
Common Stock and the adjusted net tangible book value per share of Common Stock
after the Offering) in the adjusted tangible book value of $5.78 per share (96%)
of Common Stock to new investors (assuming for this discussion that each of the
two shares of Common Stock comprising a $12.00 Unit is valued at $6.00 per
share, and no value is attributed to the Warrant included in a Unit).
The following table illustrates this per share of Common Stock dilution:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
The initial price of a share of Common Stock paid by new investors ...... $6.00
Adjusted net tangible book value per share of Common Stock
before this Offering ................................................ $(0.34)
Increase in adjusted net tangible book value per share of Common Stock
attributable to new investors ....................................... $ 0.56
-------
Adjusted net tangible book value per share of Common Stock
after this Offering ................................................... $0.22
------
Dilution in adjusted net tangible book value per share of Common Stock
to new investors ...................................................... $5.78
======
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes, as of the completion of this Offering, the
differences between existing stockholders and new investors with respect to the
number of shares of Common Stock purchased from the Company and the total and
average consideration paid per share.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES PURCHASED TOTAL CONSIDERATION
--------------------------- ------------------------------
AVERAGE PRICE
NUMBER PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT PER SHARE
------------ ---------- -------------- ---------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Existing stockholders ...... 3,700,000 88% $ 462,500 13% $ .125
New Investors(1) ............ 500,000 12% $3,000,000 87% $ 6.00
----------- ---- ----------- ---- -------
Totals .................. 4,200,000 100% $3,462,500 100% $ .82
=========== ==== =========== ==== =======
</TABLE>
- ----------------
(1) Based upon the sale of 250,000 Units.
The foregoing discussions do not give effect to the issuance of any
additional shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of the Underwriters'
over-allotment option, the Underwriters' Purchase Option, the Warrants
underlying the Underwriters' over-allotment option, the Warrants underlying the
sale of 250,000 Units in this Offering, the convertible note to be issued to the
seller of The Natural Baby Catalog and the 200,000 stock purchase options
granted under two executive employment agreements. If shares of Common Stock are
issued by the Company pursuant to any or all of the foregoing when the
Company's net tangible book value per share exceeds the applicable price, then
the net tangible book value per share of the then outstanding shares of Common
Stock will be further diluted.
18
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 1996, (i) the actual
capitalization of the Company and (ii) the capitalization of the Company, as
adjusted to reflect issuance of 5,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock in
January, 1997 to the Company's parent (see "THE COMPANY AND ITS PARENT-The
Reorganization") and the sale of 250,000 Units offered hereby and the receipt
of the estimated net proceeds therefrom. The table below should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements of the Company and notes thereto
included elsewhere in the Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1996
---------------------------------------
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED(1)
----------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Long Term Debt obligations, less current maturities ......... $ 300,000(2) $ 300,000
Stockholder's Equity:
Common Stock, $.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized,
3,700,000 shares issued and outstanding; and, 4,200,000 issued
and outstanding as adjusted ............................... 3,700 4,200
Series A Preferred Stock, $.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares
authorized, 5,000,000 shares issued and outstanding
as adjusted ................................................ - 5,000
Additional Paid-in-capital ................................. 458,800 2,668,321
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) ..................... (1,452,680) (1,452,680)
------------ -----------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit) ..................... (990,180) 1,224,841
------------ -----------
Total Capitalization .......................................... $ (690,180) $ 1,524,841
============ ===========
</TABLE>
- ----------------
(1) Does not include: any of the Units which the Underwriters have the option to
purchase to cover over-allotments; or any Common Stock underlying either the
Warrants included in the Units, stock options granted under two executive
employment agreements, or the convertible note to be issued to the seller of
the Natural Baby Catalog.
(2) Includes the promissory note issued by the Company to its parent, Duncan
Hill, as part of the reorganization effective June 30, 1996 in the principal
amount of $366,858 less $66,858 of current maturities. See "THE COMPANY AND
ITS PARENT-The Reorganization."
19
<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Set forth below are the selected financial data of the Company as of and
for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996 This selected financial data has
been derived from the historical financial statements of the Company, which
include the financial statements of its predecessor, Perfectly Safe, Inc., and
which have been audited by Hausser - Taylor, whose report with respect to such
financial statements appears elsewhere in the Prospectus. Also set forth below
are pro forma selected financial data for the year ended December 31, 1996,
which data has been derived from the Company's pro forma combined financial
statements (unaudited), included elsewhere in the Prospectus. The pro forma
combined financial statements assume that the Company acquired The Natural Baby
Catalog at the beginning of the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 for the
unaudited pro forma combined statements of income and as of December 31, 1996
for the unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet, and include, in the opinion
of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the combined results
of the operations of the Company and The Natural Baby Catalog for the periods
contained therein. The pro forma results of operations are not intended to be
indicative of the results which would have occurred on the dates indicated or
which may be realized in the future. The selected financial data should be read
in conjunction with "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" as well as the Company's historical
financial statements and the related notes thereto and the Company's pro forma
combined financial statements and the related notes thereto, included elsewhere
in the Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
1995 1996 1996
------------- ------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Total Sales .............................. $5,724,337 $6,638,995 $ 13,090,210
Cost of Sales ........................... 3,540,487 4,204,321 7,801,286
---------- ---------- -------------
Gross Profit ........................... 2,183,850 2,434,674 5,288,924
Selling Expenses ........................ 1,998,502 2,193,219 3,891,965
General and Administration Expenses ...... 730,950 768,580 1,370,357
---------- ---------- -------------
Income (Loss) from Operations ............ (545,602) (527,125) 26,602
Other Income (Expense) .................. 8,610 5,485 10,407
---------- ---------- -------------
Net Income (Loss) ........................ $ (536,992) $ (521,640) $ 37,009
========== ========== =============
Net Income (Loss) per common share ...... $ (0.15) $ (0.14) $ 0.01
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the period............ 3,700,000 3,700,000 4,200,000(1)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1996
-------------------------------------------
ACTUAL PRO FORMA(2)
----------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total Assets .................. $1,471,689 $3,579,329
Working Capital (deficit) ...... (803,789) 282,475
Total Liabilities ............... 2,461,869 2,471,548
Stockholder's Equity ......... (990,180) 1,107,781
</TABLE>
- ----------------
(1) Gives effect to the sale of 250,000 Units offered hereto.
(2) Gives effect to the sale of 250,000 Units offered hereby and the application
of the net proceeds therefrom in the amount of $2,210,021. Also gives effect
to the issuance of 5 million shares of Series A Preferred Stock in January,
1997 to the Company's parent. See "THE COMPANY AND ITS PARENT-The
Reorganization."
20
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the information
contained in the financial statements of the Company and notes thereto appearing
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
OVERVIEW
The Company acquired its first catalog, Perfectly Safe in January, 1990.
From that point on the Perfectly Safe Catalog has relied upon catalog
circulation to acquire new customers and to provide its revenue base. During the
year 1990 the Perfectly Safe Catalog generated $1,473,000 in net sales from
catalog circulation of approximately 900,000 catalogs. Catalog circulation was
increased each year through 1994, when the Company mailed 3.7 million catalogs
and generated $5.0 million in net sales.
During the first quarter of 1995 the Company created its Jeannie's Kids
Club's Catalog, which offers popular children's products at discounts of up to
60% of the price charged by other children's catalogs for the same product. To
make a purchase at the discounted price, the customer must become a member of
Jeannie's Kids Club which costs $18 per year. Subject to cancellation, expired
credit card or change of address, a renewal is automatically billed to a club
member's credit card prior to the membership's expiration. The Company
believes that its cost of generating a renewal is less than 10% of the renewal
fee of $18 and thus will favorably impact the potential profitability of
Jeannie's Kids Club operation.
The first Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog was mailed in July, 1995. In its
first six months of operation (six months ended December 31, 1995), Jeannie's
Kids Club generated just over $1 million in net sales, or 18% of the Company's
net sales for the year 1995. The Perfectly Safe Catalog on the other hand,
experienced a reduction in sales from $5.0 million in 1994 to $4.7 million in
1995. The Company believes that the decrease in sales was attributable to a
competitive reaction caused by the introduction of Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog.
Prior to the introduction of Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog, the Company exchanged
mailing lists with three other children's catalogs, which provided
approximately 17% of the catalog circulation and resulting sales for the
Perfectly Safe Catalog. When the Company introduced Jeannie's Kids Club
Catalog, the three children's catalogs referenced above refused to rent or
exchange mailing lists with the Company for competitive reasons, which reduced
Perfectly Safe's Catalog circulation and revenues in this segment of the
business. Although the Company uses statistical modeling and database techniques
for identifying potential customers, the business from these mailing lists
cannot be replaced at past levels of profitability. Accordingly, the Company
decided to devote more of its available resources to building the mailing list
and membership base of Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog, which the Company believes
will be the more profitable segment of its children's catalog business, and
began to reduce the catalog circulation of Perfectly Safe.
RESULT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995.
Total net sales for the year ended December 31, 1996 increased $914,356, or
16%, to $6,638,995, compared with $5,724,337 during the year 1995. Net sales
include sales from merchandise, Jeannie's Kids Club membership, shipping and
handling charges, and mailing list rentals. The net sales of Jeannie's Kids
Club increased from $1,033,806 in 1995 to $3,921,939 in 1996. That increase in
net sales of Jeannie's Kids Club in 1996 was partially offset by a decrease in
sales of the Perfectly Safe Catalog, which declined $1,973,476 or 42.1%, to
$2,717,056, compared with $4,690,532 in 1995.
The Company's total catalog circulation was approximately 3.8 million in
each of 1995 and 1996. The Company introduced Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog in
July 1995 and mailed 708,804 catalogs in the second half of 1995 and 2,372,891
catalogs in 1996, which accounted for 18% and 59.8% of its total catalog
mailings in 1995 and 1996, respectively. The Company reduced the circulation of
its Perfectly
21
<PAGE>
Safe Catalog 51.2% from 3.2 million in 1995 to 1.6 million in 1996 consistent
with its plan to allocate more of its available resources to building Jeannie's
Kids Club, as discussed above. Gross revenue per catalog mailed in 1996
increased 15.9% to $1.75 per book, versus $1.51 for 1995. The Company attributes
the higher revenue per catalog mailed to the relatively higher Jeannie's Kids
Club average order and percentage response rates.
At December 31, 1996 the Company had 180,124 total households available for
purposes of list rental to other catalogs, which are non-competitive or compete
with the Company to a lesser extent. Total households are defined as those
households purchasing from the Company in the past 24 months, and rental
selections may be made on the basis of 24, 12, 6, or three month recency of
purchase. List rental rates charged by the Company are $85.00 per thousand
households for 24 months buyers, and increase to $100.00 per thousand households
for three month "hotline" buyers. The Company pays a 30% brokerage
commission on published rates. For the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995,
the net list rental income was $79,240 and $84,093 respectively. The decrease in
revenue of 5.8% is attributable to the Company changing list brokerage firms in
1996, with a resulting 30 day period of inactivity during the cross over phase.
Cost of sales, as a percentage of net sales, was 63.3% and 61.8% for 1996
and 1995, respectively. Cost of sales consists of cost of merchandise and
fulfillment. The increase was primarily due to increased costs of merchandise,
which rose from 40.2% of net sales to 42.9% in 1996. Merchandise costs of the
Company's Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog are a relatively higher percentage of
net sales, as merchandise is sold on a discounted basis, while Perfectly Safe's
generally is not. Accordingly, the increase of Jeannie's Kids Club net sales
from 18% of the Company's total net sales in 1995 to 59% in 1996 resulted in
the Company's increased costs of merchandise in 1996, as a percentage of net
sales. The merchandise cost increases were partially offset by a decrease in the
Company's cost of fulfillment equal to 1.2% of net sales, as fulfillment
expenses fell from 21.6% of net sales in 1995 to 20.4% of net sales in 1996.
Fulfillment expense consists of costs of shipping, direct labor, packaging,
order entry and 800 line telephone costs. The Company experienced cost
reductions in this area primarily from a decrease in shipping costs, which fell
.6% from 1995 to 1996. While outbound shipping costs fluctuate with the package
size, number of shipments per order, etc., the decrease was affected by the
reduction of the Company's number of shipments per order which fell from 1.6 in
1995 to 1.4 in 1996.
Selling expenses increased 9.7% from $1,998,502 in 1995 to $2,193,219 in
1996. Selling expenses consist of advertising and other marketing related
expenses. The increase in 1996 is primarily attributable to the Company's
revenue increase of 16% from 1995 to 1996. Selling expenses, as a percentage of
net sales, were 33% and 34.9% for 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Company's
Perfectly Safe Catalog experienced an increase, on a percentage basis, in
advertising expense of 2.5% of net sales from 29.7% of net sales in 1995 to
32.2% in 1996. This increase was primarily attributable to the less profitable
mix of mailing lists in 1996 than 1995. Advertising expense consists of the cost
of producing the catalogs, postage, mailing preparation and outside mailing
lists rented by the Company. Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog recorded advertising
expenses of 28.9% of net sales in 1996 compared with 46.8% 1995. This decrease
is attributable to the fact that 1995 was the initial inception year of
Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog and the Company incurred initial non recurring
costs of developing Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog, such as research and
development, market testing and design of the catalogs in the amount of
$392,495.
The Company believes that its general and administrative expenses are high
relative to its revenue base. General and administrative expenses were $730,950,
or 12.8% of net sales, in fiscal 1995 and $768,580, or 11.6% of net sales, in
fiscal 1996. This decrease is attributable to the increase in revenues in 1996
from 1995. The Company believes that its general and administrative functions
will become more efficient and cost effective upon absorbing the revenue base of
The Natural Baby Catalog, which the Company believes can be accomplished with
significantly less than proportionate increases in general and administrative
expenses. General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31,
1995 and for the six month period ended June 30, 1996 were incurred by the
Company's parent, Duncan Hill, and allocated to the Company consistent with
past practices, under which Duncan Hill allocated its
22
<PAGE>
general and administrative expenses to its operating subsidiaries on a pro rata
basis determined by the percentage of total assets of the various operating
subsidiaries, exclusive of the assets of Duncan Hill. See "THE COMPANY AND
ITS PARENT." As a result of the reorganization in which the Company succeeded
to the operations of Perfectly Safe, Inc., the Company began to handle certain
of its own administrative functions, directly, effective June 30, 1996. See
"THE COMPANY AND ITS PARENT." In 1995 and for the first six months of 1996
the Company's allocation was 69% of Duncan Hill's total general and
administrative expense.
Net losses for the year ended December 31, 1996 were $521,640, or 7.9% of
sales, compared with net losses of $536,992, or 9.4% of sales for the year ended
December 31, 1995. The Company attributes this slight decrease to the growth in
1996 of Jeannie's Kids Club membership base and the increase in revenues
associated therewith. The Company believes that in order to achieve
profitability with respect to its two current catalogs, the membership of
Jeannie's Kids Club will have to reach a sustainable level of 45,000 members.
Currently, there are approximately 34,000 members.
During 1996, the Company changed its accounting principle utilized
regarding internally generated customer lists and development costs. Prior to
the change, the Company capitalized and amortized these costs over their
estimated useful life. The Company now expenses these costs as incurred. As a
result, the Company has restated the January 1, 1995 retained earnings and the
1995 Statement of Income. The effect on net losses, as previously reported for
1995 in the amount of $163,232, was additional expenses in the amount of
$373,760, for a net loss of $536,992. The effect on 1995 net loss through
September 30, 1996, was additional expenses of $219,684. See Note 8 to the
Company's financial statements included elsewhere in the Prospectus.
Deferred catalog expenses at December 31, 1996, were $277,469 compared to
$171,525 at December 31, 1995. Deferred catalog expenses are costs of catalogs
mailed to customers that are deferred and amortized over periods ranging from
four to six months. $70,000 of the increase in deferred catalog expenses from
1995 to 1996 is attributable to an increase in late December catalog mailings in
1996 from 1995. $30,000 of the increase is attributable to deferred catalog
expenses in 1996 associated with the Company's unshipped order backlog at
December 31, 1996.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At December 31, 1996 the Company had a deficit in retained earnings of
$1,452,680, compared with a deficit of $931,040 at December 31, 1995. This
resulted, from a net loss of $521,640 for the 1996 fiscal year.
The impact of the operating loss on the Company's cash position was
lessened by changes in working capital which effected operating activities. The
operating activities consumed $198,090 in cash through increases in accounts
receivable and deferred catalog expense, but provided $459,642 in cash through
decreases in inventory and increases in accounts payable. The net impact of
these changes and non cash charges of $47,455 relating to depreciation and
amortization and loss on disposal of assets, was to offset the Company's net
loss by $309,007, so that net cash used by operating activities was $212,633.
The most significant provider of cash was the increase in accounts payable,
which increased $354,020 during the period.
The Company's financing activities provided $590,490 in cash, with
$582,500 provided from external sources of financing and $7,990 from changes in
obligations to the parent company and prepaid amounts for the public offering.
The Company increased its borrowings on its line of credit by $220,000, issued
$200,000 in promissory notes described herein, and sold $162,500 in common
stock, for an aggregate of $582,500.
The combined effect of net cash used by operating activities of $212,633
net cash provided by financing activities of $590,490, and investments in fixed
assets and prepaid amounts for the acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog
totaling $164,928, increased cash by $212,929, from $35,719 at December 31,
1995, to $248,648 at December 31, 1996.
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The Company's bank line of credit had a balance of $650,000 at December
31, 1996. The line of credit is for an open term, payable upon demand. The
facility is secured by the assets of the Company, as well as the assets of
Duncan Hill and another Duncan subsidiary, E.A. Carey of Ohio, Inc. The
repayment of the facility is guaranteed by Mr. Miller. The amount outstanding
under the facility at the date of this Prospectus is $650,000, with interest
charged at the rate of 1% over prime. It is the policy of the bank to review the
credit facility, annually, commencing June 30, 1997, and to require that the
Company maintain a zero balance on the credit line for a period of thirty
consecutive days sometime during the course of each year. The bank has agreed to
waive the "zero balance" required for the 1997 loan year ending June 30,
1997, because the Company's current cash flow would not allow it to comply
before then. The Company anticipates that, with the additional cash flow from
the sales generated by The Natural Baby Catalog, it will "zero balance"
the credit line for the 1998 loan year in the fourth quarter of 1997.
Additionally, the Company used extensions of trade credit to finance its
operations during this period. Accounts payable at December 31, 1996 were
$1,102,311, and the Company estimates that approximately $55,000 of this balance
was overdue to trade creditors (other than the printers of the Company's
catalogs), based upon the Company's historical experience with accounts
payable, whose normal working balances have been equivalent to 45 days sales.
The amount due to the printer at December 31, 1996 was $320,000. At December 31,
1996, the Company had cash balance of $248,648.
Effective June 30, 1996, the Company was recapitalized as Kids Stuff, Inc.
by its parent, Duncan Hill, for the purpose of acquiring the operating assets of
Duncan Hill, as well as the children's catalog business of Perfectly Safe, Inc.
The Company paid for those assets through the assumption of Perfectly Safe,
Inc.'s liabilities and Duncan Hill's bank line of credit, by a promissory note
payable to Duncan Hill and by preferred and common stock of the Company. See
"THE COMPANY AND ITS PARENT-
The Reorganization."
In order to finance its most recent operations, the Company entered into
certain private financing agreements commencing in October, 1996. In that
regard, the Company issued 8% promissory notes in the amount of $125,000 to be
repaid with a portion of the proceeds of this Offering, 8% promissory notes in
the amount of $75,000, convertible upon the date of the Prospectus into Warrants
to purchase 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock (the "8% Convertible Notes")
and 1,300,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock for $162,500. Subsequently,
the holders of the 8% Convertible Notes, at the request of the Representative,
agreed to accept a cash payment at the closing of the Offering in face amount of
$75,000, plus accrued interest at 8% per annum, in lieu of the conversion of
their notes into 1,500,000 Warrants. See "CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS-Bridge
Loan-Rule 504 Shares." Pending the completion of this Offering, the Company
continues to rely upon its trade creditors for short-term financing, and may be
required to seek additional bridge financing should the policies of its trade
creditors change.
For the fiscal year 1997, the Company intends to incur certain capital
expenditures in connection with upgrading its computer technology. See
"BUSINESS-Data Processing." Specifically, the Company intends to replace
its outdated data processing software and hardware, at an annualized cost of
approximately $75,000 per year, on a leased basis. Lease payments will be made
monthly and will be paid for from cash flow or working capital. Additionally,
the Company intends to spend no more than $10,000 to develop new statistical
modeling software which will also be paid for from cash flow or working capital.
See "USE OF PROCEEDS."
The Company has contracted to purchase the catalog business of The Natural
Baby Company, Inc. ("Baby Co."). The purchase price to be paid by the
Company consists of: a cash payment in the aggregate amount of $1,310,777 (less
a $25,000 down payment previously paid to Baby Co. by Duncan Hill) to be paid
with a portion of the proceeds of this Offering, the assumption of Baby Co.'s
accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business, which is estimated
to be approximately $275,958, as of December 31, 1996, the assumption of Baby
Co.'s remaining lease obligations in the approximate amount of $35,500, and a
long-term convertible note to be issued by the Company to Baby Co. in the amount
of $250,000. The unpaid balance of the convertible note is convertible at any
time into unregistered shares of the Company's Common Stock, at the election of
the holder, at a conversion
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price of $5.00 per share. The convertible note will have an eight year term and
bear interest at 8% per annum. Upon the first three anniversaries of the
execution of the convertible note, only accrued interest in arrears will be
payable. Thereafter, five annual payments of $50,000, plus accrued interest,
will be payable on the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eight anniversaries of
the execution of the convertible note. The Company intends to pay these
obligations from The Natural Baby Catalog's cash flow. The purchase price to be
paid by the Company to purchase the catalog business of Baby Co. is also subject
to certain adjustments. See "CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS-Acquisition of The Natural
Baby Catalog." The Company will also repay to Duncan Hill with a portion of
the proceeds of this Offering the $25,000 down payment referenced above.
The Natural Baby Catalog had 1996 net sales of $6,451,215 and operating
pre-tax profits of $558,649. On a pro forma basis, assuming the Company had
acquired The Natural Baby Catalog at the beginning of the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, the combined operations would have resulted in net sales of
$13,090,210, income from operations of $26,602, net income of $37,009, and net
income per share of Common Stock of $.01, for the year ended December 31, 1996.
See the Company's pro forma combined financial statements (unaudited) and the
related notes thereto, included elsewhere in the Prospectus.
The Company believes that by consolidating the operations of The Natural
Baby Catalog with the Company's, that substantial savings can be realized in
direct labor and general and administrative areas. The Company estimates that
$200,000 in direct labor savings and $450,000 in general and administrative
savings can be realized, on an annual basis, exclusive of additional expenses
which the Company will incur as a public entity, estimated to be $200,000 and
$50,000 of additional payroll expense in 1997 related to the salaries of the
Company's two executive officers, as well as any additional compensation that
may be awarded under any incentive compensation plan.
In the event that the Company is unable to achieve the anticipated
consolidated savings from the consolidation of the operations of The Natural
Baby Catalog on a timely basis, the Company may need additional financing within
twelve months of the date of the Prospectus. See "RISK FACTORS-
Possible Lack of Savings from the Integration and Consolidation of The Natural
Baby Catalog Business; Adequacy of Financing."
In October 1995, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION, was issued which establishes accounting
and reporting standards for stock-based compensation plans. This standard
encourages the adoption of the fair value-based method of accounting for
employee stock options or similar equity instruments, but continues to allow the
Company to measure compensation cost for those equity instruments using the
intrinsic value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES. Under the fair
value-based method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the
value of the award. Under the intrinsic value-based method, compensation cost is
the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock at the grant date or
other measurement date over the amount the employee must pay to acquire the
stock. The Company uses the intrinsic value-based method for stock-
based compensation to employees. As a result, this standard does not have any
effect to the Company's financial statement other than to require disclosure of
the pro forma effect on net income of using the fair value-based method of
accounting. Management believes this effect to currently be immaterial.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AND ASSOCIATED RISKS
This Prospectus contains forward-looking statements, including statements
regarding, among other things, the Company's growth strategies and anticipated
consolidation savings from the consolidation of the operations of The Natural
Baby Catalog. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the
Company's expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties,
many of which are beyond the Company's control. Actual results could differ
materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of changes in the
trends in the children's mail order catalog industry and the factors discussed
in "RISK FACTORS." In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be
no assurance that the forward-looking information contained in this Prospectus
will in fact occur.
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THE COMPANY AND ITS PARENT
HISTORY OF DUNCAN HILL
The Company's parent, Duncan Hill, was organized under Ohio law in 1977
for the purpose of developing and marketing a designer line of smoking pipes,
tobacco and accessories. In 1980, a Duncan Hill subsidiary, Highland Pipe
Company, acquired the pipe manufacturing business of the Monarch Pipe Co., of
Bristow, Oklahoma. In 1984, the business of E.A. Carey Co. of Chicago, the
dominant mail order supplier of smoking products, was purchased by Duncan Hill
through its subsidiary, E.A. Carey of Ohio, Inc.
Perfectly Safe, Inc. was formed by Duncan in 1990 under Ohio law for the
purpose of publishing The Perfectly Safe Catalog, which was acquired from Jeanne
E. Miller in January, 1990. Mrs. Miller purchased the Perfectly Safe Catalog in
1988 from the catalog's creator. In July, 1995, Perfectly Safe, Inc. began to
publish its second catalog, Jeannie's Kids Club.
Prior to June 30, 1996, the telemarketing, order fulfillment, data
processing and administrative function of Perfectly Safe, Inc. were provided by
Duncan Hill, which also provided those services as applicable, to its other
operating subsidiaries. Duncan Hill allocated the cost of its services to its
operating subsidiaries on a direct cost basis, as applicable, or on a pro rata
basis determined by the percentage of total assets of the various operating
subsidiaries, exclusive of the assets of Duncan Hill.
THE REORGANIZATION
Effective June 30, 1996, the Company succeeded to the catalog business of
Jeannie's Kids Club and Perfectly Safe as a result of a reorganization in which
the Company acquired from Duncan Hill the assets and liabilities of Perfectly
Safe, Inc., which was dissolved. The Company was incorporated by Duncan Hill
under Delaware law and had no operations prior the reorganization.
Effective June 30, 1996, the Company also acquired from Duncan Hill the
assets used by Duncan to perform the telemarketing, order fulfillment, data
processing and administrative functions, so that the Company could perform those
functions itself. The Company then entered into a transition period in which
telemarketing, data processing, order fulfillment, and administrative functions
were transferred from Duncan Hill to the Company in a manner consistent with the
operational requirements of the various subsidiaries of Duncan Hill. During this
period certain costs were allocated by Duncan Hill to the Company, and in
return, certain costs were allocated by the Company to Duncan Hill and its other
subsidiaries, depending upon the transition status of the cost area involved. In
either case, the costs were allocated pro rata in a manner consistent with
Duncan Hill's practices in existence prior to June 30, 1996. The Company has
completed the transition period as of December 31, 1996.
Subsequent to December 31, 1996, the Company will provide services to
Duncan Hill and Duncan Hill's other subsidiaries, as requested, on an actual
cost basis. Actual costs are those direct costs that can be charged on a per
order or per hour basis, plus fixed costs allocated on a pro rata basis by
dividing the total assets of the operating entity requesting services by the sum
of the total assets of all operating entities of Duncan Hill and the operating
entity requesting services.
The purchase price of the Perfectly Safe and Duncan Hill assets acquired by
the Company is $2,613,404, payable as follows: The Company has issued Duncan
Hill a Promissory Note in the principal amount of $366,858 payable in four
annual installments commencing June 30, 1997 and bearing interest at the rate of
8% per annum. The principal amount of the first installment is $66,858 and is
$100,000 for each ensuing installment. In addition, the Company issued Duncan
2,400,000 shares of Common Stock valued at $.125 per share and 5,000,000 shares
of Series A Preferred Stock valued at $.001 per share. Further, the Company
agreed to assume all of the liabilities of Perfectly Safe, Inc. as of June 30,
1996 in the amount of $1,291,546, as well as Duncan's outstanding obligations
under its credit facility in the amount of $650,000 as of June 30, 1996. Almost
the entirety of the borrowings under the credit facility were used to support
the Company's operations. See "BUSINESS-Institutional Credit Facility."
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BUSINESS
GENERAL
The Company is a specialty direct marketer which currently publishes two
catalogs with an emphasis on children's hardgood products (I.E., products not
primarily made from fabrics) from prenatal to age three. Based upon the
Company's review of a mail order catalog trade publication called "SRDS
Direct Marketing List Service," the Company believes that its first catalog,
"Perfectly Safe, The Catalog For Parents Who Care-" is the nation's only
catalog devoted to child safety, child-proofing the home, and safety-related
products for the family. The Company has published Perfectly Safe since 1990,
during which time it has circulated over 20 million catalogs and helped to
childproof over 350,000 homes. One of the Company's founders authored "The
Perfectly Safe Home" published by Simon & Schuster, and appeared on national
television, radio, and magazines in the name of child safety.
