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Exhibit 20.1
[Logo of Zany Brainy]
[Logo of Noodle Kidoodle]
MERGER PROPOSED--YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Zany Brainy, Inc. and Noodle Kidoodle, Inc. have agreed on a merger
transaction involving our two companies. This joint proxy statement/prospectus
provides you with detailed information about the merger we are proposing, and
it includes our merger agreement as Appendix I. This joint proxy
statement/prospectus also serves as a prospectus of Zany to provide
information to Noodle shareholders in connection with their receipt of Zany
common stock in the merger. You may also obtain information about our
companies from the documents we have filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. We encourage you to read this entire document carefully and we
especially encourage you to read the section on "Risk Factors" beginning on
page 13 for a description of risks associated with the merger.
Upon completion of the merger, Noodle will become a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Zany. Noodle shareholders will receive 1.233 shares of Zany common stock
for each share of Noodle common stock that they own. Zany shareholders will
continue to own their existing shares.
Zany common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market. Zany's Nasdaq
symbol is "ZANY." Noodle common stock also is listed on the Nasdaq National
Market. Noodle's Nasdaq symbol is "NKID." Zany has applied to list the Zany
common stock to be issued to the Noodle shareholders on the Nasdaq National
Market.
The merger cannot be completed unless the Zany shareholders approve the
merger agreement and the Noodle shareholders adopt the merger agreement.
Approval of the merger agreement by the Zany shareholders requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by Zany's shareholders.
Adoption of the merger agreement by the Noodle shareholders requires the
affirmative vote of holders of a majority of Noodle's outstanding common
stock.
The dates, times and places of the shareholder meetings are as follows:
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For Zany Shareholders: For Noodle Shareholders:
Wednesday, July 26, 2000 Tuesday, July 25, 2000
10:00 a.m., local time 11:00 a.m., local time
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP The Chase Manhattan Bank
1701 Market Street 395 North Service Road
Philadelphia, PA 19103 Melville, NY 11747
</TABLE>
Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend the
meetings, please take the time to vote by completing the enclosed proxy card
and mailing it to us as soon as possible. If you sign, date and mail your
proxy card without indicating how you want to vote, your proxy will be counted
as a vote in favor of the merger. If you are a Zany shareholder and you fail
to return your card, you will not be counted in determining whether a quorum
is present for the vote and you will not have voted either for or against the
merger. If you are a Noodle shareholder and you fail to return your card, the
effect will be a vote against the merger.
We enthusiastically support this combination and we join with the members
of our boards of directors in recommending that you vote FOR the merger.
/s/ Keith C. Spurgeon /s/ Stanley Greenman
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Keith C. Spurgeon Stanley Greenman
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Zany Brainy, Inc. Noodle Kidoodle, Inc.
</TABLE>
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of the securities to be issued in
connection with the merger or determined if this joint proxy
statement/prospectus is accurate or adequate. Any representation to the
contrary is a criminal offense.
THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS DATED JUNE 21, 2000 AND IS FIRST
BEING MAILED TO SHAREHOLDERS OF ZANY AND NOODLE ON OR ABOUT JUNE 22, 2000.
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ZANY BRAINY, INC.
2520 Renaissance Boulevard
King of Prussia, PA 19406
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JULY 26, 2000
Notice is Hereby Given that an annual meeting of shareholders of Zany
Brainy, Inc. will be held on July 26, 2000, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the
offices of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, 1701 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
19103, for the following purposes:
1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Amended and Restated
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 21, 2000, among Zany
Brainy, Inc., Noodle Kidoodle, Inc. and Night Owl Acquisition, Inc.,
including the issuance of the Zany Brainy shares to be received by
Noodle Kidoodle shareholders in the proposed merger. A copy of the
merger agreement is attached to this document as Appendix I.
2. To elect seven directors, each for a one-year term and until the
election and qualification of his successor.
3. To consider and transact such other business as may properly come before
the meeting of shareholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
If you were a shareholder of record at the close of business on June 9,
2000, you may vote at the annual meeting. A list of the shareholders entitled
to vote at the annual meeting will be available for inspection at Zany's
offices during normal business hours for the ten days prior to the meeting, and
at the time and place of the meeting.
The board of directors of Zany recommends that shareholders vote FOR the
approval of the merger agreement and for each of the seven nominees for
director. The affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast by
Zany's shareholders is required for approval of the merger agreement. Directors
will be elected by plurality vote.
You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting. It is important that
your shares be represented, whether or not you plan to attend the meeting in
person. Accordingly, please complete, date, sign and return the enclosed proxy
card in the enclosed postage prepaid envelope. You may revoke your proxy in
writing or in person at any time before the meeting in accordance with the
instructions contained in this document. If your proxy card is signed, dated
and returned without specifying your choice, the shares will be voted as
recommended by the Zany board of directors.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Keith C. Spurgeon
Keith C. Spurgeon
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
</TABLE>
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
June 22, 2000
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NOODLE KIDOODLE, INC.
6801 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 100
Syosset, NY 11791
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JULY 25, 2000
A special meeting of shareholders of Noodle Kidoodle, Inc. will be held on
July 25, 2000, at 11:00 a.m., local time, at The Chase Manhattan Bank, 395
North Service Road, Melville, NY 11747, for the following purposes:
1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Amended
and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 21, 2000,
among Zany Brainy, Inc., Noodle Kidoodle, Inc. and Night Owl
Acquisition, Inc. A copy of the merger agreement is attached to this
document as Appendix I.
2. To consider and transact such other business as may properly come before
the special meeting of shareholders or any adjournment or postponement
thereof.
If you were a shareholder of record at the close of business on June 9,
2000, you may vote at the special meeting. A list of the shareholders entitled
to vote at the special meeting will be available for inspection at Noodle's
offices during normal business hours for the ten days prior to the meeting, and
at the time and place of the meeting.
The board of directors of Noodle recommends that shareholders vote FOR the
approval and adoption of the merger agreement. The affirmative vote of at least
a majority of the outstanding shares of Noodle common stock is required for
approval and adoption of the merger agreement.
You are cordially invited to attend the special meeting. It is important
that your shares be represented, whether or not you plan to attend in person.
Accordingly, please complete, date, sign and return the enclosed proxy card in
the enclosed postage prepaid envelope. You may revoke your proxy in writing or
in person at any time before the special meeting of shareholders in accordance
with the instructions contained in this document. If your proxy card is signed,
dated and returned without specifying your choice, the shares will be voted as
recommended by the Noodle board of directors.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Stanley Greenman
Stanley Greenman
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
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Syosset, New York
June 22, 2000
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Questions and Answers About the Merger.................................... 1
Summary................................................................... 4
Risk Factors.............................................................. 13
Risks Relating to the Merger............................................ 13
Risks Relating to Zany.................................................. 14
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements........................... 20
Shareholder Meetings...................................................... 22
Times and Places; Purposes.............................................. 22
Record Date; Voting Rights; Votes Required for Approval................. 22
Outstanding Shares Owned by Zany and Noodle Directors and Executive
Officers............................................................... 23
Proxies................................................................. 23
The Merger................................................................ 25
Background of the Merger................................................ 25
Recommendation of the Zany Board of Directors; Zany's Reasons for the
Merger................................................................. 27
Recommendation of the Noodle Board of Directors; Noodle's Reasons for
the Merger............................................................. 29
Opinions of Financial Advisors.......................................... 31
Certain Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the
Merger................................................................. 42
Employee Matters........................................................ 44
Regulatory Approvals.................................................... 44
Anticipated Accounting Treatment........................................ 45
Resales of Zany Common Stock............................................ 45
Interests of Noodle Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger........ 46
Interests of Noodle Management in the Zany Board of Directors after the
Merger................................................................. 46
Employment Agreements................................................... 46
Indemnification and Insurance........................................... 47
Comparative Per Share Market Price and Dividend Information............... 48
Market Price Data....................................................... 48
Dividend Policies....................................................... 48
The Merger Agreement...................................................... 49
General................................................................. 49
Closing Matters......................................................... 49
Conversion of Shares; Treatment of Stock Options........................ 49
Exchange of Stock Certificates.......................................... 49
Representations and Warranties.......................................... 50
Covenants............................................................... 51
Conditions to Obligations to Effect the Merger.......................... 55
Termination; Termination Fees and Expenses.............................. 57
Amendment and Waiver.................................................... 59
Description of Zany Capital Stock......................................... 60
Common Stock............................................................ 60
Preferred Stock......................................................... 60
Common Stock Warrants................................................... 60
Indemnification of Directors and Officers............................... 60
Limitation of Liability................................................. 61
Registration Rights..................................................... 61
Transfer Agent.......................................................... 61
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Comparison of the Rights of the Holders of Noodle Common Stock and Zany
Common Stock............................................................ 62
Dividend Rights........................................................ 62
Number and Election of Directors....................................... 62
Fiduciary Duties of Directors.......................................... 63
Liability of Directors................................................. 64
Indemnification of Directors and Officers.............................. 64
Annual Meetings........................................................ 65
Special Meetings....................................................... 65
Action by Shareholders Without a Meeting............................... 66
Shareholder Proposals.................................................. 66
Charter Amendments..................................................... 67
Amendments to Bylaws................................................... 67
Mergers and Major Transactions......................................... 67
Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal........................................ 68
Anti-Takeover Provisions............................................... 70
Dissolution............................................................ 71
Shareholder Rights Plan................................................ 72
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements........... 73
Selected Consolidated Financial Data of Zany............................. 81
Zany Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations................................................... 82
Business of Zany......................................................... 88
Selected Consolidated Financial Data of Noodle........................... 93
Noodle Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations................................................... 94
Business of Noodle....................................................... 99
Election of Directors of Zany............................................ 103
Securities Ownership of Zany and Noodle.................................. 106
Executive Compensation of Zany........................................... 108
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions........................... 113
Legal Matters............................................................ 114
Experts.................................................................. 114
Independent Public Accountants........................................... 114
Future Shareholder Proposals............................................. 115
Where You Can Find More Information...................................... 115
Appendix IAmended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger
Appendix IIOpinion of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation
Appendix III Opinion of PaineWebber Incorporated
</TABLE>
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Zany has supplied all information contained in this document relating to
Zany, and Noodle has supplied all of the information relating to Noodle.
Zany and Noodle have not authorized anyone to give you any information or to
make any representations about the merger and other transactions discussed in
this document other than those contained herein. If you are given any
information or representations about these matters that is not discussed in
this document, you must not rely on that information.
This document is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy
securities anywhere or to anyone where or to whom it would be unlawful to offer
or sell securities under applicable law.
The delivery of this document or the common stock of Zany offered by this
document does not, under any circumstances, mean that there has not been a
change in the affairs of Zany or Noodle since the date of this document. It
also does not mean that information in this document is correct after this
date.
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER
Q: Why do Zany and Noodle want to merge?
A: The merger will provide a strategic and complementary fit between the
existing businesses of Zany and Noodle. The combined company will have a
greater opportunity to successfully compete in the specialty toy retailing
industry than either company would have on its own. The merger provides
opportunities for meaningful cost savings, efficiencies and revenue growth
that also should allow the combined company to be more competitive in its
markets.
For more detailed reasons for the merger, see pages 27 through 31.
Q: Why are the Zany board of directors and the Noodle board of directors
recommending that I vote for adoption of the merger agreement?
A: In reaching a decision to approve the merger agreement and the merger and
to recommend adoption of the merger agreement by shareholders, the
respective boards of directors of Zany and Noodle consulted with its
management, as well as financial and legal advisors, and considered the
terms of the proposed merger agreement. In addition, the Zany board of
directors considered each of the items set forth on pages 27 to 28, and the
Noodle board of directors considered each of the items set forth on pages
29 to 31. Based on those consultations and considerations, the Zany board
of directors and the Noodle board of directors each unanimously approved
the merger agreement and the merger, and believe that the terms of the
merger agreement and the merger are advisable and fair to, and in the best
interests of, Zany and Noodle and their respective shareholders.
Q: What will Noodle common shareholders receive in the merger?
A: The merger will result in the exchange of each outstanding share of Noodle
common stock for 1.233 shares of Zany common stock. Noodle shareholders
will not receive any fractional shares. Instead, they will receive cash in
an amount equal to the closing price of a share of Zany common stock on the
date the merger becomes effective multiplied by the appropriate fraction.
Q: Will Zany shareholders receive any shares as a result of the merger?
A: No. Zany shareholders will continue to hold the Zany shares they own at the
time of the merger.
Q: What if the merger is not completed?
A: If the merger is not completed, Noodle will continue to operate as an
independent company. Noodle or Zany may be required to pay the other a
termination fee under the merger agreement if the merger is not completed
for certain reasons.
Q: Where can I get information regarding Zany, Noodle and the merger?
A: We urge you to read and consider the information contained in this joint
proxy statement/prospectus, including its appendices. You also may want to
review the documents referenced under "Where You Can Find More
Information."
Q: Will the merger dilute the ownership of Zany shareholders?
A: Yes. The issuance of shares of Zany common stock to Noodle shareholders
will dilute the ownership of existing Zany shareholders. Immediately after
the merger, the former shareholders of Noodle will hold approximately 30%
of the outstanding Zany common stock, calculated on a fully-diluted basis.
Q: Who will manage Zany after the merger?
A: At the effective time of the merger, the board of directors of Zany will be
expanded from seven to eight directors to include Stanley Greenman, the
current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Noodle. The executive
officers of the combined company will be the executive
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officers of Zany immediately prior to the effective time. Mr. Greenman and
Stewart Katz, the President of Noodle, will not continue as executive
officers of the combined company, but each of them will enter into a six-
month employment agreement with Zany at the effective time.
Q: Who may vote at the meeting?
A: All Zany shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 9, 2000
may vote at the Zany annual meeting. If you are a Zany shareholder, you are
entitled to one vote per share of Zany common stock that you own on the
record date.
All Noodle shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 9,
2000 may vote at the Noodle special meeting. If you are a Noodle
shareholder, you are entitled to one vote per share of Noodle common stock
that you own on the record date.
Q: What am I being asked to vote upon in connection with the merger?
A: Both Zany and Noodle shareholders are being asked to vote for the approval
and adoption of the merger agreement.
Q: What do I need to do now?
A: After reviewing this document, indicate on your proxy card how you want to
vote, sign it and mail it in the enclosed postage prepaid return envelope as
soon as possible so that the proxyholder may vote your shares at your
shareholder meeting.
Q: When are the shareholder meetings?
A: The annual meeting for Zany shareholders will take place on July 26, 2000,
and the special meeting for Noodle shareholders will take place on July 25,
2000.
Q: How will my shares be voted if I return a blank proxy card?
A: If you sign and send in your proxy card and do not indicate how you want to
vote, we will count your proxy as a vote in favor of the proposals submitted
at your shareholder meeting.
Q: What will be the effect if I do not vote on the merger proposal?
A: If you are a Zany shareholder and you abstain from voting or do not vote
your shares by proxy or in person, you will not be counted in determining
whether a quorum is present for the vote and you will not have voted either
for or against adoption of the merger agreement. If you are a Noodle
shareholder and you abstain from voting or do not vote your shares by proxy
or in person, it will have the same effect as a vote against adoption of the
merger agreement.
Q: Can I vote my shares in person?
A: Yes. If you hold your shares as the record holder and not in street name,
you may attend your shareholder meeting and vote your shares in person,
rather than signing and mailing your proxy card.
Q: If my shares are held in "street name" by my broker, will my broker vote my
shares for me?
A: Your broker will vote your shares on the merger proposal only if you
instruct your broker how to vote. Your broker will send you directions on
how you can instruct your broker to vote. If you do not instruct your
broker, your shares will not be voted.
Q: Can I revoke my proxy and change my vote?
A: Yes. You may change your vote in one of three ways at any time before your
proxy is voted at the meeting. First, you may send a written notice stating
that you would like to revoke your proxy. Second, you may complete and
submit a new, later dated proxy. Third, you may attend the meeting and vote
in person. If you choose either of the first two methods, you must submit
your notice of revocation or your new proxy to the Secretary of Zany or
Noodle, as the case may be.
Q: Should I send in my stock certificates now?
A: No. After the merger is completed, Zany will send Noodle shareholders
written instructions on how to exchange their stock certificates. Zany
shareholders will retain their stock certificates after the merger.
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Q: When do you expect to complete the merger?
A: We currently expect to complete the merger late in the second fiscal quarter
of 2000 or early in the third fiscal quarter of 2000. However, it is
possible that factors outside the control of the parties could require us to
complete the merger at a later time. Subject to certain exceptions, either
Zany or Noodle can terminate the merger agreement if we do not complete the
merger by October 31, 2000.
Q: What are the tax consequences of the merger to Noodle and Zany shareholders?
A: The exchange of shares by Noodle shareholders will be tax-free to them for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for taxes payable on any gain
recognized as a result of receiving cash in lieu of fractional shares of
Zany common stock. The merger will have no tax consequences to Zany
shareholders. A summary of the material federal income tax consequences of
the merger is included in the section "The Merger--Certain Material United
States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger" on page 42.
Q: Am I entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the merger?
A: No. Neither Zany shareholders nor Noodle shareholders will have appraisal
rights.
Q: Who can help answer your questions?
A: If you have more questions about the merger or if you need additional copies
of this joint proxy statement/prospectus or the enclosed proxy, you should
contact:
Zany Brainy, Inc.:
2520 Renaissance Boulevard
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Attention: Legal Department
Telephone Number: (610) 278-7800
Noodle Kidoodle, Inc.:
6801 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 100
Syosset, NY 11791
Attention: President
Telephone Number: (516) 677-0500
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SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information about Zany, Noodle and the
merger. It does not contain all of the information that is important to you. To
understand the merger fully and for a more complete description of the legal
terms of the merger, you should carefully read this entire joint proxy
statement/prospectus and the documents attached as appendices. We have included
page references parenthetically to direct you to a more complete description of
the topics presented in this summary. Both Zany and Noodle's fiscal years end
on the Saturday nearest to January 31. However, please note that Zany calls the
fiscal year ended January 29, 2000 "fiscal 1999" but Noodle calls this same
period "fiscal 2000."
The Parties to the Merger
Zany Brainy, Inc. (page 88)
2520 Renaissance Boulevard
King of Prussia, PA 19406
(610) 278-7800
Zany Brainy is a specialty retailer of high quality toys, games, books and
multimedia products for kids up to 12 years of age. As of June 9, 2000, Zany
had 109 retail stores in 28 states and also sells its merchandise through
catalogs with toll-free ordering. In addition, Zany has extended its brand to
the worldwide web, through its joint venture, at www.zanybrainy.com.
Zany was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1991 under the name Children's
Concept, Inc. and, in March 1999, changed its name to Zany Brainy, Inc.
Noodle Kidoodle, Inc. (page 99)
6801 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 100
Syosset, NY 11791
(516) 677-0500
Noodle Kidoodle is a specialty retailer of a broad assortment of educationally
oriented, creative and non-violent children's products. As of June 9, 2000,
Noodle operated 60 stores in 15 states.
Noodle was founded in 1946 and did business under the name Greenman Bros. Inc.
until it changed its name to Noodle Kidoodle, Inc. in December 1995. Since
January 1996, Noodle has been incorporated in Delaware.
Night Owl Acquisition, Inc.
2520 Renaissance Boulevard
King of Prussia, PA 19406
(610) 278-7800
Night Owl Acquisition, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zany recently
formed for the purpose of effecting the merger.
Reasons for the Merger (page 27)
The boards of directors of Zany and Noodle believe that the respective
businesses of Zany and Noodle provide a strategic and complementary fit and
that there will be significant combination benefits as the retail operations of
the two companies are combined.
To review the background and reasons for the merger in greater detail, see
pages 25 through 31. To review the risks relating to the merger, see pages 13
through 19.
The Merger
If we complete the merger, Noodle will merge with a subsidiary of Zany and will
become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zany. The merger is subject to conditions
and rights of termination described in this document and in the merger
agreement. We have attached the merger agreement as Appendix I to this joint
proxy statement/prospectus. It is the legal document governing the merger. We
encourage you to read the merger agreement.
What Noodle Shareholders Will Receive in the Merger (page 49)
If we complete the merger, each Noodle shareholder will receive 1.233 shares of
Zany common stock for each share of Noodle common stock owned by that Noodle
shareholder. We sometimes refer to this number of shares as the exchange ratio.
Zany will not issue any fractional shares. Instead, each Noodle shareholder
will receive cash in lieu of a fractional share of Zany common stock.
Example:
If a Noodle shareholder currently owns 100 shares of Noodle common stock, he
will receive 123 shares of Zany common stock, and a check for the market value
of the 0.3 fractional share.
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Determinations of Board of Directors and Recommendations to Shareholders (page
27)
Zany. The Zany board of directors has unanimously approved the merger and the
merger agreement. The Zany board of directors recommends that the Zany
shareholders vote for the proposal to approve the merger agreement.
Noodle. The Noodle board of directors has unanimously approved the merger and
the merger agreement and believes that it is in the best interests of the
Noodle shareholders to merge with Night Owl Acquisition, Inc. and become a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Zany. The Noodle board of directors recommends that
the Noodle shareholders vote for the proposal to approve and adopt the merger
agreement.
Opinions of Financial Advisors (page 31)
In deciding to approve the merger, we considered opinions from our respective
financial advisors as to the fairness of the exchange ratio from a financial
point of view to Zany and to the Noodle shareholders as of the date of these
opinions. Zany received an opinion from Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation, or DLJ, and Noodle received an opinion from PaineWebber
Incorporated. Each of these opinions describes the bases and assumptions on
which it was rendered. The opinions are attached as Appendix II and Appendix
III to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. We encourage you to read and
consider these opinions.
The Meetings (page 22)
The annual meeting of the Zany shareholders will be held at the offices of
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, 1701 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 on July
26, 2000, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
At the Zany meeting, holders of Zany common stock will consider and vote upon
the merger agreement and the merger and upon the election of Zany directors.
Approval of the merger proposal requires the approval of the majority of the
votes cast by Zany's shareholders.
The special meeting of the Noodle shareholders will be held at The Chase
Manhattan Bank, 395 North Service Road, Melville, NY 11747, on July 25, 2000,
at 11:00 a.m., local time.
At the Noodle meeting, holders of Noodle common stock will consider and vote
upon the merger agreement and the merger. Approval of the merger agreement and
the merger requires the approval of the majority of the outstanding shares of
Noodle common stock.
Federal Income Tax Considerations (page 42)
A condition of the merger is that each of Zany and Noodle receive an opinion
from its outside counsel that the merger will be treated as a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended. This treatment means that the merger will be tax-free to the Noodle
shareholders except to the extent of any cash received in lieu of fractional
shares of Zany common stock.
You should consult your tax advisor for a full understanding of the tax
consequences of the merger applicable to you.
Anticipated Accounting Treatment (page 45)
Zany and Noodle expect for the merger to be accounted for as a "pooling of
interests." This means that Zany will restate its consolidated financial
statements for prior periods at the effective time of the merger to include the
assets, liabilities, shareholders' equity and results of operations of Noodle
as if Noodle and Zany had been combined for financial and accounting purposes
since the beginning of the periods presented.
Conditions to the Merger (page 55)
The completion of the merger depends on the satisfaction or waiver of a number
of conditions, including the following:
. approval of the merger agreement and the related transactions by the Zany
shareholders and the Noodle shareholders;
. expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, which period was terminated
by the Federal Trade Commission on May 30, 2000;
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. absence of any court order, law or governmental action prohibiting the
merger;
. listing on the Nasdaq National Market of the Zany stock to be issued to
Noodle shareholders in the merger;
. receipt of opinions of counsel to Zany and Noodle that the merger will
qualify as a tax-free reorganization;
. receipt of letters from the independent public accountants of Zany, dated
approximately as of the effective date of this joint proxy
statement/prospectus and as of the closing date of the merger, that the
independent public accountants concur with the opinion of Zany's management
that the merger will qualify for pooling of interests accounting treatment;
. receipt of letters from the independent public accountants of Noodle, dated
approximately as of the effective date of this joint proxy
statement/prospectus and as of the closing date of the merger, that no
condition exists that would preclude Noodle's ability to be a party in a
business combination to be accounted for as a pooling of interests;
. accuracy of representations and warranties of each party except for such
inaccuracies which, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a
material adverse effect; and
. receipt of some consents to the merger.
Termination of the Merger Agreement (page 57)
The boards of directors of both Zany and Noodle can agree to terminate the
merger agreement at any time. Either company can also terminate if, among other
things:
. the merger is not consummated on or before October 31, 2000;
. a governmental authority permanently prohibits the merger;
. the other party breaches any of its obligations, representations or
warranties under the agreement and this breach would result in a material
adverse effect, as defined in the merger agreement;
. a change or event occurs that has or is reasonably expected to have a
material adverse effect on the other party;
. the Zany shareholders or the Noodle shareholders do not approve the merger;
. 30 days has passed since all of the conditions to the merger have been
satisfied and the merger has not been completed;
. the board of directors of the other party withdraws or modifies its approval
or recommendation of the merger agreement in any adverse manner; or
. the financial advisor to the other party withdraws its fairness opinion.
Zany may terminate the merger agreement if the Noodle board:
. does not recommend the merger to Noodle shareholders;
. recommends to the Noodle shareholders an Acquisition Proposal (as defined in
the merger agreement) other than by Zany;
. fails to recommend against the tender by Noodle shareholders of their shares
in a tender offer or exchange offer that has been commenced or with respect
to which an offer to purchase or a registration statement has been filed; or
. resolves to take any of these actions.
Zany may also terminate the merger agreement if Noodle enters into, authorizes,
recommends or proposes a merger, a sale of all or a substantial portion of its
assets or a sale of beneficial ownership of securities representing 15% or more
of Noodle's voting power.
Noodle may terminate the merger agreement if it accepts a Superior Proposal (as
defined on page 53 of this joint proxy statement/prospectus) or has changed its
recommendation of the merger and in either case it has complied with its
obligations under the merger agreement regarding no solicitations.
Termination Fees
Noodle has agreed to pay Zany a termination fee of $2.25 million plus the
reimbursement of up to
6
<PAGE>
$1 million of Zany's expenses if (a) Zany terminates the merger agreement for
one of the following reasons:
. the merger is not completed within 30 days following the fulfillment of the
conditions to closing;
. Noodle breaches its non-solicitation obligations under the merger agreement;
or
. the Noodle board does not recommend the merger to Noodle shareholders or
withdraws or modifies its approval or recommendation of the merger agreement
in any adverse manner, recommends to the Noodle shareholders an acquisition
proposal (as defined in the merger agreement) other than by Zany, fails to
recommend against the tender by Noodle shareholders of their shares in a
tender offer or exchange offer that has been commenced or with respect to
which an offer to purchase or a registration statement has been filed, or
resolves to take any of these actions;
and (b) either prior to termination an acquisition proposal for Noodle is
outstanding or within one year following termination Noodle enters into an
agreement for or consummates an acquisition proposal.
In addition, Noodle will pay Zany the termination fee and expenses if (a)
Noodle terminates the merger agreement for the following reasons:
. Noodle has accepted a superior proposal or changed its recommendation of the
merger and in either case has complied with its non-solicitation
obligations; or
. PaineWebber has withdrawn its fairness opinion;
and (b) either prior to termination an acquisition proposal for Noodle is
outstanding or within one year following termination Noodle enters into an
agreement for or consummates an acquisition proposal.
Zany has agreed to pay Noodle a termination fee of $2.25 million plus the
reimbursement of up to $1 million of Noodle's expenses if the merger agreement
is terminated for one of the following reasons:
. Noodle terminates because the merger is not completed within 30 days
following the fulfillment of the conditions to closing;
. Noodle terminates because the Zany board withdraws or modifies its approval
or recommendation of the merger agreement in any adverse manner or resolves
to take that type of action; or
. Zany terminates because DLJ withdraws its fairness opinion and either prior
to termination an acquisition proposal for Noodle is outstanding or within
one year following termination Noodle enters into an agreement for or
consummates an acquisition proposal.
Stock Exchange Listing of Zany Common Stock (page 55)
It is a condition to the completion of the merger that Zany common stock issued
to Noodle shareholders in the merger be authorized for listing on the Nasdaq
National Market.
Delisting and Deregistration of Noodle Common Stock
If the merger is completed, Noodle common stock will be delisted from the
Nasdaq and will be deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
Absence of Appraisal Rights (page 68)
Noodle common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market, and the Zany
common stock to be received by the Noodle shareholders also will be listed on
the Nasdaq National Market. As a result, Noodle and Zany shareholders will not
be entitled to appraisal rights under Delaware or Pennsylvania law,
respectively.
Interests of Noodle Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (page 46)
Noodle shareholders should note that certain executive officers and directors
who are also shareholders of Noodle have interests in the merger that are in
addition to those of Noodle shareholders.
These interests include the following:
. Stanley Greenman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Noodle, will
become a director of Zany.
7
<PAGE>
. Mr. Greenman and Stewart Katz, President and Chief Operating Officer of
Noodle, will be entitled to receive severance payments under their existing
employment agreements with Noodle of approximately $975,000 and $880,000,
respectively.
. Messrs. Greenman and Katz will enter into employment agreements with Zany
for terms of six months, which provide for salaries of $257,500 and
$232,500, respectively. At the end of the six month term, Messrs. Greenman
and Katz will receive stay bonuses of $225,000 and $200,000, respectively,
and lump sum payments of $350,000 and $325,000, respectively, in
consideration of the continuation of non-competition agreements for a period
of one year after they cease to perform services for Zany. At the end of the
term of their employment, Messrs. Greenman and Katz will each enter into
consulting agreements with Zany for terms of two years for total consulting
fees of $125,000 each, in which they will agree to provide consulting
services to Zany and will agree not to compete with Zany during the term of
the agreement and for a period of one year after they cease to perform
services for Zany.
8
<PAGE>
SUMMARY SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF ZANY
Zany provides the following financial information to aid you in your
analysis of the financial aspects of the merger. You should read the following
summary selected consolidated financial data of Zany in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements of Zany and the notes, "Selected Consolidated
Financial Data of Zany" and "Zany Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this joint
proxy statement/prospectus.
When reading this data, you should be aware that:
. All fiscal years presented include 52 weeks of operations, except the
fiscal year ended February 3, 1996, which includes 53 weeks.
. A store becomes comparable in the 14th full month of store operations.
. Sales per square foot and average sales per store are based on stores
opened for the entire period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Thirteen Weeks
Fiscal Year Ended Ended (unaudited)
------------------------------------------------ ---------------------
Feb. 3, Feb. 1, Jan. 31, Jan. 30, Jan. 29, May 1, Apr. 29,
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 1999 2000
------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ----------
(in thousands, except per share, number of stores and sales
per square foot data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations
Data:
Net sales.............. $54,372 $92,563 $123,345 $168,471 $241,194 $40,577 $39,363
Gross profit........... 13,400 23,358 33,893 50,318 75,244 11,190 7,968
Selling, general and
administrative
expenses.............. 21,110 28,732 33,581 46,376 63,592 12,986 16,097
Operating income
(loss)................ (7,710) (5,374) 312 3,942 11,652 (1,796) (8,129)
Net income (loss)...... (7,828) (6,023) (153) 8,999(a) 6,904 (1,378) (5,050)
Net income (loss) per
common share:
Basic.................. $ (1.55) $ (1.19) $ (0.03) $ 1.67(a) $ 0.44 $ (0.26) $ (0.23)
Diluted (b)............ (1.55) (1.19) (0.03) 0.51(a) 0.33 (0.26) (0.23)
Weighted average shares
outstanding:
Basic.................. 5,065 5,068 5,085 5,373 15,834 5,384 21,679
Diluted (b)............ 5,065 5,068 5,085 17,770 21,211 5,384 21,679
Store Data:
Number of stores at end
of the period......... 31 43 52 75 103 82 106
Total square feet at
end of the period..... 387 538 630 868 1,159 942 1,190
Comparable store sales
increase (decrease)... 0.3% 4.3% 9.1% 9.9% 4.0% 9.0% (22.8)%
Sales per square foot.. $ 202 $ 183 $ 203 $ 227 $ 227 $ 45 $ 34
Average sales per
store................. 2,382 2,286 2,523 2,746 2,625 522 380
Operating Data:
Gross profit margin.... 24.6% 25.2% 27.5% 29.9% 31.2% 27.6% 20.2%
Operating margin
(loss)................ (14.2) (5.8) 0.3 2.3 4.8 (4.4) (20.6)
Capital expenditures... $ 7,377 $ 6,276 $ 6,420 $ 7,309 $ 13,612 $ 2,497 $ 2,197
Depreciation and
amortization.......... 2,115 3,713 5,017 6,859 8,698 1,888 2,553
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At At
January 29, April 29,
2000 2000
----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Balance Sheet Data:
Inventories.............................................. $ 71,020 $ 71,870
Working capital.......................................... 66,470 54,760
Total assets............................................. 143,726 127,680
Capitalized lease obligations, less current portion...... 3,855 3,296
Total shareholders' equity............................... 98,697 93,680
</TABLE>
--------
(a) Net income for the fiscal year ended January 30, 1999 includes an income
tax benefit of $6,187 due to the $7,166 benefit recorded for Zany's net
operating loss carryforward, partially offset by income tax expense of
$979. The $7,166 tax benefit represents net income per basic and diluted
common share of $1.33 and $0.40, respectively.
(b) Stock options, warrants and preferred stock convertible into common stock
were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share for
the fiscal year ended February 3, 1996 through the fiscal year ended
January 31, 1998 and the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 1999 and April 29,
2000 as they were anti-dilutive due to the losses in each of those periods.
9
<PAGE>
SUMMARY SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF NOODLE
Noodle provides the following financial information to aid you in your
analysis of the financial aspects of the merger. You should read the following
summary selected consolidated financial data of Noodle in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements of Noodle and the notes, "Noodle Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
"Selected Consolidated Financial Data of Noodle" included elsewhere in this
joint proxy statement/prospectus. All fiscal years presented include 52 weeks
of operations, except the fiscal year ended February 3, 1996, which includes
53 weeks.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Thirteen
Weeks Ended
Fiscal Year Ended (unaudited)
-------------------------------------------------- --------------------
Feb. 3, Feb. 1, Jan. 31, Jan. 30, Jan. 29, May 1, Apr. 29,
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 1999 2000
-------- ------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
(in thousands, except per share and number of stores data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations
Data:
Net sales.............. $ 32,143 $59,410 $81,664 $107,886 $135,038 $22,890 $24,072
Gross profit........... 12,318 22,868 31,276 42,481 52,268 8,990 8,894
Selling and
administrative
expenses.............. 17,680 31,124 33,552 38,804 49,356 10,103 12,695
Provision for
restructuring
operations............ 500 -- -- -- -- -- --
-------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Operating income
(loss)................ (5,862) (8,256) (2,276) 3,677 2,912 (1,113) (3,801)
Net income (loss) from:
Continuing operations.. $ (5,272) $(7,492) $(1,918) $ 3,752 $ 9,683(a) $(1,054)(a) $(2,476)
Discontinued
operations............ (9,059) -- -- -- 1,550 -- --
Cumulative effect of a
change in accounting
principle............. -- -- -- -- (195) (314) --
-------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)..... $(14,331) $(7,492) $(1,918) $ 3,752 $ 11,038 $(1,368) $(2,476)
======== ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= =======
Net income (loss) per
common share from
continuing operations:
Basic.................. $ (0.99) $ (1.00) $ (0.25) $ 0.49 $ 1.27(a) $ (0.14) $ (0.33)
Diluted................ (0.99) (1.00) (0.25) 0.49 1.25(a) (0.14) (0.33)
Net income (loss) per
common share:
Basic.................. $ (2.69) $ (1.00) $ (0.25) $ 0.49 $ 1.45(a) $ (0.18) $ (0.33)
Diluted................ (2.69) (1.00) (0.25) 0.49 1.42(a) (0.18) (0.33)
Weighted average shares
outstanding:
Basic.................. 5,320 7,488 7,580 7,588 7,603 7,599 7,605
Diluted................ 5,498 7,601 7,587 7,722 7,761 7,599 7,605
Operating Data:
Number of stores at end
of the period......... 22 31 32 42 58 44 59
Gross profit margin.... 38.3 % 38.5 % 38.3 % 39.4% 38.7% 39.3% 36.9%
Operating margin
(loss)................ (18.2) (13.9) (2.8) 3.4 2.2 (4.9) (15.8)
Capital expenditures
(continuing
operations)........... $ 8,877 $ 9,397 $ 1,664 $ 7,318 $ 9,835 $ 1,244 $ 1,108
Depreciation and
amortization.......... 1,028 1,926 2,490 2,932 3,787 817 1,108
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At At
January 29, April 29,
2000 2000
----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Balance Sheet Data:
Inventories.............................................. $33,610 $34,470
Working capital.......................................... 15,300 12,835
Total assets............................................. 72,882 75,155
Long-term obligations, less current portion.............. 689 684
Total shareholders' equity............................... 48,700 46,237
</TABLE>
--------
(a) The fiscal year ended January 29, 2000 includes a net income tax benefit of
$7,271 due to the recognition of Noodle's deferred tax asset which
represents net income per basic and diluted common share of $0.96 and
$0.94, respectively. A tax benefit was not recorded for the thirteen weeks
ended May 1, 1999.
10
<PAGE>
SUMMARY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth certain summary pro forma combined
consolidated financial data for Zany and Noodle. The pro forma amounts included
in the table below assume the consummation of the merger and are based on the
"pooling of interests" method of accounting. The following table should be read
in conjunction with the historical financial statements of Zany and Noodle and
the pro forma financial data included herein under the caption "Unaudited Pro
Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements."
The pro forma amounts below are presented for informational purposes only
and are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations of the combined
company that would have actually occurred had the merger been consummated as of
February 2, 1997 or of the financial condition of the combined company had the
merger been consummated as of January 29, 2000 or of the future results of
operations or financial condition of the combined company. The pro forma
information does not reflect any synergies anticipated as a result of the
merger, in particular the elimination of costs associated with Noodle's status
as a public company and other administrative savings. There can be no
assurances that such synergies will be realized.