In July, 1995 the Company introduced its "Jeannie's Kids Club"
catalog to broaden its market and to introduce a new direct marketing concept in
children's products. Jeannie's Kids Club offers parents of young children who
become members the opportunity of saving up to 60% compared with the same
products in other popular children's catalogs. The current annual membership
fee is $18.00 per year. Upon the completion of the Offering, the Company intends
to acquire its third catalog, The Natural Baby Catalog, which specializes in
products made of natural fiber for children from prenatal to age three. The
Natural Baby Catalog carries both hardgood products and softgood products (I.E.,
products primarily made from fabrics).
With the addition of The Natural Baby Catalog, the Company believes that it
will be one of the leading direct marketers of quality children's products from
prenatal to age three, a market which is determined by the overall birth rate in
the United States. The birth rate peaked in the United States in 1989 at 4.1
million births per year, and is estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau to be 3.8
million births in 1997, which is 100,000 less than its estimate for 1996.
The Company's market for children's goods is also affected by the
historical rise of women in the work force, which has risen to 48% of all
households today compared with 27% in 1960. Current estimates indicate that a
family earning $45,000 today will spend $7,610 or 17% of their income on their
baby during the first year of its life. The Company believes that a birth rate
of 3.8 million births per year and the high percentage of women in the work
force will place a continued emphasis on the convenience and value of shopping
by catalog.
The Company is aware of sixteen other children's hardgood-catalog
businesses which the Company estimates each having a revenue base of less that
$10 million per year. Because of increasing overhead requirements, the Company
believes that it will become more difficult for a consumer catalog business with
revenues of less than $10 million to operate profitably and should result in a
consolidation of some of these businesses in the future.
The Company intends to consolidate the operations of The Natural Baby
Catalog with the operations of the Company and anticipates a consolidation
savings, on an annualized basis, in direct labor expenses in the approximate
amount of $200,000 and in general and administrative expense in the approximate
amount of $450,000, exclusive of additional annual expenses which the Company
will incur as a public entity estimated to be $200,000 and $50,000 of additional
annual payroll expense commencing in 1997 relating to the salaries of the
Company's two executive officers, as well as any additional compensation that
may be awarded under any incentive plan. The combined revenues of the Company
and The Natural Baby Catalog were $13,090,210 for the year ended December 31,
1996. Thus, the Company believes that its acquisition and consolidation of The
Natural Baby Catalog will provide the necessary critical mass to operate the
Company profitably in the future, although for the past two years the Company's
operations have not been profitable. The Company incurred a net loss of $521,640
and $536,992 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
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STRATEGIES
The Company believes that its expertise in the marketing and merchandising
of children's products, the recent introduction of its Jeannie's Kids Club
concept, and the intended acquisition of The Natural Baby catalog will provide
the basis for future growth by the use of the following strategies:
CONSOLIDATION OF THE NATURAL BABY'S CATALOG INTO THE OPERATIONS OF THE
COMPANY. The Company plans to consolidate the warehouse, telemarketing, data
processing and administrative functions of The Natural Baby Catalog into the
operations of the Company. The Company will endeavor to complete the
consolidation within ninety days of its acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog.
EXPAND THE MEMBERSHIP OF JEANNIE'S KIDS CLUB. Because Jeannie's Kids
Club offers popular children's products for up to 60% less than other
children's catalogs, the Company believes that there is a substantial market
for this type of home shopping service and an opportunity to substantially
increase the membership of Jeannie's Kids Club, which went from inception in
July 1995 to over 34,000 current members. Although there are costs associated
with acquiring the initial $18 membership fee, the $18 annual renewal of such
membership is approximately 90% profit to the Company. Under the terms of the
Jeannie's Kids Club membership, renewals are automatically billed to a
member's credit card prior to the expiration of the membership. Because of its
potential profitability, the Company intends to embark upon vigorous marketing
efforts to expand the Jeannie's Kids Club membership. See
"BUSINESS-Marketing."
MAINTAIN THE GROWTH OF THE NATURAL BABY CATALOG. Revenues of The Natural
Baby Catalog have increased from $1.7 million in 1992 to $6.5 million in 1996.
The Company is satisfied with the performance of The Natural Baby Catalog and
will endeavor to maintain continuity in the merchandising and marketing of the
catalog.
CUSTOMER ACQUISITION PROGRAMS. Historically, the Company has relied upon
catalog circulation as the sole method to acquire new customers. Because of the
relatively short life of the acquired customer (prenatal to age three) and the
increasing costs of catalog mailings, the Company intends to test and develop
new methods of new customer acquisition. See "BUSINESS-Marketing." The
Company believes that its future growth and profitability (apart from the
addition of The Natural Baby Catalog) will be largely dependent upon the
Company's ability to develop alternative customer acquisition programs.
REFINE CATALOG MAILING STRATEGIES. The Company's catalog circulation is
determined by statistical models and analysis which targets prospective buyers
and timing of purchasers. The Company's statistical modeling system, which was
originally purchased and developed between 1990 and 1993, is outdated. In
February, 1997, the Company began to develop a statistical modeling system with
the assistance of an outside vendor for the purposes of increasing its catalog
response rates and lower its cost per catalog mailed. The Company anticipates
that this system will be ready for testing in June 1997. The cost of developing
this new software should not exceed $10,000 and will be paid for from the
Company's cash flow or working capital. See "USE OF PROCEEDS."
REPLACE OUTDATED DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM. The Company intends to acquire
state-of-the-art computer hardware and system software, at an annualized cost of
approximately $75,000 per year, on a leased basis, to improve the efficiencies
of its operations and financial reports. Lease payments will be made monthly and
will be paid for from the Company's cash flow or working capital.
CATALOG ACQUISITIONS. The Company believes that, because of the cost
driven pressures to consolidate, there may be opportunities to acquire other
children's niche catalogs. The Company, however, has no short term plans to
make any such acquisitions other than The Natural Baby Catalog unless it is able
to obtain suitable financing.
STABILIZE THE PERFORMANCE OF PERFECTLY SAFE. In the past, many of the
safety products carried by the Perfectly Safe Catalog were generally hard to
find and were not well stocked by retail stores. That is
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no longer the case. See "BUSINESS-Competition." As a consequence of this
competitive impact, the inability of the Company to access certain profitable
mailing lists following the Company's introduction of Jeannie's Kids Club, and
the decision of the Company to devote more of its available resources to
building the mailing list and membership base of Jeannie's Kids Club, the
future performance of the Perfectly Safe Catalog will be highly dependent upon
the Company's ability to more efficiently obtain new customers through
substantially reduced catalog mailings in the immediate short term and
alternative acquisition programs on a long-range basis. In addition, the Company
may consider expanding the product age range by including more general home
safety products, if the Company has sufficient funds to test market this
concept.
MERCHANDISING
Through its Perfectly Safe Catalog, the Company emphasizes quality and
safety and provides full price merchandise tested by the Company and backed by a
full satisfaction warranty. The Perfectly Safe Catalog currently consists of 48
pages containing 235 products, principally hardgoods, approximately 61% of which
directly relates to child safety and child proofing the home, with the balance
consisting of safety tested convenience products and toys. Unlike fashion
catalogs which change their mix of products offered based upon trends and
seasonality, Perfectly Safe retains proven products. The merchandising function
for Perfectly Safe is handled by one of the Company's founders, Jeanne E.
Miller, the author of "The Perfectly Safe Home."
During the year 1995 the Company used its merchandise expertise in
children's products to launch its Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog. The target
market selected by the Company is upper income parents who want quality, value
and convenience in products for their children. The Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog
selects popular quality hardgoods products from other children's catalogs and
then offers them at discounts of up to 60%. The Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog
currently consists of 48 pages containing 289 products.
The Natural Baby Catalog emphasizes alternative hard and softgood products
for babies and their parents. The catalog is eighty pages and contains
approximately 446 products, all of which are natural fiber, non-toxic and
environmentally safe. Approximately 26% of The Natural Baby Catalog product line
is exclusive or private label products. The merchandising function for The
Natural Baby Catalog has been done by the catalog's founder, Jane Martin, since
inception, and is a reflection of her beliefs and philosophy. Mrs. Martin will
continue to handle this function for the Company under a two-year consulting
agreement. See "MANAGEMENT-Employment Agreements."
Inclusive of The Natural Baby Catalog, the ratio between hardgoods to
softgoods contained in the Company's catalogs is approximately 3:1. Exclusive
of The Natural Baby Catalog, over 95% of the products contained in The Perfectly
Safe and Jeannie's Kids Club Catalogs are hardgoods. The Company continually
identifies and tests new product categories that are natural extensions of the
core business of its catalogs. Each product and product category is measured for
its revenue and profitability, with advertising costs allocated to the product
based upon the number of square inches of paper consumed in its presentation.
Products are then rated by performance in profitability, with weaker products
either removed or altered in their presentation. Test products are selected
based upon the data contained in the analysis of similar or related products, or
sales and feature benefits that the Company's merchandising team feels will
appeal to the demographics of the intended catalog customer.
MARKETING
The Company serves the children's market at an age where the child changes
rapidly and many of the products become functionally obsolete within months of
the date of purchase. The Company's market for its catalog is primarily from
prenatal to age three. The Company maintains proprietary mailing lists of
households with an average income in excess of $50,000 per year, a proven
history of mail order purchases and a newborn in the house. The number of
customers who purchased in the last twelve months are 53,780 for Perfectly Safe,
and 42,744 member and non-member buyers for Jeannie's
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Kids Club (non-member buyers are not entitled to purchase Jeannie's Kids Club
merchandise at a discount). The Company also rents mailing lists which meet the
Company's criteria from outside sources, which consist of independent list
compilers, as well as directly from other children's catalogs. The Company's
present cost of renting mailing lists is $.09 per household per use. The Company
believes that The Natural Baby Catalog's mailing list rentals are primarily
from certain other children's catalogs based upon a proven history of recent
mail order purchases.
In order to select those households most likely to purchase, the Company
uses a statistical modeling system developed in-house, called REZIP. REZIP is a
compilation of zip codes derived from the zip codes of prior customers, and has
a database of approximately five million names. The REZIP database is used as a
filter to select specific households for catalog mailings. The Company believes
that its REZIP statistical modeling system which it developed between 1990 and
1993 is outdated and needs to be replaced with state-of-the-art data bases
containing various additional demographic information, which would enable the
Company to more accurately predict profitable zip codes. As discussed
previously, the Company is in the process of developing that software. At the
present time, The Natural Baby Catalog does not use a statistical modeling
system. The Company believes that the application of a statistical modeling
systems will increase the rate of percentage response and profitability of The
Natural Baby Catalog.
The Company uses a selling strategy built around two basic selling seasons:
fall/winter and spring/
summer. Each season requires changes of products appropriate to the time period
for the life of the catalog. Catalogs are mailed on a monthly basis in
approximately equal quantities, with clearance sales advertised on wrappers of
selected catalog mailings. Monthly mailing quantities, however, are subject to
significant variations due to changes in timing and availability of rental
mailing lists. In 1996, the catalog mailings for Perfectly Safe and Jeannie's
Kids Club were 1,595,890 and 2,372,891 respectively.
The Company believes that The Natural Baby Catalog uses a selling strategy
based upon three basic selling seasons: spring, summer and fall/winter. While
catalogs are mailed monthly, lessor quantities are mailed monthly in the period
February-June, with quantities increasing to the fall/winter season. The Natural
Baby Catalog mailed approximately 2.1 million catalogs in 1996.
Because of a continuing increase in catalog advertising costs and the
relatively short customer life, the Company believes that it can no longer
afford to use catalog mailings as the sole method of customer name acquisition.
Accordingly, the Company intends to pursue a balanced customer acquisition
program, which will include magazine solicitations, promotional inserts, and
marketing joint ventures with mass marketers of baby formula, baby food and
health care, as alternative marketing methods for the acquisition of customer
names. The Company has not yet entered into any agreements to commence any such
new acquisitions program.
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND TELEMARKETING
The Company derives approximately 80% of its revenue through orders placed
over the telephone and emphasizes superior customer service and friendliness in
its sales representatives. The Company's payment terms have been major credit
cards or checks. The Company's return policy is unconditional, and provides
that if a customer is not satisfied with his or her purchase for any reason, it
may be returned within 30 days for a full refund or exchange. If a shipping
error has occurred the Company will issue call tags to pick up merchandise
shipped in error and will send a corrected shipment.
The Company's telemarketing facilities are open seven days a week from
8:00 am to 11:00 p.m. and employ the equivalent of approximately 13 full time
telemarketing and customer service representatives. During the year 1996 the
Company handled over 200,000 telephonic customer orders, catalog requests and
service requirements.
The Company is developing a new order taking and customer service system to
improve its efficiency in processing customer requirements. During October 1996
the Company installed an
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advanced telephone system for the monitoring and distribution of telephone calls
to its sales representatives. Additionally, the Company expects to automate its
routine catalog requests, and lower its cost per call in this segment of its
telemarketing business.
Upon the Company's acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog, the Company
anticipates the need to add the equivalent of approximately 10 additional full
time telemarketing and customer service representatives to its current staff.
The Company believes that the Natural Baby Catalog employed approximately 18
full time equivalents to handle its telemarketing and customer service at
December 31, 1996.
FULFILLMENT AND DELIVERY
The Company's fulfillment and delivery objective is to provide excellent
customer service within a low cost structure. Its fulfillment operations consist
of 12,000 square feet of leased facilities in North Canton, Ohio. The facility
is designed to process incoming shipments on a palletized or boxed basis, and to
process outgoing shipments on an individualized cost effective basis. Orders
shipped are individually recorded and posted through the use of barcode
scanners, so that sales records and credit card deposits are electronically
posted. The Company's fulfillment center processed over 230,000 shipments in
1996 and is currently operating at or near capacity from the standpoint of
square footage. Upon the acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog, the Company
intends to relocate into a larger warehouse facility, for a term not to exceed
three years, of between approximately 20,000 and 25,000 square feet in the
Canton, Ohio area and move The Natural Baby Catalog from its current location in
Trenton, NJ to the Company's new facility. The Company believes that such space
is readily available in the Canton area at very affordable rates. The Company
has not yet determined a specific location and consequently negotiations for the
terms of a lease have not begun.
INVENTORY/PURCHASING
The Company conducts its purchasing operations at its general offices in
Canton, Ohio. Each catalog contains approximately 300 products or stock keeping
units (SKU's). Each product is reviewed weekly through the use of computerized
reports that provide detailed information regarding inventory value, unit sales,
and purchasing delivery times. Products are ordered as required for "just in
time" arrival into the Company's inventory.
The Company believes that its inventory and purchasing efficiency can be
improved through the use of improved systems and working capital management to
minimize out-of-stock conditions. At December 31, 1996, the Company had a
backlog of unshipped orders in excess of $115,000 (approximately $112,000 at
February 28, 1997) attributable largely to its inability to timely pay vendors
and re-stock inventory. The Company intends to use a portion of the proceeds of
this Offering to resolve this problem. See "USE OF PROCEEDS."
PRODUCT SOURCING
The Company acquires products for resale in its catalogs from numerous
domestic vendors. No single source supplied more than 10% of the Company's
products in 1996. The Company believes that no single source likewise supplied
more than 10% of The Natural Baby Catalog products in 1996.
SEASONALITY
Perfectly Safe's revenues are not significantly impacted by seasonal
fluctuations, as compared to many other retail and catalog operations. The
Perfectly Safe customer is believed to be generally the end user of the product
so purchases are spread throughout the year, rather than being concentrated
between October and December, as are traditional gift purchases. The Company's
limited experience does not indicate that Jeannie's Kids Club's revenues are
subject to significant seasonal fluctuation. The Natural Baby Catalog, however,
appears to the Company to have a seasonal increase in the fourth quarter. During
the year 1996, The Natural Baby Catalog sales in the fourth quarter were 32.6%
of total 1996 sales.
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INSTITUTIONAL CREDIT FACILITY
Effective June 30, 1996, the Company assumed Duncan Hill's liability under
Duncan Hill's $800,000 working line of credit facility provided by the United
National Bank and Trust Company to the Company (the "Bank"). The Bank
opened a $800,000 line of credit in the Company's name effective December 31,
1996, and simultaneously terminated Duncan Hill's line of credit. The $650,000
amount outstanding under Duncan Hill's line of credit was transferred upon
termination to the line of credit opened in the Company's name. Almost the
entirety of those borrowings were used to finance the Company's operations. The
line of credit is for an open term, payable upon demand. The facility is secured
by the assets of the Company, as well as the assets of Duncan Hill and another
Duncan subsidiary, E.A. Carey of Ohio, Inc. The repayment of the facility is
guaranteed by Mr. Miller. The amount outstanding under the facility at the date
of this Prospectus is $650,000, with interest charged at the rate of 1% over
prime.
It is the policy of the Bank to review the credit facility, annually,
commencing June 30, 1997, and to require that the Company maintain a zero
balance on the credit line for a period of thirty consecutive days sometime
during the course of each year. The Bank has agreed to waive the "zero
balance" required for the 1997 loan year ending June 30, 1997, because the
Company's current cash flow would not allow it to comply before then. The
Company anticipates that, with the additional cash flow from the sales generated
by The Natural Baby Catalog, it will "zero balance" the credit line for
the 1998 loan year in the fourth quarter of 1997.
DATA PROCESSING
The Company's data processing facilities were installed in June 1991. The
software system is marginally adequate with respect to processing, inventory,
shipping, and financial records. However, the Company believes that the
management information which can be generated from the system software is
inadequate and should be upgraded to current state-of-the-art technology.
Although the Company believes that its hardware system is marginally adequate,
the hardware is outdated and costly to maintain. It is the intent of the Company
to upgrade or replace its system software, as well as the hardware, during the
year 1997.
COMPETITION
The mail order catalog is highly competitive. The Company's catalogs
compete generally with other mail order catalogs and retail stores, including
department stores, specialty stores, discount stores and mass merchants. Many
general and specialty catalog competitors, as well as retail stores, have
substantially greater financial, distribution and marketing resources than the
Company. There are numerous general and specialty catalogs selling infants' and
children's items. However, based upon type of goods offered, the Company
considers its primary hardgood catalog competition, to be "The Right Start
Catalog," "One Step Ahead," "Sensational Beginnings," and
"Hand in Hand," of which "The Right Start" and "One Step
Ahead" have substantially larger revenues than the Company, even with the
inclusion of the revenues of The Natural Baby Catalog with the revenues of the
Company.
Other mail order catalogs for children's hardgood products which the
Company believes are competitors to a lesser extent are "Current Children's
Products," "Troll Learn and Play," "Just for Kids,"
"Childcraft," "Toys to Grow On," "Hearthsong,"
"Constructive Playthings," "Music for Little People," "Great
Kids," "The Great Kids Company," "Ultimate Baby Catalog," "San
Francisco Music Box," "Stork Kit/Bundle of Joy," "Play Fair
Toys," "Animal Town," "Alvin and the Chipmunks," "Livonia
Catalog," "Plus and Company," "Disney Catalog," "Storybook
Heirlooms," and "F.A.O. Schwartz." Ten of those catalogs have
substantially higher revenues than the Company, even with the inclusion of the
revenues of The Natural Baby with the revenues of the Company.
While competitive catalogs may offer certain items contained in the
Company's catalogs, the Company believes that it is unique at the present time
in having the only catalog devoted to child safety,
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and the only catalog of children's quality merchandise discounted on a club
membership basis. The Company also believes that The Natural Baby Catalog is the
leading catalog offering alternative products for children and their parents.
Certain other catalogs, such as "Hanna Andersson" and
"Biobottoms," compete with The Natural Baby Catalog in selected product
areas, but do not compete across the entire product line. Other mail order
catalogs for children's softgoods products which the Company believes are
competitors of The Natural Baby Catalog to a lessor extent are
"Playclothes," "After the Stork," "Talbot's Kids,"
"Spiegel Children's Clothing," "Brights Creek," "Gymboree,"
"Eddie Bauer Children's Fashions," and "Spiegel Kids." The Company
believes that six of these catalogs have substantially higher revenues than The
Natural Baby Catalog.
In the past, many of the safety products carried by the Perfectly Safe
Catalog were generally hard-to-find, lower price items, such as electrical
outlet guards, appliance cord shorteners and appliance door latches. Many of
these items are now stocked by retail stores, discount stores and mass
merchants.
The Company experienced a competitive reaction to its introduction of
Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog which resulted in three other children's catalogs
refusing to exchange with, or rent their mailing lists to, the Company. See
"MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATION." The Company does not anticipate such a reaction from its
acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog because the Company does not believe
that Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog is a substantial competitor of the children's
catalogs from which The Natural Baby Catalog rents mailing lists. There can be
no assurance, however, that such a competitive reaction will not occur, or that
such an occurrence would not have an adverse effect upon the profitability of
The Natural Baby Catalog.
TRADEMARKS AND TRADE NAMES
The Company owns four federally registered trademarks: "Perfectly
Safe"; "Perfectly Safe, The Catalog For Parents Who Care" with logo;
"Perfectly Safe Guarantee" with logo; and, logo. The Company plans to
register its mark, "Jeannie's Kids Club," as a unique identification of
its Jeannie's Kids Club Catalog. With the acquisition of The Natural Baby
Catalog, the Company will acquire the ownership of the trademark "The Natural
Baby Co., Inc." with logo, which is a federally registered trademark.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1996, the Company had 33 full time employees and 14 part
time employees. Of this total, eight employees or 20% of total, hold positions
of managers; 30.5 employees or 77% of total, hold hourly paid positions. The
largest single segment of the Company's employment is in direct labor involving
order entry, customer service, and distribution, where 24 employees or 61% of
total Company employment is involved. The work force is non-union, and the
Company does not anticipate a union presence in the foreseeable future.
At the conclusion of the Offering, the Company anticipates that its
acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog will require an immediate increase in
direct hourly labor with minimal increases in indirect labor. The Company does
not anticipate difficulties in local labor supply for its requirements in this
area.
PROPERTIES
The Company's principal offices and telemarketing center are located in
Canton, Ohio. The facility consist of 5,600 square feet and is leased through
September 30, 1998 with options to renew for a period of two years. The
Company's warehouse and distribution center is located in North Canton, Ohio
and consists of approximately 12,000 square feet, which is leased for a one year
term expiring September 30, 1997, and subject to earlier termination without
penalty at the option of the lessee upon sixty days
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written notice to the landlord. The Company anticipates that, upon the
conclusion of the Offering and acquisition of Natural Baby Catalog, the Company
will consolidate its warehouse, distribution, and telemarketing facilities into
one location in the Canton, Ohio area. All leases are in the name of Duncan Hill
and the rent is charged to its subsidiaries consistent with past practices. See
"THE COMPANY AND ITS PARENT."
REGULATORY MATTERS
The Company's business, and the catalog industry in general, is subject to
regulation by a variety of state and federal laws relating to, among other
things, advertising and sales taxes. The Federal Trade Commission regulates the
Company's advertising and trade practices and the Consumer Product Safety
Commission has issued regulations governing the safety of the products which the
Company sells in its catalogs. Under current law, catalog retailers are
permitted to make sales in states where they do not have a physical presence
without collecting sales tax. The Company believes that it collects sales in
states where it is required to do so. The Company has no claims or regulatory
matters in process or pending as of the date of this Prospectus. See "RISK
FACTORS-State Sales Tax."
PRODUCT LIABILITY INSURANCE
Since 1990, the Company's parent, Duncan Hill, has carried product
liability insurance. The current coverage is $1 million per occurrence with an
aggregate limit of $2 million. The policy is supplemented by an umbrella
liability policy providing coverage of an additional $1 million per occurrence,
$2 million aggregate. The policies are carried by Duncan Hill, with the Company
and Duncan Hill's other subsidiaries as named insureds. The policies are issued
for a period of one year and are currently in effect through September 17, 1997.
The Company intends to attempt to procure the same coverage in its name, alone,
after the completion of this Offering. See "RISK FACTORS-Potential Product
Liability."
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the normal course of business, the Company may be involved in various
legal proceedings from time to time. Presently, however, the Company is not a
party to any litigation, whether routine or incidental to its business, or
otherwise.
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MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The names and ages of the directors and executive officers of the Company
are set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- -------------------------- ------ ------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
William L. Miller ...... 60 Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive
Officer and Principal Financial Officer
Jeanne E. Miller ...... 49 Executive Vice President and Director
Clark D. Swisher ...... 45 Director
</TABLE>
The term of office for each of the Company's directors and executive
officers is one year. William L. Miller and Jeanne E. Miller are husband and
wife.
WILLIAM L. MILLER has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Company, and its Chief Executive Officer, since its recent formation. Prior to
the Reorganization, Mr. Miller had been a director of Perfectly Safe, Inc., and
its Vice President since it was formed by Duncan Hill in 1990. Mr. Miller
founded Duncan Hill in 1977 and has been a director and its President and Chief
Executive Officer since then. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical
Engineering from Perdue University and a Master's Degree in Business
Administration from Indiana University. Mr. Miller is also the President and a
director of E.A. Carey of Ohio, and Highland Pipe Company, both of which are
wholly owned subsidiaries of Duncan Hill.
JEANNE E. MILLER has been a director of the Company, and its Executive Vice
President since its recent formation. Prior to the reorganization, Mrs. Miller
had been a director of Perfectly Safe, Inc., and its President since its
formation in 1990. Mrs. Miller co-founded Duncan Hill in 1977 and has been a
director and its Vice President ever since. Between 1974 and 1978, Mrs. Miller
was the owner/operator of Jeanne Eggers, Ltd., an advertising and public
relations firm with offices in Chicago and London. Mrs. Miller is the author of
the child safety book THE PERFECTLY SAFE HOME, published by Simon and Schuster
in 1991 and has appeared on network television to speak on that subject. Mrs.
Miller is also the Vice President and a director of E.A. Carey of Ohio and
Highland Pipe Company, both of which are wholly owned subsidiaries of Duncan
Hill.
CLARK D. SWISHER is a director of the Company since its recent formation.
Mr. Swisher has been Vice President of the Employee Benefits Division of the
Leonard-McCormick Agency, a general insurance agency, since 1984. Mr. Swisher's
professional background includes membership in the National Association of Life
Underwriters and the University of Akron Business Advisory Council. Mr. Swisher
has been a director of Duncan Hill since 1995.
Following the completion of this Offering, the Company will attempt to
identify and appoint two individuals who are not affiliated with the Company or
the Underwriters as the fourth and fifth directors. There is no assurance,
however, that the Company will be able to attract suitable candidates at this
stage of its development.
Upon the appointment of two additional unaffiliated directors, the Board of
Directors intends to establish a Compensation Committee and an Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee, which will consist of at least a majority of directors who
are not affiliated with the Company, will among other things, make
recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the independent auditors for
the Company, approve the scope of the annual audit activities of the independent
auditors and review audit results and have general responsibility for all
auditing related matters. The Compensation Committee will consist entirely of
directors who are not affiliated with the Company. The Compensation Committee
will review and recommend to the Board of Directors the compensation structure
for the Company's officers and other management personnel, including salary
rates, participation in incentive
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<PAGE>
compensation and benefit plans, fringe benefits, non-cash perquisites and other
forms of compensation. The Committee will also administer the Company's 1997
Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan.
The Company pays its directors who are not also employees of the Company
$100 for each meeting attended and reimburses such directors for travel and
other expenses incurred by them in connection with attending Board of Directors
meetings. Directors will be eligible to participate in 1997 Stock Incentive
Plan.
The Representative has been granted by the Company the right to designate
one director to serve on the Company's Board of Directors for a period of three
years from the date of this Prospectus. As of the date hereof, no such person
has been designated.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the total compensation paid to the named
Executive Officers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG-TERM
AWARDS(1) COMPENSATION
------------------------------- ----------------------------------
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)
OTHER ANNUAL RESTRICTED STOCK
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY COMPENSATION AWARD OPTION GRANTS
- -------------------------------- ------- ----------- --------------- ------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William L. Miller, Chief 1996 $100,000 - - -
Executive Officer and 1995 $100,000 - - -
Principal Financial Officer(2) 1994 $100,000 - - -
Jeanne E. Miller, Executive 1996 $ 65,000 - - -
Vice President(3) 1995 $ 65,000 - - -
1994 $ 65,000 - - -
</TABLE>
- ----------------
(1) Compensation was paid by Duncan Hill which, prior to the reorganization,
provided management and general and administrative services to the Company,
and which after the reorganization continued to maintain the named Executive
Officers on its payroll through December 31, 1996. Approximately 69%, 69%
and 49% of the compensation paid by Duncan Hill to the named Executive
Officers were expensed to the Company in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
See "THE COMPANY AND ITS PARENT."
(2) Mr. Miller served as the Vice President of Perfectly Safe, Inc. until the
reorganization effective June 30, 1996 when he became Chief Executive
Officer and Principal Financial Officer of the Company.
(3) Mrs. Miller served as the President of Perfectly Safe, Inc. until the
reorganization effective June 30, 1996 when she became Executive Vice
President of the Company.
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN. The Company's Incentive Compensation Plan
(the "Plan") is designed to motivate employee participants to achieve the
Company's annual strategic goals. Eligibility for participation in the Plan is
limited to the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Vice President of the
Company, and such other employees of the Company as may be designated by the
Board of Directors from time to time. For each fiscal year of the Company, the
Board will establish a bonus pool not to exceed 10% of the Company's operating
income. The amount of such pool with respect to any year shall be determined
subsequent to the end of that year upon the determination of the Company's
operating income for that year. Each participant in the Plan is eligible to
receive from the bonus pool an annual award of up to 50% of the participant's
base salary. Upon its establishment, the Compensation Committee shall be
responsible for recommending to the Board of Directors performance objectives
and awards for participants. Until the Compensation Committee is established,
these determinations will be made solely by the Board of Directors. The Board of
Directors is currently controlled by Mr. and Mrs. Miller, the Company's
respective Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President, who are also
the only two current participants in the Plan. Payouts are to be determined
annually following determination of the Company's fiscal year-end results. The
Plan is subject to amendment of
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<PAGE>
termination at any time, but no such action may adversely affect any rights or
obligations with respect to any awards theretofore made under the Plan.
1997 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN. In March 1997, the Company's majority
stockholder approved the adoption of the Company's 1997 Long-Term Incentive
Plan (the "Incentive Plan"). Under the Incentive Plan, the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors may grant stock incentives to key employees
and the directors of the Company pursuant to which a total of 400,000 shares of
Common Stock may be issued; provided, however, that the maximum amount of Common
Stock with respect to which stock incentives may be granted to any person during
any calendar year shall be 20,000 shares, except for a grant made to a recipient
upon the recipients initial hiring by the Company, in which case the number
shall be a maximum of 40,000 shares. These numbers are subject to adjustment in
the event of a stock split and similar events. Stock incentive grants may be in
the form of options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards or a combination
thereof.
Options granted under the Incentive Plan may be either "incentive stock
options," which qualify for special tax treatment under Section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), or nonstatutory stock options, which
do not qualify. Incentive stock options may only be granted to persons who are
employees of the Company. Options will expire at such time as the Compensation
Committee determines, provided that no stock option may be exercisable later
than ten years from its grant, except that the maximum term of any incentive
stock option granted to a person who owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more
of the combined voting power of the Company's capital stock (a "10%
Shareholder") shall be five years. If an optionee ceases to be an employee or
director by reason of death, incapacity of retirement, the option shall
terminate fifteen months after the optionee ceases to be an employee. If an
optionee ceases to be an employee because of resignation with the consent of the
Compensation Committee, the option will terminate three months after the
optionee ceases to be an employee. If an optionee ceases to be an employee or
director for any other reason, the option will expire thirty days after the
optionee ceases to be an employee.
The option price per share is determined by the Compensation Committee,
except for incentive stock options which cannot be less than 100% of the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date such option is granted or less than
110% of such fair market value if the optionee is a 10% shareholder. Payment of
the exercise price may be made in cash, or unless otherwise provided by the
Compensation Committee in shares of Common Stock delivered to the Company by the
optionee or by the withholding of shares issuable upon exercise of the option or
in a combination thereof. Options cannot be exercised until six months after the
date that the option is granted or such later time determined by the
Compensation Committee. Each option shall be exercised in full or in part.
Options are not transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, and may be exercised during the life of the employee or director
only by him or her. No options may be granted under the Incentive Plan after
March 27, 2007. However, any options outstanding on March 27, 2007 will remain
in effect in accordance with their terms.
The Incentive Plan also provides for the granting of stock appreciation
rights ("SAR"), which entitle the holder to receive upon exercise an
amount in cash and/or stock which is equal to the appreciation in the fair
market value of the Common Stock between the date of the grant and the date of
exercise. The number of shares of Common Stock to which a SAR relates, the
period in which it can be exercised, and other terms and conditions shall be
determined by the Compensation Committee, provided however, that such expiration
date shall not be later than ten years from the date of the grant. SARS are not
transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and may
be exercised during the life of the grant only by the grantee. The SARS are
subject to the same rules regarding expiration upon a grantee's cessation of
employment or directorship, as pertains to options, discussed above.
The Compensation Committee may also award shares of Common Stock ("stock
awards") in payment of certain incentive compensation, subject to such
conditions and restrictions as the Committee may determine. All shares of Common
Stock subject to a stock award will be valued at not less than
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<PAGE>
100% of the fair market value of such shares on the date the stock award is
granted. The number of shares of Common Stock which may be granted as a stock
award in any calendar year may not exceed 80,000.
The Incentive Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee,
which has the authority to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Plan, to accelerate the exercise date of any option, to
interpret the Plan and to make all necessary determinations in administering the
Plan.
The Incentive Plan will remain in effect until such time as it is
terminated by the Board of Directors. The Incentive Plan may be amended by the
Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, except
that, without stockholder approval, the Plan may not be amended to: increase the
number of shares subject to issuance under the Plan; change the class of persons
eligible to participate under the Plan; withdraw the administration of the Plan
from the Compensation Committee; or, to permit any option to be exercised more
than ten years after the date it was granted.
As of the date of the Prospectus, the Compensation Committee has yet to be
formed, and accordingly, no stock incentives have been granted under the
Incentive Plan.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
The Company has entered into separate five-year employment agreements with
William L. Miller and Jeanne E. Miller, effective January 1, 1997, pursuant to
which Mr. Miller is to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Mrs.
Miller is to serve as its Executive Vice President. The employment agreements
provide for an annual base salary of $125,000 for Mr. Miller and $90,000 for
Mrs. Miller, subject to annual review for increase by the Company. The
employment agreements also provide for the eligibility of these executives to
receive annual cash bonuses under the Company's Incentive Compensation Plan
discussed above. Each of these executives is also to be provided with
automobiles, at the Company's expense, for their exclusive use, the make and
model of which is to be mutually agreed upon by the executive and the Company,
from time to time. Each of these executives is also to be reimbursed for certain
personal expenses up to $7,500, which amount shall be subject to increase to pay
for any personal income tax liability should such reimbursements be deemed
taxable to the executive. Each of these executive is also entitled to
participate in any employee benefit plan which the Company may create in the
future. The Company has also agreed to maintain in force, at its expense, during
the term of the employment agreements, life insurance for the benefit of each of
the executives in an amount equal to twice the base salary of Mr. Miller and
five times the base salary of Mrs. Miller. Pursuant to the employment
agreements, each of these executives has agreed not to compete with the Company
during employment and for a period of one year following termination of
employment and has further agreed to maintain as confidential, the Company's
proprietary information.
Each of the employment agreements provide for severance compensation to be
paid in all instances other than the executive's termination for cause. In the
event that the executive becomes disabled or dies, the Company, in the case of
Mr. Miller, is required to pay an amount equal to the product of (x) and (y)
where (x) is the sum of the executive's salary and bonus paid in the prior year
multiplied by 2.99 and (y) the percentage of the employment agreement's five
year term remaining from the date of death of disability; provided, however,
that such severance compensation will not be less than the officer's salary and
bonus paid in the year prior to the year in which the officer dies or becomes
disabled. The foregoing benefit is provided in the employment agreement of Mrs.
Miller, but only in the event of disability. Each executive is also entitled to
be paid severance compensation in an amount equal to the sum of the executive's
salary and bonus paid in the prior year multiplied by 2.99 in the event that the
executive elects to terminate the employment agreement upon the Company's
material breach of the employment agreement or upon the Company's reduction of
the executive's responsibilities, duties, functions or dignity of position
resulting from a change of control, or otherwise. Assuming that severance
payments were due to each of the executive officers as of the date of the
Prospectus under the immediately preceding sentence, the amount of the severance
payment to each of Mr. Miller and
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<PAGE>
Mrs. Miller would be $299,000 and $194,350, respectively. Each executive is
further entitled to be paid severance compensation in the amount equal to the
sum of the executive's salary and bonus paid in the last year of the
executive's employment agreement in the event that the executive is not rehired
upon terms acceptable to him or her or, in the case of Mr. Miller, a successor
chief executive officer is hired with Mr. Miller's consent to replace Mr.
Miller prior to the expiration of the term of his employment agreement.
Additionally, any executive entitled to severance compensation, above, will also
be entitled to participate in any Company-sponsored employee health benefit plan
at the Company's expense, for a maximum of eighteen months from the date of
termination.
Each of Mr. Miller and Mrs. Miller was granted under their respective
employment agreements an option to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock, which will vest 25% on each of the first four anniversary dates
commencing January 1, 1998, regardless of whether the executive is employed on
such dates by the Company. The vested options will be immediately exercisable
and will expire ten years from the date of the agreement. The exercise price of
the options shall be $5.00 per share, subject to downward adjustments in the
exercise price if the Company meets certain performance goals.
Mr. Miller is permitted under his agreement to devote such time to managing
the affairs of the various other Duncan Hill entities as he deems appropriate,
and to retain any compensation that he receives from those entities for
providing those services.
The Company will enter into a two-year consulting agreement with Jane
Martin, effective the date of the Company's acquisition of The Natural Baby
Catalog, pursuant to which Mrs. Martin will continue to be primarily responsible
for the merchandise selections design and production of The Natural Baby
Catalog. The agreement provides for an annual consulting fee of $65,000.
The Company intends to provide its executive officers and employees with
certain fringe benefits (e.g., health insurance) and may, in the future, offer
additional stock or cash incentive bonus plans, and other employer benefits on
such amounts and upon such conditions as the Company's Board of Directors may,
in its sole discretion, determine.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION MATTERS
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation contains a provision
eliminating the personal monetary liability of directors to the extent allowed
under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Under the provision,
a stockholder is able to prosecute an action against a director for monetary
damages only if he can show a breach of the duty of loyalty, a failure to act in
good faith, intentional misconduct, a knowing violation of law, an improper
personal benefit or an illegal dividend or stock repurchase, as referred to in
the provision, and not "negligence" or "gross negligence" in
satisfying his duty of care. In addition, the provision applies only to claims
against a director arising out of his role as a director or not, if he is also
an officer, his role as an officer or in any other capacity or to his
responsibilities under any other law, such as the federal securities laws. The
provision, however, does not affect the availability of seeking equitable relief
against a director of the Company. In addition, the Company's Bylaws provide
that the Company will indemnify its directors, officers, employees and other
agents to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Insofar as
indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant
to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that, in
the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable.
39
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth as of March 8, 1997, certain information
with respect to the beneficial ownership of Common Stock and Series A Preferred
Stock by each person or entity known by the Company to be the beneficial owner
of 5% or more of such shares, each officer and director of the Company, and all
officers and directors of the Company as a group:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES OF SHARES OF SERIES A
COMMON STOCK PREFERRED STOCK
BENEFICIALLY OWNED BENEFICIALLY OWNED
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER(1) NUMBER PERCENT(2) NUMBER PERCENT(3)
- -------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ------------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Duncan Hill Co., Ltd. ......... 2,400,000(4) 65%(4) 5,000,000(4) 100%(4)
4450 Belden Village Street,
N.W., Suite 406
Canton, OH 44718
William L. Miller(5) ......... 2,400,000(6) 65%(6) 5,000,000(7) 100%(7)
c/o 4450 Belden Village Street,
N.W., Suite 406
Canton, OH 44718
Jeanne E. Miller(8) ......... -0- -0- -0- -0-
c/o 4450 Belden Village Street,
N.W., Suite 406
Canton, OH 44718
Clark D. Swisher(9) ......... -0- -0- -0- -0-
c/o 4450 Belden Village Street,
N.W., Suite 406
Canton, OH 44718
All Officers and Directors
as a Group (3 Persons) ...... 2,400,000(6) 65%(6) 5,000,000(7) 100%(7)
</TABLE>
- ----------------
(1) Beneficial ownership as reported in the table above has been determined in
accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act. Accordingly,
except as noted, all of the Company's securities over which the officers and
directors and nominees named, or as a group, directly or indirectly have, or
share voting or investment power, have been deemed beneficially owned.
(2) Calculated based upon 3,700,000 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
(3) Calculated based upon 5,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock
outstanding.
(4) William L. Miller will be deemed to beneficially own all such shares for
purposes of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act based upon his 53.9%
ownership of Duncan Hill's common stock.
(5) Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company.
(6) Represents Mr. Miller's deemed beneficial ownership of 2,400,000 shares of
Common Stock.
(7) Represents Mr. Miller's deemed beneficial ownership of 5,000,000 shares of
Series A Preferred Stock, the record holder of which is Duncan Hill.
(8) Executive Vice President and Director of the Company.
(9) Director of the Company.
40
<PAGE>
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
RULE 504 SHARES
In connection with its initial capitalization, the Company sold, commencing
October 1996, an aggregate of 1,300,000 shares of Common Stock to eight private
investors at a purchase price of $.125 per share. Seven of these investors are
customers of the Representative. There are no other affiliations or
relationships between the seven private investors and either the Company or the
Representative. The eighth investor, who is not a customer of the Representative
and who had no relationship or affiliation with the Representative, had once
been engaged to provide financial consulting services to the Company's parent,
Duncan Hill. This investor has no other relationships or affiliations with the
Company. The Company issued those shares under Rule 504 of the 1933 Act (the
"504 Shares") and are freely tradeable except for 100,000 of the Rule 504
Shares which are subject to a "lock-up" by the Representative. See
"Underwriting." Any actual future sales of the Rule 504 Shares (or the
potential thereof) may have an adverse effect on the market price of the
Company's securities, should a public trading market develop. See "RISK
FACTORS-Unregistered Securities Eligible for Immediate and Future Sale." The
Underwriters have no arrangements, agreements or understandings with any of
these eight private investors to sell their Rule 504 Shares.
BRIDGE LOAN
In October 1996, the Company borrowed an aggregate of $200,000 (the
"Bridge Loan") from three private investors, two of whom are customers of
the Representative, and the third of whom was introduced by the Representative
to the Company. These three private investors are Clinthill Investments, Ltd.,
Kurt Campbell and M&M Specialties, Inc. The Bridge Loan bears interest at the
rate of 8% per annum and is payable upon the earlier of October 1997 and the
closing of this Offering.
As originally structured, $75,000 of the face amount of the Bridge Loan was
convertible into 1,500,000 Warrants upon the date of the Prospectus.
Subsequently, the Bridge Loan was restructured, at the request of the
Representative, so that the Bridge Lenders would be paid the entire $200,000
face amount of the Bridge Loan, in cash, plus accrued interest at 8% per annum,
at the closing of this Offering, and would waive the right to convert $75,000 of
the face amount of the loan into 1,500,000 Warrants.
ACQUISITION OF THE NATURAL BABY CATALOG
In May, 1996, The Natural Baby Company, Inc. ("Baby Co.") contracted
to sell its catalog business, The Natural Baby Catalog, to Duncan Hill, at which
time Duncan Hill paid Baby Co. $25,000 towards the purchase price. The Company
will repay the $25,000 advanced by Duncan Hill upon the closing of this
Offering. Duncan Hill has assigned its rights to acquire The Natural Baby
Catalog to the Company, with Baby Co.'s approval. The remaining purchase price
to be paid by the Company for The Natural Baby Catalog consists of: a cash
payment in the amount of $1,075,000 to be made by the Company to the seller upon
the closing of the Offering; a cash payment in the amount of $210,777 in payment
of a note owed by Baby Co. in the principal amount of $197,603 together with
accrued interest in the amount of $13,174 through April 30, 1997; the assumption
by the Company of Baby Co.'s accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course
of business, which is approximately $275,958 as of December 31, 1996; the
assumption of Baby Co.'s remaining lease obligations in the approximate amount
of $35,500; and, a convertible promissory note to be issued by the Company to
Baby Co. in the amount of $250,000 (the "Convertible Note"). The Company
intends to pay the assumed accounts payable and assumed lease obligations out of
The Natural Baby Catalog's cash flow.
The unpaid balance of the Convertible Note is convertible at any time into
unregistered shares of the Company's Common Stock, at the election of the
holder, at a conversion price of $5.00 per share. The Convertible Note will have
an eight year term and bear interest at 8% per annum. Upon the first three
anniversaries of the execution of the Convertible Note, only accrued interest in
arrears will be
41
<PAGE>
payable. Thereafter, five annual payments of $50,000, plus accrued interest,
will be payable on the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eight anniversaries of
the execution of the Convertible Note.
The purchase price is based upon Baby Co.'s tangible net worth at December
31, 1995, and is subject to adjustment in the event that Baby Co.'s tangible
net worth at closing is higher or lower than at year end 1995. Any adjustment in
the purchase price will be made as an adjustment to the Convertible Note.
The Company did not engage an independent appraiser to evaluate whether or
not the Company has agreed to pay a purchase price in excess of The Natural Baby
Catalog's fair value. In addition, because the Company did not complete the
acquisition on or before January 3, 1997, as initially agreed to, the Company
agreed to pay an additional $350,000 (the "Additional Amount") for the
acquisition in order to obtain an extension until no later than April 30, 1997
to complete the acquisition. $250,000 of the Additional Amount is reflected in
the Convertible Note and $100,000 of the Additional Amount is reflected in the
$1,278,358 cash payment to be made upon the completion of this Offering. Baby
Co.'s demands for the increase in the purchase price was predicated upon the
strong growth of The Natural Baby Catalog's business since Baby Co. initially
agreed to sell its catalog business in May, 1996.
The parties have provided for an escrow closing to take place within ten
business days prior to the date of this Prospectus. The escrow closing occurred
on April 15, 1997. Upon payment of the purchase price, which must occur no later
than April 30, 1997, the acquisition will become final. See "RISK
FACTORS-Acquisition Escrow Closing of The Natural Baby Catalog."
The foregoing is a summary of the material provisions of the Asset Purchase
Agreement, as amended, and the Escrow Agreement, for the Company's acquisition
of The Natural Baby Catalog. The Asset Purchasing Agreement, as amended, and the
Escrow Agreement, have been filed as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement of
which the Prospectus is a part.
GENERAL
It is the policy of the Company that future transactions with affiliates
will be on terms no less favorable than could be obtained from unaffiliated
parties.
42
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
UNITS
The securities that are offered hereby are being offered and will be sold
only in units ("Units"). Each Unit consists of two shares of common stock,
$.001 par value (the "Common Stock") and one Class A warrant (the
"Warrant"). The Warrants will be in registered form and immediately
separately transferable, detachable, and exercisable.
COMMON STOCK
The Company has 25,000,000 shares of authorized Common Stock. As of the
date of this Prospectus, 3,700,000 shares of Common Stock were issued and
outstanding.
Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of
record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Stockholders do not
have cumulative voting rights. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to
any then outstanding Preferred Stock, holders of Common Stock are entitled to
receive ratably such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board
of Directors out of funds legally available therefor. See "DIVIDEND
POLICY." In the event of a dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of the
Company, holders of Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets
remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preference of any
then outstanding Preferred Stock. Holders of Common Stock have no right to
convert their Common Stock into any other securities. The Common Stock has no
preemptive or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund
provisions applicable to the Common Stock. All outstanding shares of Common
Stock are, and the Common Stock to be outstanding upon completion of this
Offering will be, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
PREFERRED STOCK
The Board of Directors has the authority, without further action by the
stockholders, to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock in one or more
series and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof,
including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of
redemption, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any
series or the designation of such series. The issuance of Preferred Stock could
adversely affect the voting power of holders of Common Stock and could have the
effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company.
The Company has no present plans to issue any shares of Preferred Stock other
than the Series A Preferred Stock discussed below.
SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Company has issued and outstanding
5,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, $.001 par value. The holders of
the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of
record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. As of the date of
this Prospectus, all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Series A
Preferred Stock is held by Duncan Hill. The Series A Preferred Stock and the
Common Stock held by Duncan Hill will enable it and the Millers to maintain
control of the Company subsequent to the completion of this Offering. See
"RISK FACTORS-Control by Parent and Parent's Controlling Stockholders."
The Series A Preferred Stock is not subject to redemption and has no
conversion rights or rights to participate in dividend payments. In the event of
any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
affairs of the Company, each share of Series A Preferred Stock has a liquidation
preference of $.001 per share.
WARRANTS
During the four-year period commencing one year from the date of this
Prospectus, each Warrant will entitle the registered holder to purchase one
share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.00
43
<PAGE>
per share. Warrants may be exercised by surrendering to the warrant agent the
Warrants and the payment of the exercise price in United States funds by cash or
certified or bank check. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued in
connection with the exercise of Warrants. Upon exercise, the Company will pay to
the holder the value of any such fractional shares based upon the market value
of the Common Stock at such time. The Company is required to keep available a
sufficient number of authorized shares of Common Stock for issuance to permit
exercise of the Warrants.
The Company may redeem the Warrants at a price of $.05 per Warrant at any
time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration by giving not
less than 30 days' written notice mailed to the record holders if the closing
bid price of the Common Stock has been at least $14.40 on each of the 20
consecutive trading days ending on the 5th day prior to the date on which the
notice of redemption is given.
The Warrants will expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the sixth
anniversary of the date of this Prospectus. In the event a holder of Warrants
fails to exercise the Warrants prior to their expiration, the Warrants will
expire and the holder thereof will have no further rights with respect to the
Warrants. A holder of Warrants will not have any rights, privileges or
liabilities as a stockholder of the Company. In the event of the liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of the Warrants are not
entitled to participate in the distribution of the Company's assets.
The exercise price of the Warrants and the number of shares issuable upon
exercise of the Warrants will be subject to adjustment to protect against
dilution in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, combinations,
subdivisions and reclassifications. No assurance can be given that the market
price of the Company's Common Stock will exceed the exercise price of the
Warrants at any time during the exercise period.
Purchasers of the Warrants will have the right to exercise the Warrants to
purchase shares of Common Stock only if a current prospectus relating to such
shares is then in effect and only if the shares are qualified for sale under the
securities laws of the jurisdictions in which the various holders of the
Warrants reside. The Company has undertaken to maintain the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part or to file and
maintain the effectiveness of another registration statement so as to permit the
purchase of the Common Stock underlying the Warrants, but there can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to do so. The Warrants may be deprived
of any value if this Prospectus or another prospectus covering the shares
issuable upon the exercise thereof is not kept effective or if such Common Stock
is not qualified or exempt from qualification in the jurisdictions in which the
holders of the Warrants reside.
For the life of the Warrants, a holder thereof is given the opportunity to
profit from a rise in the market price of the Common Stock that may result in a
dilution of the interest of other stockholders. In addition, the Company may
find it more difficult to raise capital if it should be needed for the business
of the Company while the Warrants are outstanding. At any time when the holders
of Warrants might be expected to exercise them, the Company would, in all
likelihood, be able to obtain additional capital on terms more favorable than
those provided in the Warrants.
The foregoing is a summary of certain provisions of Warrant Agreement under
which each Warrant will be issued. The Warrant Agreement has been filed as an
Exhibit to the Registration Statement of which the Prospectus is a part.
UNDERWRITERS' PURCHASE OPTION
In connection with this Offering, the Company has agreed to sell to the
Underwriters, for an aggregate purchase price of $25, the Underwriters'
Purchase Option which entitles the Underwriters to purchase 50,000 shares of
Common Stock. See "UNDERWRITING."
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The transfer agent and registrar for the Company's Common Stock and
Warrants is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
44
<PAGE>
UNREGISTERED SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR IMMEDIATE AND FUTURE SALE
Upon completion of this Offering, the Company will have outstanding
4,200,000 shares of Common Stock (4,275,000 if the Underwriters' over-allotment
option is exercised in full). Of such shares, 1,800,000 shares of Common Stock
will be freely transferable without restriction or further registration under
the 1933 Act (the "Unrestricted Shares"), other than any of such shares
acquired by persons who are currently "affiliates" of the Company as
defined by Rule 144 under the Act, which will be subject to limitations under
Rule 144 for so long as such persons are affiliates. Only 500,000 of the
1,800,000 Unrestricted Share have been registered in this Offering. The balance
(1,300,000 shares) were issued under Rule 504 of the 1933 Act and are freely
tradeable except for 100,000 of the Rule 504 shares which are subject to a
"lock-up" by the Representative. See "UNDERWRITING." Any future
sales of the Rule 504 Shares (or the potential therefor) may have an adverse
effect on the market price of the Company's securities, should a public trading
market develop. See "RISK FACTORS-Unregistered Shares Eligible for Immediate
and Future Sale."
The Company's parent, Duncan Hill, holds 2,400,000 unregistered shares of
the Company's Common Stock and 5,000,000 unregistered shares of the Company's
Series A Preferred Stock. These shares of Common and Preferred Stock held by
Duncan Hill are "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144,
and may not be sold in the absence of registration other than in accordance with
Rule 144 described below or another exemption from regulation under the Act.
These restricted shares are also subject to a "lock-up" by the
Representative. See "UNDERWRITING."
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person (or persons
whose shares are aggregated), including persons who may be deemed to be
"affiliates" of the Company as that term is defined under the 1933 Act, is
entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares beneficially
owned for at least one year that does not exceed the greater of (i) one percent
of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock or (ii) the average weekly
trading volume in the Common Stock during the four calendar weeks preceding such
sale. Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to certain requirements as to the
manner of sale, notice and the availability of current public information about
the Company. However, a person who is not an affiliate and has beneficially
owned such shares for at least two years is entitled to sell such shares without
regard to the volume, manner of sale or notice requirements.
No predictions can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of
shares under Rule 144 or the availability of shares for sale will have on the
then-prevailing market, if any. Sales of substantial amounts of Common or
Preferred Stock pursuant to Rule 144 may adversely affect the then-prevailing
market price of the Units, Common Stock or the Warrants, should a public trading
market for such securities develop.
45
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
The Underwriters, as set forth below and for whom VTR Capital, Inc. is the
representative (the "Representative"), have agreed, subject to the terms
and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, to purchase from the Company a
total of 250,000 Units on a "firm commitment basis." The Underwriting
Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the
Units are subject to certain conditions and that the Underwriters are obligated
to purchase all of the 250,000 Units, if any are purchased.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER
UNDERWRITERS OF UNITS
- -------------------------- -----------
<S> <C>
VTR Capital, Inc. ......
-----------
Total ...............
===========
</TABLE>
The Representative has advised the Company that they propose to offer the
Units to the public at the offering price set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus and that they may allow to certain dealers concessions not in excess
of $ per Unit, of which a sum not in excess of $ per Unit may, in
turn, be reallowed by such dealer to other dealers. After the initial public
offering, the offering price, discount and reallowance may be changed. The
Underwriters do not intend to sell any of the securities offered hereby to
accounts for which they have discretionary authority.
The Company has granted to the Underwriters an option, exercisable during
the 30-day period from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase from the Company
at the offering price, less the underwriting discount, up to a maximum of 37,500
additional Units for the sole purpose of covering over-allotments, if any.
The Underwriters may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions,
syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"). Over-allotment involves syndicate sales in excess of the offering
size, which creates a syndicate short position. Stabilizing transactions permit
bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not
exceed a specific maximum. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of
the Company's securities in the open market after the distribution has been
completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Penalty bids permit the
Underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the
securities originally sold by such syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate
covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. Such stabilizing
transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may cause the
price of the securities to be higher than they would otherwise be in the absence
of such transactions. These transactions may be effected on the OTC Bulletin
Board.
The Underwriting Agreement provides for reciprocal indemnification between
the Company and the Underwriters against certain liabilities in connection with
the Registration Statement, including liabilities under the 1933 Act. Insofar as
indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933 Act may be provided to
officers, directors or persons controlling the Company, the Company has been
informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such
indemnification is against public policy and is therefore unenforceable.
The Company has agreed to pay the Underwriters an expense allowance on a
non-accountable basis equal to 3% of the gross proceeds from the sale of the
Units offered hereby (including the sale of
46
<PAGE>
any Units pursuant to the Underwriters' over-allotment option), $0 which has
been paid to date. The Company also has agreed to pay all expenses in connection
with qualifying the Units offered hereby for sale under the laws of such states
as the Underwriters may designate, and the fees, costs and disbursements in
connection with registering this Offering with the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), including fees and expenses of
counsel retained for such purposes by the Underwriters.
The Company has also agreed to sell to the Underwriters, for an aggregate
purchase price of $25, the Underwriters' Purchase Option, which entitles the
Underwriters to purchase up to 50,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $9.90 per share. The Underwriters' Purchase Option is exercisable for
four years commencing one year from the date of the Prospectus. The
Underwriters' Purchase Option may not be assigned, transferred, sold or
hypothecated by the Underwriters until 12 months after the date of this
Prospectus, except to officers or partners of the Underwriters and selling group
members in this Offering. Any profits realized by the Underwriters upon the sale
of the Units issuable upon exercise of the Underwriters' Purchase Option may be
deemed to be additional underwriting compensation. The exercise price and the
number of Units underlying the Underwriters' Purchase Option are subject to
adjustment in certain events to prevent dilution. For the life of the
Underwriters' Purchase Option, the holders thereof are given, at a nominal
cost, the opportunity to profit from a rise in the market price of the Common
Stock with a resulting dilution in the interest of other stockholders. The
Company may find it more difficult to raise capital for its business if the need
should arise while the Underwriters' Purchase Option is outstanding. At any
time when the holders of the Underwriters' Purchase Option might be expected to
exercise it, the Company would probably be able to obtain additional capital on
more favorable terms.
The Company has agreed to register, at its expense, under the 1933 Act, on
one occasion, the Underwriters' Purchase Option and/or the underlying
securities covered by the Underwriters' Purchase Option at the request of the
holders of 50% of the Underwriters' Purchase Option. Such request may be made
at any time during a period of four years beginning one year from the date of
this Prospectus. The Company has also agreed to certain "piggyback"
registration rights for the holders of the Underwriters' Purchase Option or
securities issuable upon the exercise of the Underwriters' Purchase Option. Any
exercise of such registration rights by the Underwriters or the sale of any
Units by the holders thereof may be dilutive to the then present shareholders
and may also have an adverse effect upon either the Company's ability to obtain
additional capital, or the market price of the Company's securities should a
public trading market develop.