Zany and Noodle estimate that they will incur direct transaction costs of
approximately $3.0 million, net of tax, associated with the merger, which will
be charged to operations in the quarter in which the merger is consummated. In
addition, it is expected that following the merger, the combined company will
incur additional expenses, which are currently estimated to be in the range of
$10.0 to $13.0 million, net of tax, associated with the merger and integrating
the operations of the two companies. Merger and integration expenses are not
reflected in these unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial
statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Thirteen Weeks
Fiscal Year Ended Ended (unaudited)
------------------------------ ------------------
Jan. 31, Jan. 30, Jan. 29, May 1, April 29,
1998 1999 2000 1999 2000
-------- -------- -------- ------- ---------
(in thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations
Data:
Net Sales................ $205,009 $276,357 $376,232 $63,467 $63,435
Gross Profit............. 51,096 77,404 108,380 16,876 12,020
Selling, general and
administrative
expenses................ 52,833 69,813 92,931 19,300 23,905
Operating income (loss).. (1,737) 7,591 15,449 (2,424) (11,885)
Net income (loss) from
continuing operations... (1,844) 12,733(a) 17,136(b) (2,131) (7,498)
Net income (loss) from
continuing operations
per common share:
Basic.................... (0.13) 0.86(a) 0.68(b) (0.14) (0.24)
Diluted.................. (0.13) 0.47(a) 0.56(b) (0.14) (0.24)
Weighted average shares
outstanding:
Basic.................... 14,431 14,729 25,208 14,754 31,056
Diluted.................. 14,440 27,291 30,780 14,754 31,056
Operating Data:
Gross profit margin...... 24.9% 28.0% 28.8% 26.6% 18.9%
Operating margin (loss).. (0.8) 2.7 4.1 (3.8) (18.7)
Capital expenditures..... 8,084 14,627 23,447 $ 3,741 $ 3,305
Depreciation and
amortization............ 7,507 9,791 12,485 2,705 3,661
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At At
January 29, April 29,
2000 2000
----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Balance Sheet Data:
Inventories............................................. $106,304 $108,058
Working capital......................................... 82,101 68,124
Total assets............................................ 219,508 205,762
Long-term debt and capitalized lease obligations, less
current portion........................................ 4,544 3,980
Total shareholders' equity.............................. 145,397 137,944
</TABLE>
--------
(a) Includes a tax benefit of $7,166 recorded by Zany due to the recognition of
their deferred tax asset representing net income per pro forma basic and
diluted share of $0.49 and $0.26, respectively.
(b) Includes a tax benefit of $7,271 recorded by Noodle due to the recognition
of their deferred tax asset representing net income per pro forma basic and
diluted share of $0.29 and $0.24, respectively.
11
<PAGE>
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE INFORMATION
Zany's common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market. On April 20,
2000, the last full trading day on the Nasdaq prior to the public announcement
of the proposed merger, Zany's common stock closed at $4.2812 per share. On
June 19, 2000, Zany's common stock closed at $2.8125 per share.
Noodle's common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market. On April 20,
2000, the last full trading day on the Nasdaq prior to the public announcement
of the proposed merger, Noodle's common stock closed at $4.25 per share. On
June 19, 2000, Noodle's common stock closed at $3.125 per share.
We have set forth below consolidated net income (loss) and book value per
share data of Zany and Noodle on an historic basis and for Zany, on a pro forma
basis giving effect to the acquisition of Noodle and on a pro forma basis per
Noodle equivalent share. The Noodle equivalent share pro forma data was
computed by multiplying the Zany pro forma combined information by 1.233, the
exchange ratio in the merger.
You should read the information set forth below in conjunction with the
audited consolidated financial statements of Noodle and Zany, and the Unaudited
Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in
this joint proxy statement/prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At or for
the Thirteen
Weeks Ended
At or for the Fiscal Year Ended (unaudited)
----------------------------------------- ------------
January 31, January 30, January 29, April 29,
1998 1999 2000 2000
------------ ------------ ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Zany Historical
Income (loss) from
continuing operations
per share:
Basic.................. $(0.03) $1.67(3) $0.44 $(0.23)
Diluted................ (0.03) 0.51(3) 0.33 (0.23)
Book value per share
(1)................... 2.36 2.90 4.55 4.32
Noodle Historical
Income (loss) from
continuing operations
per share:
Basic.................. $(0.25) $0.49 $1.27(4) $(0.33)
Diluted................ (0.25) 0.49 1.25(4) (0.33)
Book value per share
(1)................... 4.46 4.95 6.40 6.08
Zany Unaudited Pro Forma
Combined (2)
Income (loss) from
continuing operations
per share:
Basic.................. $ (.13) $0.86(3) $0.68(4) $(0.24)
Diluted................ (.13) 0.47(3) 0.56(4) (0.24)
Book value per share
(1)................... Not Computed Not Computed 4.68 4.44
Noodle Pro Forma Per
Share Equivalent
Income (loss) from
continuing operations
per share:
Basic.................. $ (.16) $1.07 $0.84(4) $(0.30)
Diluted................ (.16) 0.58 0.69(4) (0.30)
Book value per share
(1)................... Not Computed Not Computed 5.77 5.48
</TABLE>
--------
(1) The historical book value per share is computed by dividing shareholders'
equity by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the end of
each period including all shares of Zany preferred stock on an as-converted
basis. The pro forma combined book value per share is computed by dividing
pro forma shareholders' equity by the pro forma number of shares of common
stock outstanding as of January 29, 2000.
(2) Zany and Noodle estimate that they will incur combined direct transaction
costs of approximately $3.0 million, net of tax, associated with the
merger, which will be charged to operations upon consummation of the
merger. The pro forma and equivalent pro forma combined book value per
share data give effect to the estimated direct transaction costs as if such
costs had been incurred as of January 29, 2000. The pro forma combined book
value per share data does not include additional expenses, which are
currently estimated to be in the range of $10.0 to 13.0 million, net of
tax, associated with the merger and integration of the operations of the
two companies. Merger and integration expenses are not reflected in the pro
forma combined income per share data.
(3) Includes a tax benefit of $7,166 million recorded by Zany due to the
recognition of its deferred tax asset representing historical net income
per basic and diluted common share of $1.33 and $0.40, respectively, and
net income per pro forma basic and diluted common share of $0.49 and $0.26,
respectively.
(4) Includes a tax benefit of $7,271 million recorded by Noodle due to the
recognition of its deferred tax asset representing historical net income
per basic and diluted common share of $0.96 and $0.94, respectively, and
net income per pro forma basic and diluted common share of $0.29 and $0.24,
respectively.
12
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
In making your determination as to how to vote on the merger proposal, you
should consider the following factors:
Risks Relating to the Merger
Zany may not be able to integrate the operations of Noodle and realize the
potential benefits of the merger
Integration of the personnel, operations and information systems of Zany and
Noodle will present significant challenges. The integration of managers and
other employees from each company will result in changes affecting employees
and the operations of both companies. Differences in management approach and
corporate culture may strain employee relations. The success of the merger will
also depend on the ability of Zany and Noodle to integrate business strategies,
information systems and operations in general. If Zany and Noodle are not able
to integrate these strategies, systems and operations quickly and efficiently,
Zany may not achieve the anticipated financial benefits of the merger.
Even if Zany is able to successfully integrate Noodle into its operations, the
integration process will be costly and may distract Zany from the operation of
its business
Integration of the personnel, operations and information systems of Zany and
Noodle will be time consuming. Zany management will need to spend considerable
amounts of time on the integration of the two companies. In addition, the
integration of the two companies will be costly and there may be unanticipated
expenses that arise. The time and money required to successfully integrate the
two companies may cause Zany's financial results to suffer.
As a result of the merger, the combined company will incur significant
transaction, merger and integration costs that may exceed our estimates
We estimate that, as a result of the merger, the combined company will incur
transaction, merger and integration costs of approximately $13.0 million to
$16.0 million, net of tax, including, among other expenses, investment banking,
legal and accounting fees, severance and contractual incentive benefits. In
addition, we expect that we will incur significant consolidation and
integration expenses which we cannot accurately estimate at this time. We
expect that the combined company will charge the majority of such costs and
expenses to operations in the fiscal year ending February 3, 2001. The amount
of the transaction costs is a preliminary estimate and is subject to change.
Actual transaction costs may substantially exceed our estimates and, when
combined with the expenses incurred in connection with the consolidation and
integration of our companies, could have an adverse effect on the financial
condition and operating results of the combined company.
Brand integration is critical to the success of the merger and if the brands
are not properly integrated, Noodle customers may not continue to shop at the
former Noodle stores upon completion of the merger
Upon completion of the merger, it is likely that the former Noodle stores
will have Zany signage and other elements of the Zany brand. Effective
introduction of the Zany brand to Noodle customers and the integration of
Zany's and Noodle's brands is critical to the success of the merger. If the
brand introduction and integration is not successful, Noodle customers may not
accept the Zany stores and may choose to shop elsewhere. This could hurt the
financial results at the former Noodle stores and Zany's financial performance
overall.
The exchange ratio for Zany common stock to be received in the merger is fixed
and will not be adjusted in the event of any change in stock price
Upon completion of the merger, each share of Noodle common stock will be
exchanged for 1.233 shares of Zany common stock. This conversion number is
fixed and will not be adjusted as a result of any change in
13
<PAGE>
the price of Zany common stock. Any change in the price of Zany common stock
will affect the value of the consideration that Noodle shareholders receive in
the merger. Because the merger will be completed only after all the conditions
to the merger are satisfied or waived, there is no way to be sure that the
price of Zany common stock on the date of the Zany and the Noodle shareholder
meetings will be the same as its price at the time the merger is completed. The
price of Zany common stock at the time that the merger is completed may be
higher or lower than its price on the date of this document or the date of the
Zany and Noodle shareholders' meetings. You are encouraged to obtain current
market quotations for Zany common stock.
Zany shareholders will be diluted by the merger
The merger will dilute the ownership position of the present shareholders of
Zany. On June 9, 2000, Zany had 21,683,182 outstanding shares of common stock.
Based on the number of shares of Noodle common stock outstanding as of June 9,
2000, Zany will issue to Noodle shareholders approximately 9,381,500 shares of
Zany common stock in the merger.
Risks Relating to Zany
Zany's business is highly seasonal, and its annual results are highly dependent
on the success of the Christmas selling season
Seasonal shopping patterns affect Zany's business. A significant portion of
Zany's sales occurs in the fourth quarter, coinciding with the Christmas
holiday shopping season. Therefore, Zany's results of operations for the entire
year depend largely on its fourth quarter results. In fact, since its
inception, Zany has never been profitable in any quarter other than the fourth
quarter of any fiscal year, and Zany expects this trend to continue. Factors
that could cause Zany's sales and profitability to suffer include:
. the availability of and customer demand for particular products;
. the timing of new store openings;
. adverse weather conditions;
. unfavorable economic conditions;
. the inability to hire adequate temporary personnel;
. the inability to maintain appropriate inventory levels; and
. a late Thanksgiving, which reduces the number of days between
Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Zany generally prefers to open new stores in the first three quarters of the
year. The failure to open stores on schedule may particularly impair Zany's
results because of its dependence on the Christmas holiday shopping season.
If Zany is not able to implement its store expansion program, Zany's growth
will suffer
Zany's growth depends in large part on its ability to open and profitably
operate new stores in both existing and new geographic markets. Zany's ability
to open and operate new stores will depend on a number of factors, including
its ability to:
. identify suitable sites;
. negotiate acceptable leases at attractive rents;
. access adequate capital to fund store expansion;
. construct and open stores on schedule; and
. locate, hire, train and retain competent managers.
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Zany's continued growth is dependent, in part, on its ability to increase
sales at existing stores. Zany's overall profitability will suffer if the
opening of new stores in existing markets draws business from Zany's existing
stores. Zany also plans to open many of its new stores in markets where it does
not currently have a presence. The opening of stores in new geographic markets
could present competitive and operational challenges different from those Zany
currently faces or previously faced in entering existing geographic markets.
For example, Zany may incur higher costs related to advertising, administration
and distribution as it enters these new markets. In addition, Zany may not gain
market acceptance, or establish its brand, in new geographic markets, which
would impair Zany's financial results.
Zany may not have sufficient management, operational, distribution,
financial and information systems resources to accommodate its planned growth.
Zany's expansion strategy also presents some cultural risks, including the
ability to maintain Zany's product mission, customer service commitment and
quality control as Zany becomes larger. Finally, if Zany's new stores do not
perform as expected, Zany may curtail its store expansion, which would impair
Zany's financial growth and profitability.
Zany's comparable store sales will fluctuate
Changes in Zany's comparable store sales results could cause the price of
Zany's common stock to fluctuate. A number of factors have historically
affected, and will continue to affect, Zany's comparable store sales results,
including:
. competition;
. Zany's new store openings;
. general regional and national economic conditions;
. consumer trends and preferences;
. changes in Zany's co-tenants;
. new product introductions and changes in Zany's product mix;
. timing and effectiveness of promotional events;
. introduction of and continued demand for popular and fad products; and
. weather.
Additional financing may not be available when needed or may only be available
on terms that could adversely affect Zany's business and shareholders
Zany will need additional financing to support its growth or to respond to
competitive pressures or unanticipated events. Additional financing, if needed,
may not be available on satisfactory terms or at all. Any additional equity
financing may cause dilution to existing investors. Any debt financing may
result in additional restrictions on Zany's spending or ability to pay
dividends. Although Zany has entered into two term sheets with a bank that
provide for additional financing, they are both subject to a number of
conditions and may not be finalized.
Restrictive loan covenants may limit Zany's ability to take various corporate
actions
Zany's credit facility contains covenants that require Zany to satisfy
ongoing financial requirements and that limit Zany's ability to borrow
additional money, pay dividends, divest assets and make additional corporate
investments. If Zany is unable to meet any of its debt service obligations or
comply with these covenants, Zany's lenders can accelerate Zany's debt. If that
were to occur and Zany were unable to obtain alternative financing, Zany's
long-term viability could be impaired.
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Zany's operations, and ZanyBrainy.com's operations, could be disrupted if
information systems fail
Zany's business depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of its
computer and communications software and hardware systems. Zany regularly makes
investments to upgrade, enhance and replace its systems. Zany must
appropriately expand the capacity of its information systems to accommodate its
anticipated growth or its operations could suffer.
In addition, continued customer access to www.zanybrainy.com, Zany's
Internet joint venture, is important for the success of ZanyBrainy.com and the
perception of the Zany brand. The ZanyBrainy.com Website may experience
occasional system interruptions that make the Website unavailable or prevent
ZanyBrainy.com from efficiently fulfilling orders. These interruptions may
reduce the volume of goods sold, the attractiveness of products and services
offered and damage Zany's reputation. Additional software and hardware may be
necessary to upgrade the systems and network infrastructure of the
ZanyBrainy.com Website to accommodate increased traffic and sales volume. Zany
cannot accurately project the rate or timing of any increases in traffic or
sales volume on the Website and, therefore, the integration and timing of these
upgrades are uncertain.
Zany has no formal disaster recovery plan to prevent delays or other
complications arising from information systems failure. Zany's business
interruption insurance may not adequately compensate Zany for losses that may
occur.
Risks associated with Zany's investment in its joint venture, ZanyBrainy.com
ZanyBrainy.com is not currently profitable and has incurred significant
losses since its inception. It is likely that ZanyBrainy.com will continue to
incur losses for the foreseeable future. While Online Retail Partners, Zany's
joint venture partner, has agreed to take all losses of ZanyBrainy.com up to
the extent of their capital account, any losses beyond that will require Zany
to recognize losses up to the amount of its investment. Zany would also have to
recognize losses if its investment were to become materially impaired, up to
the amount of Zany's investment. Zany recently contributed an additional $6.9
million to ZanyBrainy.com which brought Zany's total investment to $11.9
million. Zany expects to commence incurring losses attributable to its
investment in ZanyBrainy.com during the second quarter of 2000.
ZanyBrainy.com will need additional financing in order to continue to
operate. Additional financing may not be available on satisfactory terms or at
all. Any additional equity financing could reduce Zany's equity ownership in
ZanyBrainy.com.
Technology, customer functionality requirements and preferences change
rapidly in the online commerce industry. ZanyBrainy.com may not be able to
adapt quickly enough to these changing customer requirements and industry
standards. Failure to adapt on a cost-effective and timely basis or the
emergence of new industry standards and practices could impair the value of
Zany's investment in ZanyBrainy.com.
ZanyBrainy.com will require substantial participation of Zany's management
and affiliates for certain resources. There is also a risk that selling Zany's
products on the Internet could divert customers from Zany's stores and depress
existing store sales.
Zany is dependent on executive management and other personnel
Zany believes that its continued growth and profitability depend on the
continued employment of its management team. If one or more members of its
executive management team were unable or unwilling to continue in their present
positions, Zany's profitability could suffer. Zany does not carry key person
life insurance on any member of its executive management team.
Zany's growth and profitability also depend on hiring and retaining quality
managers and sales associates in its stores. Competition for personnel,
particularly for employees with retail expertise, is intense. Additionally,
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Zany's ability to maintain consistency in the quality of customer service in
its stores is critical to its operations. If Zany is unable to hire and retain
sales associates capable of providing a high level of customer service, Zany's
brand and reputation could be damaged. This could cause Zany's sales to
decline.
Zany competes with many retailers
Competition from mass market retailers and discounters, which have greater
brand recognition and financial and other resources
Many mass market retailers and discounters, such as Toys "R" Us, Wal-Mart
and Target, have much greater brand recognition and greater financial,
marketing and other resources than Zany. Zany could be at a disadvantage in
responding to these competitors' merchandising and pricing strategies,
advertising campaigns and other initiatives. Several of these competitors,
including Toys "R" Us, have launched successful Internet shopping sites that
compete with ZanyBrainy.com and Zany's stores. In addition, an increase in
focus on the specialty retail market or the sale by these competitors of more
products similar to Zany's could cause Zany to lose market share.
Competition from smaller format, specialty educational and creative toy
retailers, whose growth can impair Zany's sales growth
Zany's direct competitors are smaller format, specialty educational and
creative toy and game retailers. These retailers are continuing to expand and
could impede Zany's ability to increase its sales.
Competition from non-toy specialty retailers, which compete with Zany's
children's book and software businesses and could limit Zany's ability to
expand in these categories
Non-toy specialty retailers, such as Barnes & Noble and Best Buy, are
competing with Zany's children's book and software businesses. Zany believes
that some of these competitors have exclusivity restrictions in their leases
that restrict co-tenants from selling similar products. Such restrictions
could hinder Zany's expansion strategy by limiting Zany's ability to sell some
products at those sites.
Competition from Internet-only retailers, which may have a cost advantage
and reach a broader market
Zany faces growing competition from Internet-only retailers, such as eToys
and Amazon.com. They may enjoy an overall operating cost advantage.
With respect to all of Zany's competitors, sales and profitability could
suffer if:
. new competitors enter markets in which Zany is currently operating;
. Zany's competitors implement aggressive pricing strategies;
. Zany's competitors expand their operations;
. Zany's suppliers sell their products directly or enter into exclusive
arrangements with Zany's competitors; or
. Zany's competitors adopt innovative store formats, retail sales methods
or merchandising strategies that are similar to Zany's.
If Zany's suppliers and distributors do not provide sufficient quantities of
Zany's products, Zany's sales and profitability will suffer
Products supplied to Zany by its top twenty suppliers represented slightly
over half of Zany's purchases in the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000.
Zany's dependence on its principal suppliers involves risk, and if there is a
disruption in supply from a principal supplier or distributor, Zany may be
unable to obtain the merchandise
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it desires to sell. While no one supplier represented greater than 10% of net
purchases in the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000, a disruption in the
operations of any of Zany's key suppliers could cause a decline in sales.
Zany's sales also could decline if key specialty suppliers sell more products
through mass-market retailers. Many of Zany's suppliers currently provide it
with incentives, such as return privileges, volume purchasing allowances and
cooperative advertising. A reduction or discontinuation of these incentives
could reduce Zany's profits.
If a shipment of products that Zany imports is interrupted or delayed,
inventory levels and sales could decline
Zany does not own or operate any manufacturing facilities. Instead, it buys
all of its products from manufacturers and distributors. In the fiscal year
ended January 29, 2000, Zany imported approximately 9% of its purchases,
including most of its private label products, directly from foreign
manufacturers. In addition, Zany believes that a significant portion of the
products that it purchases from domestic suppliers is manufactured abroad. Zany
anticipates that its dependence on foreign-sourced merchandise will increase.
Zany is subject to the following risks inherent in relying on foreign
manufacturers:
. the inability to return products;
. fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
. economic and political instability;
. transportation delays;
. restrictive actions by foreign governments;
. the laws and policies of the United States affecting importation of
goods, including duties, quotas and taxes;
. foreign trade and tax laws;
. foreign labor practices;
. trade infringement claims; and
. increased liability as importer of record.
Interruptions or delays in Zany's imports could cause shortages in product
inventory and a decline in Zany's sales unless it secures alternative supply
arrangements. Even if Zany could locate alternative sources, their products may
be of lesser quality or more expensive than those Zany currently purchases.
Zany's sales could also suffer if its suppliers experience similar problems
with foreign manufacturers.
If Zany is unable to predict or react to changes in consumer demand, it may
lose customers and sales may decline
Zany's success depends on its ability to anticipate and respond in a timely
manner to changing consumer demand and preferences. Zany's products must appeal
to a broad range of consumers whose preferences cannot be predicted with
certainty and are subject to change. If Zany misjudges the market for its
merchandise, it may overstock certain products and be forced to take
significant inventory markdowns, which may have a negative impact on Zany's
profitability, or return overstocked products to vendors, which may have a
negative impact on Zany's relationships with its vendors.
It is also common in the toy industry for some popular products, such as
Pokemon and Beanie Babies, to achieve high sales, but for unpredictable periods
of time. In the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000, Pokemon and Beanie Babies
represented approximately 7% and approximately 4% of Zany's sales,
respectively, and in the first quarter of 2000 Pokemon represented
approximately 7% of Zany's sales. Consumer demand for these popular products or
others could decrease significantly and without warning. If Zany is unable to
identify new
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products that will enjoy strong consumer demand, it may lose customers and
sales may decline. The introduction of new products may also depress sales of
existing products. In addition, a decrease in the demand for popular products
may negatively affect comparable store sales. Moreover, because Zany sells only
those products that conform to Zany's product mission, Zany may choose not to
sell some products that its customers desire and thus lose potential sales.
Zany may be unable to protect its intellectual property, which could impair its
brand and reputation
Zany's efforts to protect its proprietary rights may be inadequate. Zany
regards its intellectual property, particularly its trademark for "Zany
Brainy," as important to its marketing strategy. To protect Zany's proprietary
rights, Zany relies generally on copyright, trademark and trade secret laws,
confidentiality agreements with employees and third parties and license
agreements with consultants and suppliers. However, a third party could,
without authorization, copy or otherwise appropriate information from Zany.
Employees, consultants and others who participate in development activities
could breach their confidentiality agreements, and Zany may not have adequate
remedies for any such breach. Zany's failure or inability to protect its
proprietary rights could materially decrease their value, and Zany's brand and
reputation could be impaired.
Zany may be exposed to product liability lawsuits and other claims if it fails
to comply with government and toy industry safety standards
Children can sustain injuries from toys. Zany may be subject to claims or
lawsuits resulting from such injuries. There is a risk that claims or
liabilities may exceed Zany's insurance coverage. Moreover, Zany may be unable
to retain adequate liability insurance in the future. Zany is subject to
regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and similar state
regulatory agencies. If it fails to comply with government and toy industry
safety standards, Zany may be subject to claims, lawsuits, fines and adverse
publicity.
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DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the information in this joint proxy statement/prospectus contains
forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including
statements about Zany's and Noodle's beliefs and expectations, are forward-
looking statements. Forward-looking statements typically are identified by use
of terms such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan,"
"estimate," and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are
expressed differently. Forward-looking statements in this document address,
among other things:
. projections of future results of operations or of financial conditions;
. efficiencies as a result of the merger, including increased purchasing
power and increased ability to compete in the specialty toy retailing
industry, and resources of the combined company;
. cost savings as a result of the merger;
. transaction, merger and integration-related expenses;
. growth of the businesses of Zany and Noodle;
. conditions to, and the timetable for, completing the merger;
. combined operations and future economic performance;
. operating results of ZanyBrainy.com;
. the timing of recognition of losses from ZanyBrainy.com;
. expectations with respect to sales of popular products and negative
comparable store sales;
. the relationship between the business synergies of the merger and future
earnings per share;
. sufficiency of operating cash flow, credit facilities and other
financing arrangements;
. the timing of and ability to finalize a new credit facility; and
. new store openings.
Zany and Noodle believe it is important to communicate their expectations to
their shareholders. However, there may be events in the future that Zany and
Noodle are unable to accurately predict or that they do not fully control that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied
by their forward-looking statements, including:
. Zany's inability to manage its growth, open new stores on a timely basis
and expand in new and existing markets;
. Zany's inability to integrate the operations, brand, personnel and
information systems of Noodle or realize the business synergies expected
from the merger;
. changes in general economic and business conditions and in the specialty
retail or toy industry in particular;
. the availability of product and Zany's ability to replenish product on a
timely basis;
. Zany's ability to successfully manage inventory;
. the availability and cost of additional capital to fund Zany's
operations or that of ZanyBrainy.com;
. actions by Zany's competitors;
. unanticipated costs of the merger;
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. ZanyBrainy.com's ability to successfully market and expand and Zany's
ability to successfully work with Online Retail Partners;
. the recognition of losses by Zany in connection with its investment in
ZanyBrainy.com or any impairment of Zany's investment in ZanyBrainy.com;
. a decline in the level of demand for Zany's products, including popular
products;
. changes in Zany's business strategies; and
. other factors discussed under "Risk Factors."
Zany and Noodle shareholders are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this
document. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements
attributable to Zany or Noodle or any person acting on their behalf are
expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in
this section. Neither Zany nor Noodle undertake any obligation to release
publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or
circumstances after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.
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SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS
Both Zany and Noodle will hold meetings of their shareholders. Our boards of
directors are providing you with this joint proxy statement/prospectus to
solicit your proxy for use at the meetings.
Times and Places; Purposes
Zany Annual Meeting. Zany will hold its annual meeting at the offices of
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, 1701 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 on July
26, 2000, starting at 10:00 a.m., local time. At the Zany meeting, the
shareholders of Zany will consider and vote upon:
. the merger agreement;
. the election of directors; and
. such other matters as may properly come before the Zany meeting.
Noodle Special Meeting. Noodle will hold a special meeting of its
shareholders at the offices of The Chase Manhattan Bank, 395 North Service
Road, Melville, NY 11747 on July 25, 2000, starting at 11:00 a.m., local time.
At the Noodle meeting, Noodle shareholders will consider and vote upon:
. the merger agreement; and
. such other matters as may properly come before the Noodle meeting.
Record Date; Voting Rights; Votes Required for Approval
Zany. The Zany board has set the close of business on June 9, 2000 as the
Zany record date. Only holders of record of shares of Zany common stock on June
9, 2000 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Zany annual meeting. On
the Zany record date, there were 21,683,182 shares of Zany common stock
outstanding and entitled to vote at the Zany meeting. These shares were held by
approximately 542 shareholders of record.
At the Zany annual meeting:
. each record holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per
share;
. the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares is necessary to constitute a quorum; and
. approval and adoption of the merger agreement requires the approval
of a majority of the votes cast by Zany shareholders.
Noodle. The Noodle board has set the close of business on June 9, 2000 as
the Noodle record date. Only holders of record of shares of Noodle common stock
on June 9, 2000 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Noodle
meeting. On the Noodle record date, there were 7,608,640 shares of Noodle
common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Noodle meeting. These
shares were held by approximately 580 shareholders of record.
At the Noodle special meeting:
. each record holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per
share;
. the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of
the issued and outstanding shares of Noodle common stock is
necessary to constitute a quorum; and
. approval and adoption of the merger agreement requires the approval
of a majority of the outstanding shares of Noodle common stock.
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Outstanding Shares Owned by Zany and Noodle Directors and Executive Officers
On June 9, 2000, Zany directors and executive officers owned 5,011,094
shares of Zany common stock. These shares represent approximately 23.1% of the
shares of Zany common stock outstanding as of the record date. These
individuals have indicated that they intend to vote their Zany shares in favor
of the Zany proposals.
On June 9, 2000, Noodle directors and executive officers owned 773,792
shares of Noodle common stock. These shares represent approximately 10.2% of
the shares of Noodle common stock outstanding as of the record date. These
individuals have indicated that they intend to vote their Noodle shares in
favor of the Noodle proposals.
Proxies
. Completed Proxies. If you complete and return a proxy and your company
receives the proxy prior to or at your meeting, your proxy will be voted
in accordance with your instructions.
. Proxies with No Instructions. If you execute and return a proxy but do
not provide instructions as to your vote, your proxy will be voted FOR
approval and adoption of the merger agreement and, in the case of the
Zany annual meeting, FOR the nominees for election to the Zany board of
directors.
. Proxies Marked Abstain. If you execute and return a proxy marked
ABSTAIN, your proxy will count for purposes of determining whether there
is a quorum and for purposes of determining the voting power and number
of shares entitled to vote at the meetings but the shares will not be
voted. Due to differences in the corporate laws of Pennsylvania and
Delaware, proxies marked ABSTAIN will be treated differently with
respect to the Zany merger proposal and the Noodle merger proposal as
follows:
Zany Shareholder Proxy Marked Noodle Shareholder Proxy Marked
ABSTAIN: ABSTAIN:
Under Pennsylvania law, a proxy Under Delaware law, adoption of
marked ABSTAIN is not considered the merger agreement requires
a cast vote. Approval of the the affirmative vote of a
merger agreement requires the majority of the shares
affirmative vote of a majority outstanding. Accordingly,
of the votes cast at the proxies marked ABSTAIN will have
meeting. Accordingly, proxies the effect of a vote against the
marked ABSTAIN will have no merger agreement.
effect on the approval of the
merger agreement.
. Broker Non-Votes. Brokers holding shares in street name for beneficial
owners must vote those shares according to specific instructions they
receive from the owners. A "broker non-vote" occurs on a matter when a
broker is not permitted to vote on that matter without instruction from
the beneficial owner of the shares and no instruction is given. Shares
represented by "broker non-votes" will be counted for purposes of
determining whether there is a quorum at the meetings. Broker non-votes
will have the same effect as a proxy marked ABSTAIN as follows:
Zany Broker Non-Votes: Noodle Broker Non-Votes:
Broker non-votes will have no Broker non-votes will have the
effect on the approval of the effect of a vote against the
merger agreement. merger agreement.
. Other Business. We are not aware of any business for consideration at
the meetings other than as described in this joint proxy
statement/prospectus. However, if matters are properly brought before
the meetings, then the persons appointed as proxies will have the
discretion to vote or act thereon according to their best judgment.
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. Revocation. You may revoke your proxy at any time prior to its use. To
revoke your proxy, you must deliver to the secretary of Zany or Noodle,
as the case may be, a signed notice of revocation or you must deliver a
later- dated proxy changing your vote. In addition, you may choose to
attend your meeting and vote in person. Please realize that simply
attending the meeting will not, in itself, constitute the revocation of
your proxy.
. Solicitation of Proxies. In addition to solicitation by mail, the
directors, officers and employees of Zany and Noodle may solicit proxies
from their respective shareholders by telephone, electronic transmission
or in person. Zany and Noodle each will pay its own costs of soliciting
proxies. Zany and Noodle have hired Beacon Hill Partners, Inc. to assist
in the distribution and solicitation of proxies. Zany and Noodle will
each pay Beacon Hill Partners a customary fee plus reasonable expenses
for these services.
The extent to which these proxy soliciting efforts will be necessary depends
entirely upon how promptly proxies are submitted. You should send in your proxy
without delay by mail. Zany and Noodle will also reimburse brokers and other
nominees for their expenses in sending these materials to you and getting your
voting instructions.
Please do not send your stock certificates with your proxy card. The
exchange agent will mail a separate transmittal form with instructions for the
surrender of stock certificates for Noodle common stock to former Noodle
shareholders as soon as practicable after the completion of the merger.
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THE MERGER
Background of the Merger
Keith Spurgeon, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Zany, and
Stanley Greenman, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Noodle, met twice
between August 1996 and October 1996 to discuss a potential business
combination of their companies. By the beginning of 1997, Messrs. Greenman and
Spurgeon determined not to pursue further discussions at that time.
In September 1999, while attending a toy industry conference in New York,
Messrs. Spurgeon and Greenman met again. On September 15, 1999, Messrs.
Greenman and Spurgeon met and expressed their interest in exploring the
possibility of a business combination between the two companies. Mr. Greenman
informed Mr. Spurgeon that given the importance of the fourth quarter to the
year-end results of both companies they should defer their discussions to a
later date.
On October 26, 1999, Mr. Spurgeon telephoned Mr. Greenman to again express
his interest in a transaction between Zany and Noodle and suggested that they
hold further discussions.
On October 29, 1999, Noodle management met telephonically with
representatives from PaineWebber to discuss the basis for negotiating a
potential transaction with Zany and requested PaineWebber to explore such a
transaction.
At a meeting of the Noodle board of directors on November 16, 1999,
PaineWebber reviewed with the board of directors a proposal for a merger
between Noodle and Zany. Representatives of PaineWebber reported that they had
spoken informally with DLJ regarding a possible merger transaction between Zany
and Noodle. PaineWebber noted that a business combination with Zany would have
many benefits for Noodle and its shareholders, including a premium for Noodle
shareholders (based on the closing prices of Noodle and Zany on November 15,
1999), continued ownership by Noodle shareholders in the combined company and
business synergies and cost savings due to the combination. PaineWebber
recommended that Noodle consider and proceed with negotiations for a potential
transaction with Zany. Following PaineWebber's presentation, the board of
directors discussed a potential merger with Zany, including the process and
timing of a transaction and a possible exchange ratio. Following this
discussion, the board of directors agreed to direct management to further
explore a merger with Zany, with a focus on negotiating a favorable exchange
ratio for Noodle shareholders, and authorized management to retain PaineWebber
to act as financial advisor to the board of directors.
At a meeting of the Noodle board of directors on January 11, 2000,
management reported to the board of directors that they had negotiated an
engagement letter with PaineWebber. Management also noted that they had made no
further progress regarding a transaction with Zany. The board of directors
decided that it was in the best interests of Noodle and its shareholders for
the board of directors to form a special committee to assist management in the
structuring and negotiation of a transaction with Zany. The board of directors
established a special committee consisting of Messrs. Barry Ridings, Robert
Stokvis and Lester Greenman.
On January 20, 2000, Noodle formally engaged PaineWebber to act as its
financial adviser with respect to the merger.
At a regular meeting of the Zany board of directors held on January 26,
2000, Mr. Spurgeon reported on his prior discussions with Stanley Greenman. The
board of directors considered a possible transaction with Noodle. After
extensive discussion, the board of directors authorized Zany management,
working with DLJ, to suggest to Noodle a merger transaction in which Noodle's
shareholders would receive 25% of Zany's shares subject to a number of
conditions, including completion of due diligence, execution of a definitive
merger agreement and receipt of board of directors, shareholder and regulatory
approval.
Pursuant to the Zany board of directors' authorization, on January 31, 2000,
DLJ, on behalf of Zany, sent to PaineWebber, on behalf of Noodle, a letter
proposing a merger of Zany and Noodle in which Noodle
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shareholders would own 25% of the combined company, calculated on a fully-
diluted basis. In addition, the letter stated that Zany would attempt to
structure the transaction as tax-free to Noodle shareholders and that it would
be accounted for as a pooling of interests.
On February 1, 2000, representatives of PaineWebber met with Noodle
management and the Noodle special committee to discuss Zany's written offer. On
February 4, 2000, Noodle management and the Noodle special committee (other
than Lester Greenman) met again to continue to discuss the exchange ratio for a
merger and the ownership of the combined company. Management and the special
committee also discussed the effects of a merger with Zany on Noodle's
employees and potential severance issues.
On February 15, 2000, Mr. Spurgeon and Stanley Greenman met to discuss the
offer. At that time, Mr. Greenman informed Mr. Spurgeon that the exchange ratio
would have to be higher in order for his board of directors to authorize him to
continue discussions.
In a special meeting of the Zany board of directors held on February 25,
2000, Mr. Spurgeon updated the board of directors on his discussions with Mr.
Greenman, including Mr. Greenman's comments regarding the proposed exchange
ratio. Mr. Spurgeon then reviewed with the board of directors management's
analysis, including business synergies and potential consolidation cost savings
due to the combination and the benefits thereof, regarding the merger in the
event that Noodle shareholders owned 30% of the combined company after the
merger was completed. After extensive discussion, the board of directors
unanimously authorized Mr. Spurgeon to continue his discussions with Noodle and
to pursue a merger with Noodle that would provide for Noodle shareholders to
own approximately 30% of the combined company's shares after completion of the
merger, calculated on a fully-diluted basis.
On February 25, 2000, Messrs. Spurgeon and Greenman agreed that an exchange
ratio that would result in Noodle shareholders owning approximately 30% of the
combined company at the completion of the merger, calculated on a fully-diluted
basis, would be an acceptable basis for further discussion. This preliminary
agreement was subject to completion of due diligence reviews by both companies,
negotiation of a merger agreement, including composition of the board of
directors and management of the combined company, review and analysis by each
company and its financial advisor and review, analysis and approval by the Zany
board of directors and the Noodle board of directors.
On February 28, 2000, Zany and Noodle executed a mutual Confidentiality
Agreement relating to the exchange of confidential information by the two
companies.
On March 6, 2000, senior management of both companies, along with their
legal representatives, met in New York. The parties discussed possible
transaction and organizational structures, as well as other facets of a merger
transaction, including due diligence and preliminary negotiations regarding
representations and warranties, protective devices and board of directors
composition.
During March 2000, each company held numerous discussions with their
respective financial advisors, outside legal counsel and accounting firms
regarding various matters relating to the proposed transaction. At the same
time, the companies and their respective advisers began their due diligence
reviews and began negotiating the terms of a definitive merger agreement.
During March 2000, Noodle management and the special committee met or spoke
frequently to discuss the status of negotiations with Zany and the issues
arising during negotiations.
On March 29, 2000 at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Zany board of
directors, Mr. Spurgeon updated the Zany board of directors on the status of
the negotiations and the remaining open issues.
On April 3, 2000, Zany formally engaged DLJ to act as its exclusive
financial advisor with respect to the merger.