The Company has agreed with the Representative that, commencing one (1)
year from the date hereof, the Company will pay to the Representative a warrant
solicitation fee (the "Warrant solicitation Fee") equal to four percent
(4%) of the exercise price of the Warrants exercised, a portion of which may be
re-allowed to any dealer who solicited the exercise to the extent not
inconsistent with the guidelines of the NASD and the rules and regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such Warrant Solicitation Fee will be
paid to the Representative if (a) the market price of the Common Stock on the
date that any Warrants are exercised is greater than the exercise price of the
Warrant; (b) the exercise of such Warrant was solicited by the Representative or
other NASD members; (c) prior specific written approval for exercise is received
from the customer if the Warrant is held in a discretionary account; (d)
disclosure of this compensation agreement is made prior to or upon the exercise
of such Warrant; (e) solicitation of the exercise is not in violation of
Regulation M (formerly Rule 10b-6 of the Exchange Act); and (f) solicitation of
the exercise is in compliance with NASD Notice to Members 81-38. Unless granted
an exemption by the Securities and Exchange Commission from Regulation M
(formerly Rule 10b-6), the Underwriters and any solicitation broker-dealers are
prohibited from engaging in any market-making activities with regard to the
issuer's securities for the period from one or five business days prior to any
solicitation of the exercise of Warrants until the later of termination of such
solicitation activity or the termination (by waiver or otherwise) of any right
that the Underwriters and soliciting broker-dealers may have to receive a fee
for the exercise of Warrants following such
47
<PAGE>
solicitation. As a result, the Underwriters and soliciting broker-dealers may be
unable to continue to provide a market for the Company's securities during
certain periods while the Warrants are exercisable.
If the Company enters into a transaction (including a merger, joint
venture, or the acquisition of another entity) introduced to the Company by the
Representative, the Company has agreed to pay the Representative a finder's fee
equal to 5% of the first $4,000,000 of consideration involved in the
transaction, ranging in $1,000,000 increments down to 2% of the excess, if any,
over $6,000,000.
Duncan Hill and the holder of 100,000 Rule 504 Shares have each agreed not
to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any securities of the Company owned
by them within 24 months from the date of this Prospectus, unless released
earlier by the Representative.
The Company has agreed to enter into a three-year consulting agreement (the
"Consulting Agreement") with the Representative. Such agreement provides
that the Representative will render consulting services on investment banking
and other financial matters to be determined by the Company. Such services will
be provided upon dates requested by the Company and reasonably acceptable to the
Representative, not to exceed two business days per month. The services to be
provided by the Representative shall include: assistance in formulating plans
and presenting financial reports; analyzing third party proposals for the
provision of additional financing to the Company; assistance in dealing with
brokers and institutions; assistance in obtaining financial management,
technical and advisory services; and, assistance in obtaining financial and
corporate public relations. The aggregate fee due to the Representative for such
consulting services will be $100,000 and shall be paid in full in the closing of
this Offering.
The Representative has been granted by the Company the option to designate
one individual to serve on the Company's Board of Directors for a period of
three years from the date of this Prospectus. That individual must be reasonably
satisfactory to the Company's Board of Director. As of the date hereof, no such
person has been designated. The Company has been advised by the Representative
that any individual appointed by the Representative will not be an officer,
director or affiliate of the Representative or any member of the NASD. In lieu
of nominating a director, the Representative may designate a non-director
observer to attend meetings of the Company's Board of Directors for a period of
three years from the date of the Prospectus.
Prior to this Offering, there has been no public market for any of the
Company's securities. Accordingly, the offering price of the Units offered
hereby and the terms of the Warrants, including the exercise price of the
Warrants, were determined by negotiations between the Company and the
Representative and do not necessarily bear any relationship to the Company's
assets, results of operations or other generally accepted criteria of value.
Factors considered in determining such prices and terms, in addition to
prevailing market conditions, include the history of and the prospects of the
industry in which the Company competes, an assessment of the Company's
management, the results of operations of the Company in recent periods, the
prospects of the Company, its capital structure and such other factors as were
deemed relevant.
The offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus should
not be considered an indication of the actual value of the Units. Such price is
subject to change as a result of market conditions and other factors and no
assurance can be given that the Units can be resold at the offering price.
The Representative has limited experience as an underwriter of public
offerings. The Representative has been the underwriter or co-underwriter in the
nine firm commitment offerings listed below: Superior Supplements, Inc., U.S.
Opportunity Search, Inc., Interiors, Inc., Conolog, Inc., New Day Beverage,
Inc., Perry's Majestic Beer, Inc., Micro-Energy, Inc., Compare Generiks, Inc.
and Decor Group, Inc. The Company's offering is expected to be the
Representative's tenth firm commitment offering. There can be no assurance that
the Representative's limited experience as an underwriter of
48
<PAGE>
public offerings will not adversely affect the proposed offering of the Units,
the subsequent development of a trading market, if any, or the market for and
liquidity of the Company's securities. Therefore, purchasers of the securities
offered hereby may suffer a lack of liquidity in their investment or a material
diminution of the value of their investment.
The foregoing is a summary of certain provisions of the Underwriting
Agreement and Underwriters' Purchase Option which have been filed as exhibits
to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Securities being offered hereby will be passed upon for
the Company by Hornsby, Sacher, Zelman, Stanton, Paul & Beiley, P.A.
("Hornsby, Sacher"), Miami, Florida. Hornsby, Sacher has served, and
continues to serve, as counsel to the Representative in matters unrelated to
this Offering. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the Underwriters by
Bernstein & Wasserman, LLP, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of Kids Stuff, Inc. as of December 31, 1996 and
for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the financial statements of
The Natural Baby Company, Inc., as of December 31, 1996 and for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995 appearing in this Prospectus, have been audited by
Hausser - Taylor, independent auditors, and are included herein in reliance upon
the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement on Form SB-2 under the 1933 Act
with respect to the securities offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain
all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain portions
of which are omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the
Commission. Such additional information may be obtained from the Commission's
principal office in Washington, D.C. Statements contained in this Prospectus
regarding the contents of any contract or other document referred to herein or
therein are not necessarily complete, and in each instance, reference is made to
the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement or such other document, each such statement being
qualified by such reference.
The Company does not presently file reports or other information with the
Commission. Upon completion of the Offering, the Company will be subject to the
informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and, in accordance therewith, will file reports and other information with the
Commission. Such reports and other information, as well as the Registration
Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto, may be inspected, without
charge, at the public reference facility maintained by the Commission at Room
1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of
such material may also be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates.
The Commission maintains a Web site on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov)
that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding issuers which file electronically with the Commission through the
Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval System (EDGAR). The
Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 has been filed through EDGAR.
The Company intends to furnish its stockholders with annual reports
containing audited financial statements examined and reported upon by its
independent certified public accountants, and quarterly reports containing
unaudited financial information for its first three quarters of each year.
49
<PAGE>
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
PAGE
------
KIDS STUFF, INC.
Report of Independent Auditors ....................................... F-2
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1996 ................................. F-3
Statements of Operations
for the Years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 ........................ F-4
Statements of Stockholders' Equity
for the Year ended December 31, 1996 ................................. F-5
Statements of Cash Flows
for the Years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 ........................ F-6
Notes to Financial Statements .......................................... F-7
THE NATURAL BABY COMPANY, INC.
Report of Independent Auditors ....................................... F-15
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1996 ................................. F-16
Statements of Income
for the Years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 ........................ F-17
Statements of Retained Earnings
for the Years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 ..................... F-18
Statements of Cash Flows
for the Years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 ........................ F-19
Note to Financial Statements .......................................... F-20
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Introduction ......................................................... P-1
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1996 ... P-2
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statements of Income
for the Year ended December 31, 1996 ................................. P-4
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements ............ P-5
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Kids Stuff, Inc.
North Canton, Ohio
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Kids Stuff, Inc. as of
December 31, 1996, and the related statements of operations, stockholders'
equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Kids Stuff, Inc. as of
December 31, 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
As discussed in Note A to the financial statements, Kids Stuff, Inc. was
incorporated during 1996 and prior to June 30, 1996, had no operations. The
financial position, results of operations, and cash flows prior to June 30, 1996
presented in the accompanying financial statements are those of the predecessor
company, Perfectly Safe, Inc., and certain assets of Duncan Hill Company, Ltd.,
the parent company of both Perfectly Safe, Inc. and Kids Stuff, Inc. As
discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements, the Company changed its method
of accounting for certain intangible assets.
HAUSSER + TAYLOR
Canton, Ohio
February 21, 1997, except for
Note 13, which is
as of April 14, 1997
F-2
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash ...................................................... $ 248,648
Accounts receivable ....................................... 165,779
Inventories ................................................ 496,395
Deferred catalog expense .................................... 277,469
Prepaid expenses .......................................... 169,789
-----------
Total current assets ....................................... 1,358,080
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Data processing equipment ................................. 95,894
Machinery and equipment .................................... 83,360
Furniture and fixtures .................................... 98,448
-----------
277,702
Less accumulated depreciation .............................. 164,093
-----------
113,609
-----------
$ 1,471,689
===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES ..........................................
Current portion of long-term debt-related parties ......... $ 266,858
Accounts payable .......................................... 1,102,311
Line of credit ............................................. 650,000
Due to affiliates .......................................... 137,070
Customer advances and other ................................. 5,630
-----------
Total current liabilities ................................. 2,161,869
LONG-TERM DEBT-RELATED PARTIES, NET OF CURRENT PORTION ...... 300,000
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock ................................................ 3,700
Additional paid-in capital ................................. 458,800
Retained earnings (deficit) ................................. (1,452,680)
-----------
Total stockholders' equity .............................. (990,180)
-----------
$ 1,471,689
===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
SALES .................................... $6,638,995 $5,724,337
COST OF SALES ........................... 4,204,321 3,540,487
---------- ----------
GROSS PROFIT .............................. 2,434,674 2,183,850
SELLING EXPENSES ........................ 2,193,219 1,998,502
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES ...... 768,580 730,950
---------- ----------
(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS .................. (527,125) (545,602)
NET OTHER INCOME ........................ 5,485 8,610
---------- ----------
NET (LOSS) .............................. $ (521,640) $ (536,992)
========== ==========
(LOSS) PER SHARE ........................ $ (.14) $ (.15)
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON PAID-IN RETAINED
STOCK CAPITAL EARNINGS TOTAL
--------- ----------- --------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE-DECEMBER 31, 1994 ...... $2,400 $297,600 $ 234,503 $ 534,503
PRIOR PERIOD ADJUSTMENT ......... - - (628,551) (628,551)
------- --------- ----------- ---------
BALANCE-DECEMBER 31, 1994
As restated .................. 2,400 297,600 (394,048) (94,048)
DEDUCTION
Net loss ..................... - - (536,992) (536,992)
------- --------- ----------- ---------
BALANCE-DECEMBER 31, 1995 ...... 2,400 297,600 (931,040) (631,040)
ADDITION
Sale of common stock ......... 1,300 161,200 - 162,500
DEDUCTION
Net loss ..................... - - (521,640) (521,640)
------- --------- ----------- ---------
BALANCE-DECEMBER 31, 1996 ...... $3,700 $458,800 $(1,452,680) $(990,180)
======= ========= =========== =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (loss) ............................................................... $ (521,640) $ (536,992)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by
operating activities:
Depreciation ............................................................ 17,005 25,991
Loss on disposal of assets ............................................. 30,450 -
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable .............................. (92,146) 21,705
Decrease (increase) in inventories ....................................... 105,622 (237,747)
(Increase) in deferred catalog expense ................................. (105,944) (34,072)
Increase in accounts payable, customer advances and other ............... 354,020 250,974
---------- ----------
Net cash (used) by operating activities .................................... (212,633) (510,141)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property and equipment .................................... (38,921) (28,016)
Prepaid amounts for acquisition of Natural Baby Catalog business ......... (126,007) -
---------- ----------
Net cash (used) by investing activities ................................. (164,928) (28,016)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings on line of credit ............................................. 220,000 255,000
Sale of common stock ...................................................... 162,500 -
Borrowings on long-term debt-related parties .............................. 566,858 -
Prepaid amounts for public offering ....................................... (43,782) -
(Decrease) increase in due to affiliates ................................. (315,086) 281,726
---------- ----------
Net cash provided by financing activities ................................. 590,490 536,726
---------- ----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH .......................................... 212,929 (1,431)
CASH-BEGINNING ............................................................ 35,719 37,150
---------- ----------
CASH-ENDING ............................................................... $ 248,648 $ 35,719
========== ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the year for interest .................................... $ 50,554 $ 46,336
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND REORGANIZATION
A. REORGANIZATION-Kids Stuff, Inc. ("Kids Stuff" or the
"Company") was incorporated during 1996 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Duncan Hill Company, Ltd. ("Duncan Hill"). Prior to a reorganization
occurring June 30, 1996, Kids Stuff had no operations. The operations shown in
the accompanying financial statements prior to June 30, 1996 are those of
Perfectly Safe, Inc., which was dissolved as part of the reorganization and is
sometimes referred to as "Predecessor" in these financial statements.
Perfectly Safe, Inc. was also a wholly-owned subsidiary of Duncan Hill.
Effective June 30, 1996, the assets and liabilities of Perfectly Safe, Inc.,
reverted to Duncan Hill, and Perfectly Save, Inc. was dissolved. As part of the
reorganization, the Company acquired the assets and liabilities of its
Predecessor. The Company also acquired, as part of the reorganization, certain
fixed assets formerly belonging to Duncan Hill at a net book value of $122,143
at December 31, 1995. The combination of the Company's acquisition of the
assets of its Predecessor and the Company's acquisition of certain assets of
Duncan Hill were accounted for at historical cost as a reorganization of
companies under common control. The operations of the Predecessor are currently
operated as the Perfectly Safe Division and Jeanne's Kids Club Division of the
Company.
B. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION-The Company is in the mail order business and sells
to customers throughout the United States. Perfectly Safe, a division of the
Company, primarily sells children's safety products for use up to age 3.
Jeanne's Kids Club, a division of the Company, sells hard good products for
children primarily up to the age of 3. Products are purchased from a variety of
vendors.
C. USE OF ESTIMATES-The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
D. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS-The fair value of cash, accounts
receivable, accounts payable and other short-term obligations approximate their
carrying values because of the short maturities of those financial instruments.
The carrying values of the Company's long-term obligations approximate their
fair value. In accordance with Statement of Accounting Standards No. 107,
"Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments," rates available at
balance sheet dates to the Company are used to estimate the fair value of
existing debt.
E. TRADE RECEIVABLES-It is the Company's policy to record accounts
receivable net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Management has determined
that no allowance is necessary as of December 31, 1996. Bad debt expense was
$34,752 and $18,742 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
F. Inventories consist of finished goods held for resale and are stated at
the lower of cost or market with cost being determined by the first-in,
first-out (FIFO) method.
G. Deferred catalog expenses are costs of catalogs mailed to customers
which are deferred and amortized over periods ranging from four weeks to six
months, the estimated length of time customers utilize catalogs and other mail
order mailings from the Company. Catalog expense was $1,936,094 and $1,772,770
for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
F-7
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(CONTINUED)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND REORGANIZATION-(CONTINUED)
H. Prepaid expenses include $43,782 relative to the public offering (see
Note 9) and $126,007 relative to the acquisition of the Natural Baby Catalog
(see Note 5).
I. Property and equipment are carried at cost and depreciated using the
straight-line method over their estimated useful lives ranging from five to ten
years. Depreciation expense amounted to $17,005 and $25,991 for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Maintenance, repairs, and minor
renewals are charged against earnings when incurred. Additions and major
renewals are capitalized.
J. The Company developed and maintains a mailing list of customers who have
purchased merchandise in the recent past. The cost of developing, maintaining,
and updating this list is expensed in the period incurred.
K. New Authoritative Pronouncements-In March 1995, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121,
ACCOUNTING FOR THE IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND FOR LONG-LIVED ASSETS TO
BE DISPOSED OF (SFAS 121). SFAS 121 requires the Company to review long-lived
assets and certain identifiable intangibles, including goodwill, for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
an asset may not be recoverable. The assessment of impairment is based on the
estimated undiscounted future cash flows from operating activities compared with
the carrying value of the assets. If the undiscounted future cash flows of an
asset are less than the carrying value, a write-down would be recorded measured
by the amount of the difference between the carrying value of the asset and the
fair value of the asset. The adoption of SFAS 121 did not have a material effect
on the financial statements.
In October 1995, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION, was issued which establishes
accounting and reporting standards for stock-based compensation plans. This
standard encourages the adoption of the fair value-based method of accounting
for employee stock options or similar equity instruments, but continues to allow
the Company to measure compensation cost for those equity instruments using the
intrinsic value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES. Under the fair
value-based method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the
value of the award. Under the intrinsic value-based method, compensation cost is
the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock at the grant date or
other measurement date over the amount the employee must pay to acquire the
stock. The Company uses the intrinsic value-based method for stock-based
compensation to employees. As a result, this standard does not have any effect
to the Company's financial statement other than to require disclosure of the pro
forma effect on net income of using the fair value-based method of accounting.
Management believes this effect to currently be immaterial.
NOTE 1. PARENT CORPORATION
Prior to June 30, 1996, the telemarketing, order fulfillment, data
processing, and administrative function of Perfectly Safe, Inc. were provided by
Duncan Hill, which also provided those services, as applicable, to its other
operating subsidiaries. Duncan Hill allocated the cost of its services,
including rent, to its operating subsidiaries on a direct cost basis, as
applicable, or on a pro rata basis determined by the percentage of total assets
of the various operating subsidiaries, exclusive of the assets of Duncan Hill.
Management believes this is a reasonable basis of cost allocation and that these
expenses would not have been materially different had the Company been on a
stand-alone basis.
F-8
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(CONTINUED)
NOTE 1. PARENT CORPORATION-(CONTINUED)
As of June 30, 1996, the Company purchased from Duncan Hill the assets used
by Duncan Hill to perform the telemarketing, order fulfillment, data processing,
and administrative functions. The Company commenced the performance of these
functions as of June 30, 1996, except for the payroll and accounting functions,
which Duncan Hill continued to provide through December 31, 1996. Duncan Hill
charged the Company for its allocated portion of these expenses on the basis of
total assets, which management believes to be a reasonable basis of cost
allocation. Management believes that, had the Company been on a stand-alone
basis, these expenses would not be materially different. Amounts due to
affiliate are a result of the unpaid portion of these charges.
Subsequent to December 31, 1996, the Company will provide services to
Duncan Hill and Duncan Hill's other subsidiaries, as requested, on an actual
cost basis. Actual costs are those direct costs that can be charged on a per
order or per hour basis, plus fixed costs allocated on a pro rata basis by
dividing the total assets of the operating entity requesting services by the sum
of the total assets of all operating entities of Duncan Hill and the operating
entity requesting services.
The accounts receivable and inventory of the Company and Duncan Hill's
other subsidiaries are pledged as collateral against an $800,000 line of credit
held by Duncan Hill prior to December 31, 1996. The balance on the line of
credit was $650,000 at December 31, 1996. As a part of the reorganization of the
Company, the responsibility for the repayment of the line of credit was assumed
by the Company from Duncan Hill in exchange for a reduction of the intercompany
indebtedness owed by the Company to Duncan Hill. Effective December 31, 1996,
the Company obtained an $800,000 line of credit in its name and the Duncan Hill
line of credit, with the same institution, was simultaneously terminated and the
outstanding balance of $650,000 at December 31, 1996 was transferred to the
Company's line of credit. (See Note 3.)
All of the assets of the Company have been pledged to secure the Company's
obligation under its line of credit. Due to the current nature of the liability,
the carrying amount of the line approximates fair value.
Interest expense was $56,065 and $46,336 for the years ended December 31,
1996 and 1995, respectively.
NOTE 2. CAPITAL STOCK
A. COMMON
Prior to the reorganization, Perfectly Safe, Inc. had common stock at
December 31, 1995 with no par value, 750 shares were authorized, 100 shares
issued and outstanding. At December 31, 1996, the Company has common stock of
$.001 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, 3,700,000 shares issued and
outstanding.
Stockholders' equity reflects the reorganization for all periods
presented. Additionally, earnings per share were calculated based on the
3,700,000 shares of common stock issued in the reorganization for all periods
presented.
B. PREFERRED
The Board of Directors has the authority, without further action by the
stockholders, to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock in one or more
series and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges,
F-9
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(CONTINUED)
NOTE 2. CAPITAL STOCK-(CONTINUED)
and restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting
rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences, and the number of shares
constituting any series or the designation of such series.
NOTE 3. NOTE PAYABLE-LINE OF CREDIT
Kids Stuff, Inc. has an $800,000 line of credit from United Bank with an
open term which is payable on demand, bearing interest payable monthly at the
bank's prime lending rate (8.25% at December 31, 1996) plus 1% and had a
balance of $650,000 at December 31, 1996. The line is secured by assets of the
Company, as well as the assets of Duncan Hill and another Duncan subsidiary, E.
A. Carey of Ohio, Inc. The repayment of the facility is guaranteed by Mr.
Miller, the Company's Chief Executive Officer. It is the policy of the bank to
review the credit facility, annually, commencing June 30, 1997, and to require
that the Company maintain a zero balance on the credit line for a period of
thirty consecutive days sometime during the course of each year. The bank has
agreed to waive the "zero balance" required for the 1997 loan year ending
June 30, 1997. The weighted average interest rate for the years ended December
31, 1996 and 1995 was 9.3% and 9.7%, respectively.
NOTE 4. LONG-TERM DEBT-RELATED PARTIES
A. Long-term debt-related parties consists of the following at December 31,
1996:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Note Payable-Duncan Hill Company, Ltd. (parent company), unsecured and payable in
four annual principal payments plus interest at 8.0%, matures June 2000. The first
installment is for $66,858 and the three remaining installments are for $100,000......... $366,858
Note Payable-(bridge lenders-see Note 6), the entire principal plus interest at 8.0%,
payable on the earlier of September 27, 1997 or the closing date of the initial public
offering of Company's securities ...................................................... 125,000
Note Payable-(bridge lenders-see Note 6), the entire principal plus interest at 8%,
payable on September 27, 1997 or convertible, at the option of the holder into 1,500,000
Class A Warrants of the Company ......................................................... 75,000
---------
566,858
Less current portion ..................................................................... 266,858
---------
$300,000
=========
</TABLE>
B. Principal payments required to be made for the next five years ending
December 31 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR
- -------------
<S> <C>
1997 ...... $266,858
1998 ...... 100,000
1999 ...... 100,000
2000 ...... 100,000
---------
$566,858
=========
</TABLE>
NOTE 5. ACQUISITION OF THE NATURAL BABY CATALOG
In May, 1996, The Natural Baby Company, Inc. (Baby Co.) contracted to sell
the assets of its catalog business, The Natural Baby Catalog, to Duncan Hill, at
which time Duncan Hill paid Baby Co.
F-10
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(CONTINUED)
NOTE 5. ACQUISITION OF THE NATURAL BABY CATALOG-(CONTINUED)
$25,000 towards the purchase price. The Company will repay the $25,000 advanced
by Duncan Hill upon the closing of a public offering. The Company filed the
registration statement on January 8, 1997. Duncan Hill has assigned its rights
to acquire The Natural Baby Catalog to the Company, with Baby Co.'s approval.
The remaining purchase price to be paid, upon the closing of a public offering,
by the Company for The Natural Baby Catalog consists of: a cash payment in the
amount of $1,075,000 to be made to the seller; a cash payment in the amount of
$210,777 in payment of a note owed by Baby Co. in the principal amount of
$197,603 together with accrued interest in the amount of $13,174 through April
30, 1997; the assumption by the Company of Baby Co.'s accounts payable incurred
in the ordinary course of business which is approximately $275,958 as of
December 31, 1996; assumption of Baby Co.'s remaining lease obligations in the
approximate amount of $35,500 as of December 31, 1996; and, a convertible
promissory note issued by the Company to Baby Co. in the amount of $250,000
(Convertible Note). The Company intends to pay the assumed accounts payable and
assumed lease obligations out of The Natural Baby Catalog's cash flow.
The unpaid balance of the Convertible Note is convertible at any time into
unregistered shares of the Company's Common Stock, at the election of the
holder, at a conversion price of $5.00 per share. The Convertible Note will have
an eight-year term and bear interest at 8% per annum. Upon the first three
anniversaries of the execution of the Convertible Note, only accrued interest in
arrears will be payable. Thereafter, five annual payments of $50,000, plus
accrued interest, will be payable on the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and
eighth anniversaries of the execution of the Convertible Note.
The purchase price is based upon Baby Co.'s tangible net worth at December
31, 1995, and is subject to adjustment in the event that Baby Co.'s tangible
net worth at closing is higher or lower than at year end 1995. Any adjustment in
the purchase price will be made as an adjustment to the Convertible Note.
The Company did not engage an independent appraiser to evaluate whether or
not the Company has agreed to pay a purchase price in excess of The Natural Baby
Catalog's fair value. In addition, because the Company did not complete the
acquisition on or before January 3, 1997, as initially agreed to, the Company
agreed to pay an additional $350,000 (Additional Amount) for the acquisition in
order to obtain an extension until no later than April 30, 1997 to complete the
acquisition. $250,000 of the Additional Amount is reflected in the Convertible
Note and $100,000 of the Additional Amount is reflected in the $1,285,777 cash
payment to be made upon the completion of this Offering. Baby Co.'s demands for
the increase in the purchase price was predicated upon the strong growth of The
Natural Baby Catalog's business since Baby Co. initially agreed to sell its
catalog business in May, 1996.
NOTE 6. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
The following shares of unregistered securities have been issued by the
Company since its inception. There were no underwriting discounts and
commissions paid in connection with the issuance of any said securities.
In connection with the reorganization effective June 30, 1996, the Company
issued to its parent, Duncan Hill Co., Ltd., 2,400,000 shares of Common Stock at
a value of $.125 per share.
Commencing October, 1996, the Company sold an aggregate of 1,300,000 shares
of Common Stock to seven private investors for the aggregate purchase price of
$162,500.
F-11
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(CONTINUED)
NOTE 6. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES-(CONTINUED)
In October, 1996, the Company borrowed an aggregate of $200,000 (bridge
loan) from three private investors, $75,000 of which is convertible upon its
terms into 1,500,000 Class A Warrants upon the effective date of the
registration statement described in Note 9. The 1,500,000 Warrants, as well as
the shares of Common Stock underlying those warrants are included as securities
being registered under the registration statement (see Note 13).
NOTE 7. INCOME TAX
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standard No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The Company
does not anticipate filing as part of a consolidated group.
The Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $210,000
as of December 31, 1996 for tax purposes, which represents activity from July 1,
1996 through December 31, 1996. They expire in the year 2011 and are fully
reserved for book purposes. Tax net operating losses of the Predecessor incurred
prior to July 1996 reverted to the parent company in the reorganization.
NOTE 8. PRIOR PERIOD ADJUSTMENT
During 1996, the Company changed its accounting principle utilized
regarding internally-generated customer lists and development costs. Prior to
the change, the Company capitalized and amortized these costs over their
estimated useful life. The Company now expenses these costs as incurred.
Additionally, the Company has adjusted its financial statements to eliminate
goodwill associated with its 1990 acquisition of the Perfectly Safe Catalog
business because the transaction would be deemed to have been between affiliated
parties. The January 1, 1995 retained earnings and the related 1995 Statement of
Income have been restated for the effect of the following adjustments:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 NET INCOME (LOSS)
--------------------------------------------
RETAINED
EARNINGS AMOUNT PER SHARE
------------ ----------------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
As previously reported .......................................... $ 234,503 $ (163,232) $ (.05)
Elimination of internally-generated customer lists and development
costs and goodwill ............................................. (765,251) (336,660) (.09)
Elimination of the related deferred tax liability ............... 136,700 (37,100) (.01)
--------- ---------- ------
As adjusted ...................................................... $(394,048) $ (536,992) $ (.15)
========= ========== ======
</TABLE>
NOTE 9. PUBLIC OFFERING
The Company filed a registration statement in January, 1997, as amended,
containing two prospectuses: one relating to the offering by the Company of
287,500 units at an offering price of $12 per unit (including 37,500 units to
cover over-allotments, if any), each unit consisting of two shares of common
stock, $.001 par value, and one Class A Warrant; and one relating to the
offering by three bridge lenders of up to 1,500,000 Class A Warrants (see Note
13).
The common stock and warrants are immediately separately transferable as of
the date of the prospectus. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one
share of common stock at a price of $5.00 for a period of four years commencing
one year after the date of this prospectus. The Company may
F-12
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(CONTINUED)
NOTE 9. PUBLIC OFFERING-(CONTINUED)
redeem the Warrants at a price of $.05 per Warrant, at any time after they
become exercisable, upon not less than 30 days' prior written notice, if the
closing bid price of the Common Stock has been at least $14.40 per share for 20
consecutive trading days ending on the fifth day prior to the date on which the
notice of redemption is given.
NOTE 10. PREFERRED STOCK ISSUANCE
During January 1997, the Company issued to its parent, Duncan Hill Co.,
Ltd., 5,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, at par value of $.001 per
share, as a part of the reorganization (See Note A). The holders of the Series A
Preferred Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all
matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders.