During April 2000, the companies and their respective advisors met or spoke
frequently to continue to negotiate the terms of the definitive merger
agreement and completed their due diligence reviews.
During April 2000, Noodle management and the special committee met or spoke
frequently to discuss the status of negotiations with Zany and the issues
arising during negotiations.
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<PAGE>
On April 14, 2000, the Zany board of directors met to consider the merger
agreement and the related transactions. At that meeting, DLJ reviewed the
financial terms of the merger and rendered its oral opinion, subsequently
confirmed by delivery of a written opinion as of April 21, 2000, to the effect
that as of that date, based upon and subject to the assumptions, limitations
and qualifications set forth in its written opinion, the proposed exchange
ratio was fair to Zany from a financial point of view. Following DLJ's
presentation of its opinion, the board of directors considered the terms and
provisions of the draft merger agreement, including a review of the material
terms that remained under negotiation. After general discussion, and
consideration of the factors described under "--Recommendation of the Zany
Board of Directors; Zany's Reasons for the Merger," the Zany board of directors
concluded that the merger was in the best interests of Zany and its
shareholders and unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement.
On April 14, 2000, the Noodle board of directors met to consider the merger
agreement. PaineWebber reviewed the financial terms of the merger. Following
its financial presentation, PaineWebber rendered its oral opinion, that,
subject to a reduction in the amount of the termination fee then proposed by
Zany and its advisors, as of that date and based on and subject to the matters
described in the written opinion, the proposed exchange ratio was fair from a
financial point of view to the Noodle shareholders. Following PaineWebber's
presentation of its opinion, the board of directors considered the terms and
provisions of the draft merger agreement, including the amount of the
termination fee, the severance arrangements for Noodle employees and
management, the definition and use of the term "material adverse effect" and
the condition to closing that Zany be able to account for the transaction as a
pooling of interests. The board of directors authorized management to continue
negotiating to resolve as many issues as possible.
During the week of April 17, 2000, the companies and their respective
advisors continued to negotiate the terms of the definitive merger agreement.
On April 19, 2000, the Noodle board of directors met telephonically to again
consider the merger agreement. Management reported that substantial progress
had been made: the proposed termination fee had been reduced to $2.25 million,
the severance arrangements were almost complete, the term "material adverse
effect" had been defined to their satisfaction, and they had agreed to accept
the condition regarding pooling of interests accounting. Following management's
report, PaineWebber rendered its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed
in writing, that as of that date and based on and subject to the matters
described in the written opinion, the proposed exchange ratio was fair from a
financial point of view to the Noodle shareholders. Following a general
discussion, and upon consideration of the factors described under "--
Recommendation of the Noodle Board of Directors, Noodle's Reasons for the
Merger," the Noodle board of directors concluded that the merger was fair to,
and in the best interests of the Noodle shareholders and unanimously approved
the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
On April 21, 2000, after negotiation of the final terms of the merger
agreement and accompanying exhibits and schedules, Messrs. Spurgeon and
Greenman executed the merger agreement.
On the morning of April 24, 2000, Zany and Noodle issued a joint press
release announcing the proposed merger transaction.
Recommendation of the Zany Board of Directors; Zany's Reasons for the Merger
The Zany board of directors has determined that the merger is in the best
interests of Zany and its shareholders and believes that the merger will allow
Zany and Noodle to combine their resources to create a more competitive company
in the specialty toy retailing industry. Accordingly, the Zany board of
directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement. In reaching its
determination, the Zany board of directors consulted with Zany's management, as
well as its financial and legal advisors, and considered the following material
factors:
. a common vision of operating the premier retailer of specialty and
educational children's products;
27
<PAGE>
. the strength and depth of management;
. that the combined company would be nearly 1.6 times that of Zany in
terms of revenues and would have approximately 160 stores in 34 states;
. the opportunity to obtain cost and operating efficiencies, including
increased purchasing power;
. the opportunity that a larger and more geographically diverse combined
company may have to further strengthen the Zany brand presence; and
. the opportunity to achieve more efficient utilization of assets,
management and personnel.
The Zany board of directors also evaluated the following positive and
negative factors:
. presentations from, and discussions with, senior management,
representatives of its outside legal counsel and its independent
accounting firm, and representatives of DLJ regarding the business,
financial, accounting and legal due diligence;
. current industry, economic and market conditions, including the trend
toward consolidation in the retail industry;
. the competitive importance of market position, geographic diversity,
size and adequacy of financial resources;
. the challenges of combining the businesses of the two organizations and
the risk of diverting management resources from other opportunities and
operational matters for an extended period of time, which the board
considered negative factors;
. the financial performance, results of operations and prospects of both
companies separately and as combined;
. the ability of Zany to achieve meaningful cost savings and efficiencies
after the companies are combined;
. the terms of the merger agreement;
. current and historical market valuations of the two companies; and
. the fairness opinion of DLJ.
As a result of the foregoing considerations, Zany's board of directors
determined that the potential benefits of the merger outweighed the benefits of
remaining alone. The Zany board of directors believes that the combined company
would have a far greater opportunity than Zany alone to compete in the
specialty toy retailing industry.
In view of the variety of factors considered in connection with its
evaluation of the merger, the Zany board of directors did not find it
practicable to and did not quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the
specific factors considered in reaching its determination.
In addition, many of the factors contain elements that may effect the
fairness of the merger in both a positive and negative way. Except as described
above, the Zany board of directors, as a whole, did not attempt to analyze each
factor separately to determine how it impacted the fairness of the merger.
Consequently, individual members of the Zany board of directors may have given
different weights to different factors and may have viewed different factors as
affecting the determination of fairness differently.
The Zany board of directors recommends that Zany shareholders vote in favor
of the merger proposal at the Zany annual shareholder meeting.
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<PAGE>
Recommendation of the Noodle Board of Directors; Noodle's Reasons for the
Merger
At its meeting on April 19, 2000, the Noodle board of directors:
. determined that the merger agreement and the merger with Zany are in the
best interests of Noodle and its shareholders;
. approved and adopted the merger agreement;
. directed that the merger and the merger agreement be submitted for
consideration by the Noodle shareholders; and
. resolved to recommend that the Noodle shareholders vote FOR approval and
adoption of the merger and the merger agreement.
In the course of reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the
Noodle board of directors consulted with Noodle's management, as well as its
outside legal counsel and its financial advisors, and considered the following
material factors:
(1) information concerning the financial performance and condition, results
of operations, assets, prospects and businesses of each of Noodle and
Zany as separate entities and on a combined basis, including:
. the revenues of the companies, their complementary businesses and
the potential for cost savings and revenue enhancement;
. the recent and historical stock price performance of Noodle and Zany
common stock; and
. the expectation that the merger would create a larger, more
competitive company that will have the opportunity to enhance
shareholder value in ways that are unlikely to be achieved by Noodle
alone;
(2) the strategic nature of the transaction, which combines Zany's and
Noodle's complementary businesses, and creates a broader company with
greater resources, enhanced future operating flexibility and increased
opportunity for growth;
(3) the potential benefits to be derived from a combination of the two
companies, including potential cost savings and efficiencies that would
result from the merger;
(4) the current industry, economic and market conditions and trends,
including the likelihood of continuing consolidation and the size and
financial resources of competitors in the specialty toy retailing
industry generally;
(5) the opportunity for the Noodle shareholders to participate in a larger
company and as shareholders of the combined company, to benefit from
future growth of the combined company;
(6) the fact that the exchange ratio would enable Noodle shareholders to
own approximately 30% of the outstanding stock of the combined company,
calculated on a fully diluted basis;
(7) the analyses and presentations prepared by PaineWebber and the written
opinion of PaineWebber to the effect that, as of April 19, 2000, and
subject to the matters set forth in its opinion, the exchange ratio was
fair from a financial point to the Noodle shareholders (which opinion
is described below, under "Opinions of Financial Advisors--Opinion of
Financial Advisor to the Noodle Board of Directors");
(8) the fact that the exchange ratio represented a premium of approximately
6.4% over Noodle's closing price on April 18, 2000, the last trading
day before the Noodle board meeting, based on Zany's trading price on
the same date;
(9) Zany's requirement that the merger be accounted as a pooling of
interests, which results in combined financial statements prepared on a
basis consistent with the underlying view that shareholder interests in
the two companies have simply been combined;
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<PAGE>
(10) the ability to complete the merger as a reorganization for United
States federal income tax purposes in which Noodle shareholders
generally would not recognize any gain or loss, except for any gain
or loss recognized in connection with cash received for fractional
shares of the combined company's common stock;
(11) the ability to consummate the merger, including the conditions to the
merger requiring:
. the accuracy of Noodle's representations and warranties, except that
they would be deemed accurate unless the breach or breaches of those
representations and warranties would reasonably be expected to have
a material adverse effect;
. the absence of any litigation that is reasonably likely to have a
material adverse effect on Noodle; and
. that Zany receive prior to closing letters from its and Noodle's
independent public accountants regarding the qualification of the
merger for pooling of interest accounting treatment;
(12) the provision of the merger agreement which defines a material adverse
effect to be a fact, condition, event, development or occurrence that
has an adverse effect of $2.5 million or more on a party;
(13) the terms of the merger agreement regarding third-party proposals,
including Noodle's ability to terminate the merger agreement to accept
a superior proposal;
(14) the provisions of the merger agreement that provide for a termination
fee of $2.25 million, plus up to $1 million of expenses, to be paid to
Zany by Noodle under certain circumstances;
(15) the provisions of the merger agreement that provide for a termination
fee of $2.25 million plus up to $1 million of expenses to be paid to
Noodle by Zany under certain circumstances;
(16) the ability to successfully integrate the operations of the two
companies, and the risk associated with the integration;
(17) the possible adverse impact of the merger with Zany on some of
Noodle's employees; and
(18) the interests that certain executive officers and directors of Noodle
may have with respect to the merger in addition to their interests as
Noodle shareholders generally. See "Interests of Noodle Directors and
Executive Officers in the Merger."
In view of the variety of factors and the amount of information considered,
Noodle's board of directors did not find it practicable to, and did not,
quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors it
considered in reaching its decision. The determination was made after
consideration of all of the factors as a whole. In addition, individual members
of Noodle's board of directors may have given different weights to different
factors.
Noodle's board of directors considered all these factors in reaching the
conclusions and recommendations described above. These factors generally had a
positive impact and Noodle's board viewed them as advantages or opportunities,
with the following exceptions:
. the 6.4% premium to be received by Noodle shareholders, described in
clause (8) above, was not very high, but the Noodle board felt that the
low premium was outweighed by the other benefits of the transaction,
including, in particular, the fact that Noodle shareholders would own
approximately 30% of the combined company, described in clause (6)
above;
. the closing conditions regarding the absence of any breach of Noodle's
representations and warranties except where a breach would not have a
material adverse effect and the absence of litigation that would have a
material adverse effect and Zany's requirement that the merger be
accounted for as a
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<PAGE>
pooling of interests, described in clauses (9) and (11) above, caused
the Noodle board to question the certainty of consummation of the
merger. However, the board of directors felt that this uncertainty was
small because the merger agreement quantified a material adverse effect
as having an adverse effect of $2.5 million or more, described in clause
(12) above, and the board of directors believed that such an adverse
effect was unlikely. In addition, the board of directors felt this
uncertainty was outweighed by the other benefits of the transaction;
. The Noodle board of directors was uncomfortable with a $2.25 million
termination fee plus up to $1 million of expenses, described in clause
(14) above, which could be payable to Zany under certain circumstances,
but the board decided that any serious competing acquiror would not be
deterred by this fee and the board's discomfort was further outweighed
by the other benefits of the transaction, including, in particular, the
fact that Zany could be obligated to pay Noodle a $2.25 million
termination fee plus up to $1 million of expenses under certain
circumstances, described in clause (15) above;
. the Noodle board of directors believed that the integration of Noodle's
business and operations with Zany's business and operations, described
in clause (16) above, could be a risk, although one which the board felt
could be managed successfully, particularly in light of the fact that
Stanley Greenman and Stewart Katz would be employed by Zany for six
months after completion of the merger to assist with integration and
would serve as consultants to Zany for two years after that (see
"Interests of Noodle Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger");
. the possible adverse effect of the merger on some of Noodle's employees,
described in clause (18) above, which the Noodle board of directors
believed would be negative but not uniformly so, and which the board of
directors believed was outweighed by the other benefits of the
transaction and by a severance plan agreed to by the parties for some
Noodle employees; and
. the fact that some Noodle executive officers and directors have
interests in the merger in addition to their interests as Noodle
shareholders, described in clause (18) above, which the Noodle board of
directors considered to be neutral in its evaluation.
For additional information concerning the matters discussed above, and the
conclusions reached, at various meetings of Noodle's board held between
November 1999 and April 19, 2000, see "--Background of the Merger."
The Noodle board of directors believes that the merger is fair to, advisable
and in the best interests of the Noodle shareholders and has unanimously
approved and adopted the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by
the merger agreement. The Noodle board of directors unanimously recommends that
the Noodle shareholders vote for the approval and adoption of the merger
agreement.
Opinions of Financial Advisors
Opinion of Financial Advisor to the Zany Board of Directors
Zany asked DLJ, in its role as financial advisor to Zany, to render an
opinion to the Zany board of directors as to the fairness, from a financial
point of view, to Zany of the exchange ratio. On April 14, 2000, DLJ delivered
to the Zany board of directors its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed in
writing on April 21, 2000 to the effect that, as of that date, and based on and
subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications set forth in its
written opinion, the exchange ratio was fair to Zany from a financial point of
view. Such opinion was confirmed in writing as of June 16, 2000.
The full text of DLJ's written opinion dated April 21, 2000 is attached as
Appendix II to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The description of DLJ's
opinion set forth in this document is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the full text of such opinion. Shareholders of Zany are urged to read the DLJ
opinion in its entirety for a description of the assumptions made, matters
considered and the
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<PAGE>
qualifications and limitations of the review undertaken by DLJ in rendering its
opinion. DLJ has consented to its opinion being set forth in Appendix II and to
references being made under the headings "Summary" and "The Merger" in this
joint proxy statement/prospectus.
DLJ prepared its opinion for the Zany board of directors. The opinion
addresses only the fairness to Zany from a financial point of view, as of the
date thereof, of the exchange ratio. DLJ expressed no opinion as to the prices
at which the common stock of Zany or Noodle would actually trade at any time.
DLJ's opinion did not address the relative merits of the merger and the other
business strategies considered by the Zany board nor did it address the Zany
board's decision to proceed with the merger. DLJ's opinion did not constitute a
recommendation to any shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote on the
proposed transaction.
Zany selected DLJ as its financial advisor because DLJ is an internationally
recognized investment banking firm that has substantial experience providing
strategic advisory services. DLJ was not retained as an advisor or agent to the
shareholders of Zany or any other person. As part of its investment banking
business, DLJ is regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses and
securities in connection with mergers, acquisitions, underwritings, sales and
distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and
valuations for corporate and other purposes. Zany did not impose any
restrictions or limitations upon DLJ with respect to the investigations made or
the procedures followed by DLJ in rendering its opinion.
In arriving at its opinion, DLJ, among other things:
. reviewed the merger agreement draft dated April 18, 2000 and assumed the
final form of the merger agreement would not vary in any respect
material to DLJ's analysis;
. reviewed financial and other information that was publicly available or
furnished to it by Zany and Noodle, including information provided
during discussions with their respective managements (including certain
financial projections of Zany for the period beginning January 30, 2000
and ending February 2, 2002 prepared by the management of Zany and
certain financial projections of Noodle for the period beginning January
30, 2000 and ending February 2, 2002 prepared by Noodle's management);
. compared certain financial and securities data of Zany and Noodle with
various other companies whose securities are traded in public markets;
. reviewed the historical stock prices and trading volumes of the common
stock of Zany and Noodle;
. reviewed prices paid in certain other business combinations; and
. conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations as
DLJ deemed appropriate for purposes of rendering its opinion.
In rendering its opinion, DLJ relied upon and assumed the accuracy and
completeness of all of the financial and other information that was available
to it from public sources, that was provided to DLJ or identified to DLJ by
Zany and Noodle, or their respective representatives, or that was otherwise
reviewed by DLJ, and assumed that Zany was not aware of any information
prepared by it or its other advisors that might be material to DLJ's opinion
that had not been made available to DLJ. DLJ relied upon and assumed the
achievement of the estimates provided by the management of Zany of the
operating synergies achievable as a result of the merger. With respect to the
financial projections for Zany and Noodle referred to above, DLJ relied on
representations that the projections were reasonably prepared on the basis
reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the
management of Zany and Noodle as to the future operating and financial
performance of Zany and Noodle, respectively. DLJ expressed no opinion with
respect to these projections or the assumptions upon which they were based. DLJ
did not assume any responsibility for making any independent evaluation of the
assets or liabilities, or for making any independent verification of the
information reviewed by DLJ. DLJ relied on advice of counsel to Zany that for
federal income tax purposes, the merger will constitute a reorganization within
the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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<PAGE>
DLJ's opinion was necessarily based on economic, market, financial and other
conditions as they existed on, and on the information made available to DLJ as
of, the date of its opinion. DLJ states in its opinion that, although
subsequent developments may affect the conclusion reached in its opinion, DLJ
does not have any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion.
Summary of Financial Analyses Performed by DLJ. The following is a summary
of the financial analyses performed by DLJ in connection with the delivery of
its oral opinion to the Zany board of directors on April 14, 2000. Such
analysis was updated by DLJ for purposes of delivering its written opinion on
April 21, 2000. The information summarized in the tables which follow should be
read in conjunction with the accompanying text. No company or transaction used
in the analyses that follow is directly comparable to Zany or Noodle or the
contemplated transaction. In addition, mathematical analysis such as
determining the average or median is not in itself a meaningful method of using
selected company or transaction data. The analyses performed by DLJ are not
necessarily indicative of actual values or future results, which may be
significantly more or less favorable than suggested by the analyses. The
implied exchange ratios estimated pursuant to the Comparable Publicly Traded
Company Analysis and the Precedent Merger and Acquisition Transaction Analysis
summarized below were each based on Noodle having 7.6 million fully-diluted
shares, $4.7 million in debt and $0.5 million in cash.
Common Stock Trading History. DLJ examined the historical closing prices of
Zany common stock from June 3, 1999 to April 12, 2000. During this time period,
Zany common stock reached a high of $14.06 per share and a low of $4.13 per
share. DLJ also examined the historical closing prices of Noodle common stock
from April 12, 1999 to April 12, 2000. During this time period, Noodle common
stock reached a high of $9.00 per share and a low of $3.91 per share.
Comparable Publicly Traded Company Analysis. DLJ analyzed the market values
and trading multiples of selected publicly traded small capitalization
specialty retailing and toy retailing companies that DLJ believed are
reasonably comparable to Noodle in certain respects. These comparable companies
consisted of:
Small Capitalization Specialty Retailers:
. bebe stores, inc.
. The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc.
. David's Bridal, Inc.
. Guitar Center, Inc.
Toy Retailers:
. Toys "R" Us, Inc.
. Zany Brainy, Inc.
In examining these comparable companies, DLJ calculated the enterprise value
of each company as a multiple of its respective: (i) LTM sales; (ii) LTM
EBITDA; and (iii) LTM EBIT. The enterprise value of a company is equal to the
value of its fully diluted common equity plus debt and the liquidation value of
outstanding preferred stock, if any, minus cash and the value of certain other
assets, including minority interests in other entities. LTM is defined as the
last twelve-month period for which financial data for the company at issue has
been reported. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest expense, taxes,
depreciation and amortization. EBIT is defined as earnings before interest
expense and taxes. DLJ also calculated: (i) the market price of each company as
a multiple of projected calendar year 2000 and 2001 earnings per share, or EPS;
and (ii) the projected calendar year 2000 and 2001 price earnings, or PE,
multiple of each company as a percentage
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of each company's five year EPS growth rate multiplied by 100. All historical
data was derived from publicly available sources and all projected data was
obtained from First Call where available. DLJ's analysis of the comparable
companies yielded the following multiple ranges, averages exclude the high and
low multiples:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LTM 2000 2001
LTM Sales LTM EBITDA EBIT Price/EPS Price/EPS
--------- ---------- ---- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
High.............. 1.3x 11.1x 13.7x 16.5x 13.3x
Low............... 0.3 3.3 3.6 7.4 6.2
Average........... 0.7 6.1 8.3 11.3 8.5
Median............ 0.7 6.1 8.0 11.4 8.8
<CAPTION>
2000 2001
PE/Growth Rate PE/Growth Rate
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
High.............. 103.9% 95.1%
Low............... 37.2 20.9
Average........... 46.3 36.7
Median............ 41.4 32.6
</TABLE>
Based on an analysis of this data and projected results of Noodle for
comparable periods, DLJ estimated a value per share of Noodle common stock
ranging from approximately $3.68 to $6.61. This analysis also yielded an
implied exchange ratio ranging from 0.893x to 1.602x based on Zany's April 12,
2000 stock price of $4.13, compared to the proposed Zany exchange ratio of
1.233x.
Precedent Merger and Acquisition Transaction Analysis. DLJ reviewed selected
acquisitions involving companies in the specialty retailing industry that DLJ
believed are reasonably comparable to the merger. These transactions consisted
of:
Target/Acquiror:
. Babbages, Etc. LLC/Barnes & Noble, Inc.
. Al's and Grand Auto Supply, Inc., a subsidiary of PACCAR Inc./CSK Auto
Corporation
. Trak Auto Corporation/HalArt L.L.C.
. Men's Center, Inc./The Men's Wearhouse, Inc.
. Club Monaco Inc./Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation
. St. John Knits, Inc./Investor Group
. Chief Auto Parts Inc./AutoZone, Inc.
. Farah Incorporated/Tropical Sportswear Int'l Corporation
. Hi-Lo Automotive, Inc./O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.
In examining these acquisitions, DLJ calculated the enterprise value of the
acquired company implied by each of these transactions as a multiple of LTM
sales, LTM EBITDA and LTM EBIT. DLJ's analysis of these comparable acquisitions
yielded the following multiple ranges, average excludes the high and low
multiples:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LTM Sales LTM EBITDA LTM EBIT
--------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
High......................................... 1.8x 15.7x 37.2x
Low.......................................... 0.3 6.0 9.3
Average...................................... 0.7 9.7 12.3
Median....................................... 0.6 10.0 19.5
</TABLE>
Based on an analysis of this data and Noodle's historical and projected
operating results, DLJ estimated a value per share of Noodle's common stock
ranging from $5.97 to $7.70. This analysis also yielded an implied
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relative exchange ratio ranging from 1.446x to 1.868x based on Zany's April 12,
2000 stock price of $4.13, compared to the proposed Zany exchange ratio of
1.233x.
Contribution Analysis. DLJ analyzed the relative contributions of Zany and
Noodle to the pro forma combined company. For the fiscal years ended January
30, 1999 and January 29, 2000, DLJ analyzed the respective contributions of
each company's revenues, EBITDA, store count, total assets and book value of
equity. For the fiscal years ended February 3, 2001 and February 2, 2002, DLJ
analyzed the respective contributions of each company's projected revenues,
EBITDA and store count based on projections and assumptions provided by the
management of Zany and Noodle. On a fully-diluted basis, Zany will own 70.0% of
the combined company. DLJ's analysis of Zany's contribution to the combined
company resulted in the following percentages:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
January 30, January 29, February 3, February 2,
1999 2000 2001 2002
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue......................... 61.0% 64.1% 64.5% 65.7%
EBITDA.......................... 63.0 75.5 73.0 74.7
Store Count..................... 64.1 64.0 65.3 64.8
Total Assets.................... 58.6 66.4 NA NA
Book Value of Equity............ 56.2 67.0 NA NA
</TABLE>
Pro Forma EPS Accretion/Dilution Analysis. Using projections and assumptions
provided by the management of Zany and Noodle, DLJ compared the fiscal year
ended February 2, 2002 EPS of Zany and Noodle on a stand-alone basis to the
fiscal year ended February 2, 2002 pro forma EPS of the combined company after
the merger. This analysis showed that with synergies, the merger would be
accretive to EPS for Zany shareholders in fiscal 2001.
The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete description of
the analyses DLJ performed but describes the material elements of such analyses
DLJ performed in connection with the preparation of its fairness opinion. The
preparation of a fairness opinion involves various determinations as to the
most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application
of these methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore, such an
opinion is not readily susceptible to summary description. Each of the analyses
conducted by DLJ was carried out in order to provide a different perspective on
the transaction and to add to the total mix of information available. DLJ did
not form a conclusion as to whether any individual analysis, considered in
isolation, supported or failed to support an opinion as to fairness from a
financial point of view. Rather, in reaching its conclusion, DLJ considered the
results of the analyses in light of each other and ultimately reached its
opinion based on the results of all analyses taken as a whole. DLJ did not
place any particular reliance or weight on any individual analysis, but instead
concluded that its analyses, taken as a whole, supported its determination.
Accordingly, notwithstanding the separate factors summarized above, DLJ has
indicated to Zany that it believes that its analyses must be considered as a
whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and the factors considered by
it, without considering all analyses and factors, could create an incomplete
view of the evaluation process underlying its opinion. The analyses performed
by DLJ are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results, which
may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by those analyses.
Engagement Letter. Pursuant to the terms of an engagement agreement dated
April 3, 2000, Zany (1) has paid DLJ (a) a retainer fee of $50,000 and (b) a
fee of $400,000 when DLJ delivered its initial opinion and (2) will pay DLJ
$750,000 in connection with the consummation of the merger. The fees previously
paid to DLJ pursuant to clause (1) of the first sentence of this paragraph will
be deducted from any fee to which DLJ is entitled upon consummation of the
merger. In addition, Zany agreed to reimburse DLJ, upon request by DLJ from
time to time, for all out-of-pocket expenses (including the reasonable fees and
expenses of counsel) incurred by DLJ in connection with its engagement
thereunder and to indemnify DLJ and certain related persons against certain
liabilities in connection with its engagement, including liabilities under U.S.
federal securities laws. DLJ and Zany negotiated the terms of the fee
arrangement.
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Other Relationships. In the ordinary course of business, DLJ and its
affiliates may own or actively trade the securities of Zany and Noodle for
their own accounts and for the accounts of their customers and, accordingly,
may at any time hold a long or short position in Zany or Noodle securities. DLJ
has performed investment banking and other services for Zany in the past,
including acting as Zany's lead manager for its 1999 initial public offering
and placement agent for its 1996 private placement, and has been compensated
for such services. In addition, Yves Sisteron, an officer of certain affiliates
of DLJ, is also a member of Zany's board of directors.
Opinion of Financial Advisor to the Noodle Board of Directors
Noodle retained PaineWebber to act as its financial advisor in connection
with the merger. At a meeting of the Noodle board of directors held on April
14, 2000, PaineWebber delivered its oral opinion, to the effect that, as of
that date, and based upon its review and assumptions and subject to limitations
similar to those summarized below, the exchange ratio is fair, from a financial
point of view, to the holders of Noodle common stock. PaineWebber subsequently
confirmed its oral opinion by delivery of its written opinion on April 19,
2000. Noodle's board of directors subsequently requested that PaineWebber
confirm in writing its opinion as of June 19, 2000. At a meeting of the Noodle
board of directors held on June 19, 2000, PaineWebber delivered its oral
opinion to the effect that, as of that date, and based upon its review and
assumptions and subject to limitations summarized below, the exchange ratio is
fair from a financial point of view to the holders of Noodle common stock.
PaineWebber subsequently confirmed its oral opinion by delivery of its written
opinion on June 19, 2000.
The full text of the new PaineWebber opinion, dated June 19, 2000, which
sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and
limitations on the review undertaken, is attached as Appendix III to this joint
proxy statement/prospectus. You should read the new PaineWebber opinion
carefully and in its entirety. This summary of the new PaineWebber opinion is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the new PaineWebber
opinion.
PaineWebber delivered its new written opinion on June 19, 2000, to the
effect that, as of that date, and based upon its review and assumptions and
subject to the limitations summarized below, the exchange ratio is fair, from a
financial point of view, to the holders of Noodle common stock. The new
PaineWebber opinion was prepared at the request of the Noodle board of
directors and does not constitute a recommendation to any holder of Noodle
common stock as to how any such shareholder should vote with respect to the
merger.
In arriving at its opinion, PaineWebber, among other things:
. reviewed Noodle's Annual Reports, Forms 10-K and related financial
information for the past four fiscal years, as well as Noodle's Form 10-
Q and related unaudited financial information for the quarter ended
April 29, 2000;
. reviewed financial information included in Zany's audited financial
statements for the past three fiscal years, as well as Zany's financial
information that has been publicly available since Zany's initial public
offering in June 1999, Zany's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
January 29, 2000, and Zany's Form 10-Q and related unaudited financial
information for the quarter ended April 29, 2000;
. reviewed certain information, including financial forecasts, relating to
the business, earnings, cash flow, assets and prospects of Noodle and
Zany, furnished to PaineWebber by Noodle and Zany, respectively;
. conducted discussions with members of senior management of Noodle and
Zany concerning their respective businesses and prospects;
. reviewed the historical market prices and trading activity for the
shares of Noodle's common stock and the shares of Zany's common stock
and compared them with that of certain publicly traded companies which
PaineWebber deemed relevant;
. compared the financial position and results of operations of Noodle and
Zany with that of certain companies that PaineWebber deemed to be
relevant;
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. compared the proposed financial terms of the transactions contemplated
by the merger agreement with the financial terms of certain other
mergers and acquisitions that PaineWebber deemed to be relevant;
. reviewed the merger agreement; and
. reviewed such other financial studies and analyses and performed such
other investigations and took into account such other matters as
PaineWebber deemed necessary, including its assessment of general
economic, market and monetary conditions.
In preparing its opinion, PaineWebber relied on the accuracy and
completeness of all information publicly available or supplied or otherwise
communicated to PaineWebber by or on behalf of Noodle and Zany, and PaineWebber
did not assume any responsibility to independently verify such information.
With respect to the financial forecasts examined by PaineWebber, PaineWebber
assumed, with Noodle's and Zany's consent, that they were reasonably prepared
on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and good faith
judgment of the management of Noodle and Zany, respectively, as to the future
performance of Noodle and Zany, respectively. PaineWebber also relied upon
assurances of the management of Noodle and Zany that they were unaware of any
facts that would make the information or financial forecasts provided to
PaineWebber incomplete or misleading. PaineWebber was not engaged to make, and
did not make, an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets or
liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Noodle or Zany, nor was PaineWebber
furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals. PaineWebber also assumed the
following with Noodle's consent:
. the merger will be accounted for under the pooling of interests method
of accounting;
. the merger will qualify as a tax free reorganization;
. all material liabilities (contingent or otherwise, known or unknown) of
Noodle and Zany were as set forth in the consolidated financial
statements of Noodle and Zany, respectively; and
. Zany will obtain a commitment that is approved by the credit committee
of the lender, which commitment will not be subsequently withdrawn, for
an approximately $115 million secured credit facility that is expected
to be in place shortly after the consummation of the merger.
PaineWebber has informed Noodle that the failure by Zany to obtain the
commitment of the lender for an approximately $115 million secured credit
facility, or the withdrawal of such commitment, may result in PaineWebber
withdrawing its opinion.
The new PaineWebber opinion was based upon economic, monetary and market
conditions existing on the date of the new PaineWebber opinion. Furthermore,
PaineWebber expressed no opinion as to the price or trading ranges at which
Noodle common stock or Zany common stock will trade after the date of the new
PaineWebber opinion.
The new PaineWebber opinion does not address the relative merits of the
merger and any other transactions or business strategies that may have been
discussed by the Noodle board of directors as alternatives to the merger, or
the decision of the Noodle board of directors to proceed with the merger.
Noodle did not place any limitations upon PaineWebber with respect to the
procedures followed or factors considered in rendering its opinion. PaineWebber
was not requested to, and did not, solicit third party indications of interest
in acquiring all or any portion of Noodle.
The following paragraphs summarize the significant analyses performed by
PaineWebber in arriving at its opinion.
Exchange Ratio Analysis. PaineWebber calculated exchange ratios based on the
trading price relationship between one share of Noodle common stock and one
share of Zany common stock. PaineWebber reviewed the
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Noodle/Zany exchange ratio on June 16, 2000 and averages over periods prior to
June 2000 as set forth in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exchange
Trading Period Ratio
-------------- --------
<S> <C>
Current (6/16/00)................................................. 1.15x
Day Prior to Transaction Announcement Date (4/23/00).............. 0.99
60 Day Average (period ending 4/12/00)............................ 0.89
Since Zany IPO High (period ending 4/12/00)....................... 1.21
Since Zany IPO Low (period ending 4/12/00)........................ 0.38
Since Zany IPO Average (period ending 4/12/00).................... 0.63
</TABLE>
PaineWebber noted that the exchange ratio in the merger is 1.233x, which is
significantly higher than exchange ratios for periods prior to the transaction
announcement date.
Contribution Analysis. PaineWebber analyzed the relative contribution of
Noodle and Zany for the following periods:
. latest twelve months ended April 29, 2000; and
. projected fiscal year ending February 3, 2001.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Analysis Noodle Contribution to Combined Equity
-------- --------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Latest twelve months revenue......... 36.2%
Latest twelve months earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization ("EBITDA")............. 25.5
Latest twelve months earnings before
interest and taxes ("EBIT")......... 15.3
Latest twelve months net income...... 24.9
Projected fiscal year 2000 (FYE
February 3, 2001) revenue........... 35.7
Projected fiscal year 2000 (FYE
February 3, 2001) EBITDA ........... 28.7
Projected fiscal year 2000 (FYE
February 3, 2001) EBIT ............. 27.1
Projected fiscal year 2000 (FYE
February 3, 2001) net income........ 29.0
</TABLE>
The contribution analysis for the fiscal year ending February 3, 2001 was
based on projections provided by the respective managements of Noodle and Zany.
PaineWebber noted that, after the closing of the transaction, the Noodle
shareholders will own approximately 30.2% of the fully-diluted shares of the
combined entity based on the closing stock prices and securities outstanding of
Noodle and Zany on June 16, 2000. The results of this contribution analysis are
not necessarily indicative of the contribution that the respective businesses
may make in the future.
"Has/Gets" Analysis. PaineWebber compared the earnings per share (EPS) of
Noodle for the fiscal year ending February 3, 2001 and the fiscal year ending
February 2, 2002 to the pro forma EPS of the combined Noodle/Zany over the same
periods. For example, a Noodle share is projected to have EPS of $0.18 in the
fiscal year ending February 3, 2001, compared to pro forma EPS of $0.29 for
1.233 shares of the combined Noodle/Zany, assuming $3.3 million of pre-tax
synergies. Additionally, a Noodle share is projected to have EPS of $0.49 in
the fiscal year ending February 2, 2002, compared to pro forma EPS of $0.77 for
1.233 shares of the combined Noodle/Zany, assuming $8.3 million of pre-tax
synergies.
Noodle Selected Comparable Public Company Analysis. Using publicly
available information, PaineWebber compared selected historical and projected
financial, operating and stock market performance data of Noodle to the
corresponding data of certain publicly traded companies that PaineWebber deemed
to be relevant for the purposes of comparison to Noodle.
The Noodle comparable companies consisted of:
. Bombay Company
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. Books-A-Million
. Hibbett Sporting Goods
. Pier 1 Imports
. Sunglass Hut International
. Toys "R" Us
. West Marine
PaineWebber reviewed, among other information, the comparable companies'
multiples of total enterprise value ("TEV"), which consists of the market
value of equity plus total debt less cash and cash equivalents to:
. latest twelve months revenue;
. latest twelve months EBITDA; and
. latest twelve months EBIT.
PaineWebber also reviewed, among other information, the comparable
companies' multiples of equity market value ("MV") to:
. latest twelve months net income;
. projected earnings per share ("EPS") based on First Call Research
earnings estimates for calendar year ending December 31, 2000; and
. projected EPS based on First Call Research earnings estimates for
calendar year ending December 31, 2001.
The Noodle comparable companies analysis resulted in the following range of
values as of June 16, 2000:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Analysis Range Median Mean
-------- ------------- ------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
TEV/Latest twelve months revenue............. 0.18x to 0.85x 0.43x 0.51x
TEV/Latest twelve months EBITDA.............. 2.9 to 8.0 5.7 5.5
TEV/Latest twelve months EBIT................ 6.0 to 10.1 9.1 8.6
MV/Latest twelve months net income........... 11.2 to 16.7 12.3 12.8
MV/One year forward EPS...................... 9.0 to 14.3 11.2 11.5
MV/Two year forward EPS...................... 6.3 to 11.7 9.8 9.6
</TABLE>
The valuation range indicated by this analysis implied a per share value of
$2.00 to $3.50, or an implied exchange ratio of 0.73x to 1.27x, based on
Zany's June 16, 2000 stock price of $2.75.
Selected Comparable Mergers and Acquisitions Analysis. PaineWebber
reviewed publicly available financial information for selected mergers and
acquisitions involving specialty retailers. From this universe, PaineWebber
used information from twelve mergers and acquisitions to perform its analysis.
The selected mergers and acquisitions PaineWebber analyzed included the
following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Acquiror Target
-------- ------
<S> <C>
Claire's Stores Afterthought Accessories
Men's Wearhouse K&G Men's Center
Men's Wearhouse Moore's Retail
Trans World Entertainment Camelot Music
Proffitt's Carson Pirie Scott
Toys "R" Us Baby Superstore
Sears Roebuck Orchard Supply
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Acquiror Target
-------- ------
<S> <C>
West Marine E&B Marine
Consolidated Stores Kay-Bee Toy & Hobby Shops
Petsmart Pet Food Giant
Petsmart Petstuff
BD Recapitalization Corp. Petco Animal Supplies
</TABLE>
PaineWebber reviewed the consideration paid based on stock prices on the day
prior to the announcement of the comparable transactions and calculated
multiples of TEV and MV. The comparable transactions analysis resulted in the
following range of values:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Analysis Range Median Mean
-------- ----------- ------ ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Latest twelve months revenue..................... 0.3x to 1.2x 0.8x 0.8x
Latest twelve months EBITDA...................... 5.3 to 16.5 7.7 8.9
Latest twelve months EBIT........................ 8.0 to 23.4 10.7 12.4
Latest twelve months net income.................. 7.4 to 47.1 21.6 23.8
</TABLE>
The valuation range indicated by this analysis implied a per share value of
$3.00 to $4.50, or an implied exchange ratio of 1.09x to 1.64x, based on Zany's
June 16, 2000 stock price of $2.75.
Because the reasons for and the circumstances surrounding each of the
transactions analyzed were specific to each transaction and because of the
inherent differences between the businesses, operations and prospects of Noodle
compared to the businesses, operations and prospects of the companies that were
parties to the selected mergers and acquisitions analyzed, PaineWebber believed
it was inappropriate to, and therefore did not, rely solely on the quantitative
results of the analysis, and accordingly also made qualitative judgments
concerning differences between the characteristics of these transactions.
Noodle and Zany Discounted Cash Flow Analyses. PaineWebber analyzed
Noodle's and Zany's unleveraged after-tax cash flows based on financial
projections prepared by Noodle and Zany management, respectively. The
discounted cash flow analyses determined the present value of the unleveraged
after-tax cash flows generated over the projection period and then added a
terminal value based on ranges of multiples of revenue and EBITDA. PaineWebber
also analyzed the present value of unleveraged after-tax cash flows assuming a
range of perpetual growth rates that PaineWebber deemed relevant. In
determining the present value, PaineWebber used the discount rates that it
deemed appropriate.
The valuation range indicated by the Noodle analysis implied a per share
value of $5.00 to $10.00, or an implied exchange ratio of 1.82x to 3.64x, based
on Noodle's June 16, 2000 stock price of $3.16, compared to Zany's June 16,
2000 stock price of $2.75. The valuation range indicated by the Zany analysis
implied a per share value of $4.00--$9.00. Comparing the valuation ranges
implied by the Noodle analysis with those implied by the Zany analysis implied
an exchange ratio is 1.25x to 1.11x.
Pro Forma Merger Analysis. PaineWebber prepared a pro forma analysis of the
financial impact of the merger using estimates provided by the managements of
Noodle and Zany for the fiscal years ending February 3, 2001 and February 2,
2002 and assumed that the merger will be accounted for under the pooling of
interests accounting treatment.
PaineWebber combined the projected operating results of Noodle provided by
Noodle management with projected operating results for Zany provided by Zany
management, and adjusted the combined company results to reflect the proposed
new store openings of the combined company, to arrive at the combined company
projected net income. PaineWebber divided this result by the pro forma diluted
shares outstanding to arrive at a combined company diluted EPS. PaineWebber
then compared the calculated combined company EPS to the EPS estimate for Zany
on a stand-alone basis to determine the pro forma impact of the merger on
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Zany's EPS. This analysis showed that, with synergies, the merger would be
accretive to earnings per share for Zany shareholders in fiscal year ending
February 3, 2001.
Zany Selected Comparable Public Company Analysis. Using publicly available
information, PaineWebber compared selected historical and projected financial,
operating and stock market performance data of Zany to the corresponding data
of certain publicly traded companies that PaineWebber deemed to be relevant
for the purposes of comparison to Zany.
The Zany comparable companies consisted of:
. Bombay Company
. Books-A-Million
. Hibbett Sporting Goods
. Pier 1 Imports
. Sunglass Hut International
. Toys "R" Us
. West Marine
The Zany comparable companies analysis resulted in the following range of
values as of June 16, 2000:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Analysis Range Median Mean
-------- ------------- ------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
TEV/Latest twelve months revenue............. 0.18x to 0.85x 0.43x 0.51x
TEV/Latest twelve months EBITDA.............. 2.9 to 8.0 5.7 5.5
TEV/Latest twelve months EBIT................ 6.0 to 10.1 9.1 8.6
MV/Latest twelve months net income........... 11.2 to 16.7 12.3 12.8
MV/One year forward EPS...................... 9.0 to 14.3 11.2 11.5
MV/Two year forward EPS...................... 6.3 to 11.7 9.8 9.6
</TABLE>
The valuation range indicated by this analysis implied a per share value of
$2.25--$3.25.
Qualitative Judgments. In rendering the new PaineWebber opinion, in
addition to the financial analyses described above, PaineWebber made certain
qualitative judgments about the combined company, including judgments about
the business of the combined company as compared to the business of Noodle as
a stand-alone entity and regarding the access to capital of the combined
company. These qualitative judgments did not lead to specific conclusions
regarding the fairness of the merger consideration, but rather were part of
PaineWebber's evaluation of the particular circumstances of the merger.
The summary of the new PaineWebber opinion set forth above does not purport
to be a complete description of the data or analyses presented by PaineWebber.
The preparation of a fairness opinion involves various determinations as to
the most appropriate and relevant quantitative methods of financial analyses
and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances and,
therefore, such an opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or
summary description. Accordingly, PaineWebber believes that its analysis must
be considered as a whole and that considering any portion of such analysis and
of the factors considered, without considering all analyses and factors, could
create a misleading or incomplete view of the process underlying the opinion.
In its analyses, PaineWebber made numerous assumptions with respect to
industry performance, general business and economic conditions and other
matters, many of which are beyond the control of Noodle and Zany. Any
estimates contained in these analyses are not necessarily indicative of actual
values or predictive of future results or values, which may be significantly
more or less favorable than as set forth therein. Accordingly, such estimates
are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty and Noodle, Zany or
PaineWebber do not assume responsibility for the accuracy of such estimates.
In addition, analyses relating to
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the value of businesses do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the
prices at which businesses may actually be sold.
Noodle selected PaineWebber to be its financial advisor in connection with
the merger because PaineWebber is a prominent investment banking and financial
advisory firm with experience in the valuation of businesses and their
securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated
underwritings, secondary distributions of securities, private placements and
valuations for corporate purposes.
Engagement Letter. Pursuant to an engagement letter between Noodle and
PaineWebber dated January 20, 2000, PaineWebber earned a fee of $150,000 for
rendering the opinion dated as of April 19, 2000, independent of the result of
the opinion. Pursuant to an engagement letter between Noodle and PaineWebber
dated June 6, 2000, PaineWebber earned a fee of $100,000 for rendering the new
PaineWebber opinion dated as of June 19, 2000, independent of the result of the
opinion. In addition, PaineWebber will receive a fee, payable upon completion
of the merger, of approximately $950,000, against which the opinion fees and a
retention fee of $25,000 will be credited, and will be reimbursed for certain
of its out-of-pocket expenses. PaineWebber will not be entitled to any
additional fees or compensation in the event the merger is not approved or
otherwise consummated. Noodle also agreed, under a separate agreement, to
indemnify PaineWebber, its affiliates and each of its directors, officers,
agents and employees and each person, if any, controlling PaineWebber or any of
its affiliates against certain liabilities, including liabilities under federal
securities laws.
Other Relationships. PaineWebber has been previously engaged by Noodle to
provide certain investment banking and financial services for which it received
customary compensation. In the ordinary course of business, PaineWebber may
actively trade the securities of Noodle and Zany for its own account and for
the accounts of its customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold long or
short positions in such securities.
Certain Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger
The following is a discussion of the material United States federal income
tax consequences of the merger. This discussion does not address all tax
consequences that may be relevant to particular taxpayers in light of their
personal circumstances or to taxpayers subject to special treatment under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including insurance companies,
financial institutions, mutual funds, dealers in insurance companies, dealers
in securities, tax-exempt organizations, foreign persons, persons who do not
hold securities, persons who do not hold shares of Noodle common stock as
capital assets, persons who hold shares of Noodle common stock as part of a
straddle or a conversion transaction for United States federal income tax
purposes, and individuals who received shares of Noodle common stock pursuant
to the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation.
This discussion provides no information on tax consequences of the merger,
if any, under applicable foreign, state, local and other tax laws. This
discussion is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, applicable
Treasury Regulations thereunder, IRS rulings and judicial decisions in effect
as of the date of this document. We can give no assurance that future
legislative, administrative or judicial changes or interpretations will not
affect the accuracy of this discussion. Any such change or interpretation could
apply retroactively and could affect the accuracy of this discussion. The
discussion also is based upon certain factual representations made by Zany and
Noodle, and the assumption that the merger will be consummated in accordance
with the terms of the merger agreement. Neither Zany nor Noodle will seek
rulings from the IRS concerning the tax consequences of the merger.
We urge each Noodle shareholder to consult such shareholder's own tax
advisor as to the specific tax consequences of the merger to that shareholder,
including the application of foreign, state, local and other tax laws.
Based on the assumptions discussed above and upon the representations of
Zany and Noodle, it is the opinion of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP, tax
counsel to Noodle, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP,
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tax counsel to Zany, that, for United States federal income tax purposes, the
merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code, that Noodle, Zany and Zany's merger subsidiary will
each be a party to the reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of
the Internal Revenue Code, and that, accordingly, none of Noodle, Zany or
Zany's merger subsidiary will recognize gain or loss for United States federal
income tax purposes as a result of the merger and Noodle shareholders will not
recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes on the
receipt pursuant to the merger of the Zany common stock in exchange for Noodle
common stock except to the extent they receive cash in lieu of fractional
shares of Zany common stock. An opinion of counsel is not binding on the IRS
and we can give no assurance that the IRS will not take a position contrary to
one or more positions reflected in such opinions or that the courts will uphold
such opinions if challenged by the IRS.
The aggregate tax basis of the Zany common stock received by a Noodle
shareholder, including any fractional share deemed received, will be equal to
the tax basis of the Noodle common stock exchanged therefor. The holding period
of the Zany common stock will include the holding period of the Noodle common
stock exchanged therefor, provided that the shares of Noodle common stock are
held as capital assets at the effective time of the merger.
Cash in Lieu of a Fractional Share
A Noodle shareholder who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of Zany
common stock will be treated as having received this fractional share as a part
of the exchange and having it redeemed by Zany for cash. Therefore, such Noodle
shareholder will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference, if any,
between the amount of cash so received and the tax basis of the Noodle common
stock allocable to the fractional share. This gain or loss will constitute
capital gain or loss if the shareholder held the Noodle common stock as a
capital asset at the time of the merger and will be long-term capital gain or
loss if the holding period was greater than one year at the effective time of
the merger. In the case of an individual, any such long-term capital gain will
be subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 20%. The deductibility of
capital losses is subject to limitations for both individuals and corporations.
Backup Withholding
A holder of Noodle common stock may be subject, under certain circumstances,
to backup withholding at a rate of 31% with respect to the amount of cash, if
any, received in lieu of a fractional share interest unless the holder provides
proof of an applicable exemption or a correct taxpayer identification number,
and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding
rules. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules are not an
additional tax and may be refunded or credited against the holder's federal
income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the
IRS.
The obligation of each of Noodle and Zany to consummate the merger is
conditioned upon, among other things, the receipt by each of Noodle and Zany of
a tax opinion from each of their respective tax counsels that is identical in
all material respects to the opinions set forth above. The opinions to be
delivered at closing will be based on the facts described therein and upon
certain assumptions and certain representations made by Noodle, Zany and
others. In the event that Noodle or Zany is unable to obtain its respective
opinion of counsel, as set forth above, each of Noodle and Zany is permitted,
under the merger agreement, to waive the receipt of such opinions as a
condition to such party's obligation to consummate the merger. As of the date
of this document, neither Noodle nor Zany intends to waive the condition as to
the receipt of opinions of counsel as set forth herein and neither party
anticipates that the material income tax consequences of the merger will be
materially different than those described above. In the event of such a failure
to obtain tax opinions as set forth above, and a party's determination to waive
such condition to the consummation of the merger, Noodle and Zany will
resolicit the votes of its respective shareholders to approve the merger.
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Employee Matters
Stock Options
Under the merger agreement, at the effective time of the merger, each
outstanding Noodle stock option exercisable for shares of Noodle common stock
under either the Noodle Stock Incentive Plan or the Outside Directors' Stock
Option Plan will be converted into an option exercisable for that number of
shares of Zany common stock equal to the product of:
. the aggregate number of shares of Noodle common stock for which such
Noodle stock option was exercisable; and
. the exchange ratio of 1.233
and will be rounded to eliminate fractional shares, if necessary. The exercise
price per share of such converted stock option will be equal to the aggregate
exercise price per share of such Noodle common stock immediately prior to the
effective time divided by the exchange ratio of 1.233, rounded to the nearest
cent, if necessary. As of June 9, 2000, the number of shares of Noodle common
stock reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding Noodle stock options under
the plans was 911,425.
In the case of a converted stock option that is an "incentive stock option"
(within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code), the option
price and the number of shares of Zany common stock purchasable pursuant to
that option will be adjusted down, to the nearest whole share, if necessary, to
preserve the status of the option as an incentive stock option. Zany and Noodle
intend that, to the extent that any Noodle stock option constituted an
incentive stock option immediately prior to the effective time, such option
will continue to qualify as an incentive stock option to the maximum extent
permitted by Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, and that the adjustment
of the Noodle stock options provided satisfy the conditions of Section 424(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code.
Severance Pay Plan
Noodle agreed to establish, prior to the consummation of the merger, a
severance pay plan designed to provide severance benefits to certain employees
who are terminated as a direct result of the merger. The severance pay plan is
intended to alleviate, in part or in full, financial hardships that may be
experienced by such terminated employees and is intended to constitute a
"severance pay plan" under regulations published by the U.S. Secretary of
Labor. The severance pay plan will cover 74 employees who are named in the
plan. The plan provides, among other things, that a covered employee will
receive a cash payment set forth in the plan, ranging from approximately $800
to $120,000, if he or she is not offered a "Comparable Position," as defined in
the plan, by Zany, by June 15, 2000 and is thereafter terminated for reasons
other than for cause. The total benefits payable from the plan to all
participants combined cannot exceed $808,275.
Regulatory Approvals
Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the
related rules of the Federal Trade Commission, the merger may not be completed
until notifications have been given and information has been furnished to the
Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the Department of
Justice and the required waiting period has been terminated or has expired.
Noodle and Zany filed notification and report forms under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Act with the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division on May 15,
2000. On May 30, 2000, the Federal Trade Commission granted early termination
of the required waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.
At any time before or after the closing of the merger, whether or not the
waiting period has expired or been terminated, the FTC, the Antitrust Division
or state attorneys general could take any action under the antitrust laws as
they deem necessary or desirable in the public interest, including seeking to
enjoin the closing of the merger.
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Based on the information available to them, Noodle and Zany believe that the
merger can be completed in compliance with federal and state antitrust laws.
However, there can be no assurance that a challenge to the closing of the
merger on antitrust grounds will not be made or that, if a challenge were made,
Noodle and Zany would prevail or would not be requested to divest assets in
order to complete the merger.
Anticipated Accounting Treatment
The merger is expected to be accounted for under the pooling of interests
method of accounting pursuant to Opinion No. 16 of the Accounting Principles
Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Financial
Accounting Standards Board, and the rules and regulations of the SEC. The
pooling of interests method of accounting assumes that the combining companies
have been merged from the beginning of the periods presented and the historical
consolidated financial statements for periods prior to consummation of the
merger are restated as though the companies had been combined from the
beginning of the periods presented. Either Zany or Noodle may terminate the
merger agreement if the companies do not receive the pooling opinion letters
from their independent public accountants on the closing date.
Resales of Zany Common Stock
All shares of Zany common stock to be issued in the merger will be freely
transferable, except for shares received by any person who may be deemed to be
an affiliate of Noodle for purposes of paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule 145 under
the Securities Act. An affiliate of Noodle is any individual or entity that
directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is
controlled by or is under common control with, Noodle or Zany. Under Rule 145,
an affiliate of Noodle may not resell his or her shares of Zany common stock
received in the merger except in transactions permitted by Rule 145 or as
otherwise permitted under the Securities Act, including selling such shares
pursuant to an effective registration statement. Noodle has delivered to Zany a
list setting forth the names and addresses of all persons who were, at the time
of the signing of the merger agreement, affiliates of Noodle.
In addition, Zany and Noodle each have agreed to use reasonable efforts to
cause its affiliates to execute written agreements not to take any action that
would cause the merger not to be treated as a pooling of interests for
accounting purposes and, in Noodle's case, not to take any action that would
violate Rule 145 as discussed above. Under generally accepted accounting
principles, the sale of Zany common stock or Noodle common stock by an
affiliate of either Zany or Noodle within 30 days prior to the effective time
or prior to the publication of financial results that include at least 30 days
of combined operations of Zany and Noodle after the effective time could
preclude pooling of interests accounting treatment of the merger. The merger
agreement requires Zany and Noodle to use their reasonable best efforts to
cause their respective affiliates to enter into these agreements and conditions
each of Zany's and Noodle's obligations to effect the merger on the receipt of
these agreements.
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INTERESTS OF NOODLE DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS IN THE MERGER
In considering the recommendation of the Noodle board of directors in favor
of the merger, you should be aware that certain directors and executive
officers of Noodle have interests in the merger that may be different from, or
in addition to, the interests of Noodle shareholders. These interests are
described below, and except as described below, those persons have, to the
knowledge of Zany and Noodle, no material interest in the merger apart from
those of shareholders generally. The Noodle board of directors was aware of,
and considered the interests of, its directors and officers in approving the
merger agreement and the merger.
Interests of Noodle Management in the Zany Board of Directors after the Merger
Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, Zany will expand its seven
member board of directors by one member and, prior to the effective time, take
all action necessary to elect Stanley Greenman, Noodle's Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, to the Zany board.
Employment Agreements
Under an employment agreement between Noodle and Stanley Greenman dated
February 1, 1998, the merger will constitute a change in control entitling Mr.
Greenman to the following payment and benefits:
. a lump sum payment equal to the amount by which 299% of Mr. Greenman's
average annual compensation at Noodle for the last five years exceeds
the present value of all other payments that would be considered
contingent on a change of ownership and control under Section 280G of
the Internal Revenue Code, other than payments that would not be treated
as parachute payments; and
. the immediate vesting of all unvested options to purchase Noodle common
stock held by Mr. Greenman.
If the merger closes during the second quarter of fiscal 2000, the lump sum
payment that Mr. Greenman is entitled to receive is approximately $975,000, and
options to purchase 221,940 shares of Zany stock at a weighted average exercise
price of $3.40 will immediately vest and be exercisable.
Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, Zany agreed to enter into a
new six-month employment agreement with Mr. Greenman providing for the
following payments and benefits:
. a salary of $257,500 in exchange for Mr. Greenman's performance of
executive duties and responsibilities in connection with the integration
of Zany's and Noodle's operations;
. a non-competition provision prohibiting Mr. Greenman from engaging in or
holding a financial interest in any business that competes with Zany and
has operations in North America and, in consideration for a lump sum
payment of $350,000, a continuation of the non-compete for a period of
one year after he ceases to perform services for Zany;
. a lump sum payment in the amount of $225,000 if the employment agreement
is not terminated by either party prior to its expiration or if the
employment agreement is terminated by the employee for good reason (as
defined in the employment agreement), by Zany without cause or because
of Mr. Greenman's death or disability;
. continued payment of salary and benefits for two months following
termination due to Mr. Greenman's death or disability; and
. continued receipt of all scheduled payments and benefits under the
employment agreement if Mr. Greenman is terminated without cause or if
he terminates his employment with Zany for good reason.
Following the expiration of his employment agreement, if Mr. Greenman is
elected to the Zany board of directors at Zany's 2001 annual meeting, he will
be eligible to receive an option to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock. See
"Election of Directors of Zany--Standard Compensation Arrangements."
In addition, Zany has agreed to enter into a two-year consulting agreement
with Mr. Greenman upon expiration of Mr. Greenman's six month employment
agreement or the termination of his employment without cause or by Mr. Greenman
for good reason. The consulting agreement provides for the following payments:
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. consulting fees of $5,208.34 per month (or $125,000 in the aggregate)
during the term of the consulting agreement in exchange for Mr.
Greenman's provision of his toy retailing expertise for up to sixteen
hours during any thirty day period; and
. the continuation of his promise not to compete with Zany in North
America or solicit Zany employees during the term of the consulting
agreement and for a period of one year after he ceases to perform
services for Zany.
Under an employment agreement between Noodle and Stewart Katz dated February
1, 1998, the merger will constitute a change in control entitling Mr. Katz to
the following payment and benefits:
. a lump sum payment equal to the amount by which 299% of Mr. Katz's
average annual compensation at Noodle for the last five years exceeds
the present value of all other payments that would be considered
contingent on a change of ownership and control under Section 280G of
the Internal Revenue Code, other than payments that would not be treated
as parachute payments; and
. the immediate vesting of all unvested options to purchase Noodle common
stock held by Mr. Katz.
If the merger closes during the second quarter of fiscal 2000, the lump sum
payment that Mr. Katz is entitled to receive is approximately $880,000, and
options to purchase 221,940 shares of Zany stock at a weighted average exercise
price of $3.40 will be exercisable.
Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, Zany agreed to enter into a
new six-month employment agreement with Mr. Katz providing for the following
payments and benefits:
. a salary of $232,500 in exchange for Mr. Katz's performance of executive
duties and responsibilities in connection with the integration of Zany's
and Noodle's operations;
. a non-competition provision prohibiting Mr. Katz from engaging in
holding a financial interest in any business that competes with Zany and
has operations in North America and, in consideration for a lump sum
payment of $325,000, a continuation of the non-compete for a period of
one year after he ceases to perform services for Zany;
. a lump sum payment in the amount of $200,000 if the employment agreement
is not terminated by either party prior to its expiration or if the
employment agreement is terminated by the employee for good reason (as
defined in the employment agreement), by Zany without cause or because
of Mr. Katz's death or disability;
. continued payment of salary and benefits for two months following
termination due to Mr. Katz's death or disability; and
. continued receipt of all scheduled payments and benefits under the
employment agreement if Mr. Katz is terminated without cause or if he
terminates his employment with Zany for good reason.
In addition, Zany has agreed to enter into a two-year consulting agreement
with Mr. Katz upon expiration of Mr. Katz's six month employment agreement or
the termination of his employment without cause or by Mr. Katz for good reason.
The consulting agreement provides for the following payments:
. consulting fees of $5,208.34 per month (or $125,000 in the aggregate)
during the term of the consulting agreement in exchange for Mr. Katz's
provision of his toy retailing expertise for up to sixteen hours during
any thirty day period; and
. the continuation of his promise not to compete with Zany in North
America or solicit Zany employees during the term of the consulting
agreement and for a period of one year after he ceases to perform
services for Zany.
Indemnification and Insurance
The merger agreement requires Zany to provide indemnification and liability
insurance arrangements for officers and directors of Zany and Noodle. See "The
Merger Agreement--Covenants--Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and
Insurance."
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COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
Market Price Data
Zany
Zany common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market (ticker symbol:
ZANY). The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of Zany
common stock as reported on Nasdaq since Zany's initial public offering in June
1999. For current price information, shareholders are urged to consult publicly
available sources.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
High Low
------ -----
<S> <C> <C>
Fiscal Year Ending February 3, 2001
-----------------------------------
First Quarter.................................................. $ 8.06 $3.50
Second Quarter (through June 19, 2000)......................... 4.00 2.31
Fiscal Year Ended January 29, 2000
----------------------------------
Second Quarter (beginning June 2, 1999)........................ $13.13 $7.63
Third Quarter.................................................. 14.88 6.94
Fourth Quarter................................................. 12.75 7.13
</TABLE>
On April 20, 2000, the last trading day prior to announcement of the merger,
the closing price of Zany common stock on the Nasdaq National Market was
$4.2812. On June 19, 2000 the closing price of Zany common stock on the Nasdaq
National Market was $2.8125.
Noodle
Noodle common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market (ticker symbol:
NKID). The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of Noodle
common stock as reported on Nasdaq for the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
High Low
----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Fiscal Year Ending February 3, 2001
-----------------------------------
First Quarter................................................... $6.63 $4.00
Second Quarter (through June 19, 2000).......................... 4.75 2.44
Fiscal Year Ended January 29, 2000
----------------------------------
First Quarter................................................... $9.00 $6.13
Second Quarter.................................................. 7.63 4.13
Third Quarter................................................... 6.19 3.88
Fourth Quarter.................................................. 7.28 3.88
Fiscal Year Ended January 30, 1999
----------------------------------
First Quarter................................................... $7.56 $3.75
Second Quarter.................................................. 7.38 5.00
Third Quarter................................................... 6.13 3.13
Fourth Quarter.................................................. 11.63 5.25
</TABLE>
On April 20, 2000, the last trading day prior to announcement of the merger,
the closing price of Noodle common stock on the Nasdaq National Market was
$4.25. On June 19, 2000, the closing price of Noodle common stock on the Nasdaq
National Market was $3.125.
Dividend Policies
Zany has never paid cash dividends and anticipates that it will not pay cash
dividends on Zany common stock in the foreseeable future.
Noodle has not paid cash dividends since 1968 and has not paid any stock
dividends since 1974.
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THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following is a summary of the material terms of the merger agreement
among Zany, Night Owl Acquisition, Inc. and Noodle, and is not an exhaustive
description. You should read the merger agreement carefully and in its
entirety. A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Appendix I to this
joint proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.
General
Under the merger agreement, Night Owl Acquisition, Inc., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Zany, will merge with and into Noodle, with Noodle continuing as
the surviving corporation. Following the merger, Noodle will be led by Zany's
management team.
Closing Matters
Closing
Unless the parties agree otherwise, the closing of the merger will take
place as soon as practicable, but no later than five business days, after all
closing conditions have been satisfied or waived, unless the merger agreement
has been terminated. See "--Conditions to Obligations to Effect the Merger"
below for a more complete description of the conditions that must be satisfied
prior to closing.
Effective Time
On the closing date, Zany and Noodle will file a certificate of merger with
the Delaware Secretary of State in accordance with the relevant provisions of
the Delaware General Corporation Law. The merger will become effective when the
certificate of merger is filed or at such later time as Zany and Noodle agree
and specify in the certificate of merger.
Conversion of Shares; Treatment of Stock Options
As a result of the merger, each share of Noodle's common stock issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will be converted into the
right to receive 1.233 shares of Zany common stock, par value $.01 per share.
If you own Noodle common stock, you may exchange your shares of Noodle common
stock for shares of Zany common stock after the merger becomes effective. In
addition, the exchange agent will make a cash payment to you for any fractional
shares of Zany common stock you would otherwise be entitled to receive.
At the effective time of the merger, each outstanding and unexercised option
or right to purchase shares of Noodle common stock granted under the Noodle
stock option plans will be assumed by Zany and converted into an option or a
right to purchase shares of Zany common stock under the same terms and
conditions as were applicable to the options as granted under the Noodle stock
plans. The number of shares of Zany common stock that the converted options
will be exercisable for, and the exercise price of the option, will be adjusted
to reflect the exchange ratio of 1.233.
Each share of Zany common stock will remain outstanding following the merger
and will continue to represent one share of common stock of the combined
company.
Exchange of Stock Certificates
Before the closing of the merger, Zany will appoint an exchange agent to
handle the exchange of Noodle stock certificates for stock of Zany and the
payment of cash for fractional shares. Soon after the closing of the merger,
the exchange agent will send a letter of transmittal to each former Noodle
shareholder, which is to be
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used to exchange Noodle stock certificates for stock of Zany. The letter of
transmittal will contain instructions explaining the procedure for surrendering
Noodle stock certificates. You should not return certificates with the enclosed
proxy card.
Noodle shareholders who surrender their stock certificates, together with a
properly completed letter of transmittal, will receive shares of Zany common
stock into which the shares of Noodle common stock were converted in the
merger.
After the merger, each certificate that previously represented shares of
Noodle stock will only represent the right to receive the shares of Zany common
stock into which those shares of Noodle common stock have been converted.
After the effective time of the merger, Noodle will not register any
transfers of the shares of Noodle common stock.
Zany shareholders do not need to exchange their stock certificates.
Representations and Warranties
The merger agreement contains representations and warranties of Noodle that
are customary for a transaction of this nature relating to, among other things:
. Noodle's organization, capitalization and authority to enter into the
merger agreement;
. the enforceability of the merger agreement as a binding obligation of
Noodle; any conflicts between the merger agreement and any of Noodle's
other material contracts, any law, or any of Noodle's charter or bylaw
provisions; required filings and consents;
. the accuracy of Noodle's financial statements and filings with the SEC
and Noodle's submission of all required filings;
. material liabilities or obligations incurred by Noodle or any Noodle
subsidiary since January 29, 2000, other than in the ordinary course of
business;
. Noodle's conduct of its business since January 29, 2000 and the absence
of any material adverse effect on the business of Noodle;
. indebtedness and absence of undisclosed liabilities;
. title to Noodle's owned and leased personal property;
. the validity of Noodle's material contracts;
. insurance;
. compliance with laws;
. tax matters;
. the absence of litigation;
. employee benefit and labor matters;
. environmental matters;
. intellectual property matters;
. adequacy and accuracy of disclosure;
. Noodle's owned and leased real property;
. Noodle's affiliates;
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. certain matters with respect to pooling of interests accounting;
. Noodle's financial advisor's opinion;
. brokers and finders in connection with the merger; and
. the shareholder vote required for Noodle's approval and adoption of the
merger agreement and the merger.
The merger agreement also includes representations and warranties by Zany as
to:
. Zany's organization, capitalization and authority to enter into the
merger agreement;
. the enforceability of the merger agreement as a binding obligation of
Zany;
. any conflicts between the merger agreement and any of Zany's other
material contracts, any law, or any of Zany's charter or bylaw
provisions;
. required filings and consents;
. the accuracy of Zany's financial statements and filings with the SEC and
Zany's submission of all required filings;
. material liabilities or obligations incurred by Zany or any Zany
subsidiary since January 29, 2000 other than in the ordinary course of
business;
. Zany's conduct of its business since January 29, 2000 and the absence of
any material adverse effect on Zany;
. the absence of litigation;
. compliance with laws;
. adequacy and accuracy of disclosure;
. title to Zany's owned and leased personal property;
. tax matters;
. employee benefit and labor matters;
. environmental matters;
. intellectual property matters;
. Zany's affiliates;
. certain matters with respect to pooling of interests accounting;
. Zany's financial advisor's opinion;
. brokers and finders in connection with the merger;
. the shareholder vote required for Zany's approval of the merger
agreement; and
. certain matters with respect to Zany's Internet joint venture.
Covenants
The merger agreement contains the following covenants made by Zany and
Noodle, among others:
Conduct of Noodle's Business
Noodle made covenants concerning the conduct of its business and the
business of its subsidiaries from the date of execution of the merger agreement
until the effective time of the merger. In general, Noodle is
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required to conduct its business in the ordinary course in the same manner as
previously conducted and to use its commercially reasonable efforts to preserve
intact its present relationships with customers, suppliers and other third
parties. Noodle has agreed that it will not do any of the following without
Zany's prior written consent:
. amend or propose to amend its charter or bylaws;
. change its capitalization, including (a) stock splits, combinations or
reclassifications, (b) repurchasing or redeeming its capital stock and
(c) issuing, delivering or selling any shares of its capital stock or
other equity interests, other than in connection with its benefit plans
or the exercise of options;
. acquire, merge or consolidate with or into any corporation or other
business organization or make any equity investment therein;
. encumber or dispose of its assets other than in the ordinary course of
business, with certain specified exceptions;
. incur indebtedness other than in the ordinary course of business, with
certain specified exceptions;
. enter into or modify any material contract, lease or agreement other
than in the ordinary course of business, with certain specified
exceptions;
. make any material change to its accounting methods, principles or
practices;
. initiate any litigation;
. make certain tax elections, settlements or compromises;
. make salary, wage and benefits increases other than in the ordinary
course of business; and
. take any action that would cause the merger not to be treated as a
pooling of interests for accounting purposes and a reorganization within
the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
Conduct of Zany's Business
Zany made covenants concerning the conduct of its business and the business
of its subsidiaries from the date of execution of the merger agreement until
the effective time of the merger. In general, Zany is required to conduct its
business in the ordinary course in the same manner as previously conducted.
Zany has agreed that it will not do any of the following without Noodle's prior
written consent:
. amend or propose to amend its charter or bylaws;
. change its capitalization, including (a) stock splits, combinations or
reclassifications, (b) repurchasing or redeeming its capital stock, and
(c) issuing, delivering or selling any shares of its capital stock or
other equity interests, other than in connection with its benefit plans
or the exercise of options;
. acquire, merge or consolidate with or into any corporation or other
business organization or make any equity investment therein;
. make any change to its accounting policies or procedures except as
required by a change in generally accepted accounted principles; and
. take any action that would cause the merger not to be treated as a
pooling of interests for accounting purposes and a reorganization within
the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
No Solicitation
Noodle agreed not to, without the prior written consent of Zany:
. solicit, initiate or encourage (including by way of furnishing
information) or take any other action to facilitate knowingly any
inquiries or the making of any proposal that would constitute or may
reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal;
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. engage in any discussion or negotiations relating to any Acquisition
Proposal; or
. enter into any agreement with respect to, agree to, approve or recommend
any Acquisition Proposal.
An Acquisition Proposal is a proposal or offer for a tender or exchange
offer, merger, consolidation or other business combination involving Noodle or
any Noodle subsidiary or any proposal to acquire in any manner a substantial
equity interest in, or a substantial portion of the assets of, Noodle or any
Noodle subsidiary.
Noodle is, however, expressly permitted to:
. prior to the approval of the merger agreement by Noodle's shareholders,
engage in discussions or negotiations with a third party who (without
solicitation or initiation by Noodle) makes an unsolicited bona fide
written Acquisition Proposal, if (1) the Noodle board of directors
determines, in good faith after consultation with its financial advisors
and outside legal counsel, that such competing proposal would result in
a transaction that is more favorable to Noodle shareholders from a
financial point of view than the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement and that such third party is financially able to consummate
the Acquisition Proposal (referred to in this document as a Superior
Proposal) and after consultation with its financial advisors and legal
counsel, that such action is necessary for the board of directors to act
in a manner consistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law,
(2) prior to entering into discussions or negotiations with such third
party, Noodle receives from such third party a signed confidentiality
agreement in the same form as the confidentiality agreement executed by
Zany and Noodle and (3) Zany has been notified in writing by Noodle of
the Acquisition Proposal, including all of its terms and conditions;
. comply with Rule 14d-9 and 14e-2 of the Exchange Act with regard to a
tender or exchange offer; or
. accept a Superior Proposal.
In the event that Noodle accepts a Superior Proposal, it will be obligated
to pay to Zany a termination fee of $2,250,000 plus up to $1,000,000 of Zany's
expenses. See "The Merger Agreement--Termination; Termination Fees and
Expenses."
In addition, Noodle agreed to notify Zany promptly if it receives any
competing Acquisition Proposal. Additionally, prior to accepting a Superior
Proposal, Noodle agreed to negotiate in good faith with Zany, for a period of
not less than three business days, to make such changes to the terms and
conditions of the merger agreement that would enable Noodle to proceed with the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
Access to Information
Zany and Noodle each agreed to provide the other reasonable access to its
and its subsidiaries' facilities, books and records and to furnish certain
information to the other upon reasonable request. Zany and Noodle each agreed
to comply with all of their respective obligations under a confidentiality
agreement, dated as of February 28, 2000, between Zany and Noodle.
Shareholders' Meeting
Noodle agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit and secure from
its shareholders the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the
merger, subject to the fiduciary duties of its board of directors under
applicable law.
Zany agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit and secure from
its shareholders the approval of the merger agreement and the merger, subject
to the fiduciary duties of its board of directors under applicable law.
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Reasonable Best Efforts
Each party agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to take all appropriate
actions and to do all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable
laws, statutes, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations to consummate and make
effective the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement in the most
expeditious manner practicable.
Public Announcements
The parties agreed to consult with each other before making any public
announcements or otherwise communicating with any news media concerning the
merger agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby, unless applicable
law requires.
Notification
The parties agreed to promptly notify each other of the occurrence or any
threatened occurrence of any fact or circumstance that would cause or
constitute a breach of any of the representations and warranties set forth in
the merger agreement or any failure to materially comply with or satisfy any
covenant, condition or agreement set forth in the merger agreement, and use
their respective best efforts to prevent or remedy any such breach.
Consents; Filings; Further Actions
Each party agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to comply with
all legal requirements that may be imposed with respect to the merger and to
obtain all authorizations, consents and approvals of governmental entities and
other third parties which may be necessary to complete the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement, provided that neither party will be
required to divest any assets, except for, in the case of Noodle, stores which
do not account for more than 5% of Noodle's total revenues or, in the case of
Zany, stores which do not account for more than 3% of Zany's total revenues.
The parties agreed to use their commercially reasonable best efforts to resist
any suit, action or proceeding to restrain, prohibit or otherwise oppose the
merger or any other transaction contemplated by the merger agreement; provided
that neither party is obligated to make material expenditures to resist any
effort to oppose the completion of the merger.
Takeover Statutes
Each party agreed that it and its respective board of directors will grant
any approvals and take any actions which would be reasonably necessary to
consummate the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement
as promptly as practicable, if any takeover statute is or becomes applicable to
the merger, and further agreed to act as necessary to eliminate or minimize the
statute's effects on the merger transactions.
Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Insurance
Zany agreed to maintain in effect the current provisions regarding
indemnification of officers and directors contained in the charter documents
and by-laws of Noodle for a period of six years following the effective time of
the merger. Zany further agreed that it shall cause the surviving corporation
to maintain, for six years following the effective time of the merger, policies
of directors' and officers' liability insurance that are no less advantageous
than those provided to directors and officers of Noodle immediately prior to
the effective time of the merger; provided that Zany is not obligated to
provide such coverage to the extent that the cost of such coverage exceeds 300%
of the cost immediately prior to the effective time of the merger.
Affiliates
Noodle agreed to use all reasonable efforts to cause those parties
identified as Noodle affiliates for pooling purposes to execute and deliver an
affiliate agreement as promptly as practicable, but not later than five
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business days prior to the effective time of the merger. Zany agreed to use all
reasonable efforts to cause those parties identified as Zany affiliates for
pooling purposes to execute and deliver an affiliate agreement as promptly as
practicable, but not later than five business days prior to the effective time
of the merger.
Listing
Zany agreed to apply for approval for listing of the Zany common stock to be
issued to Noodle shareholders in the merger on the Nasdaq National Market.