The Series A Preferred Stock is not subject to redemption and has no
conversion rights or rights to participate in dividend payments. In the event of
any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
affairs of the Company, each share of Series A Preferred Stock has a liquidation
preference of $.001 per share.
NOTE 11. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
The Company has entered into separate five-year employment agreements with
William L. Miller and Jeanne E. Miller, effective January 1, 1997, pursuant to
which Mr. Miller is to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Mrs.
Miller is to serve as its Executive Vice President. The employment agreements
provide for an annual base salary of $125,000 for Mr. Miller and $90,000 for
Mrs. Miller, subject to annual review for increase by the Company. The
employment agreements also provide for the eligibility of these executives to
receive annual cash bonuses under the Company's Incentive Compensation Plan.
Each of Mr. Miller and Mrs. Miller was granted under their respective
employment agreements an option to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock, which will vest 25% on each of the first four anniversary dates
commencing January 1, 1998, regardless of whether the executive is employed on
such dates by the Company. The vested options will be immediately exercisable
and will expire ten years from the date of the agreement. The exercise price of
the options shall be $5.00 per share, subject to downward adjustments in the
exercise price if the Company meets certain performance goals.
NOTE 12. INCENTIVE PLANS
A. INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
The Company's Incentive Compensation Plan (the "Plan") is designed
to motivate employee participants to achieve the Company's annual strategic
goals. Eligibility for participation in the Plan is limited to the Chief
Executive Officer and the Executive Vice President of the Company, and such
other employees of the Company as may be designated by the Board of Directors
from time to time. For each fiscal year of the Company, the Board will establish
a bonus pool not to exceed 10% of the Company's operating income. The amount of
such pool with respect to any year shall be determined subsequent to the end of
that year upon the determination of the Company's operating income for that
year. Each participant in the Plan is eligible to receive from the bonus pool an
annual award of up to 50% of the participant's base salary.
F-13
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(CONTINUED)
NOTE 12. INCENTIVE PLANS-(CONTINUED)
B. 1997 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
The Company anticipates adopting a Stock Incentive Plan (Incentive Plan),
which will be shortly submitted to the stockholders for approval. Under the
Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may grant
stock incentives to key employees and the directors of the Company pursuant to
which a total of 400,000 shares of Common Stock may be issued; provided,
however, that the maximum amount of Common Stock with respect to which stock
incentives may be granted to any person during any calendar year shall be 20,000
shares, except for a grant made to a recipient upon the recipients initial
hiring by the Company, in which case the number shall be a maximum of 40,000
shares. These numbers are subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split
and similar events. Stock incentive grants may be in the form of options, stock
appreciation rights, stock awards or a combination thereof.
NOTE 13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
A. RESTRUCTURED BRIDGE LOAN
In October 1996, the Company borrowed an aggregate of $200,000 (Bridge Loan
further described in Note 4) from private investors. The Bridge Loan bears
interest at 8% per annum and was payable upon earlier of October 1997 and the
closing of the public offering described in Note 9. As originally structured,
$75,000 of the face amount of the Bridge Loan was convertible into 1,500,000
Class A Warrants upon the date of the related Prospectus.
Subsequent to the original release of the Company's 1996 audited financial
statements, the Bridge Loan was restructured, at the request of VTR Capital,
Inc., the representative of the underwriters, so that the Bridge Lenders would
be paid the entire $200,000 face amount of the Bridge Loan, in cash, plus
accrued interest at the closing of the public offering, and would waive the
right to convert $75,000 of the face amount of the loan into 1,500,000 Warrants.
B. ADOPTION OF 1997 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
In March 1997, the Company's Board of Directors and majority stockholder
adopted the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (further described in Note 12.B).
F-14
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Kids Stuff, Inc.
Canton, Ohio
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of The Natural Baby Company,
Inc. as of December 31, 1996, and the related statements of income, retained
earnings, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of The Natural Baby Company,
Inc. as of December 31, 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
HAUSSER + TAYLOR
Canton, Ohio
January 22, 1997
F-15
<PAGE>
THE NATURAL BABY COMPANY, INC.
BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash ..................................................................... $81,140
Accounts receivable-trade ................................................ 36,463
Inventories ............................................................ 475,843
Deferred catalog expense ................................................ 262,694
Prepaid expenses ......................................................... 15,266
--------
Total current assets ................................................... 871,406
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Computer equipment ...................................................... 69,394
Vehicle .................................................................. 16,936
Furniture and fixtures ................................................... 10,053
--------
96,383
Less accumulated depreciation .......................................... 54,293
--------
42,090
OTHER ASSETS
Deposit .................................................................. 1,779
--------
$915,275
========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Notes payable-related parties .......................................... $197,603
Accounts payable ......................................................... 275,958
Accrued distributions to stockholders .................................... 140,000
Accrued bonus to stockholders .......................................... 41,265
Accrued expenses ......................................................... 29,096
--------
Total current liabilities ............................................. 683,922
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, no par value, 10 shares authorized, issued and outstanding 100
Additional paid-in capital ............................................. 10,000
Retained earnings ...................................................... 221,253
--------
Total stockholders' equity ............................................. $231,353
--------
$915,275
========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
F-16
<PAGE>
THE NATURAL BABY COMPANY, INC.
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
SALES .................................... $6,451,215 $5,228,469
COST OF SALES ........................... 3,596,965 2,828,165
---------- ----------
GROSS PROFIT .............................. 2,854,250 2,400,304
SELLING EXPENSES ........................ 1,698,746 1,664,664
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES ...... 601,777 507,348
---------- ----------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS .................. 553,727 228,292
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest .............................. (11,725) (14,499)
Miscellaneous ........................... 16,647 (1,060)
---------- ----------
4,922 (15,559)
---------- ----------
NET INCOME .............................. $ 558,649 $ 212,733
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
F-17
<PAGE>
THE NATURAL BABY COMPANY, INC.
STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
BALANCE-BEGINNING ...... $340,025 $127,292
ADDITION
Net income ............ 558,649 212,733
--------- ---------
898,674 340,025
DEDUCTION
Distributions ......... 677,421 -
--------- ---------
BALANCE-ENDING ......... $221,253 $340,025
========= =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
F-18
<PAGE>
THE NATURAL BABY COMPANY, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income ............................................................ $ 558,649 $ 212,733
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation ......................................................... 12,782 9,558
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable-trade ..................... (6,545) 5,920
Decrease (increase) in inventories ................................. 45,410 (165,329)
(Increase) decrease in deferred catalog expense ..................... (76,429) 72,648
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses .............................. (7,966) 19,574
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses ......... 21,010 (51,983)
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities .............................. 546,911 103,121
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property and equipment ................................. (4,397) (40,686)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Payment on long-term debt ............................................. - (26,648)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings .................................... - 40,000
Distributions to stockholders ....................................... (537,421) -
--------- ---------
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities ..................... (537,421) 13,352
--------- ---------
NET INCREASE IN CASH ................................................... 5,093 75,787
CASH-BEGINNING ......................................................... 76,047 260
--------- ---------
CASH-ENDING ............................................................ $ 81,140 $ 76,047
========= =========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the year for interest .............................. $ - $ 8,744
Non-cash financing activity- accrued distributions to stockholders ... 140,000 -
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
F-19
<PAGE>
THE NATURAL BABY COMPANY, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION-The Natural Baby Company, Inc. (Company) is in the
mail order business and sells children's clothes and toys to customers
throughout the United States. Products are purchased from a variety of vendors.
B. USE OF ESTIMATES-The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
C. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE-In management's opinion, accounts receivable as of
December 31, 1996 were collectible and no material uncollectible accounts
existed. As such, any allowance would be immaterial. Bad debt expense was $6,578
and $32,386 for 1996 and 1995, respectively.
D. Inventories consist of finished goods held for resale and are stated at
the lower of cost or market with cost being determined by current purchases
applied on an average cost method.
E. Deferred catalog expenses are costs of catalogs mailed to customers
which are deferred and amortized over periods ranging from four weeks to six
months, the estimated length of time customers utilize catalogs and other mail
order mailings from the Company. Catalog expense was $1,080,210 and $1,058,976
for 1996 and 1995, respectively.
F. Property and equipment are carried at cost and depreciated using
straight-line and accelerated methods over their estimated useful lives, ranging
from five to ten years. Depreciation expense amounted to $12,782 and $9,558 for
the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged against earnings when
incurred. Additions and major renewals are capitalized.
G. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS-The fair value of cash, accounts
receivable, accounts payable and other short-term obligations approximate their
carrying value because of the short maturities of those financial instruments.
H. The Corporation has elected to be treated as a Subchapter S corporation.
No provision for income taxes is necessary because any income or loss is
includible in the tax returns of the individual stockholders.
NOTE 1. NOTES PAYABLE-RELATED PARTIES
Notes payable totaling $197,603 at December 31, 1996 consist of amounts due
to a stockholder and several individuals related to the stockholders. The notes
are unsecured, bear interest at 5%, and have no repayment terms.
The loan agreements do not specify payment requirements. However, it is
management's intention to repay the loans during 1997. Therefore, the total
balance of all loans is considered current as of December 31, 1996. Due to the
short maturities of the notes, carrying value approximates fair value.
F-20
<PAGE>
THE NATURAL BABY COMPANY, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
NOTE 2. LEASE COMMITMENTS
The Company leases facilities for office and warehouse operations under
noncancellable operating leases. The following is a schedule of minimum future
lease payments under noncancellable operating leases for the years ending
December 31:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1997 ...... $21,344
1998 ...... 14,229
--------
$35,573
========
</TABLE>
Rental expense was $52,245 and $33,775 for the years ended December 31,
1996 and 1995, respectively.
NOTE 3. CATALOG SALE CONTRACT
In May, 1996, the Company contracted to sell its catalog business to Duncan
Hill Co., Ltd., at which time Duncan Hill paid the Company $25,000 towards the
purchase price. Duncan Hill has assigned its rights under that contract to Kids
Stuff, Inc., a subsidiary of Duncan Hill. The remaining purchase price to be
paid by Kids Stuff, Inc. for the Company's catalog business consists of: a cash
payment to the Company in the amount of $1,075,000; a cash payment in the amount
of $210,777 in payment of a note owed by the Company in the principal amount of
$197,603 together with accrued interest in the amount of $13,174 through April
30, 1997; the assumption by Kids Stuff, Inc. of the Company's accounts payable
incurred in the ordinary course of business which is $275,958 as of December 31,
1996; assumption of the Company's remaining lease obligations in the
approximate amount of $35,500 as of December 31, 1996; and, a convertible
promissory note issued by Kids Stuff, Inc. to the Company in the amount of
$250,000.
The unpaid balance of the Convertible Note is convertible at any time into
unregistered shares of the Kids Stuff, Inc.'s Common Stock, at the election of
the holder, at a conversion price of $5.00 per share. The Convertible Note will
have an eight-year term and bear interest at 8% per annum. Upon the first three
anniversaries of the execution of the Convertible Note, only accrued interest in
arrears will be payable. Thereafter, five annual payments of $50,000, plus
accrued interest, will be payable on the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and
eighth anniversaries of the execution of the Convertible Note.
The purchase price is based upon the Company's tangible net worth at
December 31, 1995 which was $350,125, and is subject to adjustment in the event
that the Company's tangible net worth at closing is higher or lower than at
year end 1995. Any adjustment in the purchase price will be made as an
adjustment to the Convertible Note.
Unless the acquisition is completed on or before April 30, 1997, the
Company's contract to sell its catalog business to Kids Stuff, Inc. will
expire.
F-21
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
The following Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements of Kids
Stuff, Inc. give effect to (i) the acquisition of the Natural Baby Co., Inc.,
(ii) the sale of common stock to the public and (iii) the sale of common stock
to private investors and a bridge loan from private investors.
The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements assume that these
transactions occurred at the beginning of the fiscal year ending December 31,
1996 for the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statements of Income and as of
December 31, 1996 for the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet. In the
opinion of management of the Company, all adjustments necessary to present
fairly such Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements have been made.
The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements should be read in
conjunction with the historical financial statements and the notes thereto
included elsewhere in this prospectus. The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined
Statements of Income are not necessarily indicative of what actual results of
operations would have been had these transactions occurred at the beginning of
the respective period nor do they purport to indicate the results of future
operations of the Company.
P-1
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
KIDS STUFF NATURAL BABY PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL HISTORICAL COMBINED ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
------------- --------------- ------------- ----------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current Assets:
Cash ........................... $ 248,648 $ 81,140 $ 329,788 (1,310,777)(1) $ 474,114
(100,000)(1)
2,210,021 (2)
(654,918)(3)
Accounts receivable ............ 165,779 36,463 202,242 202,242
Inventories .................. 496,395 475,843 972,238 972,238
Deferred catalog expense ...... 277,469 262,694 540,163 540,163
Prepaid expenses ............... 169,789 15,266 185,055 (169,789)(5) 15,266
----------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -----------
Total Current Assets ......... 1,358,080 871,406 2,229,486 2,204,023
Property and Equipment, Net of
Accumulated Depreciation ...... 113,609 42,090 155,699 155,699
Other Assets, Net of
Accumulated Amortization
Customer lists ............... 0 0 0 505,000 (1) 505,000
Goodwill ..................... 0 0 0 586,821 (1) 712,828
126,007 (5)
Other ........................ 0 1,779 1,779 1,779
----------- ---------- ----------- -----------
0 1,779 1,779 1,219,607
----------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Total Assets .................. $1,471,689 $ 915,275 $2,386,964 $3,579,329
=========== ========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
P-2
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1996-(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
KIDS STUFF NATURAL BABY PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL HISTORICAL COMBINED ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
-------------- --------------- -------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable ............... $ 1,102,311 $275,958 $ 1,378,269 (350,000)(3) $ 1,063,487
35,218 (5)
Current Portion of Long-
Term Debt-Related Parties . 266,858 197,603 464,461 (197,603)(1)
(66,858)(3)
(200,000)(3)
Line of Credit .................. 650,000 0 650,000 650,000
Due to affiliates ............... 137,070 0 137,070 (5,000)(4) 132,070
Accrued Distribution to
Stockholders ..................... 0 140,000 140,000 (140,000)(1) 0
Customer advances and other . 5,630 70,361 75,991 75,991
----------- --------- ----------- -----------
Total Current Liabilities ...... 2,161,869 683,922 2,845,791 1,921,548
Long-Term Debt Payable to
Related Parties, net of current
portion ........................ 300,000 300,000 250,000 (1) 550,000
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, $0.001 par
value, 25,000,000 shares
authorized, 4,200,000 issued
and outstanding ............... 3,700 100 3,800 (100)(1) 4,200
500 (2
Preferred Stock, $0.001 par
value, 10,000,000 shares
authorized, 5,000,000 issued
and outstanding .................. 0 0 0 5,000 (4) $ 5,000
Additional paid-in capital ...... 458,800 10,000 468,800 (10,000)(1) $ 2,551,261
2,209,521 (2)
(38,060)(3)
(79,000)(5)
Retained earnings ............... (1,452,680) 221,253 (1,231,427) (221,253)(1) (1,452,680)
----------- --------- ----------- --------------- -----------
Total Stockholders' Equity . (990,180) 231,353 (758,827) 1,107,781
----------- --------- ----------- -----------
Total Liabilities and
Stockholders' Equity ............ $ 1,471,689 $915,275 $ 2,386,964 $ 3,579,329
=========== ========= =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
P-3
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
-------------------------------------------------
KIDS STUFF NATURAL BABY
HISTORICAL HISTORICAL PRO FORMA
------------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales .................................... $6,638,995 $6,451,215 $13,090,210
Cost of Sales ........................... 4,204,321 3,596,965 7,801,286
---------- ----------- ------------
Gross Profit .............................. $2,434,674 $2,854,250 $ 5,288,924
Selling Expenses ........................ 2,193,219 1,698,746 3,891,965
General and Administrative Expenses ...... 768,580 601,777 1,370,357
---------- ----------- ------------
Income (Loss) from Operations ............ (527,125) $ 553,727 $ 26,602
Other Income .............................. 5,485 4,922 10,407
---------- ----------- ------------
Net (Loss) Income ........................ $ (521,640) $ 558,649 $ 37,009
========== =========== ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
P-4
<PAGE>
KIDS STUFF, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PROFORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Adjustment for the acquisition of The Natural Baby Catalog., Inc. with
a cash payment of $1,310,777 and a note payable of $250,000. The Company will
acquire the assets of Natural Baby Catalog and the accounts payable. The current
notes payable and line of credit will be liquidated at the time of the purchase.
This acquisition will be accounted for using the purchase method, with assets
valued at fair market value and the customer list being valued at $505,000 as
calculated by management. The balance is attributed to goodwill in the amount of
$586,821, and a note payable to the seller of The Natural Baby Catalog, of
$250,000, the principal of which is due in five equal annual installments with
the first installment due four years from the date of purchase. Prior thereto,
only accrued interest will be payable. Also includes expenses of $100,000 for
the consolidation of the operations of The Natural Baby Catalog.
(2) Adjustment for the sale of 250,000 units to the public at $12 per unit,
less estimated commissions of $300,000 and less estimated offering costs of
$489,979.
(3) Adjustment for the repayment of bridge loan of $200,000, plus interest
at 8%, payment of $350,000 towards accounts payable, and payment of note payable
to Duncan Hill of $66,858 plus interest at 8% to be paid on June 30, 1997.
(4) Adjustment for the issuance of 5,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred
Stock in January, 1997 to the Company's parent.
(5) Adjustment for the payment of expenses for the reorganization of Kids
Stuff, Inc. in the amount of $79,000, of which $43,782 is included in prepaid
expenses, and an adjustment of $126,007 of prepaid expenses attributable to the
purchase of The Natural Baby Catalog which will be capitalized as goodwill upon
the completion of the acquisition.
Management believes the Company's historical financial statements reflect
its historical costs of doing business. As a public entity the Company will
likely incur additional costs estimated to be approximately $50,000 on a
quarterly basis which are not reflected in the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined
Financial Statements of Income. Also not reflected in the Unaudited Pro Forma
Combined Financial Statements are $50,000 of additional annual payroll expense
relating to the salaries of the Company's two executive officers, as well as
any additional compensation that may be awarded under any incentive compensation
plan.
P-5
<PAGE>
================================================================================
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION
OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE
CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY
OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AND WARRANTS OFFERED
HEREBY BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT
AUTHORIZED OR IS UNLAWFUL. THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS
OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
------
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary ..................... 3
Risk Factors ........................... 7
Use of Proceeds ........................ 16
Dividend Policy ........................ 17
Dilution ................................. 18
Capitalization ........................... 19
Selected Financial Data .................. 20
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations .............................. 21
The Company and Its Parent ............... 26
Business ................................. 27
Management .............................. 35
Principal Stockholders .................. 40
Certain Transactions .................. 41
Description of Securities ............... 43
Unregistered Shares Eligible for
Immediate and Future Sale ............... 45
Underwriting ........................... 46
Legal Matters ........................... 49
Experts ................................. 49
Available Information .................. 49
Index to Financial Statements ............ F-1
</TABLE>
------------
UNTIL , 1997 (90 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL DEALERS
EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE SHARES OF UNITS, COMMON STOCK AND WARRANTS OFFERED
HEREBY, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THE DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO
DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO
DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR
UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
================================================================================
================================================================================
250,000 UNITS
Each Unit Consisting of
Two Shares of Common Stock
and
One Common Stock
Class A Purchase Warrant
KIDS STUFF, INC.
----------
PROSPECTUS
----------
VTR CAPITAL, INC.
, 1997
================================================================================
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 24. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Section 145 of the Delaware General corporation Law, as amended, provides
that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the
fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorney's
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by the person in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and,
with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to
believe his conduct was unlawful. Section 145 further provides that a
corporation similarly may indemnify any such person serving in any such capacity
who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened,
pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to
procure a judgment in its favor, against expenses (including attorneys' fees)
actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of
such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any
claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be
liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court
of chancery or such other court in which such action or suit was brought shall
determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in
view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably
entitled to indemnify for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such
other court shall deem proper.
Article VII, Section 7, of the By-Laws of the Company provides for
indemnification of officers, directors, employees and agents to the extent
permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law.
The employment agreements with William L. Miller and Jeanne E. Miller each
provide for their indemnification to the full extent permitted by law.
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation contains a provision
eliminating the personal monetary liability of directors to the extent allowed
under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Under the provision,
a stockholder is able to prosecute an action against a director for monetary
damages only if he can show a breach of the duty of loyalty, a failure to act in
good faith, intentional misconduct, a knowing violation of law, an improper
personal benefit or an illegal dividend or stock repurchase, as referred to in
the provision, and not "negligence" or "gross negligence" in
satisfying his duty of care. The provision, however, does not affect the
availability of seeking equitable relief against a director of the Company. In
addition, the provision applies only to claims against a director arising out of
his role as a director and not, if he is also an officer, his role, as an
officer or in any other capacity or to his responsibilities under any other law,
such as federal securities laws.
II-1
<PAGE>
ITEM 25. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The estimated expenses in connection with this offering, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SEC filing fee ...................................................... $ 1,631
NASD Fees ............................................................ 2,000
Accounting fees and expenses* ....................................... 29,000
Legal fees and expenses* .......................................... 131,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses* ....................................... 60,000
Printing and engraving* ............................................. 60,000
Miscellaneous expenses* ............................................. 7,848
Transfer Agent* ................................................... 3,500
Underwriters' 3% Non-Accountable Expense Allowance on 250,000 Units 90,000
Representative's Financial Consulting Fee ........................... 100,000
Standards & Poors Listing Fee ....................................... 5,000
--------
TOTAL ............................................................ $489,979
========
</TABLE>
- ----------------
* Estimated.
The Company will bear all expenses shown above.
ITEM 26. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
The following shares of unregistered securities have been issued by the
Registrant since its inception. there were no underwriting discounts and
commissions paid in connection with the issuance of any of said securities.
In connection with the reorganization effective June 30, 1996, the Company
issued to its parent, Duncan Hill Co., Ltd. 2,400,000 shares of Common Stock at
a value of $.125 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock at
a value of $.001 per share.
Commencing October, 1996, the Company sold an aggregate of 1,300,000 shares
of Common Stock to eight private investors for the aggregate purchase price of
$162,500.
In October, 1996, the Company borrowed an aggregate of $200,000 from three
private investors. As originally structured, $75,000 of the face amount of the
loan was convertible upon its terms into 1,500,000 Class A Warrants.
Subsequently, the loan was restructured so that the lenders' would be repaid
the entire face amount of loan in lieu of the right to convert $75,000 of the
face amount into 1,500,000 Class A Warrants.
In each of the foregoing cases, the Company issued the above securities
without registration in reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as transactions by an issuer not
involving any public offering. In addition, with respect to the second
transaction listed above, I.E., the issuance of 1,300,000 shares of Common
Stock, the Company relied upon Rule 504 promulgated under the Securities Act of
1933. The Company is not an issuer that is precluded from relying upon Rule 504
under paragraph (a) thereof and, in addition, has satisfied the terms and
conditions of Rules 501 and 502(a) by virtue of the fact that it has not offered
in excess of $1,000,000 of securities within the 12 months before the start of
and during the offering of securities under Rule 504, in reliance on any
exemption under Section 3(b), or in violation of Section 5(a) of the Securities
Act.
II-2
<PAGE>
ITEM 27. EXHIBITS.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
1.01 Revised Form of Underwriting Agreement
** 1.02 Revised Form of Selected Dealers Agreement
** 1.03 Revised Form of Warrant Exercise Fee Agreement
dagger 3.01 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
dagger 3.02 Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
dagger 3.03 By-Laws of the Company
* 3.04 Certificate of Designation of Series A Preferred Stock
* 4.01 Specimen Certificate for Shares of Common Stock
* 4.02 Specimen Certificate for Shares of Series A Preferred Stock
** 4.03 Revised Form of Warrant Agreement
** 4.04 Revised Specimen Certificate for Warrants
4.05 Revised Form of Underwriters' Purchase Option
* 4.06 Form of Representative's Lock-up Letter
*** 5.01 Opinion of Hornsby, Sacher, Zelman, Stanton, Paul & Beiley, P.A.
dagger10.01 Agreement to Acquire the Assets of The Natural Baby Company, Inc., (the "Acquisition
Agreement")
dagger10.02 Addendum to Acquisition Agreement
dagger10.03 Escrow Agreement under the Acquisition Agreement
dagger10.04 Form of Consulting Agreement with Jane Martin
dagger10.05 Asset Purchase Agreement between the Company and its Parent
dagger10.06 Promissory Note from the Company and its Parent
dagger10.07 Form of Bridge Loan Agreement
dagger10.08 Form of Financial Consulting Agreement with VTR Capital, Inc.
* 10.09 Credit Facility with United National Bank and Trust Company
* 10.10 Lease for Company's principal offices and telemarketing center
* 10.11 Employment Agreement with William L. Miller
* 10.12 Employment Agreement with Jeanne E. Miller
* 10.13 Incentive Compensation Plan
* 10.14 1997 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
* 10.15 Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement between the Company and its Parent
10.16 Form of Amendment to Bridge Loan Agreement
23.01 Consent of Hausser + Taylor
23.02 Consent of Hornsby, Sacher, Zelman, Stanton, Paul & Beiley, P.A. [included in Exhibit
5.01]
* 27.00 Revised Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
- ----------------
daggerIncorporated by reference to Form SB-2 filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on January 8, 1997.
* Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form SB-2 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 1997.
** Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 2 to Form SB-2 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 1997.
*** To be filed by Amendment.
II-3
<PAGE>
ITEM 28. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) RULE 415 OFFERING
The Company will:
1. File, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement to:
(i) Include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act");
(ii) Reflect in the prospectus any facts or events which, individually
or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
in the registration statement;
(iii) Include any additional or changed material information on the
plan of distribution;
2. For determining liability under the 1933 Act, treat each such
post-effective amendment as a new registration statement of the securities
offered, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering.
3. File a post-effective amendment to remove from registration any of the
securities that remain unsold at the end of the offering.
(b) EQUITY OFFERINGS OF NONREPORTING SMALL BUSINESS ISSUERS
The Company will provide to the Underwriters at the closing specified in
the Underwriting Agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in
such names as required by the Underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each
purchaser.
(c) INDEMNIFICATION
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers or controlling persons of the Company
pursuant to the provisions referred to in Item 14 of this Registration Statement
or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suite or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Company will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(d) RULE 430A
The Company will:
1. For determining any liability under the 1933 Act, treat the
information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of a
prospectus filed by the Company issuer under Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the 1933 Act as part of this Registration Statement as of the time the
Commission declared it effective.
2. For any liability under the 1933 Act, treat each post-effective
amendment that contains a form of prospectus as a new registration statement for
the securities offered in the Registration Statement, and the offering of the
securities at that time as the initial bona fide offering of those securities.
II-4
<PAGE>
(e) UNDERTAKING TO FILE POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT OR STICKER SUPPLEMENT
UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES
If the Company becomes aware subsequent to the effective date of this
registration statement that either VTR Capital, Inc., or any other underwriter
or dealer intends to acquire securities from any Regulation D investors, or if
VTR Capital, Inc. waives any lock-up agreement, a post-effective amendment will
be required to reflect the acquisition of 10% or more of the Company's
unrestricted securities and a sticker supplement will be required if the amount
involved falls between the range of 5% and 10% of the Company's unrestricted
securities.
[THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
II-5
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that
it meets all the requirements for filing on Form SB-2, and authorized this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the
City of Canton, State of Ohio, on this 16th day of April, 1997.
KIDS STUFF, INC.
By: /s/ WILLIAM L. MILLER
----------------------------------------
William L. Miller, Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, this Registration Statement was signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates stated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------- --------------------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ WILLIAM L. MILLER Chairman of the Board, April 16, 1997
- --------------------- Chief Executive Officer
William L. Miller and Treasurer
(Principal Executive and
Financial Officer)
/s/ JEANNE E. MILLER Executive Vice President April 16, 1997
- -------------------- and Director
Jeanne E. Miller
/s/ CLARK D. SWISHER Director April 16, 1997
- --------------------
Clark D. Swisher
/s/ CHRISTOPHER A. WEBER Controller April 16, 1997
- ------------------------
Christopher A. Weber
</TABLE>
II-6
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT NUMBERED
NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE
- --------- ------------------------------------------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C>
1.01 Revised Form of Underwriting Agreement
4.05 Revised Form of Underwriters' Purchase Option
10.16 Form of Amendment to Bridge Loan Agreement
23.01 Consent of Hausser + Taylor
</TABLE>
EXHIBIT 1.01
KIDS STUFF, INC.
4450 BELDEN VILLAGE, N.W.
SUITE 406
CANTON, OH 44718
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
VTR Capital Inc. __________, 1997
99 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
Gentlemen:
Kids Stuff, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), proposes to
issue and sell to VTR Capital Inc. ("VTR" or the "Representative") and to each
of the other underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the "Underwriters"), for
each of whom you are acting as Representative, an aggregate of 250,000 Units
(the "Units"), each Unit consisting of two (2) shares of Common Stock, par value
$.001 ("Common Stock"), and one (1) Redeemable Class A Common Stock Purchase
Warrant (the "Warrants") of the Company at a public offering price of $12.00 per
Unit.