Letters of Accountants
Upon the request of either Zany or Noodle, Zany and Noodle each agreed to
use reasonable best efforts to cause its independent public accountants to
deliver to the other party two comfort letters, one dated approximately as of
the date the registration statement containing this joint proxy
statement/prospectus is declared effective by the SEC and one dated as of the
closing date of the merger, in form reasonably satisfactory to the other party
and customary in scope for comfort letters delivered by independent
accountants. In addition, Zany and Noodle each agreed to use reasonable best
efforts to cause its independent public accountants to deliver to the other
party a letter dated as of the closing date of the merger regarding the
qualification of the merger as a pooling of interests under Opinion 16 of the
Accounting Principles Board.
Employee Matters
Zany agreed to treat each Noodle employee who continues employment with the
combined company as if that employee had been employed by Zany for the same
period that he or she had been employed by Noodle for purposes of the
employee's coverage under Zany's benefits plans.
Corporate Matters
Zany agreed that it will enter into a six-month employment agreement
followed by a two-year consulting agreement with each of Stanley Greenman and
Stewart Katz and that its board of directors will appoint Stanley Greenman to
be a Zany director effective immediately following the completion of the
merger.
Other Covenants
The merger agreement also contains covenants relating to, among other
things, delivery of information concerning Noodle's leases and owned real
property, access to Noodle's owned real property and the termination of
Noodle's 401(k) plans.
Conditions to Obligations to Effect the Merger
General Conditions
The merger agreement contains various conditions to the parties' obligations
to effect the merger, including:
. the requisite approval of the Noodle shareholders and the Zany
shareholders;
. the absence of any judicial or quasi-judicial action or litigation that
restrains or prohibits consummation of the merger and the related
transactions or that prohibits or limits the ownership, operation or
control by Noodle, Zany or any of their respective subsidiaries of any
part of their respective businesses or assets, or any action taken by
any governmental entity seeking to prohibit the merger;
. the expiration or termination of any waiting period applicable to the
merger under the HSR Act, which period was terminated by the Federal
Trade Commission on May 30, 2000;
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. effectiveness of the registration statement of which this joint proxy
statement/prospectus is a part;
. approval of the Nasdaq National Market, upon official notice of
issuance, of the listing of the Zany common stock to be issued in the
merger;
. Zany's receipt of letters from the independent public accountants of
Noodle, one dated approximately the date this joint proxy
statement/prospectus is declared effective by the SEC and one dated as
of the closing date, regarding the ability of Noodle to be a party in a
business combination accounted for as a pooling of interest; and
. Noodle's receipt of letters from the independent public accountants of
Zany, one dated approximately the date this joint proxy
statement/prospectus is declared effective by the SEC and one dated as
of the closing date, stating that the independent public accountants
concur with the management of Zany that the merger will qualify as a
pooling of interests.
Additional Conditions to Obligations of Zany
Zany's obligations to complete to merger are subject to additional
conditions including:
. the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Noodle as of the
date of the merger agreement and as of the date of closing, except for
such inaccuracies which, individually or in the aggregate, would not
have a Noodle material adverse effect, as defined in the merger
agreement;
. Noodle's performance in all material respects of each of the obligations
it has agreed, under the merger agreement, to perform prior to the
closing, and delivery to Zany of an officer's certificate to that
effect;
. the absence of any Noodle material adverse effect, as defined in the
merger agreement;
. the absence of any litigation or other proceeding, pending or
threatened, which is reasonably likely to be decided adversely to Noodle
and reasonably likely to have a Noodle material adverse effect, as
defined in the merger agreement;
. Zany's receipt of an opinion stating the merger as contemplated in the
merger agreement will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a
reorganization within the meaning of section 368(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code;
. Zany's receipt of an affiliate agreement from all parties deemed be
Noodle's affiliates, as defined under Rule 145 of the Securities Act;
and
. the fairness opinion given by DLJ shall not have been withdrawn.
Additional Conditions to Obligations of Noodle
Noodle's obligations to complete the merger are subject to additional
conditions including:
. the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Zany and Night Owl
Acquisition, Inc. as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the
date of the closing, except for such inaccuracies which, individually or
in the aggregate, would not have a Zany material adverse effect, as
defined in the merger agreement;
. Zany's and Night Owl Acquisition, Inc.'s performance in all material
respects of each of the obligations it has agreed, under the merger
agreement, to perform prior to the closing, and delivery to Noodle of an
officer's certificate to that effect;
. the absence of any Zany material adverse effect, as defined in the
merger agreement;
. Noodle's receipt of an opinion stating the merger as contemplated in the
merger agreement will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a
reorganization within the meaning of section 368(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code;
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. Noodle's receipt of an affiliate agreement from all parties deemed to be
Zany's affiliates, as defined under Rule 145 of the Securities Act;
. the execution and delivery by Zany of the employment agreements with
Stanley Greenman and Stewart Katz; and
. the fairness opinion given by PaineWebber Incorporated shall not have
been withdrawn.
Termination; Termination Fees and Expenses
The merger agreement provides that the merger may be abandoned and the
merger agreement may be terminated prior to the merger's effectiveness, in
various ways including:
. by mutual written consent of Zany and Noodle;
. by either Zany or Noodle if the merger is not consummated on or before
October 31, 2000, as long as the party requesting such termination did
not, by its failure to fulfill an obligation under the merger agreement,
prevent consummation of the merger;
. by either Zany or Noodle if any governmental entity or arbitrator with
jurisdiction issues a final order, injunction or decree preventing
consummation of the merger;
. by either Zany or Noodle upon the other entity's breach or failure to
comply with, its obligations under the merger agreement in any material
respect, or any representation or warranty of the other entity being
incorrect in any material respect, and such breaches, failures or
misrepresentations, individually or in the aggregate, would result in a
material adverse effect on that entity, as defined in the merger
agreement;
. by Zany or Noodle after the occurrence of changes or events that,
individually or in the aggregate, have (or are reasonably expected to
have) a material adverse effect on the other entity, as defined in the
merger agreement;
. by Zany if the board of directors of Noodle does not recommend the
merger to Noodle's shareholders or withdraws or modifies its approval or
recommendation of the merger agreement in any adverse manner, recommends
to the shareholders of Noodle any Acquisition Proposal, other than by
Zany, fails to recommend against the tender by the Noodle shareholders
of their shares in a tender offer or exchange offer that has been
commenced or with respect to which an offer to purchase or a
registration statement has been filed or resolves to take any of the
preceding actions or if Noodle enters into, authorizes, recommends or
proposes a merger, a sale of all or a substantial portion of its assets
or a sale of beneficial ownership of securities representing 15% or more
of Noodle's voting power;
. by Noodle if the board of directors of Zany withdraws or modifies its
approval or recommendation of the merger agreement in any adverse
manner, or resolves to take any of the preceding actions;
. by Zany or Noodle if the required shareholder approval of either entity
is not obtained;
. by Noodle if Noodle accepts a Superior Proposal or has changed its
recommendation concerning the merger, and, in either case, Noodle has
complied with its obligations regarding non-solicitation under the
merger agreement;
. by Zany or Noodle if the merger is not completed within 30 days
following the fulfillment of the conditions to closing;
. by Zany if DLJ withdraws its fairness opinion; or
. by Noodle if PaineWebber withdraws its fairness opinion.
If the merger agreement is terminated, it becomes void and none of the
parties to the agreement has any liability or further rights or obligations
under the agreement other than the remedies described below. However,
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if any party wilfully breaches any of its representations and warranties, or
breaches any of its covenants or agreements under the merger agreement, the
breaching party remains fully liable to the non-breaching parties for such
breach.
If the merger agreement is terminated, each party is responsible for the
expenses it incurs, except that if either party terminates the merger agreement
because the other party has breached, or failed to comply with, any of its
material obligations or any representation or warranty made by either party is
breached in any material respect and such breaches of representations and
warranties, individually or in the aggregate, have or would have a material
adverse effect, as defined in the merger agreement, the breaching party will
pay up to $1 million of the non-breaching party's expenses.
However, if
. Zany terminates the merger agreement because the board of directors of
Noodle withdraws its approval, recommends to the shareholders of Noodle
any Acquisition Proposal, other than by Zany, fails to recommend against
the tender by the Noodle shareholders of their shares in a tender offer
or exchange offer or resolves to take any of the preceding actions or if
Noodle enters into, authorizes, recommends or proposes a merger, a sale
or all or a substantial portion of its assets or a sale of beneficial
ownership of securities representing 15% or more of Noodle's voting
power;
. Zany terminates the merger agreement because Noodle breaches its non-
solicitation obligations under the agreement;
. Zany terminates the merger agreement because Noodle's shareholders do
not approve the merger;
. Noodle terminates the merger agreement because Noodle has accepted a
Superior Proposal or changed its recommendation concerning the merger,
and, in either case, has complied with its obligations regarding non-
solicitation under the merger agreement;
. Zany terminates the merger agreement because the merger is not completed
within 30 days following the fulfillment of the conditions to closing;
or
. Noodle terminates the merger agreement because PaineWebber has withdrawn
its fairness opinion,
then, if after the date of the merger agreement and prior to such termination,
an Acquisition Proposal was made, or within one year following such
termination, Noodle enters into an agreement with respect to, or consummates,
an Acquisition Proposal, Noodle will pay a termination fee of $2,250,000 to
Zany within one business day after such termination or entering into such
agreement or consummating such Acquisition Proposal, plus up to $1,000,000 of
Zany's expenses.
Furthermore, if
. Noodle terminates the agreement because the merger is not completed
within 30 days following the fulfilment of the conditions to closing;
. Noodle terminates the agreement because the board of directors of Zany
withdraws or modifies its approval or recommendation of the merger
agreement in any adverse manner or has resolved to take any of the
preceding actions; or
. Zany terminates the agreement because DLJ has withdrawn its fairness
opinion and after the date of the merger agreement and prior to such
termination, an Acquisition Proposal was made, or within one year
following such termination, Noodle enters into an agreement with respect
to, or consummates, an Acquisition Proposal;
then Zany will pay a termination fee of $2,250,000 to Noodle within one
business day after such termination or entering into such agreement or
consummating such Acquisition Proposal, plus up to $1,000,000 of Noodle's
expenses.
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If either party fails to promptly pay any termination fees due to the other
party under the merger agreement, such party will pay the costs of expenses
(including reasonable legal fees and expenses) in connection with any action
taken to collect payment, plus interest on the amount of the unpaid fee.
Amendment and Waiver
The merger agreement may be amended by Zany and Noodle at any time prior to
the effective time. Any amendment must be in writing signed by all the parties.
Once Noodle's shareholders have voted to approve the merger agreement, however,
no party may make an amendment to the merger agreement that would reduce the
amount or change the type of consideration for which each share of Noodle's
common stock will be exchanged or which would materially and adversely affect
Noodle shareholders.
Prior to the consummation of the merger, any party may:
. extend the time given for the performance of any of the obligations or
other acts of the other parties;
. waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the
other parties contained herein or in any document delivered by the other
parties pursuant to the merger agreement; and
. waive compliance by the other parties with any of the agreements or
conditions contained in the merger agreement.
Any agreement as to extension or waiver by any party will be valid only as
against such party and only if set forth in writing executed by such party.
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DESCRIPTION OF ZANY CAPITAL STOCK
Zany's authorized capital stock consists of 100,000,000 shares of common
stock, par value $.01 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par
value $.01 per share.
Common Stock
As of June 9, 2000, Zany's outstanding common stock consisted of 21,683,182
shares of common stock, held by 542 shareholders of record. Holders of common
stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters on
which shareholders may vote, and do not have cumulative voting rights in the
election of directors. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive, as,
when and if declared by the board of directors from time to time, such
dividends and other distributions in cash, stock or property from our assets or
funds legally available for such purposes subject to any dividend preferences
that may be attributable to our outstanding preferred stock.
No preemptive, conversion, redemption or sinking fund provisions apply to
the common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and
non-assessable. In the event of Zany's liquidation, dissolution or winding up,
holders of Zany common stock are entitled to share ratably in the assets
available for distribution.
Preferred Stock
There are presently no outstanding shares of preferred stock. Zany's board
of directors, without further action by the shareholders, is authorized to
issue an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Zany has no plans to
issue a new series of preferred stock. Zany's board of directors may issue
preferred stock with dividend rates, redemption prices, preferences on
liquidation or dissolution, conversion rights, voting rights and any other
preferences, which rights and preferences could adversely affect the voting
power of the holders of common stock. Issuance of preferred stock, while
providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions or
other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for
a third party to acquire, or could discourage or delay a third party from
acquiring control.
Common Stock Warrants
As of April 29, 2000, Zany has outstanding warrants which entitle the
holders to purchase an aggregate of 15,000 shares of common stock at an
exercise price of $4.00 per share. These warrants expire on various dates
through January 2003.
The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable upon the
exercise of each of the warrants may be adjusted upon the occurrence of certain
events, including stock splits, stock dividends, reorganization,
recapitalization, merger or sale of all or substantially all of Zany's assets.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Section 1741 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law, provides Zany
with the power to indemnify any officer or director acting in his or her
capacity as a representative of Zany who was, is or is threatened to be made a
party to any action or proceeding for expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and
amounts paid in settlement in connection with such action or proceeding. The
indemnity provisions apply whether the action was instituted by a third party
or arose by or in Zany's right. Generally, the only limitation on Zany's
ability to indemnify its officers and directors is if the act violates a
criminal statute or if the act or failure to act is finally determined by a
court to have constituted willful misconduct or recklessness.
Zany's bylaws provide a right to indemnification to the full extent
permitted by law for expenses, attorney's fees, damages, punitive damages,
judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually
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and reasonably incurred by any director or officer whether or not the
indemnified liability arises or arose from any threatened, pending or completed
proceeding by or in our right by reason of the fact that such director or
officer is or was serving as Zany's director, officer or employee or, at Zany's
request, as a director, officer, partner, fiduciary or trustee of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise, unless the act or failure to act giving rise to the claim for
indemnification is finally determined by a court to have constituted willful
misconduct or recklessness. Zany's bylaws provide for the advancement of
expenses to an indemnified party upon receipt of an undertaking by the party to
repay those amounts if it is finally determined that the indemnified party is
not entitled to indemnification.
Zany's bylaws authorize Zany to take steps to ensure that all persons
entitled to the indemnification are properly indemnified, including, if the
board of directors so determines, purchasing and maintaining insurance.
Limitation of Liability
Zany's bylaws provide that none of its directors shall be personally liable
to Zany or its shareholders for monetary damages for any action taken or
failure to take any action, unless:
. such director has breached or failed to perform such person's duties
under the Pennsylvania corporate laws; and
. the breach or failure to perform constitutes self-dealing, willful
misconduct or recklessness.
Zany maintains directors and officers' liability insurance to provide its
directors and officers with insurance coverage for losses arising from claims
based on breaches of duty, negligence, error and other wrongful acts. At
present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding, and Zany is not aware of
any threatened litigation or proceeding, involving any director, officer,
employee or agent where indemnification will be required or permitted under its
bylaws.
Registration Rights
Certain holders of shares of common stock are entitled to certain
registration rights with respect to Zany securities. These rights are provided
under the terms of agreements between Zany and the holders of such securities.
Such agreements provide, in certain instances, demand and piggyback
registration rights. Registration of shares of common stock pursuant to the
exercise of registration rights under the Securities Act of 1933 would result
in such shares becoming freely tradable without restriction under the
Securities Act of 1933 immediately upon the effectiveness of such registration.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent for Zany's common stock is StockTrans, Inc.
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COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF THE HOLDERS OF
NOODLE COMMON STOCK AND ZANY COMMON STOCK
The rights of Zany shareholders are governed by the Pennsylvania Business
Corporation Law, and the articles of incorporation and bylaws of Zany. The
rights of Noodle shareholders are governed by the Delaware General Corporation
Law, and the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Noodle. Upon completion
of the merger, Noodle shareholders will become Zany shareholders. The material
differences between the rights of Noodle shareholders and Zany shareholders are
summarized below.
The following discussions are not intended to be complete. You should also
refer to the Pennsylvania corporate law, the Zany articles of incorporation and
the Zany bylaws. Copies of the Zany articles of incorporation, the Zany bylaws,
the Noodle certificate of incorporation and the Noodle bylaws will be sent to
the shareholders of Zany and Noodle, respectively, upon request. See "Where You
Can Find More Information" on page 115.
Dividend Rights
Noodle
Under the Delaware corporate law, a corporation may pay dividends out of
surplus or, if no such surplus exists, out of net profits, for the fiscal year
in which such dividends are declared and/or for its preceding fiscal year,
provided, however, that dividends may not be paid out of net profits if the
capital of such corporation is less than the aggregate amount of capital
represented by the outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon
the distribution of assets.
Zany
Under the Pennsylvania corporate law, a corporation is prohibited from
making a distribution to shareholders if, after giving effect thereto:
. that corporation would be unable to pay its debts as they become due in
the usual course of business; or
. the total assets of that corporation would be less than the sum of its
total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if that
corporation were then dissolved, to satisfy the rights of shareholders
having superior preferential rights upon dissolution to the shareholders
receiving such distribution. For the purpose of this clause, the board
of directors may base its determination on one or more of the following:
the book value, or the current value, of the corporation's assets and
liabilities, unrealized appreciation and depreciation of the
corporation's assets and liabilities or any other method that is
reasonable in the circumstances.
Number and Election of Directors
Noodle
Under the Delaware corporate law, the certificate of incorporation of a
corporation may authorize cumulative voting in the election of directors. The
Noodle charter does not provide for cumulative voting in the election of
directors. The Noodle certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that
there be eight members of the Noodle board. Under the Delaware corporate law
and the Noodle bylaws, any director or the entire board of directors may be
removed, with or without cause, by the owners of a majority of the shares then
entitled to vote at an election of directors or by consent of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding stock. The Noodle charter and bylaws provide that
the Noodle board of directors be divided into three classes: two Class 3
directors with terms expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders in 2000 and
triennially thereafter, three Class 1 directors with terms expiring at the
annual meeting of shareholders in 2001 and triennially thereafter,
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and three Class 2 directors with terms expiring at the annual meeting of
shareholders in 2002 and triennially thereafter.
Zany
Under the Pennsylvania corporate law, cumulative voting is required unless
otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation. The Zany charter provides
that shareholders shall not have the right to cumulate their votes for the
election of directors. Under the Pennsylvania corporate law, the board of
directors may be removed at any time with or without cause by the vote of
shareholders entitled to vote thereon. Furthermore, the articles of a
corporation may not prohibit the removal of directors by the shareholders for
cause. The Zany bylaws state that the entire board of directors or any
individual directors may be removed only for cause by a vote of a majority of
the shareholders entitled to vote thereon. The Zany bylaws provide that the
number of directors shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the board
of directors. There are currently seven members of the Zany board. Upon the
consummation of the merger, the Zany board will be increased to eight members
and shall include Mr. Stanley Greenman, currently a Noodle director.
Fiduciary Duties of Directors
Noodle
Under the Delaware corporate law, the business and affairs of a corporation
are managed by or under the direction of its board of directors. In exercising
their powers, directors are charged with a fiduciary duty of care to protect
the interests of the corporation and a fiduciary duty of loyalty to act in the
best interests of its shareholders. Under the Delaware corporate law, the duty
of care requires that the directors act in an informed and deliberative manner
and inform themselves, prior to making a business decision, of all material
information reasonably available to them. The duty of care also requires that
directors exercise care in overseeing and investigating the conduct of
corporate employees. The duty of loyalty maybe summarized as the duty to act in
good faith, not out of self-interest, and in a manner which the directors
reasonably believe to be in the best interests of the shareholders. A party
challenging the propriety of a decision of a board of directors bears the
burden of rebutting the applicability of the presumptions afforded to directors
by the "business judgment rule." If the presumption is not rebutted, the
business judgment rule attaches to protect the directors and their decisions,
and their business judgments will not be second guessed. Where, however, the
presumption is rebutted, the directors bear the burden of demonstrating the
entire fairness of the relevant transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Delaware courts subject directors' conduct to enhanced scrutiny in respect of
defensive actions taken in response to a threat to corporate control and
approval of a transaction resulting in a sale of control of the corporation.
Zany
The fiduciary duties of directors are similar under the Pennsylvania
corporate law to the duties prescribed under the Delaware corporate law. Under
the Pennsylvania corporate law, directors are required to discharge their
duties in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best
interests of the corporation. They are required to use such care, including
reasonable inquiry, skill and diligence, as a person of ordinary prudence would
use under similar circumstances. Unlike the Delaware corporate law, however,
the Pennsylvania corporate law includes a provision specifically permitting
directors, in discharging their duties, to consider the effects of any action
taken by them upon any or all groups affected by such action, including
shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers and creditors of such
corporation, and upon communities in which offices or other establishments of
such corporation are located. Furthermore, unlike the Delaware corporate law,
the Pennsylvania corporate law also makes clear that directors have no greater
obligation to justify their activities and need not meet any higher burden of
proof in the context of a potential or proposed acquisition of control than in
any other context.
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Liability of Directors
Noodle
The Delaware corporate law permits a corporation to include in its
certificate of incorporation a provision limiting or eliminating the liability
of its directors to such corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages
arising from a breach of fiduciary duty, except for:
. a breach of the duty of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders;
. acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
. a declaration of a dividend or the authorization of the repurchase or
redemption of stock in violation of the Delaware corporate law; or
. any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit.
The Noodle charter contains such a provision eliminating the liability of its
directors to such extent.
Zany
Under the Pennsylvania corporate law, a corporation may include in its
bylaws a provision, adopted by a vote of its shareholders, that eliminates the
personal liability of its directors, as such, for monetary damages for any
action taken or the failure to take any action unless:
. such directors have breached or failed to perform their duties; and
. the breach or failure to perform constitutes self-dealing, willful
misconduct or recklessness.
A Pennsylvania corporation is not empowered, however, to eliminate personal
liability where the responsibility or liability of a director is pursuant to
any criminal statute or is for the payment of taxes pursuant to any federal,
state or local law.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Noodle
Under the Delaware corporate law, a corporation may indemnify any person
involved in a third party action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, by reason of being a director, officer,
employee or agent of the corporation, against expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and settlement amounts actually and reasonably incurred
in connection with such action, suit or proceeding or incurred by reason of
such persons being or having been a representative of such corporation, if he
or she acted in good faith and reasonably believed that his or her actions were
in or not opposed to the best interests of such corporation and, with respect
to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her
conduct was unlawful. Under the Delaware corporate law, 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 or suit by or in the right of
the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that
such 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 of other enterprise against expenses, including attorney's fees,
actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense
or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in
a manner such 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 Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was
brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of
liability
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but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery
or such other court shall deem proper. The Delaware corporate law also provides
that a corporation may advance to a director or officer expenses incurred by
him in defending any action, upon receipt of an undertaking by the present or
former director or officer to repay the amount advanced if it is ultimately
determined that he is not entitled to indemnification. A determination as to
the amount of the indemnification to be made by the corporation shall be made,
with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of that
determination by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to that
action, even though less than a quorum, or by a committee of such directors
designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum,
or if there are no such directors, or, if these directors so direct, by
independent legal counsel, or by the shareholders. If, however, a present or
former director or officer is successful in defending a third party or
derivative action, indemnification for expenses incurred is mandatory. The
Delaware corporate law provides further that the provisions for indemnification
contained therein are nonexclusive of any other rights to which the party may
be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders, disinterested
directors or otherwise. The Noodle bylaws provide for indemnification of any
person to the fullest extent permitted bylaw and authorize Noodle to purchase
and maintain insurance on behalf of any such person.
Zany
The provisions of the Pennsylvania corporate law regarding indemnification
are substantially similar to those of the Delaware corporate law. Unlike the
Delaware corporate law, however, the Pennsylvania corporate law expressly
permits indemnification in connection with any action, including a derivative
action, unless a court determines that the acts or omissions giving rise to the
claim constituted willful misconduct or recklessness. The Zany bylaws provide
for indemnification of representatives against liability incurred by reason of
the fact that such representative was serving in an indemnified capacity except
where indemnification is expressly prohibited by applicable law, or where a
determination is made that the representative's conduct constituted willful
misconduct or recklessness within the Pennsylvania corporate law, was based
upon or attributable to the receipt by the representative of a personal benefit
to which the representative is not legally entitled or was otherwise unlawful.
Annual Meetings
Noodle
Under the Delaware corporate law, if the annual meeting for the election of
directors is not held on the designated date, or action by written consent to
elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting has not been taken, the directors
are required to cause that meeting to be held as soon as is convenient. If
there is a failure to hold the annual meeting or to take action by written
consent to elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting for a period of 30 days
after the designated date for the annual meeting, or if no date has been
designated for a period of 13 months after latest to occur of the organization
of the corporation, its last annual meeting or the last action by written
consent to elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting, the court of chancery
may summarily order a meeting to be held upon the application of any
shareholder or director.
Zany
Under the Pennsylvania corporate law, if the annual meeting for election of
directors is not held within six months after the designated date, any
shareholder may call the meeting at any time thereafter.
Special Meetings
Noodle
Under the Delaware corporate law, a special meeting of the shareholders may
be called by the board of directors or any other person as may be authorized by
the certificate of incorporation or the bylaws. The
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Noodle bylaws state that a special meeting of the shareholders may be called
only by the Chairman of the Board, the President, the Vice Chairman of the
Board or a majority of the board of directors.
Zany
Under the Pennsylvania corporate law, special meetings of shareholders may
be called by the board of directors, by any officers or by any other persons as
provided in the bylaws, and, unless otherwise provided in the articles, by
shareholders entitled to cast at least 20% of the votes that all shareholders
are entitled to cast at a particular meeting. The Zany bylaws, however, provide
that special meetings of the shareholders may be called at any time only by the
Chief Executive Officer or a majority of the board of directors and may not be
called by shareholders.
Action by Shareholders Without a Meeting
Noodle
The Delaware corporate law permits the shareholders of a corporation to
consent in writing to any action without a meeting, unless the certificate of
incorporation of that corporation provides otherwise, provided this consent is
signed by shareholders having at least the minimum number of votes required to
authorize that action at a meeting of shareholders at which all shares entitled
to vote thereon were present and voted. The Noodle charter does not restrict
the ability of Noodle shareholders to act by written consent.
Zany
Under the Pennsylvania corporate law, unless the bylaws of a corporation
provide otherwise, any corporate action may be taken without a meeting, by
partial or unanimous written consent. The Zany bylaws allow shareholders to
take action without a meeting by partial or unanimous written consent.
Shareholder Proposals
Noodle
The Delaware corporate law does not include a provision restricting the
manner in which nominations for directors may be made by shareholders or the
manner in which business may be brought before a meeting. The Noodle bylaws
provide that for business to be properly brought at an annual meeting, a
shareholder must give notice of that business to Noodle. This notice must be
received by Noodle not less than 75 days nor more than 120 days prior to the
anniversary date of the annual meeting for the prior year. If Noodle schedules
its annual meeting more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after that
anniversary date, the shareholder's notice must be received by Noodle no later
than the later of 75 days prior to the date of the annual meeting or 15 days
after public announcement of the date of the annual meeting is made by Noodle.
The notice must set forth, among other things, a description of the business
the shareholder seeks to bring at the meeting, the name and address of the
shareholder and the class and number of shares of capital stock owned by the
shareholder.
Zany
The Pennsylvania corporate law, like the Delaware corporate law, does not
include a provision restricting the manner in which nominations for directors
may be made by shareholders or the manner in which business may be brought
before a meeting. The Zany bylaws provide that for business to be properly
brought at an annual meeting, a shareholder must give notice of that business
to Zany. This notice must be received by Zany not less than 90 days nor more
than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the annual meeting for the prior
year. If Zany schedules its annual meeting more than 30 days before or more
than 60 days after that anniversary date, the shareholder's notice must be
received by Zany no later than the later of 90 days prior to the date of the
annual meeting or 10 days after public announcement of the date of the annual
meeting is made
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by Zany. The notice must set forth, among other things, a description of the
business the shareholder seeks to bring at the meeting, a representation that
the shareholder is a holder of record of stock of Zany entitled to vote at such
annual meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to
bring the business before the meeting, the name and address of the shareholder
and the class and number of shares of capital stock owned by the shareholder.
Charter Amendments
Noodle
Under the Delaware corporate law, an amendment or change to the certificate
of incorporation generally requires the approval of the board of directors,
followed by the approval of such amendment by the affirmative vote of the
owners of a majority of the shares entitled to vote thereon. When an amendment
of the certificate would adversely affect the rights of a class of stock or the
rights of a series of a class, the Delaware corporate law provides that the
enactment of the amendment also requires the affirmative vote of the owners of
a majority of the outstanding shares of such class or series.
Zany
Under the Pennsylvania corporate law, unlike the Delaware corporate law, an
amendment to the articles only requires the approval of the board of directors
followed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by all
shareholders entitled to vote thereon and, if any class or series of shares is
entitled to vote thereon as a class, the affirmative vote of a majority of the
votes cast in each such class vote. Furthermore, the Pennsylvania corporate law
provides that, unless otherwise provided in the articles, an amendment of the
articles of a corporation need not be adopted by the board of directors prior
to its submission to the shareholders for approval if it is proposed by a
petition of shareholders entitled to cast at least 10% of the votes that all
shareholders are entitled to cast thereon.
Amendments to Bylaws
Noodle
Under the Delaware corporate law, bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed
by the shareholders entitled to vote thereon; provided, however, that any
corporation may, in its certificate of incorporation, confer this power upon
the directors, provided the power vested in the shareholders shall not be
divested or limited where the board of directors also has such power. The
Noodle charter and bylaws vest the board of directors with the authority to
adopt, amend or repeal bylaws subject to the power of the shareholders to make
or repeal bylaws.
Zany
Under the Pennsylvania corporate law, bylaws may be adopted, amended and
repealed by the shareholders entitled to vote thereon. This authority may be
expressly vested in the board of directors by the bylaws, subject to the power
of the shareholders to change such action, unless the subject of the amendment
is solely within the province of the shareholders. The Zany bylaws vest the
board of directors with the authority to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws subject
to the power of the shareholders to make or repeal bylaws.
Mergers and Major Transactions
Noodle
Under the Delaware corporate law, whenever the approval of the shareholders
of a corporation is required for an agreement of merger or consolidation or for
a sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of its
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assets, such agreement, sale, lease or exchange must be approved by the
affirmative vote of the owners of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled
to vote thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless required by its
certificate of incorporation, no vote of the shareholders of a constituent
corporation surviving a merger is necessary to authorize a merger if:
. the agreement of merger does not amend in any respect the certificate of
incorporation of such constituent corporation;
. each share of stock of such constituent corporation outstanding
immediately prior to such merger is to be an identical outstanding or
treasury share of the surviving corporation after such merger; and
. either no shares of common stock of the surviving corporation and no
shares, securities or obligations convertible into such common stock are
to be issued under such agreement of merger, or the number of shares of
common stock issued or so issuable does not exceed 20% of the number
thereof outstanding immediately prior to such merger.
In addition, the Delaware corporate law provides that a parent corporation
that is the record holder of at least 90% of the outstanding shares of each
class of stock of a subsidiary may merge such subsidiary into such parent
corporation without the approval of such subsidiary's shareholders or board of
directors and without the approval of the parent's shareholders.
Zany
Under the Pennsylvania corporate law, shareholder approval is required for
the sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all, or substantially all, of
the property and assets of a corporation when not made in the usual and regular
course of the business of such corporation or for the purpose of relocating the
business of such corporation or in connection with the dissolution or
liquidation of the corporation. Unlike the Delaware corporate law, however, in
cases where shareholder approval is required, a merger, consolidation, sale,
lease, exchange or other disposition must be approved by a majority of the
votes cast by all shareholders entitled to vote thereon. Under the Pennsylvania
corporate law, unless required by the bylaws of a constituent corporation,
shareholder approval is not required for a plan of merger or consolidation if:
. the surviving or new corporation is a domestic corporation whose
articles are identical to the articles of such constituent corporation;
. each share of such constituent corporation outstanding immediately prior
to the merger or consolidation will continue as or be converted into,
except as otherwise agreed to by the holder thereof, an identical share
of the surviving or new corporation; and
. such equity plan provides that the shareholders of such constituent
corporation will hold in the aggregate shares of the surviving or new
corporation having a majority of the votes entitled to be cast generally
in an election of directors.
In addition, the Pennsylvania corporate law provides that no shareholder
approval is required if, prior to the adoption of such equity plan, another
corporation that is a party to such equity plan owns 80% or more of the
outstanding shares of each class of such constituent corporation.
Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal
Noodle
Under the Delaware corporate law, unless the certificate of incorporation of
a corporation provides otherwise, there are no appraisal rights provided in the
case of certain mergers, a sale or transfer of all or substantially all of its
assets or an amendment to the corporation's certificate of incorporation.
Moreover, the Delaware corporate law does not provide appraisal rights in
connection with a merger or consolidation, unless the certificate of
incorporation provides otherwise, to the owners of shares of a corporation
that, at the record
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date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to
vote at the meeting of shareholders to act upon the merger or consolidating
agreements, is either:
. listed on a national securities exchange or designated as a national
market system security by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., or
. held of record by more than 2,000 shareholders, unless the applicable
agreement of merger or consolidation requires the owners of these shares
to receive, in exchange for these shares, anything other than:
. shares of stock of the resulting or surviving corporation;
. shares of stock of any other corporation listed on a national securities
exchange, designated as described above, or held of record by more than
2,000 holders; or
. cash in lieu of fractional shares or any combination of the foregoing.
In addition, the Delaware corporate law denies appraisal rights to the
shareholders of the surviving corporation in a merger if that merger did not
require for its approval the vote of the shareholders of the surviving
corporation.
Zany
The Pennsylvania corporate law provides that shareholders of a corporation
have a right of appraisal with respect to specified corporate actions,
including:
. a plan of merger, consolidation, division, as defined in Section 1951 of
the Pennsylvania corporate law share exchange or conversion, as defined
in Section 1961 of the Pennsylvania corporate law;
. certain other plans or amendments to its articles in which disparate
treatment is accorded to the holders of shares of the same class or
series; and
. a sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all
of the corporation's property and assets, except if, such sale, lease,
exchange or other disposition is:
. made in connection with the dissolution or liquidation of the
corporation;
. the acquiring corporation owns all of the outstanding shares of the
acquired corporation or the voting rights, preferences, limitations or
relative rights of the acquired corporation are not altered thereby; or
. the assets sold, leased, exchanged or otherwise disposed of are
simultaneously leased back to the corporation.
Under the Pennsylvania corporate law, appraisal rights are not provided,
however, to the holders of shares of any class that is either listed on a
national securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000 shareholders
unless:
. such shares are not converted solely into shares of the acquiring,
surviving, new or other corporation and cash in lieu of fractional
shares;
. such shares constitute a preferred or special class of stock, and the
articles of such corporation, the corporate action under consideration
or the express terms of the transaction encompassed in such corporate
action do not entitle all holders of the shares of such class to vote
thereon and the transaction requires for the adoption thereof the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by all shareholders of
such class; or
. such shares constitute a group of a class or series that are to receive
the same special treatment in the corporate action under consideration,
and the holders of such group are not entitled to vote as a special
class in respect of such corporate action.
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Anti-Takeover Provisions
Noodle
Under the Delaware corporate law, a corporation is prohibited from engaging
in any business combination with an interested shareholder who, together with
his affiliates or associates owns, or within a three-year period did own, 15%
or more of the corporation's voting stock, unless:
. prior to the time the shareholder became an interested shareholder, the
board of directors approved either the business combination or the
transaction which resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested
shareholder;
. the interested shareholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the
corporation, excluding specified shares, upon consummation of the
transaction which resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested
shareholder; or
. on or subsequent to the time the shareholder became an interested
shareholder, the business combination is approved by the board of
directors of the corporation and authorized by the affirmative vote, at
an annual or special meeting and not by written consent, by at least 66
2/3% of the outstanding voting shares of that corporation, excluding
shares held by that interested shareholder. A business combination
generally includes:
. mergers, consolidations and sales or other dispositions of 10% or
more of the assets of a corporation to or with an interested
shareholder;
. certain transactions resulting in the issuance or transfer to an
interested shareholder of any stock of the corporation or its
subsidiaries; and
. other transactions resulting in a disproportionate financial benefit
to an interested shareholder.
This provision of the Delaware corporate law does not apply to a corporation
if, subject to certain requirements, the certificate of incorporation or bylaws
contain a provision expressly electing not to be governed by this provision or
the corporation does not have voting stock either listed on a national
securities exchange, authorized for quotation on an inter-dealer quotation
system of a registered national securities association or held of record by
more than 2,000 shareholders.
Zany
The Pennsylvania corporate law contains provisions applicable to publicly-
held Pennsylvania corporations that may be deemed to have an anti-takeover
effect. Zany has opted out of all but Section 1715 of the Pennsylvania
corporate law, which remains applicable to Zany.
Under Section 1715 of the Pennsylvania corporate law, directors of a
corporation are not required to regard the interests of the shareholders as
being dominant or controlling in considering the best interests of the
corporation. The directors may consider, to the extent they deem appropriate,
such factors as:
. the effects of any action upon any group affected by that action,
including shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers and creditors of
the corporation and upon communities in which offices or other
establishments of the corporation are located;
. the short term and long term interests of the corporation, including
benefits that may accrue to the corporation from its long term plans and
the possibility that these interests may be best served by the continued
independence of the corporation;
. the resources, intent and conduct of any person seeking to acquire
control of the corporation; and
. all other pertinent factors.
The Pennsylvania corporate law also provides directors with broad discretion
with respect to actions that may be taken in response to acquisitions or
proposed acquisitions of corporate control.
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Section 1715 of the Pennsylvania corporate law further provides that any act
of Zany's board of directors, a committee of the board or an individual
director relating to or affecting an acquisition or potential or proposed
acquisition of control to which a majority of Zany's disinterested directors
have assented will be presumed to satisfy the standard of care set forth in the
Pennsylvania corporate law, unless it is proven by clear and convincing
evidence that Zany's disinterested directors did not consent to such act in
good faith after reasonable investigation. As a result of this and the other
provisions of Section 1715 of the Pennsylvania corporate law, Zany's board of
directors are provided with broad discretion with respect to actions that may
be taken in response to acquisitions or proposed acquisitions of corporate
control.
Section 1715 of the Pennsylvania corporate law may discourage open market
purchases of Zany's common stock or a non-negotiated tender or exchange offer
for Zany common stock and, accordingly, may be considered disadvantageous by a
shareholder who would desire to participate in any such transaction. In
addition, Section 1715 of the Pennsylvania corporate law may have a depressive
effect on the price of Zany's common stock.
In addition, the ability of Zany's board of directors to establish the
rights of, and to issue, substantial amounts of preferred stock without the
need for shareholder approval may discourage, delay or prevent a change in
control. Such preferred stock, among other things, may be used to create voting
impediments with respect to any changes in control or to dilute the stock
ownership of holders of common stock seeking to obtain control.
Dissolution
Noodle
Under the Delaware corporate law, if the board of directors of the
corporation deems it advisable that the corporation should be dissolved and a
majority of the outstanding stock of the corporation entitled to vote thereon
votes in favor of the proposed dissolution, the corporation shall be dissolved
upon the filing of a certificate of dissolution with the Secretary of State of
the State of Delaware. The corporation shall continue after dissolution for the
purposes of defending suits and settling its affairs for a three-year period.
The Delaware corporate law sets forth certain payment and distribution
procedures a dissolving corporation must follow in connection with winding up
its affairs. Such procedures include certain notification requirements and,
under certain circumstances, obtaining the approval of the Delaware court of
chancery. Under the Delaware corporate law, directors of a dissolved
corporation that comply with the payment and distribution procedures provided
therein shall not be personally liable to the claimants of the dissolved
corporation.
Zany
Under the Pennsylvania corporate law, if the board of directors adopts a
resolution recommending that the corporation be dissolved, the shareholders
must adopt the resolution by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes
cast by all shareholders entitled to vote thereon. Unlike the Delaware
corporate law, the Pennsylvania corporate law provides two different procedures
for the corporation to provide for the winding up and distribution of the
corporation's assets. The board of directors of the corporation may elect that
the dissolution shall proceed under Subchapter H or under Section 1975 of the
Pennsylvania corporate law. Under Section 1975, the corporation must provide
for the liabilities of the corporation prior to filing the articles of
dissolution in the Pennsylvania Department of State. Directors of corporations
that elect to follow this procedure are held to the standard of care that
applies to all of their other duties. The Subchapter H provision is largely
analogous to the procedure under the Delaware corporate law. Under the
Pennsylvania corporate law, however, the corporation only continues to exist
for the purpose of settling its affairs for a period of two years. Furthermore,
the court in determining the amount of security that shall be posted by the
dissolved corporation shall consider the amount that would be reasonably likely
to be sufficient to provide compensation for claims that are unknown but that
are likely to arise or become known for a period of only two years after the
dissolution of the corporation.
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Shareholder Rights Plan
Noodle
Noodle entered into a Rights Agreement dated as of May 1, 1998 between
Noodle and ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C., as Rights Agent, as
amended, pursuant to which Noodle has issued rights, exercisable only upon the
occurrence of certain events (which does not include this transaction), to
purchase its series A junior participating preferred stock.
Zany
Zany does not have a shareholder rights plan.
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial statements
combine the historical statements of operations of Zany and Noodle, referred to
in this section as the combined company, after giving effect to the merger, as
if the merger had occurred on February 2, 1997, and the historical balance
sheet of the combined company as if the merger had occurred on January 29, 2000
and April 29, 2000, in each case using the "pooling of interests" method of
accounting. The following unaudited pro forma information should be read in
conjunction with the historical financial statements of each of Zany and
Noodle.
The pro forma amounts are presented for informational purposes only and are
not necessarily indicative of the results of operations of the combined company
that would have actually occurred had the merger been consummated as of
February 2, 1997 or of the financial condition of the combined company had the
merger been consummated as of January 29, 2000 or April 29, 2000 or of the
future results of operations or financial condition of the combined company.
The pro forma information does not reflect any synergies anticipated as a
result of the merger, in particular the elimination of costs associated with
Noodle's status as a public company and other administrative savings. There can
be no assurances that such synergies will be realized.
Zany and Noodle estimate that they will incur direct transaction costs of
approximately $3.0 million, net of tax, associated with the merger, which will
be charged to operations in the quarter in which the merger is consummated, and
are reflected in the accompanying unaudited pro forma combined consolidated
financial statements. In addition, it is expected that following the merger,
the combined company will incur additional expenses, which are currently
estimated to range from $10.0 to $13.0 million, net of tax, associated with the
merger and integrating the operations of the two companies. These merger and
integration expenses are not reflected in the accompanying unaudited pro forma
combined consolidated financial statements.
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED APRIL 29, 2000
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
-------------------------
Zany Noodle Adjustments Combined
------- ------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET SALES......................... $39,363 $24,072 $ $63,435
COST OF GOODS SOLD, including
occupancy costs.................. 31,395 15,178 4,842 (a)(b) 51,415
------- ------- ------- -------
Gross profit.................... 7,968 8,894 (4,842) 12,020
SELLING, GENERAL AND
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.......... 16,097 12,695 (4,887)(a) 23,905
------- ------- ------- -------
Operating loss.................. (8,129) (3,801) 45 (11,885)
INTEREST INCOME................... 110 1 111
INTEREST EXPENSE.................. (192) (193) (385)
------- ------- ------- -------
Loss before income tax benefit.. (8,211) (3,993) 45 (12,159)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT................ 3,161 1,517 (17)(c) 4,661
------- ------- ------- -------
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS... $(5,050) $(2,476) $ 28 $(7,498)
======= ======= ======= =======
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic........................... $ (0.23) $ (0.24)
======= =======
Diluted......................... $ (0.23) $ (0.24)
======= =======
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES
OUTSTANDING:
Basic........................... 21,679 9,377(d) 31,056
======= ======= =======
Diluted......................... 21,679 9,377(d) 31,056
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
--------
(a) Includes reclassifications of $4,887 to conform Noodle's presentation of
cost of goods sold, including occupancy costs, to Zany's financial
reporting presentation.
(b) Includes adjustments to conform Noodle's accounting policy for inventory
capitalization to Zany's accounting policy.
(c) Represents tax effect of (b) above.
(d) Represents Noodle's weighted average shares outstanding for the period
adjusted for the exchange ratio of 1.233.
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED MAY 1, 1999
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
-------------------------
Zany Noodle Adjustments Combined
------- ------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET SALES................... $40,577 $22,890 $ $63,467
COST OF GOODS SOLD,
including occupancy costs.. 29,387 13,900 3,304 (a)(b) 46,591
------- ------- ------- -------
Gross profit.............. 11,190 8,990 (3,304) 16,876
SELLING, GENERAL AND
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.... 12,986 10,103 (3,789)(a) 19,300
------- ------- ------- -------
Operating (loss).......... (1,796) (1,113) 485 (2,424)
INTEREST INCOME............. 11 80 91
INTEREST EXPENSE............ (438) (21) (459)
------- ------- ------- -------
Loss before income tax
benefit.................. (2,223) (1,054) 485 (2,792)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT.......... 845 -- (184)(c) 661
------- ------- ------- -------
LOSS FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS................. $(1,378) $(1,054) $ 301 $(2,131)
======= ======= ======= =======
LOSS FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS PER COMMON
SHARE:
Basic..................... $ (0.26)(d) $ (0.14)(d)
======= =======
Diluted................... $ (0.26)(d) $ (0.14)(d)
======= =======
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES
OUTSTANDING:
Basic..................... 5,384 9,375 (e) 14,759
======= ======= =======
Diluted................... 5,384 9,375 (e) 14,759
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
--------
(a) Includes reclassifications of $3,789 to conform to Noodle's presentation of
cost of goods sold, including occupancy costs, to Zany's financial
reporting presentation.
(b) Includes adjustments to conform Noodle's accounting policy for inventory
capitalization to Zany's accounting policy.
(c) Represents tax effect of (b) above.
(d) Excludes the conversion of preferred stock into 11,250,273 shares of common
stock and the sale of 4,722,669 shares of common stock in Zany's initial
public offering. Had these transactions been completed at the beginning of
the period presented, Zany's basic and diluted loss per share would have
been $(0.06) and the pro forma combined basic and diluted loss per share
would have been $(0.07).
(e) Represents Noodle's weighted average shares outstanding for the period
adjusted for the exchange ratio of 1.233.
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 29, 2000
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
--------------------------
Zany Noodle Adjustments Combined
-------- -------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET SALES................... $241,194 $135,038 $ $376,232
COST OF GOODS SOLD,
including occupancy costs.. 165,950 82,770 19,132 (a)(b) 267,852
-------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit.............. 75,244 52,268 (19,132) 108,380
SELLING, GENERAL AND
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.... 63,592 49,356 (20,017)(a)(c) 92,931
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income.......... 11,652 2,912 885 15,449
INTEREST INCOME............. 520 116 636
INTEREST EXPENSE............ (1,037) (616) (1,653)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income before income tax
benefit (expense)........ 11,135 2,412 885 14,432
INCOME TAX BENEFIT
(EXPENSE).................. (4,231) 7,271 (336)(d) 2,704
-------- -------- -------- --------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS $ 6,904 $ 9,683 $ 549 $ 17,136
======== ======== ======== ========
INCOME FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS PER COMMON
SHARE:
Basic..................... $ .44 $ .68(e)
======== ========
Diluted................... $ .33 $ .56(e)
======== ========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES
OUTSTANDING:
Basic..................... 15,834 9,374 (f) 25,208
======== ======== ========
Diluted................... 21,211 9,569 (f) 30,780
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
--------
(a) Includes reclassifications of $19,703 to conform Noodle's presentation of
cost of goods sold, including occupancy costs, to Zany's financial
reporting presentation.
(b) Includes adjustments to conform Noodle's accounting policy for inventory
capitalization to Zany's accounting policy.
(c) Includes adjustment to conform Noodle's adoption of an accounting principle
for start-up costs to that of Zany.
(d) Represents tax effect of (b) and (c) above.
(e) Includes a tax benefit recorded by Noodle due to the recognition of their
deferred tax asset representing net income per pro forma basic and diluted
share of $0.29 and $0.24, respectively.
(f) Represents Noodle's weighted average shares outstanding for the period
adjusted for the exchange ratio of 1.233.
76
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 30, 1999
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
--------------------------
Zany Noodle Adjustments Combined
-------- -------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET SALES................... $168,471 $107,886 $ $276,357
COST OF GOODS SOLD,
including occupancy costs.. 118,153 65,405 15,395 (a)(b) 198,953
-------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit.............. 50,318 42,481 (15,395) 77,404
SELLING, GENERAL AND
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.... 46,376 38,804 (15,367)(a)(c) 69,813
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income.......... 3,942 3,677 (28) 7,591
INTEREST INCOME............. 81 269 350
INTEREST EXPENSE............ (1,211) (194) (1,405)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income before income tax
benefit.................. 2,812 3,752 (28) 6,536
INCOME TAX BENEFIT.......... 6,187 -- 10 (d) 6,197
-------- -------- -------- --------
NET INCOME.................. $ 8,999 $ 3,752 $ (18) $ 12,733
======== ======== ======== ========
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic..................... $ 1.67 $ .86(e)
======== ========
Diluted................... $ .51 $ .47(e)
======== ========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES
OUTSTANDING:
Basic..................... 5,373 9,356 (f) 14,729
======== ======== ========
Diluted................... 17,770 9,521 (f) 27,291
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
--------
(a) Includes reclassifications of $15,640 to conform Noodle's presentation of
cost of goods sold, including occupancy costs, to Zany's financial
reporting presentation.
(b) Includes adjustments to conform Noodle's accounting policy for inventory
capitalization to Zany's accounting policy.
(c) Includes adjustment to conform Noodle's adoption of an accounting principle
for start-up costs to that of Zany.
(d) Represents tax effect of (b) and (c) above.
(e) Includes a tax benefit of $7,166 recorded by Zany due to the recognition of
their deferred tax asset representing net income per pro forma basic and
diluted share of $0.49 and $0.26, respectively.
(f) Represents Noodle's weighted average shares outstanding for the period
adjusted for the exchange ratio of 1.233.
77
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
--------------------------
Zany Noodle Adjustments Combined
-------- ------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET SALES...................... $123,345 $81,664 $ $205,009
COST OF GOODS SOLD, including
occupancy costs............... 89,452 50,388 14,073 (a)(b) 153,913
-------- ------- -------- --------
Gross profit................. 33,893 31,276 (14,073) 51,096
SELLING, GENERAL AND
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES....... 33,581 33,552 (14,300)(a)(c) 52,833
-------- ------- -------- --------
Operating income (loss)...... 312 (2,276) 227 (1,737)
INTEREST INCOME................ 253 448 701
INTEREST EXPENSE............... (718) (90) (808)
-------- ------- -------- --------
Loss before income tax
benefit..................... (153) (1,918) 227 (1,844)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT............. -- -- -- --
-------- ------- -------- --------
NET LOSS....................... $ (153) $(1,918) $ 227 $ (1,844)
======== ======= ======== ========
NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic........................ $ (.03) $ (.13)
======== ========
Diluted...................... $ (.03) $ (.13)
======== ========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES
OUTSTANDING:
Basic........................ 5,085 9,346 (d) 14,431
======== ======== ========
Diluted...................... 5,085 9,355 (d) 14,440
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
--------
(a) Includes reclassifications of $14,064 to conform Noodle's presentation of
cost of goods sold, including occupancy costs, to Zany's financial
reporting presentation.
(b) Includes adjustments to conform Noodle's accounting policy for inventory
capitalization to Zany's accounting policy.
(c) Includes adjustment to conform Noodle's adoption of an accounting principle
for start-up costs to that of Zany.
(d) Represents Noodle's weighted average shares outstanding for the period
adjusted for the exchange ratio of 1.233.
78
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
APRIL 29, 2000
(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
-------------------------
Zany Noodle Adjustments Combined
-------- ------- ----------- --------
ASSETS
------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents..... $ 177 $ 541 $ $ 718
Receivables, net.............. 1,799 -- 930 (a) 2,729
Inventories, net.............. 71,870 34,470 1,718 (b) 108,058
Deferred tax asset............ 5,097 2,965 1,209 (b)(c) 9,271
Prepaid expenses.............. 1,493 3,093 (930)(a) 3,656
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total current assets........ 80,436 41,069 2,927 124,432
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net..... 34,246 28,931 63,177
DEFERRED TAX ASSET.............. 1,259 4,992 6,251
INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE..... 11,529 11,529
OTHER ASSETS, net............... 210 163 373
-------- ------- ------- --------
$127,680 $75,155 $ 2,927 $205,762
======== ======= ======= ========
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
EQUITY
-----------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of long-term
debt......................... $ 2,437 $ 8,955 $ $11,392
Line of credit................ 7,184 -- 7,184
Accounts payable.............. 8,088 10,403 18,491
Accrued liabilities........... 7,967 8,876 2,398 (c)(d) 19,241
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total current liabilities... 25,676 28,234 2,398 56,308
-------- ------- ------- --------
DEFERRED RENT................... 5,028 -- 2,502 (d) 7,530
-------- ------- ------- --------
LONG TERM DEBT AND CAPITALIZED
LEASE OBLIGATIONS, less current
portion........................ 3,296 684 3,980
-------- ------- ------- --------
SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY:
Common Stock.................. 217 9 85 (e) 311
Additional paid-in capital.... 104,222 43,098 (3,770)(e) 143,550
Retained earnings (deficit)... (10,759) 6,815 (1,973)(b)(c) (5,917)
Less: treasury stock.......... -- (3,685) 3,685 (e) --
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total shareholders' equity.. 93,680 46,237 (1,973) 137,944
-------- ------- ------- --------
$127,680 $75,155 $ 2,927 $205,762
======== ======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
--------
(a) Represents reclassification of receivables for conformity with Zany's
presentation.
(b) Includes adjustment to conform Noodle's accounting policy for inventory
capitalization to Zany's accounting policy, and the related tax effect.
(c) Includes $3.0 million in accrued expenses, net of tax, associated with the
merger representing estimated transaction costs that will be charged to
expense upon consummation of the merger. The accrual excludes other merger
and integration expenses which are currently estimated to be in the range
of $10.0 to $13.0 million, net of tax.
(d) Includes reclassification of $2,502 in deferred rent.
(e) Represents the exchange of Noodle's common stock for Zany's common stock
and the elimination of Noodle's common stock.
79
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
JANUARY 29, 2000
(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
-------------------------
Zany Noodle Adjustments Combined
-------- ------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
------
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents...... $ 24,550 $ 491 $ $ 25,041
Receivables, net............... 4,118 -- 761 (a) 4,879
Inventories, net............... 71,020 33,610 1,674 (b) 106,304
Deferred tax asset............. 1,496 1,448 1,226 (b)(c) 4,170
Prepaid expenses............... 1,458 3,244 (761)(a) 3,941
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total current assets......... 102,642 38,793 2,900 144,335
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net...... 34,602 28,931 63,533
DEFERRED TAX ASSET............... 1,259 4,992 6,251
INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE...... 5,000 -- 5,000
OTHER ASSETS, net................ 223 166 389
-------- ------- ------- --------
$143,726 $72,882 $ 2,900 $219,508
======== ======= ======= ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
EQUITY
---------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of long-term
debt.......................... $ 2,578 $ 4,019 $ $ 6,597
Accounts payable............... 19,898 9,498 29,396
Accrued liabilities............ 13,696 9,976 2,569 (c)(d) 26,241
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total current liabilities.... 36,172 23,493 2,569 62,234
-------- ------- ------- --------
DEFERRED RENT.................... 5,002 -- 2,331 (d) 7,333
-------- ------- ------- --------
LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITALIZED
LEASE OBLIGATIONS, less current
portion......................... 3,855 689 4,544
-------- ------- ------- --------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common Stock................... 216 9 86 (e) 311
Additional paid-in capital..... 104,190 43,097 (3,783)(e) 143,504
Retained earnings (deficit).... (5,709) 9,291 (2,000)(b)(c) 1,582
Less: treasury stock........... -- (3,697) 3,697 (e) --
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total shareholders' equity... 98,697 48,700 (2,000) 145,397
-------- ------- ------- --------
$143,726 $72,882 $ 2,900 $219,508
======== ======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
--------
(a) Represents reclassification of receivables for conformity with Zany's
presentation.
(b) Includes adjustment to conform Noodle's accounting policy for inventory
capitalization to Zany's accounting policy, and the related tax effect.
(c) Includes $3.0 million in accrued expenses, net of tax, associated with the
merger representing estimated transaction costs that will be charged to
expense upon consummation of the merger. The accrual excludes other merger
and integration expenses which are currently estimated to be in the range
of $10.0 to $13.0 million, net of tax.
(d) Includes reclassification of $2,331 in deferred rent.
(e) Represents the exchange of Noodle's common stock for Zany's common stock
and the elimination of Noodle's common stock.
80
<PAGE>
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF ZANY
Zany provides the following financial information to aid you in your
analysis of the financial aspects of the merger. You should read the following
summary selected consolidated financial data of Zany in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements of Zany and the notes, and "Zany Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
included elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.
When reading this data, you should be aware that:
. All fiscal years presented include 52 weeks of operations, except the
fiscal year ended February 3, 1996, which includes 53 weeks.
. A store becomes comparable in the 14th full month of store operations.
. Sales per square foot and average sales per store are based
on stores opened for the entire period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Thirteen Weeks
Fiscal Year Ended Ended
------------------------------------------------ -----------------
Feb. 3, Feb. 1, Jan. 31, Jan. 30, Jan. 29, May 1, Apr. 29,
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 1999 2000
------- ------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
(in thousands, except per share, number of stores and sales
per square foot data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations
Data:
Net sales.............. $54,372 $92,563 $123,354 $168,471 $241,194 $40,577 $ 39,363
Gross profit........... 13,400 $23,358 33,893 50,318 75,244 11,190 7,968
Selling, general and
administrative
expenses.............. 21,110 28,732 33,581 46,376 63,592 12,986 16,097
Operating income
(loss)................ (7,710) (5,374) 312 3,942 11,652 (1,796) (8,129)
Net income (loss)...... (7,828) (6,023) (153) 8,999(a) 6,904 (1,378) (5,050)
Net income (loss) per
common share:
Basic.................. $ (1.55) $ (1.19) $ (0.03) $ 1.67(a) $ 0.44 $ (0.26) $ (0.23)
Diluted (b)............ (1.55) (1.19) (0.03) 0.51(a) 0.33 (0.26) (0.23)
Weighted average shares
outstanding:
Basic.................. 5,065 5,068 5,085 5,373 15,834 5,384 21,679
Diluted (b)............ 5,065 5,068 5,085 17,770 21,211 5,384 21,679
Store Data:
Number of stores at end
of the period......... 31 43 52 75 103 82 106
Total square feet at
end of the period..... 387 538 630 868 1,159 942 1,190
Comparable store sales
increase (decrease)... 0.3% 4.3% 9.1% 9.9% 4.0% 9.0% (22.8)%
Sales per square foot.. $ 202 $ 183 $ 203 $ 227 $ 227 $ 45 $ 34
Average sales per
store................. 2,382 2,286 2,523 2,746 2,625 522 380
Operating Data:
Gross profit margin.... 24.6% 25.2% 27.5% 29.9% 31.2% 27.6% 20.2%
Operating margin
(loss)................ (14.2) (5.8) 0.3 2.3 4.8 (4.4) (20.6)
Capital expenditures... $ 7,377 $ 6,276 $ 6,420 $ 7,309 $ 13,612 $ 2,497 $ 2,197
Depreciation and
amortization.......... 2,115 3,713 5,017 6,859 8,698 1,888 2,553
<CAPTION>
<PAGE>
As of
Thirteen Weeks
As of Fiscal Year Ended Ended
------------------------------------------------ -----------------
Feb. 3, Feb. 1, Jan. 31, Jan. 30, Jan. 29, May 1, Apr. 29,
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 1999 2000
------- ------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance Sheet Data:
Inventories............ $20,538 $24,278 $ 29,822 $ 43,252 $ 71,020 $52,375 $ 71,870
Working capital........ 15,220 21,599 20,085 25,542 66,470 22,899 54,760
Total assets........... 41,393 56,376 59,552 82,141 143,726 94,052 127,680
Capitalized lease
obligations, less
current portion....... 2,231 2,620 1,407 2,860 3,855 2,392 3,296
Total shareholders'
equity................ 28,372 38,547 39,219 48,291 98,697 46,919 93,680
</TABLE>
--------
(a) Net income for the fiscal year ended January 30, 1999 includes a net income
tax benefit of $6,187 due to the $7,166 benefit recorded for Zany's net
operating loss carryforward, partially offset by income tax expense of
$979. The $7,166 tax benefit represents net income per basic and diluted
common share of $1.33 and $0.40, respectively.
(b) Stock options, warrants and preferred stock convertible into common stock
were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share for
the fiscal year ended February 3, 1996 through the fiscal year ended
January 31, 1998 and the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 1999 and April 29,
2000 as they were anti-dilutive due to the losses in each of those periods.
81
<PAGE>
ZANY MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following provides information that management believes is relevant to
an assessment and understanding of Zany's consolidated results of operations
and financial condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with
Zany's consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in
this joint proxy statement/prospectus. All references to 1999, 1998 and 1997
mean the fiscal years ended January 29, 2000, January 30, 1999 and January 31,
1998, respectively.
Overview
Zany is a specialty retailer of high quality toys, games, books and
multimedia products for children, operating 109 stores in 28 states as of June
9, 2000. From 1997 to 1999, Zany's net sales grew at a compound annual growth
rate of 45.3%, while net income increased from a loss of $(0.2) million to
income of $6.9 million. These increases were principally due to the opening of
new stores and comparable store sales growth. Zany achieved comparable store
net sales growth of 9.1%, 9.9% and 4.0% in 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively.
Zany opened nine stores in 1997, 23 in 1998 and 28 in 1999, increasing its
store base from 43 stores at the end of 1996 to 103 stores at the end of 1999.
Zany plans to open approximately 25 new stores in 2000.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth Zany's financial data expressed as a
percentage of net sales, and operating data for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Thirteen Weeks
Fiscal Year Ended Ended
--------------------------------- ------------------
January 3 January 30, January 29, May 1, April 29,
1998 1999 2000 1999 2000
--------- ----------- ----------- ------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales................ 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of goods sold(1).... 72.5 70.1 68.8 72.4 79.8
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Gross Profits............ 27.5 29.9 31.2 27.6 20.2
Selling, general and
administrative
expenses................ 27.2 27.6 26.4 32.0 40.8
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Operating income (loss).. 0.3 2.3 4.8 (4.4) (20.6)
Interest expense, net.... (0.4) (0.6) (0.2) (1.1) (0.2)
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Income (loss) before
income taxes............ (0.1) 1.7 4.6 (5.5) (20.8)
Income tax
benefit/(expense)....... -- 3.6 (1.7) 2.1 8.0
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Net income (loss)........ (0.1)% 5.3% 2.9% (3.4)% (12.8)%
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Comparable store net
sales increase
(decrease)(2)........... 9% 10% 4% 9% (23)%
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Total number of stores at
end of period........... 52 75 103 82 106
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Stores opened during
period.................. 9 23 28 7 3
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Cost of sales includes buying, distribution and occupancy costs
(2) A store becomes comparable in the 14th full month of store operations
82
<PAGE>
Thirteen Weeks Ended April 29, 2000 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended May 1,
1999
Net Sales
Net sales decreased $1.2 million, or 3.0%, to $39.4 million in the thirteen
weeks ended April 29, 2000 from $40.6 million in the comparable 1999 period.
This decrease resulted primarily from a comparable store net sales decrease of
23%, partially offset by sales from 24 additional stores opened since the first
quarter of last year. We expect these difficult sales comparisons to continue
into the second quarter of 2000. We believe the decrease in comparable store
net sales for the first quarter is attributable to, among other things, a 33%
decrease in customer transactions, partially offset by an increase in the
average dollar amount of each customer transaction. Sales of Beanie Babies
declined from approximately 10% of sales in the first quarter of 1999, to 1% of
sales for the comparable 2000 period. We expect Beanie Babies' sales to remain
significantly below last year's levels for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Sales of Pokemon products which are represented in several different
departments including games, books, stationery, and plush, represented
approximately 7% of sales for the quarter ended April 29, 2000.
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased $3.2 million, or 28.8%, to $8.0 million during the
first quarter, from $11.2 million in the same period last year. The decrease
was primarily attributable to lower sales and increased occupancy and
distribution expenses from 24 additional stores since the first quarter of last
year. The gross profit decreased to 20.2% of net sales for the period, from
27.6% in the comparable 1999 period. The decrease of 7.4% was due to our
inability to effectively leverage occupancy, distribution and buying costs as a
result of lower sales.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses include all direct store level
expenses, and all corporate level costs not directly associated with or
allocable to cost of sales. Selling, general and administrative expenses
increased $3.1 million, or 24.0%, to $16.1 million during the first quarter,
from $13.0 million in the same period last year. The dollar increase in
selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to $1.9
million in incremental store payroll and other selling expenses incurred in the
first quarter associated with the opening and operation of 24 additional stores
following the first quarter of 1999. Corporate expenses increased approximately
$1.2 million during this period to support this additional store growth.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 40.9% of net sales
from 32.0% of net sales due to our inability to leverage corporate, store and
other expenses.
Interest Expense, Net
Net interest expense was approximately $82,000 for the period, a decrease of
$345,000 from the comparable period in 1999. This decrease was due to less
borrowings under our line of credit, and an increase in investment income.
Income Tax Benefit
For the thirteen weeks ended April 29, 2000, we recorded an income tax
benefit of $3.2 million primarily related to the Federal tax benefit of the net
loss, compared to an income tax benefit of approximately $845,000 for the
comparable period in 1999. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of
fiscal 2000 was 38.5%.
Year Ended January 29, 2000 Compared to January 30, 1999
Net Sales
Net sales increased $72.7 million, or 43.2%, to $241.2 million in 1999 from
$168.5 million in the comparable 1998 period. Sales for the 28 stores opened in
1999 contributed $41.8 million of the increase in net
83
<PAGE>
sales. Comparable store net sales increased 4.0% over the prior year and
contributed $6.3 million to the increase in net sales. The growth in comparable
net sales was due to an increase in the average customer purchase. Stores open
prior to January 30, 1999 but not qualifying as a comparable store contributed
$22.1 million to the net sales increase. Sales of Pokemon products, which are
represented in several different departments including games, books,
stationery, and plush, represented approximately 7% of sales for the year.
Sales of Beanie Babies declined from approximately 8% of sales in the 1998, to
4% of sales for the comparable 1999 period.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased by $24.9 million, or 49.5%, to $75.2 million in 1999,
from $50.3 million. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to
31.2% in 1999, from 29.9% in 1998. The increase in gross profit percentage was
primarily attributable to improved product margins and leveraging of occupancy
costs over a higher revenue base. Product margins increased by 1.1% of net
sales in 1999 primarily due to an increase in sales of products with a higher
gross margin and reduced inventory shrink, partially offset by increased
freight expenses. The decrease in store occupancy expense of 0.2% of net sales
is primarily due to the 4.0% increase in comparable store sales and the timing
of new store openings.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $17.2 million, or
37.1%, to $63.6 million in 1999, from $46.4 million in 1998. The dollar
increase in these expenses was due principally to an increase of $13.8 million
in store payroll, selling and depreciation expenses incurred in 1999 associated
with the opening of 28 additional stores following the end of 1998, and
increase of $3.4 million in marketing and promotion expenditures primarily
related to the opening of stores in new markets. As a percentage of net sales,
selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by 1.2% to 26.4% of net
sales in 1999 from 27.6% of net sales in 1998. This percentage decrease was
primarily related to a decrease of 1.4% in corporate expenses partially offset
by an increase in store expenses of 0.2%.
Interest Expense, Net
Net interest expense was approximately $516,000 for 1999, a decrease of
$613,000 from 1998. The dollar decrease was due to an increase in investment
income from the proceeds of Zany's initial public offering in June 1999, and
less borrowings under Zany's line of credit.
Income Taxes
For 1999, Zany recorded an income tax expense of $4.2 million. For 1998, an
income tax benefit of $6.2 million was recorded primarily related to the
Federal tax benefit, recorded for Zany's net operating loss carryforward.
Zany's effective tax rate for 1999 was 38.0%. See Note 7 of "Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements" for the reconciliation of the statutory
federal income tax rate to Zany's effective tax rates in fiscal 1999 and 1998.
Year Ended January 30, 1999 Compared to Year Ended January 31, 1998
Net Sales
Net sales increased by $45.2 million, or 36.6%, to $168.5 million in 1998
from $123.3 million in 1997. Sales for the 23 stores opened in 1998 contributed
$25.7 million of the increase in net sales. Comparable store net sales
increased 9.9% over the prior year and contributed $11.7 million of the
increase in net sales. The growth in comparable store sales was due primarily
to an increase in the number of customer transactions. Stores open prior to
February 1, 1998, but not qualifying as comparable stores contributed $7.8
million of the increase in net sales.
84
<PAGE>
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased by $16.4 million to $50.3 million in 1998 from $33.9
million in 1997. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to 29.9%
in 1998 from 27.5% in 1997. The increase in the gross profit percentage was
primarily attributable to improved product margins and leveraging store
occupancy, buying and distribution costs over a higher revenue base. Product
margins increased by 1.0% of net sales in 1998 primarily due to an increase in
sales of products with a higher gross margin. The decrease in store occupancy
expense of 0.9% of net sales was primarily due to the 9.9% increase in
comparable store sales and the timing of new store openings. The decrease in
the buying and distribution costs of 0.6% of net sales was due to the
application of fixed costs over a higher revenue base.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $12.8 million to
$46.4 million in 1998 from $33.6 million in 1997. The dollar increase in these
expenses was principally from an increase of $4.3 million in store payroll and
$1.2 million in store preopening costs primarily due to the increase in number
of stores in 1998, an increase of $2.7 million in corporate expenses associated
with the expansion of Zany's store base and corporate infrastructure to support
continued growth and an increase of $1.9 million in marketing and promotion
expenditures primarily related to the opening of stores in new market areas. As
a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses
increased by 0.4% to 27.6% of net sales in 1998 from 27.2% of net sales in
1997. This percentage increase was primarily related to an increase of 0.7% of
net sales in marketing and promotion and an increase of 0.5% of net sales in
store preopening expenses associated with opening 23 stores in 1998 versus nine
stores in 1997. These were partially offset by a decrease of 0.5% of net sales
in store payroll and other selling expenses due to an increase in comparable
store sales during 1998.
Interest Expense, Net
Net interest expense, principally attributable to borrowings under Zany's
credit facility, increased by $665,000 to $1.1 million in 1998 from $465,000 in
1997, due to an increase in the average outstanding loan balance to $6.4
million in 1998 from $1.5 million in 1997. The increase in average borrowings
in 1998 reflected the opening of 23 new stores and additional working capital
requirements to support those stores.
Income Tax Benefit
In 1998, Zany recorded a net income tax benefit of $6.2 million due to the
$7.2 million benefit recorded for Zany's net operating loss carryforward,
partially offset by the 1998 income tax expense of $979,000. In previous years,
no benefit was recorded with respect to the net operating loss carryforward
because Zany established a valuation allowance. Zany reversed the valuation
allowance as a result of management's assessment that it is more likely than
not that Zany's net deferred tax assets will be realized through future taxable
earnings. Management's assessment was based on the trend toward income in 1996
and 1997, the utilization of $5.8 million of the net operating loss
carryforward in 1997 and 1998 together with 1999 financial projections.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Zany's main sources of liquidity have been cash flows from operations,
borrowing under Zany's credit facilities, and proceeds from Zany's initial
public offering. Zany requires cash principally to finance capital investment
in new stores, new store inventories and seasonal working capital. Zany opened
28 stores in fiscal 1999 and three stores through the thirteen weeks ended
April 29, 2000.
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $118,000 for fiscal 1999, a
decrease of $5.3 million over the same period for the previous year. The
decrease was primarily a result of an increase in inventories net of payables,
offset by an increase in net income after the noncash effect of deferred income
taxes.
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Cash flows used in operating activities were $21.8 million for the thirteen
weeks ended April 29, 2000, an increase of $10.3 million over the same period
for the previous year. The increase was primarily a result of a decrease in
accounts payable, accrued liabilities and an increase in the net loss.
Cash flows used in investing activities were $18.6 million for fiscal 1999,
an increase of $11.3 million over the same period for the previous year. The
increase was due to increased capital spending for the new stores, new
enterprise software, a new distribution center, and Zany's investment of $5.0
million in the Internet joint venture. Cash flows used in investing activities
were $9.1 million for the thirteen-week period ending April 29, 2000, an
increase of approximately $6.6 million over the same period for the previous
year. The increase was primarily due to our investment of $6.9 million in the
Internet joint venture.
Cash flows provided by financing activities during fiscal 1999 increased
$41.3 million from the previous year reflecting the net proceeds of $42.3
million from the sale of common stock associated with the Zany's initial public
offering, and proceeds for the exercise of stock options, partially offset by
capital lease obligations. Cash flows provided by financing activities during
the thirteen-week period ending April 29, 2000 reflect $7.2 million provided
through borrowings on our credit facility. For the comparable period last year,
cash was provided through borrowings of $12.4 million on our credit facility.
On June 14, 1999, Zany entered into a new three-year credit facility with
its bank in the amount of $30,000,000 with an interest rate of the Base Rate or
Libor plus 1.75%. The Base Rate is defined as the higher of (1) the Federal
funds rate plus .5% per annum or (2) the prime rate. As of January 29, 2000
Zany had no outstanding borrowings under the credit facility. However, as of
April 29, 2000, Zany had $7,200,000 of outstanding borrowings under the credit
facility at the prime rate. Zany terminated, without penalty, a credit facility
with a different bank upon completion of its initial public offering.
Additionally, on August 25, 1999, Zany entered into an agreement with a bank to
provide a $5.0 million lease line of credit at an average rate of 10.3%. As of
January 29, 2000 and April 29, 2000, $1.2 million under this lease line was
remaining.
Management believes that Zany's operating cash flow together with the unused
portion of the credit facility and other financing arrangements will be
sufficient to finance current operating requirements including capital
expenditures and new store openings for at least the next twelve months.
However, if Zany chooses to invest additional funds in the Internet joint
venture, Zany may seek additional sources of financing to support that
initiative.
In addition, we have signed two term sheets with a bank. One of these term
sheets provides a secured line of credit of up to $65.0 million if the merger
with Noodle is not completed. The other term sheet provides a secured line of
credit of up to $115.0 million if the merger with Noodle is completed.
Completion of either credit facility is subject to certain conditions,
including, among others, completion of due diligence and approval of the bank's
credit committee. We expect to close on one of these new facilities by the end
of the second quarter of 2000.
Seasonality of Business
Seasonal shopping patterns affect Zany's business. A significant portion of
Zany's sales occur in the fourth quarter, coinciding with the Christmas holiday
shopping season. Therefore, results of operations for the entire year depend
heavily on fourth quarter results and the success of the Christmas selling
season. Based upon previous experience, management does not expect to earn a
profit in the first three-quarters of a fiscal year in the foreseeable future.
Two New Sales Channels
During the third quarter of 1999, Zany formed ZB Holdings LLC, a joint
venture with Online Retail Partners, LLC, for purposes of implementing an
Internet shopping site (www.zanybrainy.com). Zany and Online Retail Partners
each initially contributed $5.0 million to this joint venture. Online Retail
Partners contributed an
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additional $10.0 million to the joint venture in November 1999. In March 2000,
Online Retail Partners and Zany agreed to contribute another $12.0 million in
the joint venture over a three month period on a pro rata basis. Zany's share
of this investment was approximately $6.9 million.
In April 2000, Zany sold 246,000 of its non-voting preferred interests in ZB
Holdings to certain Zany executives at a purchase price of $.001 per interest.
In addition, in April 2000, Zany formed Children's Equity LLC and contributed
533,500 of its non-voting preferred interests of ZB Holdings to Children's
Equity. These interests were subsequently distributed to certain Zany
employees. At the time of both transactions, the fair market value of the non-
voting preferred interests of ZB Holdings was $0.98 per interest and Zany's
basis in each interest was $0.428. As a result, the sale to the executives
resulted in a reduction in Zany's investment in ZB Holdings of $105,288 and the
contribution to Children's Equity resulted in an additional reduction in Zany's
investment in ZB Holdings of $228,338. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions." As of April 29, 2000, Zany's total investment in ZanyBrainy.com
was $11.5 million and Zany owned approximately 51% of the joint venture.