Each Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one share of Common
Stock for a four year period commencing one year from the Effective Date
(hereinafter defined) at a price of $5.00 per share. The Unit Warrants will be
immediately detachable from the Common Stock on the Effective Date. The Warrants
may be called by the Company commencing one year from the Effective Date upon at
least thirty days prior written notice at a price of $.05 per Warrant at any
time provided the closing bid for the Common Stock is at least $14.40 during
each day of the twenty (20) trading day period ending on the fifth day preceding
the date of the written notice. The Warrant Agreement will provide that no such
notice will be given until there is a current Registration Statement and
Prospectus on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the time such
notice is given to Warrant Holders and that the notice may not be mailed to
Warrant Holders during the aforesaid one-year period from the Effective Date.
The Units are hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Firm Units." Upon the
request of the Representative, and as provided in Section 3 hereof, the Company
will also issue and sell to the Underwriters up to a maximum of an additional
37,500 Units for the purpose of covering over-allotments. Such additional Units
are hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Optional Units." Both the Firm
Units and the Optional Units are sometimes collectively referred to herein as
the "Units." All of the securities which are the subject of this Agreement are
more fully described in the Prospectus of the Company described below. In the
event that the Representative does not form an underwriting group but decides to
act as the sole Underwriter, then all references to VTR herein as Representative
shall be deemed to be to it as such sole Underwriter and Section 14 hereof shall
be deemed deleted in its entirety.
1
<PAGE>
The Company understands that the Underwriters propose to make a public
offering of the Units as soon as the Representative deems advisable after the
Registration Statement hereinafter referred to becomes effective. The Company
hereby confirms its agreement with the Representative and the other Underwriters
as follows:
SECTION 1. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES. The Company's authorized and
outstanding capitalization when the public offering of securities contemplated
hereby is permitted to commence, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Act"), and at the Closing Date (hereinafter defined) and the terms of the
Warrants and other securities will be as set forth in the Prospectus
(hereinafter defined).
SECTION 2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY. The Company
hereby represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Underwriters as follows:
(a) A Registration Statement on Form SB-2 and amendments
thereto (No. 333-19423) with respect to the Units, including a form of
prospectus relating thereto, copies of which have been previously delivered to
you, have been prepared by the Company in conformity with the requirements of
the Act, and the rules and regulations (the "Rules and Regulations") of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") thereunder, and has been
filed with the Commission under the Act. The Company, subject to the provisions
of Section 6(a) hereof, may file one or more amendments to such Registration
Statement and Prospectus. The Underwriters will receive copies of each such
amendment.
The date on which such Registration Statement is
declared effective under the Act and the public offering of the Units as
contemplated by this Agreement is therefore authorized to commence, is herein
called the "Effective Date." The Registration Statement and Prospectus, as
finally amended and revised immediately prior to the Effective Date, are herein
called respectively the "Registration Statement" and the "Prospectus." If,
however, a prospectus is filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the
Rules and Regulations which differs from the Prospectus, the term "Prospectus"
shall also include the prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b).
(b) The Registration Statement (and Prospectus), at the time
it becomes effective under the Act, (as thereafter amended or as supplemented if
the Company shall have filed with the Commission an amendment or supplement),
and, with respect to all such documents, on the Closing Date (hereinafter
defined), will in all material respects comply with the provisions of the Act
and the Rules and Regulations, and will not contain an untrue statement of a
material fact and will not omit to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however,
that none of the representations and warranties contained in this subsection (b)
shall extend to the Underwriters in respect of any statements in or omissions
from the Registration Statement and/or the Prospectus, based upon information
furnished in writing to the Company by the
2
<PAGE>
Underwriters specifically for use in connection with the preparation thereof.
(c) The Company has been duly incorporated and is now, and on
the Closing Date will be, validly existing as a corporation in good standing
under the laws of the State of Delaware, having all required corporate power and
authority to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the
Prospectus. The Company is now, and on the Closing Date will be, duly qualified
to do business as a foreign corporation in good standing in all of the
jurisdictions in which the conducts of its business or the character or location
of its properties requires such qualifications except where the failure to so
qualify would not materially adversely affect the Company's business, properties
or financial condition. The Company has no subsidiaries, except as are set forth
in the Prospectus.
(d) The financial statements of the Company (audited and
unaudited) included in the Registration Statement and Prospectus present fairly
the financial position and results of operations and changes in financial
condition of the Company at the respective dates and for the respective periods
to which they apply; and such financial statements have been prepared in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied
throughout the periods involved, and are in accordance with the books and
records of the Company.
(e) To the best of the Company's knowledge, Hausser & Taylor,
independent auditors, who have given their report on certain financial
statements which are included as a part of the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus are independent public accountants as required under the Act and the
Rules and Regulations.
(f) Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information
is given in the Prospectus and prior to the Closing Date and, except as set
forth in or contemplated in the Prospectus, (i) the Company has not incurred,
nor will it incur, any material liabilities or obligations, direct or
contingent, nor has it, nor will it have entered into any material transactions,
in each case not in the ordinary course of business; (ii) there has not been,
and will not have been, any material change in the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation or in its capital stock or funded debt; and (iii) there has not
been, and will not have been, any material adverse change in the business, net
worth or properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company whether
or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business.
(g) Except as otherwise set forth in the Prospectus, the real
and personal properties of the Company as shown in the Prospectus and
Registration Statement to be owned by the Company are owned by the Company by
good and marketable title free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, except
those specifically referred to in the Prospectus, and except those which do not
materially adversely affect the use or value of such assets and except the lien
for current taxes not now due, or are held by the Company by valid leases, none
of which is in default. Except as
3
<PAGE>
disclosed in the Prospectus and Registration Statement, the Company in all
material respects has full right and licenses, permits and governmental
authorizations required to maintain and operate its business and properties as
the same are now operated and, to its best knowledge, none of the activities or
business of the Company is in material violation of, or causes the Company to
violate any laws, ordinances and regulations applicable thereto, the violation
of which would have a material adverse impact on the condition (financial or
otherwise), business, properties or net worth of the Company.
(h) The Company has no material contingent obligations, nor
are its properties or business subject to any material risks, which may be
reasonably anticipated, which are not disclosed in the Prospectus.
(i) Except as disclosed in the Prospectus and Registration
Statement, there are no material actions, suits or proceedings at law or in
equity of a material nature pending, or to the Company's knowledge, threatened
against the Company which are not adequately covered by insurance, which might
result in a material adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise),
properties or net worth of the Company, and there are no proceedings pending or,
to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company before or by any
Federal or State Commission, regulatory body, or administrative agency or other
governmental body, wherein an unfavorable ruling, decision or finding would
materially adversely affect the business, properties or net worth or financial
condition or income of the Company, which are not disclosed in the Prospectus.
(j) All of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and Series A
Preferred Stock are duly authorized and validly issued and outstanding, fully
paid, and non-assessable, and are free of preemptive rights (the "Preferred
Stock"). The Common Stock and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise
of the Warrants, when paid for, issued and delivered in accordance with this
Agreement and the Warrant Agreement between the Company and American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company, dated as of _______________, will be duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and will not be issued in
violation of any preemptive rights. The Underwriters will receive good and
marketable title to the Units purchased by them from the Company, free and clear
of all liens, encumbrances, claims, security interests, restrictions,
stockholders' agreements and voting trusts whatsoever. Except as set forth in
the Prospectus, there are no outstanding options, warrants, or other rights,
providing for the issuance of, and no commitments, plans or arrangements to
issue, any shares of any class of capital stock of the Company, or any security
convertible into, or exchangeable for, any shares of any class of capital stock
of the Company. All of the securities of the Company to which this Agreement
relates conform to the statements relating to them that are contained in the
Registration Statement and Prospectus.
4
<PAGE>
(k) The certificate or certificates required to be
furnished to the Underwriters pursuant to the provisions of Section
11 hereof will be true and correct.
(l) The execution and delivery by the Company of this
Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and it is a
valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against it in
accordance with its terms except as the enforcement thereof may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws pertaining to
creditors rights generally.
(m) No default exists, and no event has occurred which, with
notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default in the due
performance and observance of any material term, covenant or condition by the
Company or any other party, of any material indenture, mortgage, deed of trust,
note or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company is a
party or by which it or its business or its properties may be bound or affected,
except (i) as disclosed in the Prospectus, (ii) such defaults as have been
waived by all parties who would otherwise have a remedy or right with respect
thereto or (iii) such defaults which will not cause any material adverse change
in the business, net worth, properties or conditions (financial or otherwise),
of the Company. The Company has full power and lawful authority to authorize,
issue and sell the Units to be sold by it hereunder on the terms and conditions
set forth herein and in the Registration Statement and in the Prospectus. No
consent, approval, authorization or other order of any regulatory authority is
required for such authorization, issue or sale, except as may be required under
the Act or State securities laws. The execution and delivery of this Agreement,
the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated, and compliance with
the terms hereof will not conflict with, or constitute a default under any
indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note or any other agreement or instrument to
which the Company is now a party or by which it or its business or its
properties may be bound or affected; the Certificate of Incorporation and any
amendments thereto; the by-laws of the Company, as amended; or any law, order,
rule or regulation, writ, injunction or decree of any government, governmental
instrumentality, or court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the
Company or its business or properties, except for the SEC's position on
indemnification of officers, directors or persons controlling the Company.
(n) No officer or director of the Company has taken, and each
officer and director has agreed that he will not take, directly or indirectly,
any action designed to stabilize or manipulate the price of the Units, the
Common Stock or the Warrants in the open market following the Closing Date or
any other type of action designed to, or that may reasonably be expected to
cause or result in such stabilization or manipulation, or that may reasonably be
expected to facilitate the initial sale, or resale, of any of the securities
which are the subject of this Agreement.
(o)
5
<PAGE>
The Company will have duly authorized, reserved and set aside the
shares of its Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Underwriters' Purchase
Option, and such stock, when issued and paid for upon exercise of the
Underwriters' Purchase Option in accordance with the provisions thereof, will be
duly authorized and validly issued, fully-paid and non-assessable.
(p) All of the aforesaid representations, agreements,
and warranties shall survive delivery of, and payment for, the Units.
SECTION 3. ISSUANCE, SALE AND DELIVERY OF THE FIRM UNITS, THE OPTIONAL
UNITS AND THE UNDERWRITERS' PURCHASE OPTION.
(a) Upon the basis of the representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements of the Company herein contained, but subject to the
terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to issue and sell the
Units, and the Underwriters, severally and not jointly, agree to purchase from
the Company, the number of the Firm Units set forth opposite the respective
names of the Underwriters in Schedule I hereto, plus any additional Units which
such Underwriter may become obligated to purchase pursuant to the provisions of
Section 14 hereof.
The purchase price of the Units to be paid by the
several Underwriters shall be $10.80 per Unit ($12.00 per Unit less a ten
percent discount equal to $1.20 per Unit).
In addition, and upon the same basis, and subject to
the same terms and conditions, the Company hereby grants an option to you to
purchase, but only for the purpose of covering over-allotments, upon not less
than two days' notice from the Representative, the Optional Units, or any
portion thereof, at the same price per Unit as that set forth in the preceding
sentence; and each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase
Optional Units in the same proportion in which it has agreed to purchase Firm
Units. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, you
individually and not as Representative may purchase all or any part of the
Optional Units and are not obligated to offer the Optional Units to the other
Underwriters. The Optional Units may be exercised at any time, and from time to
time, thereafter within a period of 30 calendar days following the Effective
Date. The time(s) and date(s) (if any) so designated for delivery and payment
for the Optional Units shall be set forth in the notice to the Company. Such
dates are herein defined as the Additional Closing Date(s).
(b) Payment for the Firm Units shall be made by certified or
official bank checks in New York Clearing House funds, payable to the order of
the Company, at the offices of the Representative, or its clearing agent, or at
such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company,
upon delivery of the Firm Units to the Representative for the respective
accounts of the Underwriters. In making payment to the Company with respect to
the Units, the Representative may first deduct all sums due to it for the
balance of the non-accountable expense
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allowance and under the Financial Consulting Agreement (as hereinafter defined).
Such delivery and payment shall be made at 9:30 A.M., New York City Time on the
third business day after the Effective Date which may be extended by the
Representative to not later than the fifth business day, following the Effective
Date (unless postponed in accordance with the provisions of Section 14 hereof)
or at such other time as shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the
Company. The time and date of such delivery and payment are hereby defined as
the Closing Date. It is understood that each Underwriter has authorized the
Representative, for the account of such Underwriter, to accept delivery of,
receipt for, and make payment of the purchase price for, the Firm Units which it
has agreed to purchase. You, individually, and not as Representative may (but
shall not be obligated to) make payment of the purchase price for the Firm Units
to be purchased by any Underwriter whose check shall not have been received by
the Closing Date, for the account of such Underwriter, but any such payment
shall not relieve such Underwriter from its obligations hereunder.
(c) Payment for the Optional Units shall be made at the
offices of the Representative, or its clearing agent or at such other place as
shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company, in accordance with
the notice delivered pursuant to Section 3(a) which shall be no later than seven
business days from the expiration of the 30-day option period.
(d) Certificates for the Firm Units and for the Optional Units
shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denominations
as the Representative may request in writing at least two business days prior to
the Closing Date, and the Additional Closing Date(s) (if any). The Company shall
permit the Representative to examine and package said certificates for delivery
at least one full business day prior to the Closing Date and prior to the
Additional Closing Date(s). The Company shall not be obligated to sell or
deliver any of the Firm Units except upon tender of payment by the Underwriters
for all of the Firm Units agreed to be purchased by them hereunder. The
Representative, however, shall have the sole discretion to determine the number
of Optional Units, if any, to be purchased.
(e) At the time of making payment for the Firm Units, the
Company also hereby agrees to sell to the Representative for $25 an option, to
purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $9.90 per share
(hereinafter referred to as the "Underwriters' Purchase Option"). Such
Underwriters' Purchase Option is to become exercisable one year from the
Effective Date, and shall remain exercisable for a period of four years
thereafter. From the Effective Date and until one (1) year thereafter, such
option may be transferred only to officers or partners of the Underwriters and
selling group members and their officers or partners.
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The Underwriters' Purchase Option shall contain
customary clauses protecting the holders thereof in the event the Company pays
stock dividends, effects stock splits, or effects a sale of assets, merger or
consolidation.
(f) On and subject to the Closing Date, the Company will give
irrevocable instructions to its transfer agent and Depository Trust Company to
deliver to the Representative (at the Company's expense) for a period of five
years from the Closing Date, daily transfer sheets showing any transfers of the
Securities and in the case of the transfer agent, from time to time during the
aforesaid period a complete stockholders' list will be promptly furnished by the
Company when requested by the Representative on not more than two occasions per
year.
SECTION 4. PUBLIC OFFERING. The several Underwriters agree, subject to
the terms and provisions of this Agreement, to offer the Units to the public as
soon as practicable after the Effective Date, at the initial offering price of
$12.00 per Unit and upon the terms described in the Prospectus. The
Representative may, from time to time, decrease the public offering price, after
the initial public offering, to such extent as the Representative may determine,
however, such decreases will not affect the price payable to the Company
hereunder.
SECTION 5. REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS. The Company will
furnish the Representative, without charge, two signed copies of the
Registration Statement and of each amendment thereto, including all exhibits
thereto and such amount of conformed copies of the Registration Statement and
Amendments as may be reasonably requested by the Representative for distribution
to each of the Underwriters and Selected Dealers.
The Company will furnish, at its expense, as many
printed copies of a Preliminary Prospectus and of the Prospectus as the
Representative may request for the purposes contemplated by this Agreement. If,
while the Prospectus is required to be delivered under the Act or the Rules and
Regulations, any event known to the Company relating to or affecting the Company
shall occur which should be set forth in a supplement to or an amendment of the
Prospectus in order to comply with the Act (or other applicable law) or with the
Rules and Regulations, the Company will forthwith prepare, furnish and deliver
to the Representative and to each of the other Underwriters and to others whose
names and addresses are designated by the Representative, in each case at the
Company's expense, a reasonable number of copies of such supplement or
supplements to or amendment or amendments of, the Prospectus.
The Company authorizes the Underwriters and the
selected dealers, if any, in connection with the distribution of the Units and
all dealers to whom any of the Units may be sold by the Underwriters, or by any
Selected Dealer, to use the Prospectus, as from time to time amended or
supplemented, in connection with the offering and sale of the Units and in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the Act and the applicable Rules
and Regulations and applicable State Securities Laws.
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SECTION 6. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY. The Company covenants and agrees
with each Underwriter that:
(a) After the date hereof, the Company will not at any time,
whether before or after the Effective Date, file any amendment to the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or any supplement to the Prospectus,
of which the Representative shall not previously have been advised and furnished
with a copy, or to which the Representative or the Underwriters' counsel shall
have reasonably objected in writing on the ground that it is not in compliance
with the Act or the Rules and Regulations.
(b) The Company will use its best efforts to cause the
Registration Statement to become effective (provided, however, the Company shall
not cause the Registration Statement to become effective without the written
consent of VTR) and will advise the Representative, (i) when the Registration
Statement shall have become effective and when any amendment thereto shall have
become effective, and when any amendment of or supplement to the Prospectus
shall be filed with the Commission, (ii) when the Commission shall make request
or suggestion for any amendment to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
or for additional information and the nature and substance thereof, and (iii) of
the issuance by the Commission of an order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement or of the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose,
and will use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of such an order, or if
such an order shall be issued, to obtain the withdrawal thereof at the earliest
possible moment.
(c) The Company will prepare and file with the Commission,
promptly upon the request of the Representative, such amendments, or supplements
to the Registration Statement or Prospectus, in form and substance satisfactory
to counsel to the Company, as in the reasonable opinion of Bernstein &
Wasserman, LLP, as counsel to the Underwriters, may be necessary or advisable in
connection with the offering or distribution of the Units, and will diligently
use its best efforts to cause the same to become effective.
(d) The Company will, at its expense, when and as requested by
the Representative, supply all necessary documents, exhibits and information,
and execute all such applications, instruments and papers as may be required, in
the opinion of the Underwriters' counsel, to qualify the Units or such part
thereof as the Representative may determine, for sale under the so-called "Blue
Sky" Laws of such states as the Representative shall designate, and to continue
such qualification in effect so long as required for the purposes of the
distribution of the Units, provided, however, that the Company shall not be
required to qualify as a foreign corporation or dealer in securities or to file
a consent to service of process in any state in any action other than one
arising out of the offering or sale of the Units.
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(e) The Company will, at its own expense, file and provide,
and continue to file and provide, such reports, financial statements and other
information as may be required by the Commission, or the proper public bodies of
the States in which the Units may be qualified for sale, for so long as required
by applicable law, rule or regulation and will provide the Representative with
copies of all such registrations, filings and reports on a timely basis.
(f) During the period of five years from the Effective Date,
the Company will deliver to the Underwriter a copy of each annual report of the
Company, and will deliver to the Underwriter (i) within 50 days after the end of
each of the Company's first three quarter-yearly fiscal periods, a balance sheet
of the Company as at the end of such quarter-yearly period, together with a
statement of its income and a statement of changes in its cash flow for such
period (Form 10-Q or 10-QSB), all in reasonable detail, signed by its principal
financial or accounting officer, (ii) within 105 days after the end of each
fiscal year, a balance sheet of the Company as at the end of such fiscal year,
together with a statement of its income and statement of cash flow for such
fiscal year (Form 10-K or 10-KSB), such balance sheet and statement of cash flow
for such fiscal year to be in reasonable detail and to be accompanied by a
certificate or report of independent public accountants, (who may be the regular
accountants for the Company), (iii) as soon as available a copy of every other
report (financial or other) mailed to the stockholders, and (iv) as soon as
available a copy of every non-confidential report and financial statement
furnished to or filed with the Commission or with any securities exchange
pursuant to requirements by or agreement with such exchange or the Commission
pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), or
any regulations of the Commission thereunder. If and for so long as the Company
has one or more active subsidiaries, the financial statements required by (i)
and (ii) above shall be furnished on a consolidated basis in respect of the
Company and all of the Company's subsidiaries. The financial statements referred
to in (ii) shall also be furnished to all of the stockholders of the Company as
soon as practicable after the 105 days referred to therein.
(g) The Company represents that with respect to the Warrants
and the shares of Common Stock, it will prepare and file a Registration
Statement with the Commission pursuant to Section 12 of the 1934 Act, prior to
the Effective Date with a request that such Registration Statement will become
effective on the Effective Date. The Company understands that, to register, it
must prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a General Form
of Registration of Securities (Form 8-A or Form 10). In addition, the Company
agrees to qualify its Units, Common Stock and the Warrants for listing on the
OTC Bulletin Board on the Effective Date and will take all reasonable and
necessary and appropriate action so that the securities continue to be listed
for trading on the OTC Bulletin Board for at least ten years from the Effective
Date provided the Company otherwise complies with the prevailing maintenance
requirements. In addition, at such time as the Company
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qualifies for listing its securities on the National Market System of NASDAQ,
the Company will use its best efforts to have the Company's Units and components
thereof listed on the National Market System of NASDAQ in lieu of both listing
as Small-Cap Issues on NASDAQ and on the _________ Exchange. For so long as the
Company is a reporting company under the 1934 Act, the Company shall comply with
all periodic reporting and proxy solicitation requirements imposed by the
Commission pursuant to the 1934 Act.
(h) The Company will make generally available to its security
holders, as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 months after the
Effective Date, an earnings statement of the Company (which need not be audited)
in reasonable detail, covering a period of at least twelve months beginning
after the Effective Date, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions
of Section 11(a) of the Act.
(i) The Company will, on or about the Effective Date, apply
for listing in Standard and Poor's Corporation Records and Standard & Poor's
Monthly Stock Guide and shall use its best efforts to have the Company listed in
such reports for a period of not less than ten (10) years from the Closing Date.
The Company will request accelerated treatment in the Daily News Supplement of
Standard and Poor's Corporation Records.
(j) The Company shall cause the Board of Directors to meet, at
least quarterly, upon proper notice; and, the Representative shall receive
notice of any regular or special meetings of the Company's Board of Directors
concurrently with the sending of such notice to the Company's directors and
shall have the right to have a representative attend such meeting as an
observer, but this right shall be suspended (i) three years after the Effective
Date or (ii) at any time a designee of the Underwriter is a member of or advisor
to the Company's Board of Directors as more fully set forth in Section 17 below.
(k) The Company shall employ the services of an auditing firm
acceptable to the Representative in connection with the preparation of the
financial statements required to be included in the Registration Statement and
shall continue to appoint such auditors or such other auditors as are reasonably
acceptable to the Representative for a period of five (5) years following the
Effective Date of the Registration Statement. Said financial statements shall be
prepared in accordance with Item 310 of Regulation S-B under the Rules and
Regulations. The Company shall appoint American Stock Transfer & Trust Co., New
York, New York as transfer agent for the Common Stock (the "Transfer Agent") and
as warrant agent for the Warrants.
(l) Prior to the Effective Date, the Company will enter
into employment contracts with William L. Miller and Jeanne E.
Miller satisfactory to the Representative.
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(m) Within ninety (90) days subsequent to the Effective Date,
the Company will furnish "Key Man" Life Insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 on
the life of William L. Miller with the Company as the beneficiary thereof and
the Company shall pay the annual premiums, therefore, for a period of not less
than five years from the Effective Date.
(n) The Company will for a period of five years:
(i) Furnish to the Representative and to the
Company's shareholders annual audited financial statements contained in an
annual report and unaudited financial statements contained in quarterly reports
for each of the Company's first three quarters.
(ii) [intentionally deleted]
(iii) At its expense, shall cause its regularly
engaged independent certified public accountants to review (but not audit) the
Company's financial statements for each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters
prior to the announcement of quarterly financial information, the filing of the
Company's Form 10-Q or 10-QSB quarterly report and the mailing of quarterly
financial information to security holders.
(o) Unless and until such time as the securities of the
Company are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange
or NASDAQ/NMS, the Company shall cause its legal counsel to provide the
Representative with a survey, to be updated at least annually, for 5 years, of
those states in which the securities of the Company may be traded in non-issuer
transactions under the Blue Sky laws of the states and the basis for such
authority. At closing, the first such survey shall be delivered by the
Underwriter's legal counsel, Bernstein & Wasserman, LLP.
(p) As soon as practicable after the Closing Date, the Company
will deliver to the Representative and its counsel a total of three bound
volumes of copies of all documents relating to the public offering which is the
subject of this Agreement.
(q) The Company, for a period of at least three years
following the public offering, shall retain the services of a financial public
relations firm(s) satisfactory to the Representative, said agreement(s) to
commence no later than 30 days after the Closing of the public offering.
(r) Stock certificates and Warrant certificates shall be first
submitted to the Representative for approval prior to printing. The Company
shall, as promptly as possible, after filing the Registration Statement with the
Commission, obtain a CUSIP number for the Units, shares and Unit Warrants and
have each of the securities eligible for closing through Depository Trust
Company.
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(s) The Company will not issue and sell any of its securities
not contemplated by the Registration Statement for twenty four months from the
date of this agreement.
SECTION 7. EXPENSES OF THE COMPANY.
The Company shall be responsible for and shall bear all expenses
directly and necessarily incurred in connection with the proposed financing,
including: (i) the preparation, printing and filing of the Offering Documents
and amendments thereto, including NASD, SEC, filing and/or application fees,
preliminary and final Prospectus and the printing of the Underwriting Agreement,
the Agreement Among Underwriters and the Selected Dealers' Agreement, a Blue Sky
Memorandum, material to be circulated to the Underwriters by us and other
incidental material; (ii) the issuance and delivery of certificates representing
the shares and Unit Warrants, including original issue and transfer taxes, if
any; (iii) the qualifications of the Company's Units covered by the "firm
commitment" offering under State Securities or Blue Sky Laws, including counsel
fees of the Representative relating thereto in the sum of $35,000.00 Dollars
(the "Blue Sky Legal Fees"), together with appropriate state filing fees plus
disbursements (estimated to be $25,000) relating to, but not limited to,
long-distance telephone calls, photocopying, messengers, excess postage,
overnight mail and courier services; and (iv) the fees and disbursements of
counsel for the Company and the accountants for the Company. The Blue Sky Legal
Fees payment shall not include fees of special counsel if same is required to be
incurred in a merit review state which may require local counsel.
After closing of the public offering, the Company shall bear the costs
of tombstone announcements not to exceed $______________.
SECTION 8. PAYMENT OF UNDERWRITERS' EXPENSES.
(a) On the Closing Date and Additional Closing Date(s) (if
any) the Company will pay to VTR an expense allowance equal to three (3%)
percent of the total gross proceeds derived from the sale of the 250,000 Units
and Optional Units, as an advance against reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
anticipated to be incurred by, or on behalf of, VTR, including the fees and
disbursements of counsel to the Underwriters and for costs of otherwise
unreimbursed advertising, traveling, postage, telephone and telegraph expenses
and other miscellaneous expenses incurred by or on behalf of the Representative
and the Underwriters in preparation for, or in connection with the offering and
sale and distribution of the Units; and VTR shall not be obligated to account to
the Company for such disbursements and expenses. In the event, however, that the
Representative terminates this Agreement pursuant to the provisions of Section
12 hereof, the Representative shall be reimbursed for its actual accountable
out-of-pocket expenses and shall be obligated to account for expenditures of any
advance payment to VTR and to refund to the Company any portion of the advance
not expended. In the event that the Representative terminates this agreement
pursuant to the provisions of Section 12(b), the Representative shall be
entitled to reimbursement of expenses on an accountable basis.
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(b) On the Effective Date, the Company will enter into an
agreement retaining VTR, as a management and financial consultant for a
three-year period, commencing as of the Effective Date at a fee equal to
$100,000 payable in full in advance on the Closing Date.
SECTION 9. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each
Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the
meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act against any
and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities, joint or several (including any
reasonable investigation, legal and other expenses incurred in connection with,
and any amount paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or any
claim asserted), to which they, or any of them, may become subject under the
Act, the Exchange Act or other Federal or state law or regulation, at common law
or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out
of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact contained in any preliminary prospectus, the Registration
Statement or the statement of a material fact contained in any preliminary
prospectus, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or any amendment
thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon any omission or
alleged omission to state therein such fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make such statements therein not misleading. Such indemnity shall
not inure to the benefit of any Underwriter (or any person controlling such
Underwriter) on account of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities arising
from the sale of the Units to any person by such Underwriter if such untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement or omission was made in such preliminary
prospectus, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or such amendment or
supplement, in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in
writing to the Company by the Representatives on behalf of any Underwriter
specifically for use therein. In no event shall the indemnification agreement
contained in this Section 9(a) inure to the benefit of any Underwriter on
account of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions arising from the
sale of the Units upon the public offering to any person by such Underwriter if
such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions arise out of, or are based
upon, a statement or omission or alleged omission in a preliminary prospectus
and if, in respect to such statement, omission or alleged omission, the
Prospectus differs in a material respect from such preliminary prospectus and a
copy of the Prospectus has not been sent or given to such person at or prior to
the confirmation of such sale to such person. This indemnity agreement will be
in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have.