While Online Retail Partners has agreed to take all losses of ZanyBrainy.com
up to the extent of their capital account, any losses beyond that point will
require Zany to recognize losses up to the amount of its investment. Zany would
also have to recognize losses if its investment were to become materially
impaired, up to the amount of Zany's investment. Management expects that
ZanyBrainy.com will continue to require cash investment or financing prior to
its profitability. Management also expects that ZanyBrainy.com will continue to
incur losses for the foreseeable future. Zany expects to incur losses
attributable to its investment in ZanyBrainy.com during the second quarter of
2000.
During the third quarter of 1999, Zany also introduced toll-free telephone
ordering through its Holiday catalog. This past holiday season, in a six-week
period ending on December 25, 1999, Zany generated over $2.5 million in sales
through its 877-WOW-KIDS number. Zany intends to integrate toll-free telephone
ordering into its year-round promotional efforts.
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BUSINESS OF ZANY
General
Zany is a leading specialty retailer of high quality toys, games, books and
multimedia products for kids. Zany sells products that entertain, educate and
spark the imaginations of children up to 12 years of age.
Zany was incorporated in 1991 and opened its first store in Wynnewood,
Pennsylvania in the same year. Zany opened 28 new stores during the fiscal year
ended January 29, 2000 and, as of June 9, 2000, Zany operated 109 stores in 28
states. Zany also sells its merchandise on the worldwide web at
www.zanybrainy.com and through catalogs with toll-free ordering.
Zany Stores
Store Design
Zany designs its stores to be bright, colorful and inviting for children and
adults. Zany's current store prototype is 10,600 square feet and contains 11
major categories of products. Large banners with unique graphics identify each
of these categories to enable customers to find specific items quickly. Zany's
stores are fully carpeted and have low shelving to encourage children to see,
touch and play with its products. Departments are located around the perimeter
of the store in a "racetrack" style to promote browsing and impulse sales. Zany
has a play center in its stores that is surrounded with large red pillars so
children can locate it easily. Zany also provides seating in the play center so
adults can comfortably play with their children. Zany typically locates its
Zany Showtime Theater, which is used to show the latest video releases,
adjacent to the play center so these two spaces can be combined to accommodate
larger special events. A reading area is situated next to Zany's book
department, and software demonstration stations are placed near Zany's
multimedia department to encourage sampling of these items.
Merchandise Selection
Zany strives to carry over 15,000 stock keeping units from more than 400
suppliers in 20 different countries. While Zany's products generally range in
price from less than one dollar up to $200, the average price paid for a single
product is less than $10. Zany presents its merchandise across 11 product
categories to satisfy a broad spectrum of customer needs. Zany's extensive
selection of merchandise includes:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Category Description
-------- -----------
<S> <C>
Brainy Games and Puzzles Board games and puzzles
Bright Start Toys for ages up to three
Creativity Arts and crafts supplies and kits
Good Sports Indoor and outdoor sport-theme toys
Kidtronics Electronic learning aids and musical instruments
Let's Pretend Pretend play, dress up and doll houses
Our Planet Science-related toys
Plush and Dolls Stuffed animals and dolls
Young Builders Building toys and trains
Books Over 7,000 titles
Multimedia Software, audio and video
</TABLE>
Zany regularly offers numerous limited distribution, innovative products.
Zany also works closely with several specialty suppliers to secure exclusive
product or licensing arrangements. In addition, Zany supplements its
merchandise offering with its own product development efforts, including
products under such brand names as "Ready, Set, Grow!" and "Kidstruments."
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Store Associates
Zany actively recruits educators, child care providers and back-to-work
parents as store employees because Zany believes that these people are most
likely to have a respect and affection for children, and an appreciation of how
children learn through play. Zany's sales associates receive approximately 25
hours of training within their first month of employment and are tested before
they are designated a "Certified Kidsultant." In addition, some of Zany's sales
associates receive supplemental training to become specialists in various areas
including books, multimedia and events.
Zany's stores are typically staffed with a general manager, three assistant
managers, four specialists, and a varying number of part-time sales associates,
depending on store volume and time of year. A general manager and three
assistant managers, who may be specialists, typically manage each store, and
are responsible for building relationships within the community. The operations
of each store are supervised by one of 12 district managers who each in turn
report to one of three regional managers. Each regional manager reports to the
vice president of stores.
Store Locations
As of June 9, 2000, Zany operated 109 stores in 28 states. Zany plans to add
approximately 25 stores in 2000. Zany selects geographic markets and store
sites on the basis of demographic information, quality and nature of co-tenants
and store visibility and accessibility. Key demographics include population
density, household income, and the number of households with children and
education level. Zany locates its stores primarily in suburban strip or power
centers as well as in selected freestanding locations. Zany typically seeks
sites with co-tenants that are strong, destination and lifestyle-oriented
retailers or high quality supermarkets.
Competitive Pricing
Zany prices its products competitively, but does not attempt to be the
discount leader in a given market. Zany does, however, maintain a policy of
matching its competitors' advertised prices.
Marketing
Zany uses direct mail and newspaper advertising to promote its products and
increase awareness of its stores and the Zany brand. Zany primarily relies on
direct mail advertising, which allows Zany to capitalize on its internally
generated customer database. A variety of direct mail pieces, including Zany's
large, color "Zany Zone" catalog, are mailed throughout the year to both
current and prospective customers. Zany also uses full color newspaper inserts
for broader consumer reach during its peak selling periods. Zany advertises
most heavily during the Christmas holiday and back-to school seasons.
Special Events Program
Zany publishes a monthly calendar of free events for its stores. Each of
Zany's stores host regular daily activities for kids, including creative arts
and crafts activities, character and author appearances and mini-concerts by
nationally known children's performers. Zany's stores also feature several
interactive areas, including play centers and software demonstration stations.
In addition, each Zany store shows movies throughout the day at its Zany
Showtime Theater.
ZanyBrainy.com
During the third quarter of the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000, Zany
implemented an Internet shopping site (www.zanybrainy.com) through a joint
venture with Online Retail Partners. Customers shopping at ZanyBrainy.com can,
in addition to ordering toys, books and other products, conduct targeted
searches, view bestseller lists, interact with one of Zany's Kidsultants for
product recommendations, view the latest calendar of special events for all of
Zany's stores and check order status. In addition, ZanyBrainy.com customers can
return merchandise to any of Zany's stores.
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Purchasing and Suppliers
Zany purchases merchandise from over 400 suppliers in 20 different
countries. In mid-1998, Zany entered into a relationship with a subsidiary of
Ingram Industries Inc. to be Zany's principal book distributor. Zany's central
buying staff is comprised of one vice president, two divisional merchandise
managers and seven buyers, each of whom is responsible for purchasing selected
categories of Zany's products. Zany also maintains an in-house private label
product development team that develops products that are unique to Zany. In
addition, Zany has a merchandise planning team that manages inventory levels
and the flow of merchandise through its stores. This team works closely with
Zany's buying staff to react quickly to sales trends and improve in-stock
levels at its stores.
Distribution
Zany currently operates one distribution center in Swedesboro, New Jersey of
approximately 250,000 square feet. Approximately 80% of Zany's products are
distributed through this facility and the balance is shipped to the stores
directly by the manufacturer or supplier. Zany's automated inventory
replenishment system optimizes the inventory levels at each of its stores. This
computerized system retrieves sales information from the stores, enabling Zany
to pick, price and ship products to each of the stores on a weekly basis.
Competition
The toy retailing market is highly competitive and comprised of:
. mass market retailers, including superstores such as Toys "R" Us and
discounters such as Wal-Mart and Target;
. smaller format specialty educational and creative toy and game
retailers;
. non-toy specialty retailers, such as traditional book, music, video and
software retailers;
. Internet-only retailers such as e-Toys; and
. a variety of other retailers offering a subset of Zany's products
including card and gift shops, craft stores and department stores.
Management Information Systems
During the quarter ended April 29, 2000, Zany replaced SFR, its old
business-wide software package, with JDA, a business-wide software package that
supports Zany's major back-office functions, including buying, replenishment,
physical distribution, general ledger and payables. JDA provides more
forecasting capabilities and more advanced replenishment and trend algorithms
than SFR.
At the store level, Zany utilizes a point-of-sale system to capture sales
transactions that include price look-up, UPC scanning, check and credit
authorization and zip code capture. Zany's store systems interface with JDA to
automatically replenish inventory, by stock keeping unit, to each store. Zany
also analyzes this information to tailor its merchandise assortment, determine
markdowns, generate forecasts and evaluate product and supplier performance.
Proprietary Rights
To protect its proprietary rights, Zany generally relies on copyright,
trademark and trade secret laws, and confidentiality agreements with employees
and third parties and license agreements with consultants and suppliers. Each
of "Zany Brainy," "A Zillion Neat Things for Kids," "Zany Zone," "Price
Chomper" and "Kidsultant" have been registered as a service mark and/or
trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. In addition, Zany
has numerous pending applications for trademarks. "ZanyBrainy.com," "ZB.com"
and numerous other related URL's have also been registered as Internet domain
names.
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Backlog and Seasonality
Backlog is not considered relevant to an understanding of Zany's business.
Zany's business is highly seasonal and approximately 40% of its revenue
occurred in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000. As a
result, Zany increases levels of inventory during the months of September
through December in order to meet seasonal requirements.
Employees
As of April 29, 2000, Zany employed approximately 2,150 employees,
approximately 925 of whom were employed full-time. Zany also employs additional
personnel during peak selling periods. Zany considers its relationships with
its employees to be good. None of Zany's employees are covered by collective
bargaining agreements.
Properties
Zany's corporate headquarters is located at 2520 Renaissance Boulevard in
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, where Zany leases approximately 52,000 square
feet. Zany has an option to lease another 10,000 square feet on this site. The
initial lease term expires in June 2009; however, the lease provides for two
five-year renewal options.
Zany also currently leases one distribution center in Swedesboro, New Jersey
of approximately 250,000 square feet. Zany has an option to expand the
distribution center by a minimum of 100,000 and a maximum of 250,000 square
feet. The initial lease term expires in June 2004; however, the lease provides
for two five-year renewal options. Zany is currently investigating the
expansion of its distribution center in Swedesboro or opening a second
distribution center to support its store growth and seasonal demands.
Zany leases all of its stores. Initial lease terms are generally for ten
years, and most leases contain multiple five-year renewal options. Zany
generally selects a new store site 6-18 months before its opening. Zany's
stores are primarily in suburban strip or power shopping centers as well as in
selected freestanding locations. As of April 29, 2000, Zany had 13 signed
leases for stores it plans to open in 2000, and one signed lease for stores it
plans to open in 2001.
Legal Proceedings
Zany is from time to time involved in litigation that it believes ordinarily
accompanies a retail business. Zany does not believe that any of its pending or
threatened litigation will result in an outcome that would materially affect
Zany's business.
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Quarterly Results of Operations
The following table presents certain of Zany's quarterly information for the
fiscal years ended January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999. This information is
derived from Zany's unaudited financial statements and, in the opinion of
Zany's management, includes all adjustments, consisting only of only normal
recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of such information.
Operating results for any given quarter are not necessarily indicative of
results for any future period and should not be relied upon as an indicator of
future performance.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter Ended
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
------------------------- ------------------------------------ ----------------
May 2 Aug. 1 Oct. 31 Jan. 30 May 1 Jul. 31 Oct. 30 Jan. 29 Apr. 29
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------
(in thousands; unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales............... $27,452 $29,654 $30,661 $80,704 $40,577 $44,141 $46,697 $109,779 $39,363
Gross profit............ 7,315 7,544 8,591 26,868 11,190 11,773 13,289 38,992 7,968
Selling, general and
administrative
expenses............... 9,659 11,592 12,076 13,049 12,986 15,205 16,504 18,897 16,097
Operating income
(loss)................. (2,344) (4,048) (3,485) 13,819 (1,796) (3,432) (3,215) 20,095 (8,129)
Net income (loss)....... (2,470) (4,277) (3,922) 19,668(a) (1,378) (2,158) (2,001) 12,441 (5,050)
Net income (loss) per
common share:
Basic................. $ (0.46) $ (0.80) $ (0.73) $ 3.66 $ (0.26) $ (0.15) $ (0.09) $ 0.58 $ (0.23)
Diluted(b)............ $ (0.46) $ (0.80) $ (0.73) $ 1.09 $ (0.26) $ (0.15) $ (0.09) $ 0.55 $ (0.23)
Weighted average shares
outstanding:
Basic................. 5,363 5,369 5,378 5,380 5,384 14,748 21,528 21,609 21,679
Diluted(b)............ 5,363 5,369 5,378 18,014 5,384 14,748 21,528 22,828 21,679
</TABLE>
--------
(a) Net income for quarter ended January 30, 1999 includes an income tax
benefit of $6,187 due to the $7,166 benefit recorded for Zany's net
operating loss carryforward, partially offset by income tax expense of
$979.
(b) Stock options, warrants and preferred stock convertible into common stock
were excluded from the calculation of quarterly diluted net loss per common
share for quarters generating net losses as they were anti-dilutive in each
of those periods.
Zany's quarterly operating results have varied significantly and are likely
to vary significantly in the future, as demand for its products is seasonal.
The majority of Zany's sales occur in the fourth quarter of its fiscal year;
however, because a high percentage of Zany's operating expenses and overhead is
relatively fixed throughout the year, operating income and net income tend to
be lower in quarters with lower sales.
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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF NOODLE
Noodle provides the following financial information to aid you in your
analysis of the financial aspects of the merger. You should read the following
selected consolidated financial data of Noodle in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements of Noodle and the notes and Noodle
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations included elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. All
fiscal years presented include 52 weeks of operations, except the fiscal year
ended February 3, 1996, which includes 53 weeks.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Thirteen Weeks
Fiscal Year Ended Ended
----------------------------------------------- -----------------
Feb. 3, Feb. 1, Jan. 31, Jan. 30, Jan. 29, May 1 Apr 29
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 1999 2000
-------- ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------
(in thousands, except per share and number of stores)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations
Data:
Net sales.............. $ 32,143 $59,410 $81,664 $107,886 $135,038 $ 22,890 $24,072
Gross profit........... 12,318 22,868 31,276 42,481 52,268 8,990 8,894
Selling and
administrative
expenses.............. 17,680 31,124 33,552 38,804 49,356 10,103 12,695
Provision for
restructuring
operations............ 500 -- -- -- -- -- --
-------- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Operating income
(loss)................ $ (5,862) $(8,256) $(2,276) $ 3,677 $ 2,912 $ (1,113) $(3,801)
======== ======= ======= ======== ======== ======== =======
Net income (loss) from:
Continuing operations.. $ (5,272) $(7,492) $(1,918) $ 3,752 $ 9,683(a) $ (1,054) $(2,476)
Discontinued
operations............ (9,059) -- -- -- 1,550 -- --
Cumulative effect of a
change in accounting
principle............. -- -- -- -- (195) (314) --
-------- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Net income (loss)...... $(14,331) $(7,492) $(1,918) $ 3,752 $ 11,038 $ (1,368) $(2,476)
======== ======= ======= ======== ======== ======== =======
Net income (loss) per
common share from
continuing operations:
Basic.................. $ (0.99) $ (1.00) $ (0.25) $ 0.49 $ 1.27(a) $ (0.14) $ (0.33)
Diluted................ (0.99) (1.00) (0.25) 0.49 1.25(a) (0.14) (0.33)
Net income (loss) per
common share:
Basic.................. (2.69) (1.00) (0.25) 0.49 1.45(a) (0.18) (0.33)
Diluted................ (2.69) (1.00) (0.25) 0.49 1.42(a) (0.18) (0.33)
Weighted average shares
outstanding:
Basic.................. 5,320 7,488 7,580 7,588 7,603 7,599 7,605
Diluted................ 5,498 7,601 7,587 7,722 7,761 7,599 7,605
Operating Data:
Number of stores at end
of the period......... 22 31 32 42 58 44 59
Gross profit margin.... 38.3% 38.5% 38.3% 39.4% 38.7% 39.3% 36.9%
Operating margin
(loss)................ (18.2) (13.9) (2.8) 3.4 2.2 (4.9) (15.8)
Capital expenditures
(continuing
operations)........... $ 8,877 $ 9,397 $ 1,664 $ 7,318 $ 9,835 $ 1,244 $ 1,108
Depreciation and
amortization.......... 1,028 1,926 2,490 2,932 3,787 817 1,108
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of Thirteen
As of Fiscal Year Ended Weeks Ended
------------------------------------------ ----------------
Feb. 3, Feb. 1, Jan. 31, Jan. 30, Jan. 29, May 1, Apr. 29,
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 1999 2000
------- ------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance Sheet Data:
Inventories............ $10,328 $17,318 $16,821 $21,074 $33,610 $25,901 $34,470
Working capital........ 14,031 16,819 15,977 15,404 15,300 13,633 12,835
Total assets........... 37,276 51,036 49,481 57,962 72,882 55,897 75,155
Long-term obligations,
less current portion.. -- 753 733 712 689 702 684
Total shareholders'
equity................ 27,080 35,699 33,781 37,612 48,700 36,285 46,237
</TABLE>
--------
(a) The fiscal year ended January 29, 2000 includes a net income tax benefit of
$7,271 due to the recognition of Noodle's deferred tax asset which
represents net income per basic and diluted common share of $0.96 and
$0.94, respectively.
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NOODLE MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Noodle's
consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this joint
proxy statement/prospectus. All references to Fiscal 2000, Fiscal 1999 and
Fiscal 1998 mean the fiscal years ended January 29, 2000, January 30, 1999 and
January 31, 1998, respectively.
Results of Operations
Thirteen Weeks Ended April 29, 2000 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended May 1,
1999
Net sales increased 5.2% to $24.1 million in the thirteen week period ended
April 29, 2000 from $22.9 million in the comparable period in the prior year,
primarily due to the addition of one store in the current quarter and sixteen
stores during last year offset by decreases in comparable store sales of 15%.
Noodle had 42 comparable stores at April 29, 2000. Noodle operated 59 stores at
April 29, 2000 compared to 44 Noodle stores at May 1, 1999.
Gross profit (derived from net sales less cost of products sold, which
includes buying and warehousing costs) decreased 1.1% to $8.9 million in the
first quarter ended April 29, 2000 from $9.0 million in the comparable period
in the prior year. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 36.9%
for the thirteen week period ended April 29, 2000 from 39.3% in the comparable
period in the prior year, primarily due to changes in product mix and increased
distribution costs in the current quarter. Distribution costs increased because
Noodle leased for one year 65,000 square feet of additional warehousing space
in the second quarter of last year to supplement the storage capacity of its
Phillipsburg, New Jersey distribution center, and also because as Noodle's
store base expands, freight costs to more distant store locations increase.
Selling and administrative expenses increased $2.6 million to $12.7 million
in the thirteen week period ended April 29, 2000 from $10.1 million in the
comparable period in the prior year. Direct store expenses, which consist of
payroll, occupancy, advertising and other store operating costs, increased $2.3
million as a result of a change in store base and higher sales levels. Home
office expenses increased $0.4 million, offset by a decrease in pre-opening
expenses of $0.1 million. Selling and administrative expenses, as a percent of
net sales, increased to 52.7% in the current quarter ended April 29, 2000 from
44.1% in the comparable period in the prior year, primarily as a result of
increased store base.
Net interest expense for the first quarter ended April 29, 2000 was $192,000
as compared to net interest income of $59,000 in the comparable period in the
prior year. The increase in interest expense of $252,000 in the current quarter
resulted primarily from an increase in borrowing under Noodle's revolving
credit facility.
Income tax provisions are based on estimated annual effective tax rates. The
effective income tax rate used for the quarter ended April 29, 2000 was 38%.
Noodle did not record a tax benefit for the losses for the thirteen-week period
ended May 1, 1999.
The cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of $314,000
represents the write-off of unamortized pre-opening costs as a result of
adopting SOP 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities", for the
quarter ended May 1, 1999. This accounting change requires the Company to
expense on a current basis previously capitalized pre-opening costs.
Net loss increased $1.1 million to $2.5 million ($.33 per share) for the
quarter ended April 29, 2000 from $1.4 million ($.18 per share) in the
comparable period in the prior year.
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<PAGE>
Fiscal Year Ended January 29, 2000 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended January 30,
1999
Continuing operations. Net sales increased a total of 25.1% to $135.0
million in Fiscal 2000 from $107.9 million in Fiscal 1999 due to the addition
of sixteen new stores during Fiscal 2000 and ten new stores during Fiscal 1999.
Sales in comparable stores increased 1% for Fiscal 2000. Sales on the Internet
were $0.9 million in Fiscal 2000, compared to $0.1 million in Fiscal 1999.
Sales of Beanie Babies declined from approximately 13% of sales in Fiscal 1999
to approximately 7% of sales in Fiscal 2000. Noodle operated 58 stores at
January 29, 2000 compared to 42 stores at January 30, 1999.
Gross profit (derived from net sales less cost of products sold, which
includes buying and warehousing costs) increased 23.1% to $52.3 million for
Fiscal 2000 from $42.5 million in Fiscal 1999. Overall gross profit as a
percent of sales decreased to 38.7% in Fiscal 2000 from 39.4% in Fiscal 1999.
The decrease in this gross profit percentage was primarily attributable to
increased distribution costs in Fiscal 2000. Distribution costs increased
because Noodle leased 65,000 square feet of additional warehousing space to
supplement the storage capacity of its Phillipsburg, NJ distribution center,
and also because as Noodle's store base expands, freight costs to more distant
store locations increase.
Selling and administrative expenses increased $10.6 million or 27.3% to
$49.4 million in Fiscal 2000 from $38.8 million in the prior year. $1.1 million
of this increase is related to the costs of NoodleKidoodle.com, Noodle's
Internet subsidiary. Direct store expenses which consist of payroll, occupancy,
advertising and other store operating expenses increased $9.2 million,
primarily due to an increase in the store base. Home office expenses increased
$0.8 million, including an increase of $0.4 million of store pre-opening costs.
Selling and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales increased to
36.5% in Fiscal 2000 from 36.0% in the prior year, primarily as a result of the
costs incurred in new stores and costs related to Noodle's Internet activities.
Net interest expense in Fiscal 2000 was $0.5 million as compared to net
interest income of $0.1 million in the prior year. The increase in interest
expense of $0.6 million in Fiscal 2000 resulted primarily from an increase in
borrowings under Noodle's revolving credit facility.
Discontinued Operations. In the third quarter ended October 30, 1999, Noodle
adjusted the estimated gain on disposal of its discontinued wholesale
operations recognized in fiscal 1996. The adjustment resulted in an additional
gain of $1.5 million, net of tax of $1.0 million. The additional gain arose
from the sale of Noodle's leasehold interest in its former distribution center
in Birmingham, Alabama and the settlement of liabilities related to its
discontinued operations. The leasehold interest in the Birmingham, Alabama
distribution center was sold on November 15, 1999.
Fiscal 2000's results include the recognition of a deferred tax asset
relating primarily to Noodle's net operating loss carryforward. Recognizing
this asset resulted in an income tax benefit of $7.3 million from continuing
operations this year. At January 29, 2000, Noodle had approximately $16.0
million of net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes.
The cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of $195,000, net
of a tax benefit of $119,000 represents the write-off of unamortized pre-
opening costs as a result of adopting SOP 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of
Start-Up Activities," in the first quarter of fiscal 2000. This accounting
change requires Noodle to expense on a current basis previously capitalized
pre-opening costs.
Net income rose to $11.0 million ($1.42 per share) in Fiscal 2000 from net
income of $3.8 million ($.49 per share) in the prior year.
Fiscal Year Ended January 30, 1999 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended January 31,
1998
Net sales increased a total of 32.1% to $107.9 million in Fiscal 1999 from
$81.7 million in fiscal year ended January 31, 1998. Noodle sales increased
$26.4 million or 32.4% to $107.9 million in Fiscal 1999 from
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<PAGE>
$81.5 million in the prior year, primarily due to increased sales in comparable
stores of 16%, the addition of ten new stores during Fiscal 1999 and one new
store during Fiscal 1998. Other retail stores had $.2 million of sales in
Fiscal 1998. The last Playworld store was closed on October 31, 1997. Noodle
operated 42 stores at January 30, 1999 compared to 32 stores at January 31,
1998.
Gross profit (derived from net sales less cost of products sold, which
includes buying and warehousing costs) increased 35.8% to $42.5 million for
Fiscal 1999 from $31.3 million in Fiscal 1998. Overall gross profit as a
percent of sales increased to 39.4% in Fiscal 1999 from 38.3% in Fiscal 1998.
The increase in this gross profit percentage was primarily attributable to
favorable product mix and the leveraging of buying and fixed warehousing costs
over a larger sales base, offset by slightly higher variable warehousing costs.
Selling and administrative expenses increased $5.2 million or 15.5% to $38.8
million in Fiscal 1999 from $33.6 million in the prior year. Direct store
expenses which consist of payroll, occupancy, advertising and other store
operating expenses increased $4.4 million, due to change in the store base and
higher sales levels. Home office expenses increased $0.8 million. Selling and
administrative expenses as a percent of net sales decreased to 36.0% in Fiscal
1999 from 41.1% in the prior year, primarily as a result of sales leveraging
against the fixed portion of these costs.
Net income rose to $3.8 million ($.49 per share) in Fiscal 1999 from a net
loss of $1.9 million ($.25 per share) in the prior year. The net income in
Fiscal 1999 did not include a tax provision and the net loss in Fiscal 1998 did
not include a tax benefit. At January 30, 1999, Noodle had approximately $16.5
million of net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
During the past three fiscal years and the thirteen weeks ended April 29,
2000 and May 1, 1999, Noodle satisfied the cash requirements of its continuing
retail operations principally through borrowings under its revolving credit
facility and from internal cash balances. These cash requirements principally
have included financing operating losses, working capital requirements and
expenditures for new store openings.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Thirteen Weeks
Fiscal Years Ended Ended
------------------------- ----------------
Jan. Jan. Jan. April
31, 30, 29, May 1, 29,
1998 1999 2000 1999 2000
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net cash provided by (used in)
Operating activities:
Continuing operations.......... $ 2,673 $ 6,215 $(4,134) $(4,206) $(3,789)
Discontinued operations........ (1,252) 130 247 30 --
Investing activities............. (1,637) (7,315) (9,835) (1,251) (1,105)
Financing activities............. (18) 59 4,025 31 4,944
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents............ (234) (911) (9,697) (5,396) 50
Cash and cash equivalents--
beginning of year............... 11,333 11,099 10,188 10,188 491
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents--end of
year............................ $11,099 $10,188 $ 491 $ 4,792 $ 541
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
During Fiscal 2000, Noodle used $4.1 million of cash in its operating
activities, primarily due to increases in working capital of $10.9 million
(excluding borrowings under Noodle's revolving credit facility), an increase in
deferred tax assets of $6.4 million, and other items of $0.3 million, offset by
net income of $9.7 million and non-cash charges of $3.8 million. The net
increase in working capital was attributable to higher inventory levels as a
result of opening sixteen new stores and an increase in average store
inventories of $77 thousand per store at year-end. Cash provided by
discontinued operations was $0.2 million during the year. Net cash used in
investing activities was $9.8 million, primarily to purchase fixed assets for
new stores. Borrowings under Noodle's revolving credit facility increased by
$4.0 million during the year. As a result of the foregoing, cash and cash
equivalents decreased during the year by $9.7 million.
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<PAGE>
During Fiscal 1999, Noodle generated $6.2 million of cash from operating
activities, primarily from net income of $3.8 million and non-cash charges of
$2.9 million, offset by increases in working capital of $0.5 million. The net
increase in working capital was attributable to higher inventory levels as a
result of opening ten new stores. The net liabilities of discontinued
operations increased $0.1 million during the year. Net cash used in investing
activities was $7.3 million, primarily to purchase fixed assets for new stores
including $0.7 million for stores scheduled to open in Fiscal 2000. As a result
of the foregoing, cash and cash equivalents decreased during the year by $0.9
million.
During the thirteen week period ended April 29, 2000 Noodle's operating
activities of its continuing operations used $3.8 million of cash. This use of
cash resulted from the net loss of $2.5 million, an increase in working capital
of $0.9 million, and an increase in deferred tax assets at $1.5 million, offset
by non-cash charges of $1.1 million. The increase in working capital resulted
primarily from an increased store base and the need for inventories for
Noodle's planned store openings in the second quarter. Noodle also used cash to
fund investing activities of $1.1 million primarily for the purchase of fixed
assets for new stores. Borrowings under Noodle's revolving credit facility
increased by $4.9 million in the first quarter ended April 29, 2000. As a
result of the foregoing, cash and cash equivalents increased during the period
by $0.1 million.
Noodle maintains a revolving credit facility, which was to expire in June
2000, with The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. that provided up to $15 million
of available borrowings. This facility may be used for direct borrowings and
letters of credit and may not exceed a certain percentage of, and is
collateralized by, Noodle's inventory, receivables and certain other assets.
The agreement provides for an annual collateral management fee and commitment
fee on the unused portion of the commitment. Outstanding borrowings bear
interest, at the option of Noodle, based on the prime rate or LIBOR. The
agreement contains certain covenants that, among other items, limit the payment
of cash dividends when borrowings under the agreement are outstanding. As of
April 29, 2000, $8.9 million of borrowings and $1.3 million of letters of
credit were outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
On May 17, 2000, Noodle amended its revolving credit facility to extend the
term for another three years and to increase the amount of available borrowings
to $50 million. It is anticipated that upon completion of the merger this
facility will be terminated.
Noodle opened one store during the three months ended April 29, 2000 in
Suffolk County, New York. A second store was opened in Westport, Connecticut on
May 6, 2000. Without reference to the merger, Noodle expects to open six stores
in the next two quarters of fiscal 2001. In addition, Noodle plans to continue
to make investments in its distribution center and for store remodels to
improve operational efficiencies and customer service. On April 19, 2000 Noodle
signed a 10 year lease for a second distribution center in Murfreesboro,
Tennessee that is expected to become operational in the beginning of the third
quarter of fiscal 2001. Noodle's lease of a 65,000 square foot distribution
facility in the second quarter of last year to support its peak seasonal
inventory requirements expires in June 2000 and will not be renewed.
Until completion of the merger, Noodle expects to fund its near-term cash
requirements principally by borrowing under its revolving credit facility.
If the merger does not occur, Noodle expects to finance its long-term
expansion plan with internally and externally generated funds, which may
include borrowings under future credit facilities, and through the sale of
equity, equity-related or debt securities. There can be no assurance that
financing would be available in amounts, or at rates or on terms and conditions
acceptable to Noodle.
Seasonality
Noodle's operations are highly seasonal and approximately 48% of its
revenues fall within Noodle's fourth quarter which coincides with the Christmas
selling season. New stores are expected to be opened throughout the year, but
generally before the Christmas selling season, which will make Noodle's fourth
quarter revenues an even greater percentage of the total year's revenues.
Operations during the first three quarters are not expected to be profitable
for the foreseeable future.
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Impact of Inflation
The impact of inflation on Noodle's results of operations has not been
significant. Noodle attempts to pass on increased costs by increasing product
prices over time.
Year 2000 Compliance
Last year, Noodle discussed the nature and progress of its plan to become
year 2000 ready. In late 1999, Noodle completed its remediation and testing of
systems. As a result of those planning and implementation efforts, Noodle
experienced no significant disruptions in mission critical information
technology and non-information technology systems and believes those systems
successfully responded to the Year 2000 date change. Noodle's expenditures in
connection with remediating its systems were not material. Noodle is not aware
of any material problems resulting from Year 2000 issues, either with its
internal systems, or with the products and services of third parties. Noodle
will continue to monitor its mission critical computer applications and those
of its suppliers and vendors throughout the year 2000 to ensure that any latent
Year 2000 matters that may arise are addressed promptly.
98
<PAGE>
BUSINESS OF NOODLE
Noodle is a specialty retailer of a broad assortment of educationally
oriented, creative and non-violent children's products. The Noodle concept
offers something new to parents and children by combining the attractive
pricing and larger size of traditional toy stores with the more creative
product selection and superior customer service of small boutiques, while
providing an entertaining shopping environment through interactive play areas
and frequent in-store events.
Noodle's stores range from approximately 5,000 to 13,300 square feet and
average approximately 9,500 square feet. Each store offers customers a warm and
inviting shopping environment with brightly lit spaces, colorful walls,
ceilings and carpets, wide aisles for strollers and kid-level seating and
product shelving. Each store typically carries approximately 16,000 stock-
keeping units, or SKU's, conveniently displayed in separate merchandise
departments, such as "Science & Nature" and "Arts & Crafts," which are
identified by eye-catching signs that are visual as well as verbal so that
children can understand them. All of the products carried in Noodle stores
conform to Noodle's creative, non-violent and educational merchandising
strategy. Noodle generally does not carry mass market television advertised
toys. However, in certain product categories, Noodle does carry brand name
products that fit the Noodle philosophy, such as Crayola, Lego, Playmobil,
Mattel, the full line of Walt Disney video titles and the Goosebumps line of
books. Noodle purchases merchandise from over 600 suppliers. No single supplier
represents greater than 10% of Noodle's total purchases.
During the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000, Noodle, through a newly
created subsidiary NoodleKidoodle.com, LLC, substantially enhanced the e-
commerce capability of its Internet site www.noodlekidoodle.com. Additionally,
the merchandise offered for sale on the Internet was increased from
approximately 700 items during the 1998 Holiday selling season to almost 4,000
during the 1999 Holiday selling season. Noodle believes that offering the best
selling merchandise in its stores over the Internet presents an opportunity to
serve its existing customers better, and to expand its customer base to
geographic areas where Noodle does not operate retail stores. Noodle's Internet
strategy is to build on the strength of the Noodle brand by integrating the
marketing of its retail stores and its Internet site, and to take advantage of
Noodle existing capabilities in procurement, merchandising, fulfillment and
marketing. Noodle believes that this strategy may give it a cost advantage over
Internet-only retailers.
At the end of the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000, Noodle operated 58
Noodle Kidoodle stores located in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Texas,
Oklahoma, Florida, New Hampshire, Nebraska, Kansas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania,
Arkansas and the Boston, Chicago and Detroit metropolitan areas. Noodle opened
a total of sixteen new stores in the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000: four
stores in Texas, three in Florida and one in each of the States of New York,
New Hampshire, Nebraska, Kansas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Connecticut,
Arkansas, and Massachusetts. Noodle's new store program for the current year is
underway, with two stores open as of June 9, 2000. Noodle has signed leases for
another four stores that it expects will open this year. Noodle plans to open
approximately ten new stores and a second distribution center during the fiscal
year ending February 3, 2001. Noodle believes that there are opportunities for
nationwide expansion over the longer term.
Noodle believes that the following elements are important to its retailing
concept:
. Interactive Shopping Environment--Each Noodle store is designed with
children in mind. Each store has designated play areas where children
and their parents are encouraged to explore toys and games in keeping
with Noodle's "try before you buy" philosophy. Among the key interactive
features of each store are the Computer Center, "Kidoodle Theater" and
the Electronic Learning Center.
. Broad Assortment of Imaginative Products--Noodle stores offer a broad
assortment of products designed to stimulate a child's imagination and
contribute to his or her growth and development, consistent with
Noodle's slogan that "Kids learn best when they're having fun." To keep
its merchandise mix fresh and exciting, Noodle continually seeks
innovative new products.
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<PAGE>
. In-Store Events--Noodle provides without charge frequent in-store events
such as personal appearances by authors and children's television
personalities, arts and crafts workshops and readings from selected
books to provide entertainment to its customers, increase store traffic
and position Noodle as a destination store.
. Superior Customer Service--By providing knowledgeable and friendly
customer service and selecting enthusiastic employees who enjoy working
with children, Noodle believes that it has a competitive advantage over
lower-service superstores and mass merchandisers.
. Targeted Marketing--Noodle conducts a targeted direct mail marketing
program and continuously updates its customer database for this purpose.
. Competitive Pricing--Noodle offers everyday competitive pricing. Many
products are regularly discounted and prices in general are believed to
be competitive with those featured by superstores carrying similar lines
of merchandise.
Backlog is not considered relevant to an understanding of Noodle's business.
Noodle is required to carry substantial amounts of inventory in the months of
September through November of each year to meet holiday delivery requirements.
Noodle did not have any customers that represented more than 10% of
consolidated revenues for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000.
Noodle's business is highly seasonal and approximately 48% of its revenues
occurred in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000.
The retail toy business is highly competitive. Noodle competes on the basis
of its stores' interactive environment, broad merchandise selection, superior
customer service and competitive pricing. Noodle competes with a variety of
mass merchandisers, superstores and other toy retailers, including Toys "R" Us
and Kay-Bee Toy Stores and other store formats selling children's products,
such as discount stores and smaller specialty toy stores. Retailing of
children's educational products is a relatively new concept. Included among
Noodle's direct competitors are Store of Knowledge and Learning Express. Noodle
also faces growing competition from Internet-based retailers such as eToys and
Amazon.com. Because Internet-based retailers do not operate retail stores, they
may enjoy an overall operating cost advantage. Some of Noodle's competitors are
much larger in terms of sales volume and have more capital and greater
management resources than Noodle. In addition, due to the nature of electronic
commerce, they may reach a broader market. If any of Noodle's larger
competitors were to increase their focus on the educational market or if any
regional competitors were to expand their activities in the markets primarily
served by Noodle, it could be adversely affected. If any of the Noodle's major
competitors seek to gain or retain market share by reducing prices, it may be
required to reduce its prices on key items in order to remain competitive,
which would have the effect of reducing its profitability.
As of April 29, 2000, Noodle employed 1,607 people, of whom 522 were
employed full-time. Noodle also employs additional part-time personnel during
the pre-Christmas season. Noodle believes that its relations with its employees
are generally good.
Noodle has registered several service marks and trademarks with Federal and
State authorities, including Noodle Kidoodle(R), Oodles & Oodles of Fun Things
to Learn(R), Kidoodle Animation(R), and Noodle's slogan "Kids learn best when
they're having fun"(R). Noodle believes it has all licenses necessary to
conduct its business.