(b) Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to
indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each person, if any, who controls the
Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the
Exchange Act, each director of the Company, and each officer of the Company who
signs the Registration Statement, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity
from the
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Company to each Underwriter, but only insofar as such losses, claims, damages or
liabilities arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or omission or
alleged untrue statement or omission which was made in any Preliminary
Prospectus, any Rule 430A Prospectus, the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, which were made in
reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the
Company by the Representatives on behalf of any Underwriter for specific use
therein; provided, however, that the obligation of each Underwriter to indemnify
the Company (including any controlling person, director or officer thereof)
shall be limited to the net proceeds received by the Company from such
Underwriter. For all purposes of this Agreement, the amounts of the selling
concession and reallowance set forth in the Prospectus constitute the only
information furnished in writing by or on behalf of any Underwriter expressly
for inclusion in any Preliminary Prospectus, any Rule 430A Prospectus, the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto.
(c) Any party that proposes to assert the right to be
indemnified under this Section will, promptly after receipt of notice of
commencement of any action, suit or proceeding against such party in respect of
which a claim is to be made against an indemnifying party or parties under this
Section, notify each such indemnifying party of the commencement of such action,
suit or proceeding, enclosing a copy of all papers served. No indemnification
provided for in Section 9(a) or 9(b) shall be available to any party who shall
fail to give notice as provided in this Section 9(c) if the party to whom notice
was not given was unaware of the proceeding to which such notice would have
related and was prejudiced by the failure to give such notice but the omission
so to notify such indemnifying party of any such action, suit or proceeding
shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to any indemnified
party for contribution or otherwise than under this Section. In case any such
action, suit or proceeding shall be brought against any indemnified party and it
shall notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the
indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate in, and, to the extent that
it shall wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to
assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such
indemnified party, and after notice from the indemnifying party to such
indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof and the
approval by the indemnified party of such counsel, the indemnifying party shall
not be liable to such indemnified party for any legal or other expenses, except
as provided below and except for the reasonable costs of investigation
subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense
thereof. The indemnified party shall have the right to employ its counsel in any
such action, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense
of such indemnified party unless (i) the employment of counsel by such
indemnified party has been authorized in writing by the indemnifying parties,
(ii) the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a
conflict of interest between the indemnifying parties and the indemnified party
in the
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conduct of the defense of such action (in which case the indemnifying parties
shall not have the right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of the
indemnified party, or (iii) the indemnifying parties shall not have employed
counsel to assume the defense of such action within a reasonable time after
notice of the commencement thereof, in each of which cases the reasonable fees
and expenses of counsel shall be at the expense of the indemnifying parties. An
indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any action, suit,
proceeding or claim effected without its written consent.
(d) In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in
circumstances in which the indemnification provided for in Sections 9(a) and (b)
is due in accordance with its terms but for any reason is held to be unavailable
from the Company, or the Underwriters, the Company, and the Underwriters shall
contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including
any investigation, legal and other expenses reasonably incurred in connection
with, and any amount paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or
any claims asserted, but after deducting any contribution received by the
Company from persons other than the Underwriters, persons who control the
company within the meaning of the Act, officers of the Company who signed the
Registration Statement and directors of the Company, who may also be liable for
contribution) to which the Company and one or more of the Underwriters may be
subject in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits
received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other from
the offering of the Units or, if such allocation is not permitted by applicable
law or indemnification is not available as a result of the indemnifying party
not having received notice as provided herein in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to above but also
the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the
other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant
omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
expenses, as well as any other relevant omissions which resulted in such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant
equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company, and the
Underwriters shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as (x) the total
proceeds from the Offering (net of underwriting discounts but before deducting
expenses) received by the Company or from the sale of the Units, as set forth in
the table on the cover page of the Prospectus (but not taking into account the
use of the proceeds of such sale of Units by the Company), bear to (y) the
underwriting discount received by the Underwriters, as set forth in the table on
the cover page of the Prospectus. The relative fault of the Company, and the
Underwriters shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether
the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact related to information
supplied by the Company, or the Underwriters and the parties' relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such
statement or omission. The Company, and the
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Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution
pursuant to this Section 9 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the
Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method
of allocation which does not take account of the equitable consideration
referred to above. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 9, in no case
shall any Underwriter (except as may be provided in the Agreement Among
Underwriters) be liable or responsible for any amount in excess of the
underwriting discount applicable to the Units purchased by such Underwriter
hereunder. For purposes of this Section 9, each person, if any, who controls an
Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20(a) of the
Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and
each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15
of the Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, each officer of the Company who
shall have signed the Registration Statement and each director of the Company
shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company, subject to the
immediately preceding sentence of this Section 9. Any party entitled to
contribution will, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of any
action, suit or proceeding against such party in respect of which a claim for
contribution may be made against another party or parties under this Section,
notify such party or parties from whom contribution may be sought, but the
omission so to notify such party or parties from whom contribution may be sought
shall not relieve the party or parties from whom contribution may be sought from
any other obligation it or they may have hereunder or otherwise than under this
Section. No party shall be liable for contribution with respect to any action,
suit, proceeding or claim settled without its written consent. The Underwriters'
obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 9 are several in proportion
to their respective underwriting commitments and not joint.
SECTION 10. EFFECTIVENESS OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement shall become
effective (i) at 10:00 A.M., New York Time, on the first full business day after
the Effective Date, or (ii) at the time of the initial public offering by the
Underwriters of the Units, whichever shall first occur. The time of the initial
public offering by the Underwriters of the Units for the purposes of this
Section 10, shall mean the time, after the Registration Statement becomes
effective, of the release by the Representative for publication of the first
newspaper advertisement which is subsequently published relating to the Units,
or the time, after the Registration Statement becomes effective, when the Units
are first released by the Representative for offering by the Underwriters or
dealers by letter or telegram, whichever shall first occur. The Representative
agrees to notify the Company immediately after it shall have taken any action,
by release or otherwise, whereby this Agreement shall have become effective.
This Agreement shall, nevertheless, become effective at such time earlier than
the time specified above, after the Effective Date, as the Representative may
determine by notice to the Company.
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SECTION 11. CONDITIONS OF THE UNDERWRITERS' OBLIGATIONS. The
obligations of the several Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Units which
the Underwriters have agreed to purchase hereunder are subject to: the accuracy,
as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Dates, of all of the representations
and warranties of the Company and contained in this Agreement; the Company's
compliance with, or performance of, all of its covenants, undertakings and
agreements contained in this Agreement that are required to be complied with or
performed on or prior to each of the Closing Dates and to the following
additional conditions:
(a) On or prior to the Closing Date, no order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no
proceeding for that purpose shall have been instituted or be pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, shall be threatened by the Commission; any request for
additional information on the part of the Commission (to be included in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus or otherwise) shall have been complied
with to the satisfaction of the Commission; and neither the Registration
Statement nor any amendment thereto shall have been filed to which counsel to
the Underwriters shall have reasonably objected, in writing.
(b) The Representative shall not have disclosed in writing to
the Company that the Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or
supplement thereto contained, as of the date thereof, an untrue statement of a
fact which, in the opinion of counsel to the Underwriters, is material, or omits
to state a fact which, in the opinion of such counsel, is material and is
required to be stated therein, or is necessary to make the statements therein
not materially misleading.
(c) Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, the Company
shall not have sustained any loss on account of fire, explosion, flood,
accident, calamity or other cause, of such character as materially adversely
affects its business or property, whether or not such loss is covered by
insurance.
(d) Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, there shall
be no litigation instituted or threatened against the Company, and there shall
be no proceeding instituted or threatened against the Company before or by any
federal or state commission, regulatory body or administrative agency or other
governmental body, domestic or foreign, wherein an unfavorable ruling, decision
or finding would materially adversely affect the business, licenses, permits,
operations or financial condition or income of the Company.
(e) Except as contemplated herein or as set forth in the
Registration Statement and Prospectus, during the period subsequent to the
Effective Date and prior to the Closing Date, (A) the Company shall have
conducted its business in the usual and ordinary manner as the same was being
conducted on the date of the filing of the initial Registration Statement and
(B) except in the ordinary course of its business, the Company shall not have
incurred any
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material liabilities or obligations (direct or contingent), or disposed of any
of its assets, or entered into any material transaction, and (C) the Company
shall not have suffered or experienced any material adverse change in its
business, affairs or in its condition, financial or otherwise. On the Closing
Date, the capital stock and surplus accounts of the Company shall be
substantially as great as at its last financial report without considering the
proceeds from the sale of the Units except to the extent that any decrease is
disclosed in or contemplated by the Prospectus.
(f) The authorization of the Units, the Common Stock and the
Warrants, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and all corporate
proceedings and other legal matters incident thereto and to this Agreement,
shall be reasonably satisfactory in all respects to counsel to the Underwriters.
(g) The Company shall have furnished to the Representative the
opinions, dated the Closing Date, and Additional Closing Date(s), addressed to
you, of Hornsby, Sacher, Zelman, Stanton, Paul & Beiley, P.A., counsel for the
Company, that:
(i) The Company has been duly incorporated and is a validly
existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware
with full corporate power and authority to own and operate its properties and to
carry on its business as set forth in the Registration Statement and Prospectus;
it has authorized and outstanding capital as set forth in the Registration
Statement and Prospectus; and the Company is duly licensed or qualified as a
foreign corporation in all jurisdictions in which the ownership or leasing of
its properties requires such qualification or license, except where failure to
be so qualified or licensed would have no material adverse effect on the
business of the Company.
(ii) The Company has an authorized, issued and outstanding
capital stock as set forth under the caption "Capitalization" in the Prospectus.
All of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock are duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable, and do not have any
preemptive rights. The Company will have duly authorized, reserved and set aside
shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and any other
outstanding options, warrants or stock option plans and when issued in
accordance with the terms contained therein against payment therefor, will be
duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
(iii) The Common Stock, Warrants and the Underwriters' Warrant
conform to descriptions thereof under "Description of Securities" contained in
the Prospectus.
(iv) The Underwriters will receive good and marketable title
to the Units purchased by them from the Company in accordance with the terms and
provisions of this Agreement, to the best of such counsel's knowledge, free and
clear of all liens,
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encumbrances, claims, security interests, restrictions, stockholders' agreements
and voting trusts whatsoever.
(v) Except as set forth in the Prospectus, there
are no outstanding options, warrants, or other rights, providing for the
issuance of, and, to the best of the knowledge of such counsel, no commitments,
plans or arrangements to issue, any shares of any class of capital stock of the
Company, or any security convertible into, or exchangeable for, any shares of
any class of capital stock of the Company.
(vi) To the best of such counsel's knowledge, no
consents, approvals, authorizations or orders of agencies, officers or other
regulatory authorities are necessary for the valid authorization, issue or sale
of the Units hereunder, except such as may be required under the Act or state
securities or Blue Sky Laws.
(vii) The Registration Statement has become effective
under the Act and, to the best of the knowledge of such counsel, no order
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement is in effect and no
proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending before or
threatened by, the Commission;
(viii) To the best of such counsel's knowledge and
based upon the investigation described below, the Registration Statement and
Prospectus, and each amendment thereof and supplement thereto, comply as to form
in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Act and the
Rules and Regulations (except that no opinion need be expressed as to financial
statements, notes thereto, and financial data contained in the Registration
Statement or Prospectus). Such counsel has participated in conferences with
officers and representatives of the Company and with its certified public
accountants in the preparation of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
At such conferences counsel has made inquiries of such officers, representatives
and accountants, and discussed the contents of the Registration Statement and
the Prospectus. Such counsel has not independently verified, and, accordingly,
does not assume any responsibility for, the accuracy, completeness or fairness
of the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus,
other than as set forth the Prospectus insofar as such statements relate to the
contents of particular documents therein described, except for documents
prepared by counsel for Underwriter. On the basis of the foregoing, nothing has
come to the attention of such counsel to cause such counsel to believe that the
Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto
contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material
fact necessary in order to make statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (except, in the case of
both the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto and the Prospectus and
any supplement thereto, for the financial statements, notes thereto and other
financial and statistical data and schedules contained therein, as to which such
counsel need express no opinion); and such counsel is familiar with all
contracts referred
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to in the Registration Statement or in the Prospectus and such contracts are
sufficiently summarized or disclosed therein, except for contracts prepared on
behalf of the Underwriter, or filed as exhibits thereto, as required, and such
counsel does not know of any other contracts required to be summarized or
disclosed or filed; and such counsel does not know of any legal or governmental
proceedings to which the Company is a party, or in which property of the Company
is the subject, of a character required to be disclosed in the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus which are not so disclosed therein.
(ix) The statements in the Registration Statement
under the caption "Business" have been reviewed by such counsel and insofar as
they refer to descriptions of agreements, statutes, licenses, certifications,
rules or regulations or legal conclusions, are correct in all material respects.
(x) This Agreement has been duly authorized and
executed by the Company and is a valid and binding agreement of the Company
enforceable in accordance with its terms subject to bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and other laws affecting creditors rights generally
and except that no opinion need be given with regard to the enforceability of
Section 9 hereof or the availability of equitable relief.
(xi) To the best knowledge of such counsel: (a) no
default exists, and no event has occurred which, with notice or lapse of time,
or both, would constitute a default in the due performance and observance of any
material term, covenant or condition by the Company of any indenture, mortgage,
deed of trust, note or any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is
a party or by which it or its business or its properties may be bound or
affected, except where such default would not have a material adverse effect on
the business of the Company and except as disclosed in the Prospectus; (b) the
Company has full power and lawful authority to authorize, issue and sell the
Units on the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Registration
Statement and in the Prospectus; (c) no consent, approval, authorization or
other order of any regulatory authority is required for such authorization,
issue or sale, except as may be required under the Act or State securities laws,
clearance with the NASD and such other consent, approval, authorization or order
as has been obtained and is in full force and effect; and (d) the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions herein
contemplated, and compliance with the terms hereof will not conflict with, or
constitute a default under, any material indenture, mortgage, deed of trust,
note or any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is now a party or
by which it or its business or its properties may be bound or affected, the
Certificate of Incorporation and any amendments thereto, the by-laws of the
Company or any order, rule or regulation, writ, injunction or decree of any
government, governmental instrumentality, or court, domestic or foreign, having
jurisdiction over the Company or its business or properties, except
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for the SEC's position on indemnification of officers and
directors.
(xi) Except as disclosed in the Registration
Statement and Prospectus, to the best knowledge of such counsel, there are no
material actions, suits or proceedings at law or in equity of a material nature
pending, or to such counsel's knowledge, threatened against the Company which
are not adequately covered by insurance and there are no proceedings pending or,
to the knowledge of such counsel, threatened against the Company before or by
any Federal or State Commission, regulatory body, or administrative agency or
other governmental body, wherein an unfavorable ruling, decision or finding
would materially and adversely affect the business, operation or condition
(financial or otherwise) of the Company, which are not disclosed in the
Prospectus.
(xii) The Underwriters' Purchase Option to be issued to the
Representative hereunder will be, when issued, duly and validly authorized and
executed by the Company and will constitute valid and binding obligations of the
Company, legally enforceable in accordance with their terms except as
enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or other laws pertaining to creditors rights generally and the
Company will have duly authorized, reserved and set aside the shares of its
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Underwriters' Purchase Option and
such stock, when issued and paid for upon exercise of the Underwriters' Purchase
Option in accordance with the provisions thereof, will be duly and validly
issued, fully-paid and non-assessable.
Such opinion shall also cover such other matters incident to
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as the Representative shall
reasonably request. In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely upon
certificates of any officer of the Company or public officials as to matters of
fact.
(h) The Company shall have furnished to the Representative
certificates of the Chief Executive Officer and an Executive Vice-President of
the Company, dated as of the Closing Date, and Additional Closing Date(s), to
the effect that:
(i) Each of the representations and warranties
of the Company contained in Section 2 hereof is true and correct in all material
respects at and as of such Closing Date, and the Company has performed or
complied with all of its agreements, covenants and undertakings contained in
this Agreement and has performed or satisfied all the conditions contained in
this Agreement on its part to be performed or satisfied at the Closing Date;
(ii) The Registration Statement has become
effective and no order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement has been issued, and, to the best of the knowledge of the
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respective signers, no proceeding for that purpose has been
initiated or is threatened by the Commission;
(iii) The respective signers have each carefully
examined the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendments and
supplements thereto, and to the best of their knowledge the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus and any amendments and supplements thereto and all
statements contained therein are true and correct in all material respects, and
neither the Registration Statement nor the Prospectus nor any amendment or
supplement thereto includes any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading and, since the effective date of the
Registration Statement, there has occurred no event required to be set forth in
an amended or supplemented Prospectus which has not been so set forth except
changes which the Registration Statement and Prospectus indicate might occur.
(iv) Except as set forth or contemplated in the
Registration Statement and Prospectus, since the respective dates as of which,
or periods for which, information is given in the Registration Statement and
Prospectus and prior to the date of such certificate (A) there has not been any
material adverse change, financial or otherwise, in the business, business
prospects, earnings, general affairs or condition (financial or otherwise), of
the Company (in each case whether or not arising in the ordinary course of
business), and (B) the Company has not incurred any material liabilities, direct
or contingent, or entered into any material transactions, otherwise than in the
ordinary course of business other than as referred to in the Registration
Statement or Prospectus and except changes which the Registration Statement and
Prospectus indicate might occur.
(i) The Company shall have furnished to the Representative on
the Closing Date, such other certificates of executive officers of the Company
additional to those specifically mentioned herein, as the Representative may
have reasonably requested, as to: the accuracy and completeness of any statement
in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or in any amendment or
supplement thereto; the representations and warranties of the Company herein;
the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder; or the fulfillment
of the conditions concurrent and precedent to the obligations of the
Underwriters hereunder, which are required to be performed or fulfilled on or
prior to the Closing Date.
(j) At the time this Agreement is executed, and on each
Closing Date you shall have received a letter from Hausser & Taylor, addressed
to the Representative, as Representative of the Underwriters, and dated,
respectively, as of the date of this Agreement and as of each Closing Date in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative, to the effect
that:
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(i) They are independent public accountants
within the meaning of the Act and the applicable published Rules and
Regulations of the Commission;
(ii) In their opinion, the financial statements and
related schedules of the Company included in the Registration Statement and
Prospectus and covered by their reports comply as to form in all material
respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and the
published Rules and Regulations of the Commission issued thereunder;
(iii) On the basis of LIMITED PROCEDURES in
accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants, including (1) a reading of the latest available financial
statements of the Company (a copy of which shall be attached to such letter),
(2) a reading of the latest available minutes of the meetings of the
stockholders and the Board of Directors of the Company as set forth in the
minute books of the Company, officials of the Company having advised you and
them that the minutes of all such meetings through that date were set forth
therein, (3) consultations with officials of the Company responsible for
financial and accounting matters of the Company, which procedures do not
constitute an examination in accordance with generally accepted accounting
standards, and would not necessarily reveal material adverse changes in the
financial position or results of operations or inconsistencies in the
application of generally accepted accounting principles, nothing has come to
their attention which in their judgment would lead them to believe that (a) the
unaudited financial statements and related schedules of the Company included in
the Registration Statement and Prospectus do not comply as to form in all
material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and the
published Rules and Regulations of the Commission issued thereunder, or were not
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and
practices consistent in all material respects with those followed in the
preparation of the comparable financial statements and schedules covered by
their reports included in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, or would
require any material adjustments for a fair presentation of the information
purported to be shown thereby or (b) during the period from the date of the
Capitalization table included in the Prospectus to a specified date not more
than four business days prior to the date of such letter, there has been any
material change in the capital stock or debt of the Company, or (c) during the
period from the date of the latest balance sheet and related statements of
operations, changes in stockholders' equity and changes in financial position
included in the Prospectus and covered by their reports contained therein to the
date of the letter, there has been any material adverse change in the financial
condition, or results of operations, of the Company; and
(iv) In addition to the examination referred to in
their reports included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and the
limited procedures referred to in clause (iii) above, they have carried out
certain specified procedures, not
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constituting an audit, with respect to certain amounts, percentages and
financial information which are derived from the general accounting records of
the Company which appear in the Prospectus under the captions "Capitalization",
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations", "Executive Compensation", "Certain Transactions", "Selected
Financial Data," "Dilution," and "Risk Factors," as well as such other financial
information as may be specified by the Representative, and that they have
compared such amounts, percentages and financial information with the accounting
records of the Company and have found them to be in agreement.
(k) All the opinions, letters, certificates and evidence mentioned
above or elsewhere in this Agreement shall be deemed to be in compliance with
the provisions hereof only if they are in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to counsel to the Underwriters, whose approval shall not be
reasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
If any of the conditions specified in this Section shall not
have been fulfilled when and as required by this Agreement and all obligations
of the Underwriters hereunder may be terminated and canceled by the
Representative by notifying the Company of such termination and cancellation in
writing or by telegram at any time prior to, or on, the Closing Date and any
such termination and cancellation shall be without liability of any party hereto
any other party, except with respect to the provisions of Sections 7 and 8
hereof. The Representative may, of course, waive, in writing, any conditions
which have not been fulfilled or extend the time for their fulfillment.
SECTION 12. TERMINATION.
(a) This Agreement may be terminated by the Representative by
written or telegraphic notice to the Company at any time before it becomes
effective pursuant to Section 10.
(b) This Agreement may be terminated by the Representative by
written or telegraphic notice to the Company, at any time after it becomes
effective, in the event that the Company, after notice from the Representative
and an opportunity to cure, shall have failed or been unable to comply with any
of the terms, conditions or provisions of this Agreement on the part of the
Company to be performed, complied with or fulfilled within the respective times
herein provided for, including without limitation Section 6(g) hereof, unless
compliance therewith or performance or satisfaction thereof shall have been
expressly waived by the Representative in writing. This Agreement may also be
terminated if (i) qualifications are received or provided by the Company's
independent public accountants or attorneys to the effect of either inabilities
in furnishing certifications as to material items including, without limitation,
information contained within the footnotes to the financial statements, or as
affecting matters incident to the issuance and sale of the securities
contemplated or as to corporate proceedings or other matters or (ii) there is
any
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action, suit or proceeding, threatened or pending, at law or equity against the
Company, or by any Federal, State or other commission, board or agency wherein
any unfavorable result or decision could materially adversely affect the
business, property, or financial condition of the Company which was not
disclosed in the Prospectus.
(c) This Agreement may be terminated by the Representative by
written or telegraphic notice to the Company at any time after it becomes
effective, if the offering of, or the sale of, or the payment for, or the
delivery of, the Units is rendered impracticable or inadvisable because (i)
additional material governmental restriction, not in force and effect on the
date hereof, shall have been imposed upon trading in securities generally or
minimum or maximum prices shall have been generally established on the New York
Stock Exchange or trading in securities generally on such exchange shall have
been suspended or a general banking moratorium shall have been established by
Federal or New York State authorities or (ii) a war or other national calamity
shall have occurred involving the United States or (iii) the condition of the
market for securities in general shall have materially and adversely changed, or
(iv) the condition of any matter materially affecting the Company or its
business or business prospects, is such that it would be undesirable,
impractical or inadvisable to proceed with, or consummate, this Agreement or the
public offering of the Units.
(d) Any termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section
12 shall be without liability of any character (including, but not limited to,
loss of anticipated profits or consequential damages) on the part of any party
hereto, except that the Company shall remain obligated to pay the costs and
expenses provided to be paid by it specified in Sections 6, 7 and 8, to the
extent therein provided. In addition, the Underwriter shall account to the
Company for any advance and shall reimburse the Company for any portion of the
advance not expended for actual out-of-pocket expenses. In the event that the
Representative terminates this agreement pursuant to the provisions of Section
12(b), the Representative shall be entitled to reimbursement of expenses on an
accountable basis.
SECTION 13. FINDER. The Company, and the Underwriters mutually
represent that they know of no person who rendered any service in connection
with the introduction of the Company to the Underwriters and that they know of
no outstanding claim by anyone for a "finder's fee" or similar type of fee, in
connection with the public offering which is the subject of this Agreement. Each
party hereby indemnifies the other against any such claims by any person known
to it, and not known to the other party hereto, who shall claim to have rendered
services in connection with the introduction of the Company to the Underwriters
and/or to have such a claim.
SECTION 14. SUBSTITUTION OF UNDERWRITERS.
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(a) If one or more Underwriters default in its or their
obligations to purchase and pay for Units hereunder and if the aggregate amount
of such Units which all Underwriters so defaulting have agreed to purchase does
not exceed 10% of the aggregate number of Units constituting the Units, the
non-defaulting Underwriters shall have the right and shall be obligated
severally to purchase and pay for (in addition to the Units set forth opposite
their names in Schedule I) the full amount of the Units agreed to be purchased
by all such defaulting Underwriters and not so purchased, in proportion to their
respective commitments hereunder. In such event the Representative, for the
accounts of the several non-defaulting Underwriters, may take up and pay for all
or any part of such additional Units to be purchased by each such Underwriter
under this subsection (a), and may postpone the Closing Date for seven business
days; or
(b) If one or more Underwriters (other than the
Representative) default in its or their obligations to purchase and pay for the
Units hereunder and if the aggregate amount of such Units which all Underwriters
so defaulting shall have agreed to purchase shall exceed 10% of the aggregate
number of Units, or if one or more Underwriters for any reason permitted
hereunder cancel its or their obligations to purchase and pay for Units
hereunder, the non-canceling and non-defaulting Underwriters (hereinafter called
the "Remaining Underwriters") shall have the right, but shall not be obligated
to purchase such Units in such proportion as may be agreed among them, at the
Closing Date. If the Remaining Underwriters do not purchase and pay for such
Units at such Closing Date, the Closing Date shall be postponed for one business
day and the remaining Underwriters shall have the right to purchase such Units,
or to substitute another person or persons to purchase the same or both, at such
postponed Closing Date. If purchasers shall not have been found for such Units
by such postponed Closing Date, the Closing Date shall be postponed for a
further two business days and the Company shall have the right to substitute
another person or persons, satisfactory to you to purchase such Units at such
second postponed Closing Date. If the Company shall not have found such
purchasers for such Units by such second postponed Closing Date, then this
Agreement shall automatically terminate and neither the Company nor the
remaining Underwriters (including the Representative) shall be under any
obligation under this Agreement (except that the Company shall remain liable to
the extent provided in Paragraph 7 hereof). As used in this Agreement, the term
"Underwriter" includes any person substituted for an Underwriter under this
Section 14. Nothing in this subparagraph (b) will relieve a defaulting
Underwriter from its liability, if any, to the other Underwriters or the Company
for damages occasioned by its default hereunder (and such damages shall be
deemed to include, without limitation, all expenses reasonably incurred by each
Underwriter in connection with the proposed purchase and sale of the Units) or
obligate any Underwriter to purchase or find purchasers for any Units in excess
of those agreed to be purchased by such Underwriter under the terms of Sections
3 and 14 hereof.
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SECTION 15. REGISTRATION OF THE COMMON STOCK UNDERLYING THE
UNDERWRITERS' PURCHASE OPTION. The Company agrees that it will, upon request by
the Representative or the holders of a majority of the Underwriters' Purchase
Option and Underlying Securities within the period commencing one year after the
Effective Date, and for a period of five years from the Effective Date, on one
occasion only at the Company's sole expense, cause the Underwriters' Purchase
Option and/or the Underlying Securities issuable upon exercise of the
Underwriters' Purchase Option, to be the subject of a post-effective amendment,
a new Registration Statement, if appropriate (hereinafter referred to as the
"demand Registration Statement"), so as to enable the Representative and/or its
assigns to offer publicly the Underwriters' Purchase Option and/or the
underlying securities. The Company agrees to register such securities
expeditiously and, where possible, within forty-five (45) business days after
receipt of such requests. The Company agrees to use its "best efforts" to cause
the post-effective amendment, new Registration Statement to become effective and
for a period of nine (9) months thereafter to reflect in the post-effective
amendment, new Registration Statement, financial statements which are prepared
in accordance with Section 10(a)(3) of the Act and any facts or events arising
which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental and/or material
change in the information set forth in such post-effective amendment or new
Registration Statement. The holders of the Underwriters' Purchase Option may
demand registration without exercising such option and, in fact, are never
required to exercise same.
The Company understands and will agree that if, at
any time within the period commencing one year after the Effective Date and
ending seven years after the Effective Date of the Company's Registration
Statement, it should file a Registration Statement with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, regardless of whether some
of the holders of the Underwriters' Purchase Option and Underlying Securities
shall have theretofore availed themselves of the right provided above, the
Company, at its own expense, will offer to said holders the opportunity to
register the Underwriters' Purchase Option and Underlying Securities. This
paragraph is not applicable to a Registration Statement filed by the Company
with the SEC on Form S-8 or any other inappropriate form.
In addition to the rights above provided, the Company
will cooperate with the then majority holders of the Underwriters' Purchase
Option and Underlying Securities in preparing and signing a Registration
Statement, on one occasion only in addition to the Registration Statements
discussed above, required in order to sell or transfer the aforesaid
Underwriters' Purchase Option and underlying securities and will supply all
information required therefor, but such additional Registration Statement shall
be at the then holders' cost and expense unless the Company elects to register
additional shares of the Company's Common Stock in which case the cost and
expense of such Registration Statement will be prorated between the Company and
the
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holders of the Underwriters' Purchase Option and underlying securities
according to the aggregate sales price of the securities being issued. The
holders of the Underwriters' Purchase Option may include such Warrants in
any such filing without exercising the Underwriters' Purchase Option, and
in fact, are never required to exercise same. The Company can, at any time for
any reason, withdraw any such registration except in connection with a
Registration Statement filed pursuant to the Company's demand Registration
Statement.
SECTION 16. WARRANT EXERCISE FEE AGREEMENT. Commencing twelve months
after the Effective Date, the Company will pay VTR an amount equal to four (4%)
percent of the aggregate exercise price of each Warrant exercised (except for
those Warrants exercised by an Underwriter)of which a portion may be allowed to
the dealer who solicited the exercise (which may also be VTR); provided: (1) the
market price of the Common Stock on the date the Warrant was exercised was
greater than the Warrant exercise price on that date; (2) exercise of the
Warrant was solicited by a member of the NASD which was designated in writing as
the soliciting broker; (3) the Warrant was not held in a discretionary account;
(4) disclosure of compensation arrangements was made both at the time of the
offering and at the time of exercise of the Warrant; (5) the solicitation of the
exercise of the Warrant was not in violation of Regulation M promulgated under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (6) solicitation of the exercise is in
compliance with NASD Notice to Members 81-38. The Warrant Exercise Fee shall be
paid in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph and the Warrant
Exercise Fee Agreement filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement (the
"Warrant Exercise Fee Agreement"). The Company also agrees to execute and
deliver the Warrant Exercise Fee Agreement to VTR on the Closing Date.
SECTION 17. DESIGNATION OF A DIRECTOR OR NON-VOTING ADVISOR TO THE
BOARD: Unless waived by its, the Representative shall have the right to
designate a director or a non-voting advisor to the Board, such person being
reasonably acceptable to the Company, for a period of five years after the
Effective Date. Said designee, shall attend meetings of the Board and receive no
more or less compensation than is paid to other non-management directors of the
Company and shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for all reasonable costs
incurred in attending such meetings, including but not limited to, food, lodging
and transportation. Moreover, to the extent permitted by law, the Company will
agree to indemnify the Representative and its designee for the actions of such
designee as director or as an advisor of the Company. In the event the
Representative designates a director, then the Company will utilize its best
efforts to obtain officer and director liability insurance of at least
$1,000,000 dollars prior to such person serving as a director and if obtained,
to maintain such policy in effect until five years from the Effective Date. To
the extent permitted under the policy, it will also include each of the
Representative and its designee as an insured under such policy.
SECTION 18. FINDER'S FEE: If the Company shall within five (5) years
from the Effective Date, enter into any agreement or understanding with any
person or entity introduced by the
29
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Representative involving (i) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets
and properties of the Company, (ii) the merger or consolidation of the Company
(other than a merger or consolidation effected for the purpose of changing the
Company's domicile) or (iii) the acquisition by the Company of the assets or
stock of another business entity, which agreement or understanding is thereafter
consummated, whether or not during such five (5) year period, the Company, upon
such consummation, shall pay to the Representative an amount equal to the
following percentages of the consideration paid by the Company in connection
with such transaction:
5% of the first $4,000,000 or portion thereof, of such
consideration;
4% of the next $1,000,000 or portion thereof, of such
consideration;
3% of the next $1,000,000 or portion thereof of such
consideration; and
2% of such consideration in excess of the first
$6,000,000 of such consideration.
The fee payable to the Representative will be in the same form of
consideration and payable at the same time as that paid by or to the Company, as
the case may be, in any such transactions.
SECTION 19. RESTRICTION ON SECURITIES All officers and directors of
the Company, Duncan Hill Co., Ltd., and Milton H. Barbarosh, as of the Effective
Date, have agreed not to sell, transfer, hypothecate or convey any capital stock
or derivative securities (except for those securities acquired pursuant to the
Company's Regulation D, Rule 504 offering, which shall remain free of any
restrictions, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws)by
registration or otherwise for a "Lock-Up" period of two years from the Effective
Date without the prior written consent of the Representative (except that,
subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, any such officer,
director or stockholder may transfer his or her stock to a member of his family
or in the event of death, by will or operation of law, provided that any such
transferee shall agree, as a condition to such transfer, to be bound by the
restrictions set forth herein). An appropriate legend shall be marked on the
face of stock certificates representing all of such securities.
SECTION 20. [INTENTIONALLY OMMITTED]
SECTION 21. NOTICE. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
Agreement, (A) whenever notice is required by the provisions hereof to be given
to the Company, such notice shall be given in writing, by certified mail, return
receipt requested, addressed to the Company at 4450 Belden Village Street, N.W.,
Canton, OH, 44718, and copy to Michael T. Greif, Esq., Hornsby,
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Sacher, Zelman, Stanton, Paul & Beiley, P.A., 1401 Brickell Ave., Suite 700,
Miami, FL 33131, and (B) whenever notice is required by the provisions hereof to
be given to the Underwriters, such notice shall be in writing addressed to the
Representative at 99 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005, copy to Steve Wasserman,
Esq., Bernstein & Wasserman, LLP, 950 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022. Any
party may change the address for notices to be sent by giving written notice to
the other persons.
SECTION 22. REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS TO SURVIVE DELIVERY. Except
as the context otherwise requires, all representations, warranties, covenants,
and agreements contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to be
representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements as at the date hereof and
as at the Closing Date and the Additional Closing Date(s), and all
representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements of the several
Underwriters and the Company, shall remain operative and in full force and
effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any of the
Underwriters or the Company or any of their respective controlling persons, and
shall survive any termination of this Agreement (whensoever made) and/or
delivery of the Firm Units and the Optional Units to the several Underwriters.
SECTION 23. MISCELLANEOUS. This Agreement is made solely for the
benefit of the Underwriters and the Company and their respective successors and
assigns, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue
of this Agreement. The term "successor" or the term "successors and assigns" as
used in this Agreement shall not include any purchaser, as such, of any of the
Units.
This Agreement shall not be assignable by any party
without the other party's prior written consent. This Agreement shall be binding
upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, our respective successors and permitted
assigns. The foregoing represents the sole and entire agreement between us with
respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior agreements between
us with respect thereto. This Agreement may not be modified, amended or waived
except by a written instrument signed by the party to be charged. The validity,
interpretation and construction of this Agreement, and of each part hereof,
shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving
effect to the conflict of laws provisions thereof.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to
be one and the same instrument.
If a party signs this Agreement and transmits an electronic facsimile
of the signature page to the other party, the party who receives the
transmission may rely upon the electronic facsimile as a signed original of this
Agreement.
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If the foregoing is in accordance with your
understanding of our agreement, kindly sign and return to us a counterpart
hereof, whereupon this instrument along with all counterparts will become a
binding agreement between the Company and the Underwriters in accordance with
its terms.
Very truly yours,
KIDS STUFF, INC.
By:
--------------------------------------
William L. Miller, Chief Executive Officer
CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED, as of the
date first above written:
VTR CAPITAL, INC.
By:
-----------------------------------------------
For itself and as the Representative of the
other Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto.
32
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE I
NUMBER OF UNITS TO BE
UNDERWRITERS PURCHASED
------------ ---------------------
VTR Capital Inc.
-------
Total 250,000
=======
33
EXHIBIT 4.05
Option to Purchase
50,000 Shares of Common Stock
KIDS STUFF, INC.
UNIT PURCHASE OPTION
Dated: , 1997
THIS CERTIFIES that ________________ (hereinafter sometimes referred to
as the "Holder"), is entitled to purchase from KIDS STUFF, INC., a Delaware
corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"), at the prices and during
the periods as hereinafter specified, up to 50,000 shares of Common Stock,
$.001 par value, (the "Shares" or "Common Stock") at an exercise price of $9.90
per share.
The Units have been registered under a Registration Statement on Form
SB-2 (File No. 333-19423) declared effective by the Securities and Exchange
Commission on __________, 1997 (the "Registration Statement"). This Option (the
"Option") to purchase 50,000 Shares of Common Stock (the "Option") was
originally issued pursuant to an underwriting agreement between the Company and
VTR Capital, Inc., as Representative of the Underwriters (the "Representative"),
in connection with a public offering of up to 287,500 Units (the "Public Units")
through the Underwriter, in consideration of $.0005 per Option.
Except as specifically otherwise provided herein, the Common Stock
issued pursuant to this Option shall bear the same terms and conditions as
described under the caption "Description of Securities" in the Registration
Statement, and except that (i) the holder shall have registration rights under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), for the Option, and the
shares of Common Stock underlying the Option, as more fully described in
paragraph 6 of this Option.
<PAGE>
1. The rights represented by this Option shall be exercised at the
prices, subject to adjustment in accordance with paragraph 8 of this Option, and
during the periods as follows:
(a) Between _____________, 1998 and ____________, 2002,
inclusive, the Holder shall have the option to purchase Shares hereunder at a
price of $9.90 per Share (subject to adjustment pursuant to paragraph 8 hereof)
(the "Exercise Price").
(b) After _____________, 2002 (five (5) years from the Effective
Date), the Holder shall have no right to purchase any Shares hereunder.
2. The rights represented by this Option may be exercised at any time
within the period above specified, in whole or in part, by (i) the surrender of
this Option (with the purchase form at the end hereof properly executed) at the
principal executive office of the Company (or such other office or agency of the
Company as it may designate by notice in writing to the Holder at the address of
the Holder appearing on the books of the Company); (ii) payment to the Company
of the Exercise Price then in effect for the number of Shares specified in the
above-mentioned purchase form together with applicable stock transfer taxes, if
any; and (iii) delivery to the Company of a duly executed agreement signed by
the person(s)' designated in the purchase form to the effect that such person(s)
agree(s) to be bound by the provisions of paragraph 6 and subparagraphs (b), (c)
and (d) of paragraph 7 hereof. This Option shall be deemed to have been
exercised, in whole or in part to the extent specified, immediately prior to the
close of business on the date this Option is surrendered and payment is made in
accordance with the foregoing provisions of this paragraph 2, and the person or
persons in whose name or names the certificates for shares of Common Stock shall
be issuable upon such exercise shall become the holder or holders of record of
such Common Stock at that time and date. The Common Stock and the certificates
for the Common Stock so purchased shall be delivered to the Holder within a
reasonable time, not exceeding ten (10) days, after the rights represented by
this Option shall have been so exercised.
3. For a period of one (1) year from the Effective Date, this Option
shall not be transferred, sold, assigned, or hypothecated, except that it may be
transferred to successors of the Holder, and may be assigned in whole or in part
to any person who is an officer of the Holder during such period. Any such
assignment shall be effected by the Holder (i) executing the form of assignment
at the end hereof and (ii) surrendering this Option for cancellation at the
office or agency of the Company referred to in paragraph 2 hereof, accompanied
by a certificate (signed by an
2
<PAGE>
officer of the Holder if the Holder is a corporation), stating that each
transferee is a permitted transferee under this paragraph 3 hereof; whereupon
the Company shall issue, in the name or names specified by the Holder
(including the Holder) a new Option or Options of like tenor and representing in
the aggregate rights to purchase the same number of Shares as are purchasable
hereunder.
4. The Company covenants and agrees that all shares of Common Stock
which may be issued hereunder will, upon issuance, be duly and validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable, and no personal liability will attach to the
holder thereof. The Company further covenants and agrees that during the periods
within which this Option may be exercised, the Company will at all times have
authorized and reserved a sufficient number of shares of its Common Stock to
provide for the exercise of this Option.
5. This Option shall not entitle the Holder to any voting, dividend, or
other rights as a stockholder of the Company.
6. (a) During the period set forth in paragraph l(a) hereof, the Company
shall advise the Holder or its transferee, whether the Holder holds the Option
or has exercised the Option and holds Shares, by written notice at least 30 days
prior to the filing of any post-effective amendment to the Registration
Statement or of any new registration statement or post-effective amendment
thereto under the Act covering any securities of the Company, for its own
account or for the account of others (other than a registration statement on
Form S-4 or S-8 or any successor forms thereto), and will for a period of seven
(7) years from the effective date of the Registration Statement, upon the
request of the Holder, include in any such post-effective amendment or
registration statement, such information as may be required to permit a public
offering of the Option, or all or any of the Shares underlying the Option, (the
"Registrable Securities"). The Company shall supply prospectuses and such other
documents as the Holder may request in order to facilitate the public sale or
other disposition of the Registrable Securities, use its reasonable efforts to
register and qualify any of the Registrable Securities for sale in such states
as such Holder designates provided that the Company shall not be required to
qualify as a foreign corporation or a dealer in securities or execute a general
consent to service of process in any jurisdiction in any action and do any and
all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or desirable to
enable such Holders to consummate the public sale or other disposition of the
Registrable Securities, and furnish indemnification in the manner provided in
paragraph 7 hereof. The Holder shall furnish information and indemnification as
set forth in paragraph 7 except that the maximum
3
<PAGE>
amount which may be recovered from the Holder shall be limited to the amount of
proceeds received by the Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities. The
Company shall use its best efforts to cause the managing underwriter or
underwriters of a proposed underwritten offering to permit the holders of
Registrable Securities requested to be included in the registration to include
such securities in such underwritten offering on the same terms and conditions
as any similar securities of the Company included therein. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if the managing underwriter or underwriters of such offering advises
the holders of Registrable Securities that the total amount of securities which
they intend to include in such offering is such as to materially and adversely
affect the success of such offering, then the amount of securities to be offered
for the accounts of holders of Registrable Securities shall be eliminated,
reduced, or limited to the extent necessary to reduce the total amount of
securities to be included in such offering to the amount, if any, recommended by
such managing underwriter or underwriters (any such reduction or limitation in
the total amount of Registrable Securities to be included in such offering to be
borne by the holders of Registrable Securities proposed to be included therein
pro rata). The Holder will pay its own legal fees and expenses and any
underwriting discounts and commissions on the securities sold by such Holder and
shall not be responsible for any other expenses of such registration.
(b) If any 50% holder (as defined below) shall give notice to the
Company at any time during the period set forth in paragraph l(a) hereof to the
effect that such holder desires to register under the Act this Option, or any of
the securities underlying the Option under such circumstances that a public
distribution (within the meaning of the Act) of any such securities will be
involved, then the Company will promptly, but no later than 45 days after
receipt of such notice, file a post-effective amendment to the current
Registration Statement or a new registration statement pursuant to the Act, to
the end that the Option, and/or any of the securities underlying the Options may
be publicly sold under the Act as promptly as practicable thereafter and the
Company will use its best efforts to cause such registration to become and
remain effective for a period of 120 days (including the taking of such steps as
are reasonably necessary to obtain the removal of any stop order); provided that
such holder shall furnish the Company with appropriate information in connection
therewith as the Company may reasonably request in writing. The 50% holder
(which for purposes hereof shall mean any direct or indirect transferee of such
holder) may, at its option, request the filing of a post-effective amendment to
the current Registration Statement or a new registration statement under the Act
with respect to the Registrable Securities on only one occasion during the term
of this Option. The Holder may at its option request the registration of the
Option and/or any of the securities underlying the Option in a registration
statement made by the Company as contemplated by Section 6(a) or in connection
with a request made pursuant to this
4
<PAGE>
Section 6(b) prior to acquisition of the Shares issuable upon exercise of the
Option and even though the Holder has not given notice of exercise of the
Option. The 50% holder may, at its option, request such post-effective amendment
or new registration statement during the described period with respect to the
Option, or separately as to the Shares and such registration rights may be
exercised by the 50% holder prior to or subsequent to the exercise of the
Option. Within ten business days after receiving any such notice pursuant to
this subsection (b) of paragraph 6, the Company shall give notice to the other
holders of the Options, advising that the Company is proceeding with such
post-effective amendment or registration statement and offering to include
therein the securities underlying the Options of the other holders. Each holder
electing to include its Registrable Securities in any such offering shall
provide written notice to the Company within twenty (20) days after receipt of
notice from the Company. The failure to provide such notice to the Company shall
be deemed conclusive evidence of such holder's election not to include its
Registrable Securities in such offering. Each holder electing to include its
Registrable Securities shall furnish the Company with such appropriate
information (relating to the intentions of such holders) in connection therewith
as the Company shall reasonably request in writing. All costs and expenses of
the first such post-effective amendment or new registration statement shall be
borne by the Company, except that the holders shall bear the fees of their own
counsel and any underwriting discounts or commissions applicable to any of the
securities sold by them.
In addition to the rights granted to 50% holders pursuant to this
section 6(b), any holder(s) shall have such rights, however, all expenses shall
be borne by such holder(s).
The Company shall be entitled to postpone the filing of any
registration statement pursuant to this Section 6(b) otherwise required
to be prepared and filed by it if (i) the Company is engaged in a material
acquisition, reorganization, or divestiture, (ii) the Company is currently
engaged in a self-tender or exchange offer and the filing of a registration
statement would cause a violation of Regulation M under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, (iii) the Company is engaged in an underwritten offering and the
managing underwriter has advised the Company in writing that such a registration
statement would have a material adverse effect on the consummation of such
offering or (iv) the Company is subject to an underwriter's lock-up as a result
of an underwritten public offering and such underwriter has refused in writing,
the Company's request to waive such lock-up. In the event of such postponement,
the Company shall be required to file the registration statement pursuant to
this Section 6(b), within 60 days of the consummation of the event requiring
such postponement.
The Company will use its best efforts to maintain such
registration statement or post-effective amendment current
5
<PAGE>
under the Act for a period of at least six months (and for up to an additional
three months if requested by the Holder) from the effective date thereof. The
Company shall supply prospectuses, and such other documents as the Holder may
reasonably request in order to facilitate the public sale or other disposition
of the Registrable Securities, use its best efforts to register and qualify any
of the Registrable Securities for sale in such states as such holder designates,
provided that the Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign
corporation or a dealer in securities or execute a general consent to service of
process in any jurisdiction in any action and furnish indemnification in the
manner provided in paragraph 7 hereof. The demand registration rights granted
hereunder will expire no later than five (5) years from the effective date of
this offering.
(c) The term "50% holder" as used in this paragraph 6 shall mean
the holder of more than 50% of the Common Stock underlying the Option
(considered in the aggregate).
7. (a) Whenever pursuant to paragraph 6 a registration statement
relating to the Option or any Shares issued or issuable upon the exercise of any
Options, is filed under the Act, amended or supplemented, the Company will
indemnify and hold harmless each holder of the securities covered by such
registration statement, amendment, or supplement (such holder being hereinafter
called the "Distributing Holder"), and each person, if any, who controls (within
the meaning of the Act) the Distributing Holder, and each underwriter (within
the meaning of the Act) of such securities and each person, if any, who controls
(within the meaning of the Act) any such underwriter, against any losses,
claims, damages, or liabilities, joint or several, to which the Distributing
Holder, any such controlling person or any such underwriter may become subject,
under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, or
liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) which arise out of or are based upon
any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained
in any such registration statement or any preliminary prospectus or final
prospectus constituting a part thereof or any amendment or supplement thereto,
or which arise out of or are based upon the omission to state therein a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading; and will reimburse the Distributing Holder and each such
controlling person and underwriter for any legal or other expenses reasonably
incurred by the Distributing Holder or such controlling person or underwriter in
connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage,
liability, or action; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in
any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, or liability
arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged
6
<PAGE>
untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in said registration
statement, said preliminary prospectus, said final prospectus, or said amendment
or supplement in reliance upon and in conformity with written information
furnished by such Distributing Holder or any other Distributing Holder, for use
in the preparation thereof.
(b) The Distributing Holder will indemnify and hold harmless the
Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who have signed said
registration statement and such amendments and supplements thereto, each person,
if any, who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Act) against any
losses, claims, damages, or liabilities, joint and several, to which the Company
or any such director, officer, or controlling person may become subject, under
the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, or liabilities
arise out of or are based upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of any
material fact contained in said registration statement, said preliminary
prospectus, said final prospectus, or said amendment or supplement, or arise out
of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent that
such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged
omission was made in said registration statement, said preliminary prospectus,
said final prospectus, or said amendment or supplement in reliance upon and in
conformity with written information furnished by such Distributing Holder for
use in the preparation thereof; and will reimburse the Company or any such
director, officer, or controlling person for any legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any
such loss, claim, damage, liability, or action.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this
paragraph 7 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party
will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying
party, give the indemnifying party notice of the commencement thereof; but the
omission so to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve it from any
liability which it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this
Paragraph 7.
(d) In case any such action is brought against any indemnified
party, and it notifies an indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the
indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in, and, to the extent that
it may wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to
assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such
indemnified party, and after notice from the indemnifying party to such
indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the
indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified party under this
paragraph 7 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such
indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof.
7
<PAGE>
8. The Exercise Price in effect at any time and the number and kind of
securities purchasable upon the exercise of this Option shall be subject to
adjustment from time to time upon the happening of certain events as follows:
(a) In case the Company shall (i) declare a dividend or make a
distribution on its outstanding shares of Common Stock in shares of Common
Stock, (ii) subdivide or reclassify its outstanding shares of Common Stock into
a greater number of shares, or (iii) combine or reclassify its outstanding
shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, the Exercise Price in
effect at the time of the record date for such dividend or distribution or of
the effective date of such subdivision, combination or reclassification shall be
adjusted so that it shall equal the price determined by multiplying the Exercise
Price by a fraction, the denominator of which shall be the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding after giving effect to such action, and the numerator
of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately
prior to such action.
(b) In case the Company shall fix a record date for the issuance
of rights or warrants to all holders of its Common Stock entitling them to
subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock (or securities convertible into
Common Stock) at a price (the "Subscription Price") (or having a conversion
price per share) less than the current market price of the Common Stock (as
defined in Subsection (e) below) on the record date mentioned below, the
Exercise Price shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the price
determined by multiplying the number of Shares then underlying the Option by
the product of the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to the date of
such issuance multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the sum
of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on the record date mentioned
below and the number of additional shares of Common Stock which the aggregate
offering price of the total number of shares of Common Stock so offered (or the
aggregate conversion price of the convertible securities so offered) would
purchase at such current market price per share of the Common Stock, and the
denominator of which shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding on such record date and the number of additional shares
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<PAGE>
of Common Stock offered for subscription or purchase (or into which the
convertible securities so offered are convertible). Such adjustment shall be
made successively whenever such rights or warrants are issued and shall become
effective immediately after the record date for the determination of
shareholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants; and to the extent that
shares of Common Stock are not delivered (or securities convertible into Common
Stock are not delivered) after the expiration of such rights or warrants the
Exercise Price shall be readjusted to the Exercise Price which would then be in
effect had the adjustments made upon the issuance of such rights or warrants
been made upon the basis of delivery of only the number of shares of Common
Stock (or securities convertible into Common Stock) actually delivered.
(c) In case the Company shall hereafter distribute to the holders
of its Common Stock evidences of its indebtedness or assets (excluding cash
dividends or distributions and-dividends or distributions referred to in
Subsection (a) above) or subscription rights or warrants (excluding those
referred to in Subsection (b) above), then in each such case the Exercise Price
in effect thereafter shall be determined by multiplying the number of Shares
then comprising an Option by the product of the Exercise Price in effect
immediately prior thereto multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall
be the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding multiplied by the
current market price per share of Common Stock (as defined in Subsection (e)
below), less the fair market value (as determined by the Company's Board of
Directors) of said assets or evidences of indebtedness so distributed or of such
rights or warrants, and the denominator of which shall be the total number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding multiplied by such current market price per
share of Common Stock. Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever such
a record date is fixed. Such adjustment shall be made whenever any such
distribution is made and shall become effective immediately after the record
date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such
distribution.
(d) Whenever the Exercise Price payable upon exercise of this
Option is adjusted pursuant to Subsections (a), (b) or (c) above, the number of
Shares purchasable upon exercise of this Option shall simultaneously be adjusted
by multiplying the number of Shares exercise of this Option by the Exercise
Price in effect on the date hereof and dividing the product so obtained by the
Exercise Price, as adjusted.
(e) For the purpose of any computation under Subsections (b) or
(c)above, the current market price per share of Common Stock at any date shall
be deemed to be the average of the daily closing prices for 20 consecutive
business days before such date. The closing price for each day shall be the last
sale price regular way or, in case no such reported sale takes place on such
day, the average of the last reported bid and asked prices regular way, in
9
<PAGE>
either case on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common
Stock is admitted to trading or listed, or if not listed or admitted to trading
on such exchange, the average of the highest reported bid and lowest reported
asked prices as reported by NASDAQ, or other similar organization if NASDAQ is
no longer reporting such information, or if not so available, the fair market
price as determined by the Board of Directors.
(f) No adjustment in the Exercise Price shall be required unless
such adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least ten cents
($0.10) in such price; provided, however, that any adjustments which by reason
of this Subsection (f) are not required to be made shall be carried forward and
taken into account in any subsequent adjustment required to be made hereunder.
All calculations under this Section 8 shall be made to the nearest cent or to
the nearest one-hundredth of a share, as the case may be. Anything in this
Section 8 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall be entitled, but
shall not be required, to make such changes in the Exercise Price, in addition
to those required by this Section 8, as it shall determine, in its sole
discretion, to be advisable in order that any dividend or distribution in shares
of Common Stock, or any subdivision, reclassification or combination of Common
Stock, hereafter made by the Company shall not result in any Federal Income tax
liability to the holders of Common Stock or securities convertible into Common
Stock (including Warrants issuable upon exercise of this Option).
(g) Whenever the Exercise Price is adjusted, as herein provided,
the Company shall promptly, but no later than 10 days after any request for such
an adjustment by the Holder, cause a notice setting forth the adjusted Exercise
Price and adjusted number of Shares issuable upon exercise of this Option and,
if requested, information describing the transactions giving rise to such
adjustments, to be mailed to the Holder, at the address set forth herein, and
shall cause a certified copy thereof to be mailed to its transfer agent, if any.
The Company may retain a firm of independent certified public accountants
selected by the Board of Directors (who may be the regular accountants employed
by the Company) to make any computation required by this Section 8, and a
certificate signed by such firm shall be conclusive evidence of the correctness
of such adjustment.
(h) In the event that at any time, as a result of an
adjustment made pursuant to Subsection (a) above, the Holder thereafter shall
become entitled to receive any shares of the Company, other than Common Stock,
thereafter the number of such other shares so receivable upon exercise of this
Option shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in a manner and on terms
as nearly equivalent as practicable to the provisions with respect to the Common
Stock contained in Subsections (a) to (f), inclusive above.
9. This Agreement shall be governed by and in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York.
10
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Kids Stuff, Inc. has caused this Option to be signed
by its duly authorized officers under its corporate seal, and this Option to be
dated _____________________, 1997.
KIDS STUFF, INC.
By: ______________________________
Its
(Corporate Seal)
11
<PAGE>
PURCHASE FORM
(To be signed only upon exercise of option)
THE UNDERSIGNED, the holder of the foregoing Option, hereby irrevocably
elects to exercise the purchase rights represented by such Option for, and to
purchase thereunder,
Shares of Kids Stuff, Inc., Common Stock $.001 par value and herewith
makes payment of $______________ therefor, and requests that the certificates
for shares of Common Stock be issued in the name(s) of, and delivered to
________________________ whose address(es) is
(are)_________________________________________.
Dated:
<PAGE>
TRANSFER FORM
(To be signed only upon transfer of the Option)
For value received, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns, and transfers
unto _________________________________ the right to purchase Shares represented
by the foregoing Option to the extent of _____ Shares of Common Stock, $.001 par
value, and appoints _________________________________ attorney to transfer such
rights on the books of Kids Stuff, Inc., with full power of substitution in the
premises.
Dated:
By: ______________________________
Address:
------------------------------
------------------------------
------------------------------
In the presence of:
April 14, 1997
Mr. William L. Miller
President
Kids Stuff, Inc.
7245 Whipple Avenue, N.W.
North Canton, Ohio 44720
RE: BRIDGE LOAN
Dear Mr. Miller:
This letter summarizes the amendment to our agreement dated October 16,
1996, (the "Agreement") as follows:
Upon the execution of this letter, the undersigned hereby amends the
Agreement to surrender the right to convert the Class B Note into the Company's
Class A Warrants.
Please acknowledge your consent to the foregoing terms by countersigning
the enclosed duplicate copy of this letter and returning it to us together with
the Notes.
Very truly yours,
M & M Specialties, Inc.
By:_____________________________
AGREED TO AND ACKNOWLEDGED:
KIDS STUFF, INC.
By: ____________________________
William L. Miller, President
HAUSSER+TAYLOR
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United Bank Plaza, 220 Market Avenue South, Canton, Ohio 44702-2180
330/455-1120 - FAX: 330/455-3136
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Kids Stuff, Inc.
Canton, Ohio 44718
As independent certified public accountants for Kids Stuff, Inc., we
hereby consent to the use in this Form SB-2 Registration Statement Amendment #3
for Kids Stuff, Inc. of our report included herein, which has a date of February
21, 1997, except for Note 13, which is as of April 14, 1997, relating to the
balance sheet of Kids Stuff, Inc. as of December 31, 1996, and the related
statements of income, cash flows, and stockholders' equity for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and of our report included herein, which has a date
of January 22, 1997 relating to the balance sheet of The Natural Baby Company,
Inc. as of December 31, 1996 and the related statements of income, cash flows,
and stockholders' equity for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, and to
the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the Prospectus.
/s/ HAUSSER+TAYLOR
------------------
Hausser+Taylor
Canton, Ohio
April 16, 1997