Properties
Noodle leases all of its stores. Original lease terms generally are for ten
years, and many leases contain renewal options. Noodle's stores are generally
located in either strip shopping centers or in enclosed shopping malls. The 58
stores operating at the end of the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000 ranged in
size from approximately 5,000 to 13,300 square feet.
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<PAGE>
Noodle currently supports its retail operations with an owned 269,000 square
foot distribution center in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Noodle also has entered
into a lease for a second 225,000 square foot distribution center in
Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This center is currently under construction and is
expected to be operational in the third quarter of 2000. Noodle had previously
supported its total retail and wholesale operations with three other
distribution centers located in Farmingdale, New York, West Haven, Connecticut
and Birmingham, Alabama. The Farmingdale and West Haven facilities were
disposed of when Noodle's wholesale operations were discontinued. Noodle
discontinued the use of the Birmingham center in 1989 and assigned its
leasehold interest in that property in November, 1999.
Noodle has also leased 65,000 square feet of warehouse space in Allentown,
PA from July 1999 through June 2000. This space was necessary to accommodate
last year's seasonal inventory build-up in the fall months.
Noodle's executive offices are located at Syosset, New York. Noodle's lease
for its executive offices runs through May, 2004 and contains an option to
renew for an additional five years.
Noodle believes that the foregoing facilities are adequate for its present
operations and such facilities are maintained in a good state of repair.
Legal Proceedings
Noodle is not a party to any legal proceedings other than claims and
lawsuits arising in the normal course of its business which, in the opinion of
Noodle management, are not individually or in the aggregate material to its
business.
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Quarterly Results of Operations
The following table presents certain of Noodle's quarterly information for
the fiscal years ended January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999. This information
is derived from Noodle's unaudited financial statements and, in the opinion of
Noodle's management, includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal
recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of such information.
Operating results for any given quarter are not necessarily indicative of
results for any future period and should not be relied upon as an indicator of
future performances.
Noodle's quarterly operating results have varied significantly and are
likely to vary significantly in the future, as demand for its products is
seasonal. The majority of Noodle's sales occur in the fourth quarter of its
fiscal year; however, because a high percentage of Noodle's operating expenses
and overhead is relatively fixed throughout the year, operating income and net
income tend to be lower in quarters with lower sales.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter Ended
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
------------------------- --------------------------------- ----------------
May 2 Aug. 1 Oct. 31 Jan. 30 May 1 Jul. 31 Oct. 30 Jan. 29 Apr. 29
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(in thousands; unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales................... $18,045 $18,431 $22,670 $48,740 $22,890 $20,795 $27,205 $64,148 $24,072
Gross profit............ 7,015 7,342 8,854 19,270 8,990 8,229 10,522 24,527 8,894
Net income (loss):
Continuing
operations........... (1,049) (1,525) (1,554) 7,880 (1,054) (3,339) (2,996) 17,072 (2,476)
Discontinued
operations........... -- -- -- -- -- -- 2,500 (950) --
Accounting change..... -- -- -- -- (314) -- -- 119 --
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)... (1,049) (1,525) (1,554) 7,880 (1,368) (3,339) (496) 16,241 (2,476)
Basic income (loss) per
share:
Continuing
operations........... (0.14) (0.20) (0.20) 1.04 (0.14) (0.44) (0.39) 2.24 (0.33)
Discontinued
operations........... -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.33 (0.12) --
Accounting change..... -- -- -- -- (0.04) -- -- 0.02 --
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)... (0.14) (0.20) (0.20) 1.04 (0.18) (0.44) (0.06) 2.14 (0.33)
Diluted income (loss)
per share:
Continuing
operations........... (0.14) (0.20) (0.20) 1.00 (0.14) (0.44) (0.39) 2.21 (0.33)
Discontinued
operations........... -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.33 (0.12) --
Accounting change..... -- -- -- -- (0.04) -- -- 0.01 --
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)... $ (0.14) $ (0.20) $ (0.20) $ 1.00 $ (0.18) $ (0.44) $ (0.06) $ 2.10 (0.33)
Weighted average shares:
Basic................. 7,580 7,587 7,592 7,594 7,599 7,604 7,604 7,605 7,605
Assuming dilution..... 7,670 7,699 7,661 7,860 7,852 7,770 7,681 7,740 7,711
</TABLE>
In accordance with SFAS 128, as a result of net losses, the inclusion of
stock options were antidilutive and, therefore, were not utilized in the
computation of diluted loss per share in quarters with a net loss.
Net income (loss) per share calculations for each of the quarters are based
on the weighted average number of shares outstanding for each period and the
sum of the quarters may not necessarily be equal to the full year income (loss)
per share amount.
January 29, 2000 interim financial data reflects the effect in the fourth
quarter of reversing the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets based
on management's assessment that it is more likely than not that the deferred
tax assets will be realized through future taxable earnings.
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<PAGE>
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF ZANY
The Zany board of directors currently consists of seven directors, each
serving until the 2000 annual meeting of shareholders and until such directors'
successors have been elected and qualified, except in the event of any such
director's earlier death, resignation or removal.
The board of directors, acting on the recommendation of its nominating
committee, has nominated the following individuals for election as directors:
Keith C. Spurgeon, C. Donald Dorsey, Robert A. Fox, Henry Nasella, Yves B.
Sisteron, Mary Ann Tocio and David V. Wachs.
The persons named as proxy agents in the enclosed proxy card intend (unless
instructed otherwise by a shareholder) to vote for the election of these seven
nominees. In the event that the nominee should become unable to accept
nomination or election (a circumstance which the board of directors does not
expect), the proxy agents intend to vote for any alternate nominee designated
by the board of directors or, in the discretion of the board, the position may
be left vacant.
The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the nominees.
Set forth below is certain information with respect to the nominees for
director, each of whom, other than Ms. Tocio, is currently serving as a
director of Zany. This information has been provided by each nominee for
director at the request of Zany.
Keith C. Spurgeon has served as Zany's Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer since January 1998. He served as Zany's President and Chief
Executive Officer from June 1996 to January 1998. Prior to joining us, Mr.
Spurgeon was at Toys 'R' Us for over ten years where he served in various
capacities, most recently as Vice President for Asia and Australia. Mr.
Spurgeon is 45 years of age.
C. Donald Dorsey has served as one of Zany's directors since June 1994. From
March 1989 to August 1999, Mr. Dorsey was at PETsMART, Inc. where he served in
various capacities, most recently as Executive Vice President. From 1989 to
1998, Mr. Dorsey also served as PETsMART's Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Dorsey
is 58 years of age.
Robert A. Fox has served as one of Zany's directors since January 1993. Mr.
Fox has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of R.A.F. Industries,
Inc., a private investment company that acquires and manages a diversified
group of operating companies and venture capital investments, since 1980. Mr.
Fox is a Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania and the Wistar Institute.
Mr. Fox also currently serves as a director of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. Mr.
Fox is 70 years of age.
Henry Nasella has served as one of Zany's directors since October 1993.
Since July 1999, Mr. Nasella has been the Chairman of Online Retail Partners,
an e-commerce venture capital and technology operating business and from July
1999 to June 2000, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Online Retail
Partners. From September 1994 to June 1999, Mr. Nasella was the Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and President of Star Markets Company, Inc., a Boston-based
grocery retailer. From January 1994 to September 1994, he was a principal of
Phillips-Smith Specialty Retail Group, a venture capital firm. Mr. Nasella
formerly served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Staples Inc. He
currently serves as a director of Au Bon Pain Co., Inc. Mr. Nasella is 53 years
of age.
Yves B. Sisteron has served as one of Zany's directors since June 1994. Mr.
Sisteron has been a principal of Global Retail Partners, L.P., an investment
fund, since January 1996 and a manager of U.S. investments for Carrefour S.A.
since 1993. Mr. Sisteron currently serves as a director of InterWorld
Corporation. Mr. Sisteron is 44 years of age.
Mary Ann Tocio is not currently a Zany director. Since July 1998, Ms. Tocio
has been the Chief Operating Officer of Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.,
a national provider of workplace services for employers and families. From
November 1993 until July 1998, she served as Chief Operating Officer of Bright
Horizons, Inc. which merged with CorporateFamily Solutions, Inc. in July 1998
to form Bright Horizons. Ms. Tocio is 52 years of age.
David V. Wachs has served as one of Zany's directors since October 1993. Mr.
Wachs currently serves as a consultant to Charming Shoppes, Inc., a retail
company he co-founded. Mr. Wachs is 74 years of age.
103
<PAGE>
In addition Gerald R. Gallagher, who has served as one of our directors
since June 1994, is not running for re-election at the Zany 2000 annual meeting
of shareholders. Since 1987, Mr. Gallagher has been a general partner of Oak
Investment Partners, a venture capital firm. Before joining Oak Investment
Partners, he was Chairman of Dayton Hudson Corporation. Currently, Mr.
Gallagher serves as a director of P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc. Mr. Gallagher
is 59 years of age.
Under the merger agreement, after completion of the merger, Zany will
increase the size of its board of directors by one, and the directors will
appoint Stanley Greenman a director of Zany. Mr. Greenman has served as
Noodle's Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer since
1990. Mr. Greenman is 51 years of age.
Committees and Meetings
The Zany board of directors has an audit committee, a compensation committee
and a nominating committee. During the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000, the
board of directors held eight meetings (five by telephone conference), the
audit committee held two meetings, the compensation committee held five
meetings (two by telephone conference) and acted once by unanimous consent and
the nominating committee did not meet. Each director attended at least 75% of
the aggregate of the meetings in the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000 of the
board of directors and of the board committee or committees on which he served
during the year.
The audit committee has the power and authority to:
. review Zany's internal financial controls and accounting procedures and
reports with Zany management;
. review the engagement of Zany's independent auditors;
. make recommendations to the board of directors regarding the selection
of independent auditors; and
. review the scope, fees and results of any audit.
The compensation committee has the power and authority to administer Zany's
salary and incentive compensation policies. The compensation committee also has
the power and authority to administer and interpret Zany's 1998 Equity
Compensation Plan and the 1993 Incentive Stock Plan (which has expired but
under which there remain outstanding stock options) and establish the terms and
conditions of all stock option grants.
The nominating committee's duties are to evaluate board performance and
recommend to the board nominees for election as directors.
The current members of the audit committee are Messrs. Dorsey (Chairman),
Wachs and Sisteron; of the compensation committee, Messrs. Gallagher
(Chairman), Dorsey and Fox; and of the nominating committee, Messrs. Spurgeon
(Chairman) and Nasella.
Standard Compensation Arrangements
Historically, directors did not receive any cash compensation for service as
directors, however, they were reimbursed for the expenses they incurred in
attending meetings of the board or board committees. In order to attract highly
qualified new directors to serve on Zany's board of directors and to retain
existing members, in January 2000, the board of directors approved a
compensation program that includes a one-time grant of options to purchase
25,000 shares of common stock to new non-employee directors. Such options will
be granted on the date the individual becomes a member of the Zany board of
directors and will be granted under Zany's 1998 Equity Compensation Plan. Each
such option will have an exercise price equal to the last reported sale price
on the date of the director's election, a ten-year term and vest in four equal
installments beginning on the first anniversary of the director's election. In
January 2000, the Zany board of directors also approved a stock option grant to
purchase 25,000 shares of common stock to Mr. Fox in the event he is elected at
Zany's 2000 annual meeting of shareholders and continues to serve as a
director. The Zany board of directors approved this grant to Mr. Fox because
prior to the Zany 2000 annual meeting he was a member of the board pursuant to
a contractual arrangement. In addition, in the event Mr. Greenman is elected to
the Zany board of directors at Zany's 2001 annual meeting of shareholders,
continues to serve as a director and is no longer an employee of
104
<PAGE>
Zany. Zany will use its best efforts to have the Zany board of directors grant
a stock option to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock to Mr. Greenman. The
grants to Messrs. Fox and Greenman would be on the same terms as a grant to a
new director.
In addition, commencing with the Zany 2000 annual meeting of shareholders,
directors who are not employees of Zany will receive $500 for attendance at
each meeting of the board of directors or committee of the board of directors
(including meetings held by telephone conference) and the chairman of each
committee of the board of directors will receive an annual retainer of $2,500,
based upon the length of service of such committee chairman during the annual
period commencing on the annual meeting date.
Share Ownership Guideline
None.
Requirements for Advance Notification of Nominations
Section 3-1(d) of the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Zany provides that no
person may be nominated for election as a director by a shareholder at an
annual or special meeting unless written notice of such shareholder's intent to
make such nomination has been given, either by personal delivery or by first
class or express mail, postage prepaid, or by telegram (with messenger service
specified), telex or TWX (with answerback received) or courier service, charges
prepaid, or by telecopier, to the Secretary of Zany at the principal executive
offices of Zany as follows:
. with respect to an election to be held at an annual meeting of
shareholders, not later than the close of business on the 90th calendar
day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th calendar day
prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting of
shareholders; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the
annual meeting of shareholders is more than 30 calendar days before or
more that 60 calendar days after such anniversary date, notice by the
shareholder to be timely must be delivered not earlier than the close of
business on the 120th calendar day prior to such annual meeting of
shareholders and not later than the close of business on the later of
the 90th calendar day prior to such annual meeting of shareholders or
the 10th calendar day following the calendar day on which public
announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by Zany; and
. with respect to an election to be held at a special meeting of
shareholders for the election of directors, not earlier than the close
of business on the 120th calendar day prior to such special meeting and
not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th calendar
day prior to such special meeting or the 10th calendar day following the
day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the
special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the board of directors
to be elected at such meeting.
Each such notice shall set forth, or be accompanied by,
. the name and residence address of the shareholder who intends to make
the nomination and of the person or persons to be nominated;
. a representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of stock of
Zany entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or
by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in
the notice;
. a description of all arrangements or understandings between the
shareholder and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming
such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations
are to be made by the shareholder;
. such other information regarding each nominee proposed by such
shareholder as would be required to be included in a proxy statement
filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission had the nominee been nominated, or intended to be nominated,
by the board of directors; and
. the consent of each nominee to serve as a director of Zany if so
elected. The chairman of the meeting may refuse to acknowledge the
nomination of any person not made in compliance with the foregoing
procedure.
105
<PAGE>
SECURITIES OWNERSHIP OF ZANY AND NOODLE
The following table sets forth certain information as of June 9, 2000 (or as
of such other date as may be noted below) with respect to the beneficial
ownership of the Zany common stock and the Noodle common stock of:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
. Each person . Each executive . Each incumbent . All current
believed by Zany officer of Zany director of Noodle directors and
and Noodle to own and Noodle who and each incumbent executive officers
beneficially more was serving as director and of Zany as a group
than 5% of the such on January nominee for and all current
outstanding shares 29, 2000. director of Zany. directors and
of the Zany common executive officers
stock or Noodle of Noodle as a
common stock. group.
</TABLE>
Each table also contains information regarding the beneficial ownership of
the common stock of Zany, on a pro forma basis as if the merger has been
completed, by the persons identified above based on their ownership of Zany
common stock and Noodle common stock as of June 9, 2000.
Except as indicated below, Zany and Noodle understand that the shareholders
listed in such table have sole voting and investment power with respect to the
shares owned by them. The number of shares in the table below includes shares
issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options to the extent that such
options are exercisable by the shareholder, incumbent director, nominee for
director or executive officer on or within 60 days after June 9, 2000.
Zany Ownership
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro forma
Beneficial Beneficial
Ownership of Zany Ownership of
common stock Zany common stock
----------------- -----------------
Name of Individual or Identity of Group Shares Percent Shares Percent
--------------------------------------- --------- ------- --------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Yves B. Sisteron(1)(2).................... 3,224,836 14.9% 3,224,836 10.4%
Fourcar, B.V.(3).......................... 2,442,154 11.3 2,442,154 7.9
Vulcan Ventures, Inc.(4).................. 2,141,757 9.9 2,141,757 6.9
Robert A. Fox(2)(5)....................... 1,101,892 5.1 1,101,892 3.5
Keith C. Spurgeon(2)...................... 650,000 2.9 650,000 2.0
Gerald R. Gallagher(6).................... 566,781 2.6 566,781 1.8
Thomas G. Vellios(2)...................... 431,250 2.0 431,250 1.4
Robert A. Helpert(2)...................... 263,750 1.2 263,750 *
David V. Wachs(2)......................... 215,737 1.0 215,737 *
C. Donald Dorsey(2)(7).................... 53,512 * 53,512 *
Henry Nasella(2).......................... 52,336 * 52,336 *
Mary Ann Tocio............................ 0 * 0 *
All current directors and executive
officers as a group (9 persons)(2)....... 6,560,094 28.2 6,560,094 20.1
</TABLE>
--------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Outstanding shares include:
(a) 2,023,085, 414,119, 130,774, 130,769, 154,390, 104,708, 51,784 and
104,708 shares of common stock held by Fourcar, B.V., Lacomble
Retailing, SA, Fidas Business S.A., SG Cowen, Fondation Consuelo,
Fundacion Juan March, Fundation Appomatox and Daniel Bernard,
respectively (collectively, the "Sisteron Affiliates"); and
(b) 67,672, 4,399, 4,659, 20,165, 7,489 and 1,165 shares of common stock
held by Global Retail Partners, L.P., GRP Partners, L.P., Global Retail
Partners Funding, Inc., DLJ Diversified Partners, L.P., DLJ Diversified
Partners-A, L.P. and DLJ ESC II, L.P., respectively (collectively, the
"GRP Affiliates").
Mr. Sisteron is a manager of U.S. investments of Carrefour S.A. and has
certain voting rights with respect to the shares owned by each of the
Sisteron Affiliates. Carrefour S.A. is a beneficial owner of the shares
owned by Fourcar, B.V. and Lacomble Retailing, SA. Although Mr. Sisteron may
be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the shares owned by the Sisteron
Affiliates, he disclaims all such beneficial ownership, except to the extent
of any pecuniary interest therein that he may have. Mr. Sisteron is also a
principal of Global Retail Partners, L.P. Global Retail Partners, L.P. and
the other GRP Affiliates are affiliated with DLJ. Although Mr. Sisteron may
be deemed a beneficial owner of the shares owned by the GRP Affiliates, he
disclaims all such beneficial ownership, except to the extent of any
pecuniary interest therein that he may have.
(2) Includes with respect to Mr. Sisteron 4,000 shares, Mr. Fox 4,000 shares,
Mr. Gallagher 84,000 shares held by Oak Investment Partners, Limited
Partnership and Oak Affiliates Fund, Limited Partnership, Mr. Spurgeon
650,000 shares, Mr. Vellios 431,250 shares, Mr. Helpert 263,750 shares, Mr.
Wachs 34,000 shares, Mr. Dorsey 34,000 shares and Mr. Nasella 44,000
shares, all of which shares are subject to presently exercisable options.
106
<PAGE>
(3) Outstanding shares include:
(a) 414,119 shares of common stock held by Lacomble Retailing, SA; and
(b) 950 shares of common stock held by Yves Sisteron. The address for
Fourcar B.V. is Gebouw Autumn, Overschiestraate No. 184P, 1062XK
Amsterdam Netherlands.
(4) As reflected in Schedule 13G dated February 11, 2000. Vulcan Ventures,
Inc's. address is 110-110th Avenue, N.E., Suite 550, Bellevue, WA 98004.
The sole owner of Vulcan Ventures, Inc. is Paul G. Allen.
(5) Mr. Fox's address is One Pitcairn Place, Suite 2100, 165 Township Line
Road, Jenkintown, PA 19046.
(6) As of June 14, 2000. Includes:
(a) 482,465 shares owned by Oak Investment Partners V, Limited Partnership;
(b) 82,152 shares of common stock underlying presently exercisable options
held by Oak Investment Partners V, Limited Partnership;
(c) 316 shares owned by Oak V Affiliates Fund, Limited Partnership; and
(d) 1,848 shares of common stock underlying presently exercisable options
held by Oak V Affiliates Fund, Limited Partnership.
Mr. Gallagher is a partner of Oak Investment Partners with certain voting
and investment power over such shares. Although Mr. Gallagher may be deemed
to be a beneficial owner of such shares, he disclaims all such beneficial
ownership, except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein that he
may have.
(7) Includes 19,512 outstanding shares of common stock held by the C. Donald
Dorsey and Lydia Dorsey Family Trust Dated August 5, 1993.
Noodle Ownership
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro forma
Beneficial
Ownership
Beneficial Ownership of Zany common
of Noodle common stock stock
---------------------- --------------
Name of Individual or Identity
of Group Shares Percent Shares Percent
------------------------------ ------ ------- ------ -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dimensional Fund Advisors(1)...... 492,100 6.5% 606,759 2.0%
Royce & Associates, Inc.(2)....... 415,800 5.5 512,681 1.7
Stanley Greenman(3)(4)(5)......... 367,685 4.8 564,325 1.8
Stewart Katz(3)(5)(6)............. 346,607 4.5 538,336 1.7
Lester Greenman(3)(5)............. 218,000 2.9 258,930 *
Robert Stokvis(3)(5).............. 36,500 * 35,140 *
Kenneth S. Betuker(3)(5)(7)....... 34,100 * 94,447 *
Robin L. Farkas(3)(5)............. 17,000 * 11,097 *
Joseph A. Madenberg(3)(5)......... 15,000 * 8,631 *
Barry W. Ridings(3)(5)............ 14,000 * 7,398 *
Melvin C. Redman(3)(5)............ 9,000 * 6,165 *
All current directors and
executive officers as a group (8
persons)(7)...................... 1,023,792 13.0 1,430,022 4.5
</TABLE>
--------
*Less than 1%
(1) Based upon information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2000. Such Schedule
states that Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc., an investment advisor
registered under Section 203 of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940,
furnishes investment advice to four investment companies registered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, and serves as investment manager of
certain other commingled group trusts and separate accounts. These
investment companies, trusts and accounts are the "Funds." In its role as
investment advisor or manager, Dimensional possesses voting and/or
investment power over the securities of Noodle described in this schedule
that are owned by the Funds. All securities reported in this schedule are
owned by the Funds. Dimensional disclaims beneficial ownership of such
securities. The address for Dimensional Fund Advisors is 1299 Ocean Avenue,
Suite 650, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
(2) Based upon information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, on February 1, 2000. Such Schedule
states that this filing is on behalf of Royce & Associates, Inc. and
Charles M. Royce as members of a group pursuant to Rule 13d-(1)(b)(ii)(H).
Royce is an investment advisor registered under Section 203 of the
Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Mr. Royce may be deemed to be a
controlling person of Royce and as such may be deemed to beneficially own
the shares of common stock of Noodle beneficially owned by Royce. Mr. Royce
does not own any shares outside of Royce, and disclaims beneficial
ownership of the shares held by Royce. The address for Royce & Associates,
Inc. is 1414 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019.
(3) Prior to the merger, includes with respect to Stanley Greenman 90,000
shares, Mr. Katz 90,000 shares, Lester Greenman 12,000 shares, Mr. Stokvis
12,000 shares, Mr. Betuker 27,500 shares, Mr. Farkas 12,000 shares, Mr.
Madenberg 12,000 shares, Mr. Ridings 12,000 shares and Mr. Redman 9,000
shares, all of which shares are subject to presently exercisable options.
(4) Includes 18,750 shares owned of record and beneficially by Ari Greenman,
Mr. Greenman's son, with respect to which Mr. Greenman disclaims beneficial
ownership.
(5) Following the merger, all options owned by outside directors will be
exercised or cancelled. These numbers do not include shares issuable upon
exercise of options that are out-of-the-money on June 9, 2000. Following
the merger, includes with respect to Stanley Greenman 221,940 shares, Mr.
Katz 221,940 shares and Mr. Betuker 86,310 shares, all of which shares are
subject to presently exercisable options.
(6) Includes 181,200 shares owned of record and beneficially by Stewart Katz's
wife and 37,907 shares owned of record by Bradley and Brian Katz, Mr.
Katz's sons, with respect to which Mr. Katz disclaims beneficial ownership.
(7) Mr. Betuker resigned on May 12, 2000 and he is not included in the
disclosure regarding all executive officers and directors as a group.
107
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION OF ZANY
Compensation
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to
compensation earned during the fiscal years ended January 29, 2000 and January
30, 1999 by Zany's chief executive officer and its other executive officers.
These executives are referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as
the Named Executive Officers.
Summary Compensation Table
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long-Term
Compensation
Annual Compensation Adwards
--------------------------------- ------------
Securities
Name and Principal Other Annual(1) Underlying
Position Year Ended Salary Bonus Compensation Option
------------------ ------------- -------- -------- --------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Keith C. Spurgeon....... Jan. 29, 2000 $307,500 $115,800 $2,202 100,000
Chief Executive Officer Jan. 30, 1999 300,000 135,000 2,335 -0-
and Chairman of the
Board of Directors
Thomas G. Vellios....... Jan. 29, 2000 $307,500 $102,900 $2,333 125,000
President Jan. 30, 1999 275,000 110,000 2,466 -0-
Robert A. Helpert....... Jan. 29, 2000 $282,500 $ 82,600 $6,478 25,000
Chief Financial Jan. 30, 1999 262,500 91,875 6,666 -0-
Officer,
Treasurer and Secretary
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Represents premiums paid by Zany with respect to term life insurance for
the benefit of the Named Executive Officer.
Option Grants
The following table discloses options granted to the Named Executive
Officers during the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000.
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Individual Grants
----------------------------------------------------
Potential Realizable
Percent of Total Value at Assumed
Options/SARs Annual Rates of
Number of Granted to Stock Price
Securities Employees in the Exercise Appreciation for
Underlying Fiscal Year or Base Option Term
Option/SARs ended Jan. 29 Price Expiration ---------------------
Name Granted 2000(1) Per Share(2) Date 5% 10%
---- ----------- ---------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Keith C. Spurgeon....... 100,000 11.8% $11.75(3) 4/29/09 $1,913,951 $3,047,647
Thomas G. Vellios....... 125,000 14.8% 11.75(3) 4/29/09 2,392,439 3,809,559
Robert A. Helpert....... 25,000 3.0% 11.75(3) 4/29/09 478,488 761,912
</TABLE>
--------
(1) During fiscal year 1999, options to purchase 846,750 shares of Zany common
stock were granted to 210 employees.
(2) The exercise price of the options granted was equal to the fair market
value of the underlying stock on the date of grant.
(3) Options become exercisable in four equal installments commencing on the
first anniversary of the date of grant.
108
<PAGE>
Fiscal Year-End Values
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the number and
value of stock options held at January 29, 2000 by the Named Executive
Officers.
Aggregate Fiscal Year-End Option Values
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Value of
Number of Unexercised Unexercised In-the-
Options at Money Options at
January 29, 2000 January 29, 2000(1)
------------------------- -------------------------
Name Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
---- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Keith C. Spurgeon........... 375,000 425,000 $1,490,250 $1,284,850
Thomas G. Vellios........... 250,000 325,000 993,500 788,100
Robert A. Helpert........... 157,500 142,500 635,285 470,965
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Based on the closing price of Zany's common stock as reported on the Nasdaq
National Market on January 28, 2000 ($7.438 per share), net of the option
exercise price.
Certain Employment Agreements
Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and Helpert were employed by Zany during the
fiscal year ended January 29, 2000 under employment agreements with Zany. Under
these employment agreements, Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and Helpert are entitled
to receive a base salary, which may be increased from time to time, and such
additional compensation as may be awarded to them. During the fiscal year ended
January 29, 2000, the annual base salaries for Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and
Helpert were $307,500, $307,500 and $282,500, respectively.
Each of the employment agreements contains the following principal terms:
. severance payment equal to six months of the employee's base salary if
the employee is terminated for any reason other than for cause or a
change of control;
. severance payment equal to one year of the employee's base salary, if
the employee is terminated or the employee's responsibilities are
significantly reduced after a change in control;
. the option to resign and still receive a severance payment equal to one
year of the employee's base salary within one year after a change of
control if, after the change in control, the successor organization does
not offer to extend the employee's employment agreement for two years on
substantially the same terms; and
. may be terminated at will by either party.
For the fiscal year ending February 3, 2001, Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and
Helpert annual salaries were increased to equal to $338,250, $338,250 and
$296,625, respectively.
In June 2000, Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and Helpert entered into new three-
year employment agreements with Zany.
Each of the new employment agreements contain the following principal terms:
. severance benefits equal to one year of the employee's base salary,
payment of any incentive bonus and continuation of health, life and
disability insurance for one year, if the employee is terminated without
cause or for good reason (each as defined in the employment agreements);
and
. a non-competition provision that, during the term of the employment
agreement and for a period of one year after the employee ceases to
perform services for Zany, prohibiting the employee from engaging in or
holding a financial interest in any business that competes with Zany and
has operations in North America.
109
<PAGE>
The following Report of the Zany Compensation Committee and the Performance
Graph shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement
incorporating by reference this joint proxy statement/prospectus into any
filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that Zany specifically
incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed
filed under such Acts.
REPORT OF THE ZANY COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Zany compensation committee has the power and authority to administer
Zany's salary and incentive compensation policies, including setting the base
salaries and the total compensation levels of the Chief Executive Officer (the
"CEO") and, in consultation with the CEO, the other Zany employees, including
the other executive officers. In addition, the compensation committee approves
the annual bonus award and stock option grant for the CEO and, upon
recommendation by the CEO, the annual bonus awards and stock option grants for
other Zany employees, including the other executive officers.
Compensation Philosophy
Zany's compensation policy for executive officers is to pay competitively
and to be fair and equitable in the administration of pay. This is the same
policy applicable to all Zany employees. Zany seeks to balance the compensation
paid to a particular individual with the compensation paid to other executives
holding comparable positions both inside Zany and at other similar companies.
Salary and Bonus
Annual cash compensation is comprised of a base salary and bonus awards and
is based in part upon a review of compensation packages of executives in
comparable positions with other publicly-held specialty retailers. Base salary
increases are awarded based on subjective factors, including (a) an executive's
increased level of individual responsibility and performance, (b) maintaining
an appropriate scale among our executives based on relative positions and
responsibilities and (c) the competitiveness of the labor market in the
specialty retail sector. Zany's CEO, Keith C. Spurgeon, had a base salary for
the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000 of $307,500 and the base salary for
Messrs. Vellios and Helpert for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000 was
$307,500 and $282,500, respectively. Effective at the beginning of the fiscal
year ending February 3, 2001, annual base salaries for Messrs. Vellios and
Helpert were increased to $338,250 and $296,625, respectively, pursuant to the
CEO's salary recommendations, which were approved by the compensation
committee, a 10% increase for Mr. Vellios and a 5% increase for Mr. Helpert,
which were based on many of the factors described above, including, with
respect to Mr. Vellios' increase, consideration of his expanded role at
ZanyBrainy.com. Effective as of the beginning of the fiscal year ending
February 3, 2001, the compensation committee also approved a 10% (to $338,250)
increase in Mr. Spurgeon's base salary. In doing so, the compensation committee
also based its decision on many of the factors described above, including
consideration of Mr. Spurgeon's anticipated responsibilities as a result of the
merger. Salary increases at Zany for employees generally were approximately 5%.
Bonus awards are made pursuant to criteria typically established at the
beginning of each fiscal year. The amount of a bonus paid to an executive
officer is largely based upon the individual's and Zany's achievement of
specified financial and/or operational goals determined by the compensation
committee. Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and Helpert received bonuses of $115,800,
$102,900 and $82,600, respectively, for their contributions to Zany in the
previous year.
In May 2000, Zany entered into new three year employment agreements with
Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and Helpert that provide for severance benefits equal
to one year of the employee's base salary, payment of any incentive bonus and
continuation of health, life and disability insurance for one year, if the
employee is
110
<PAGE>
terminated without cause or for good reason (each as determined in the
employment agreement), and a non-competition provision that prohibits the
employee during the term of the employee agreement and for a period of one year
after the employee ceases to perform services for Zany from engaging in or
holding a financial interest in any business that competes with Zany and has
operations in North America.
Stock Options
The compensation committee has the discretion to grant stock options to the
executive officers. Grants are awarded based on a number of factors, including
the achievement of our financial, strategic and operational objectives, the
individual's contributions toward the achievement of our objectives, and the
amount and term of options already held by each individual. In April 1999, in
connection with Zany's initial public offering, the compensation committee
granted options to purchase an aggregate of 846,750 shares of common stock to
210 Zany employees at an exercise price of $11.75 per share under Zany's 1998
Equity Compensation Plan, which included stock option grants to Messrs.
Spurgeon, Vellios and Helpert of 100,000, 125,000, and 25,000 shares,
respectively.
ZanyBrainy.com
In recognition of Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and Helpert's significant
contribution to ZB Holdings LLC, in April 2000, Zany sold to Messrs. Spurgeon,
Vellios and Helpert 102,500, 102,500 and 41,000 of its non-voting preferred
interests in ZB Holdings at a purchase price of $.001 per interest. In
connection with the sale, Zany awarded bonuses in the amount of $74,901,
$74,901 and $29,961 to Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and Helpert, respectively, to
compensate them for the tax exposure of the transaction. On the date of sale,
fair market value per interest was $0.98, resulting in compensation expense to
Zany of $100,347.50, $100,347.50 and $40,139 for the sale of the interests to
Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and Helpert, respectively.
In addition, in order to provide appropriate incentives to Zany employees
for their contributions to ZanyBrainy.com, in April 2000, Zany contributed
533,500 of its non-voting preferred interests in ZB Holdings, approximately
3.6% of Zany's interests, to Children's Equity LLC. There are 533,500 non-
voting units in Children's Equity, of which 102,500 units were given to each of
Messrs. Spurgeon and Vellios and 41,000 units were given to Mr. Helpert. The
non-voting members, including Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and Helpert, received
their units at no cost. All non-voting units are subject to forfeituure under
certain circumstances, including termination of employment with Zany pursuant
to the operating agreement. Forfeited units are automatically reallocated to a
charity that is also a member of Children's Equity. The fair market value per
non-voting unit on the date of contribution was $0.98, resulting in
compensation expense to Zany of $100,450, $100,450 and $40,180 for the units
given to Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and Helpert, respectively. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions."
In summary, we believe that the combination of salary, bonus, stock options
and awards and other compensation received by each of Zany's executive officers
for fiscal year ended January 29, 2000 was reasonable in view of their past and
anticipated future contributions to Zany.
Payments during the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000 to Zany's executives
as discussed above were made with regard to the provisions of Section 162(m) of
the Internal Revenue Code. Section 162(m) limits the deduction that may be
claimed by a "public company" for compensation paid to certain individuals to
$1 million except to the extent that any excess compensation is "performance-
based compensation." It is the compensation committee's intention that as a
general rule compensation should not be limited as to its deductibility under
Section 162(m).
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Gerald R. Gallagher, Chairman
Robert A. Fox
C. Donald Dorsey
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Zany Performance Graph
The following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total shareholder
return for Zany's common stock, the S&P 500 Index and a peer group, described
more fully below (the "Specialty Retail Group"). The graph assumes the
investment of $100 on June 2, 1999, the date of Zany's initial public offering.
The data regarding Zany assumes an investment at the initial public offering
price of $10.00 per share of Zany's common stock. The performance shown is not
necessarily indicative of future performance.
[Performance Graph Appears Here]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Index 6/2/99 7/30/99 10/29/99 1/28/00
----- ------- ------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Zany Brainy, Inc. ............................ $100.00 $ 68.85 $108.20 $ 65.03
Specialty Retail Group........................ $100.00 $ 77.08 $ 63.62 $ 45.30
S&P Composite Index........................... $100.00 $102.25 $105.22 $107.97
</TABLE>
The Specialty Retail Group is not a "published industry or line-of-business
index" as that term is defined by Securities and Exchange Commission
regulations. Accordingly, the Specialty Retail Group is considered a "peer
index" and the identity of the issuers used in the index is as follows: bebe
stores, inc., David's Bridal, Inc., Toys "R" Us, Inc., Guitar Center, Inc. and
The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
In October 1999, Zany formed ZB Holdings LLC, a joint venture with Online
Retail Partners, LLC. ZB Holdings was formed for the purpose of developing and
operating www.zanybrainy.com, an Internet shopping website. ZB Holdings formed
ZanyBrainy.com LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, for the purpose of developing
and operating such site. Zany initially contributed $5.0 million and certain
tangible and rights to intangible assets for the purchase of 100% of the
outstanding preferred interests of ZB Holdings and Online Retail Partners, LLC
contributed a total of $5.0 million for the purchase of 100% of the common
interests of ZB Holdings. Online Retail Partners, LLC contributed another $10.0
million to the joint venture in November 1999 for additional non-voting common
interests.
In March 2000, Zany began, and has subsequently completed, a second round of
financing for ZB Holdings with Online Retail Partners, Inc., successor to
Online Retail Partners, LLC. As part of the second round of financing, Zany
contributed an additional $6,862,242 for the purchase of an additional
7,002,288 non-voting preferred interests in ZB Holdings and Online Retail
Partners, contributed $5,137,758 for the purchase of an additional 5,242,610
non-voting common interests in ZB Holdings.
In April 2000, Zany sold Keith C. Spurgeon, Zany's Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman of the Board, Thomas G. Vellios, Zany's President, and Robert A.
Helpert, Zany's Chief Financial Officer, 102,500, 102,500 and 41,000 of its
non-voting preferred interests, respectively, in ZB Holdings, at a purchase
price of $.001 per interest. The fair market value per interest was $0.98,
resulting in compensation expense to Zany of $100,347.50, $100,347.50 and
$40,139 for the sale of the interests to Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and Helpert,
respectively. In addition, in connection with the sale, Zany awarded bonuses in
the amount of $74,901, $74,901 and $29,961 to Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and
Helpert, respectively, to compensate them for the tax exposure of the
transaction.
In April 2000, Zany formed Children's Equity LLC and contributed 533,500 of
its non-voting preferred interests of ZB Holdings, approximately 3.6% of Zany's
interests, to Children's Equity. Zany owns the only voting units in Children's
Equity and is the sole manager of Children's Equity. There are 533,500 non-
voting units in Children's Equity that, in April 2000, were distributed to
certain Zany employees, of which 102,500 units were given to each of Messrs.
Spurgeon and Vellios and 41,000 units were given to Mr. Helpert. The non-voting
members, including Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and Helpert, received their units
at no cost. All non-voting units are subject to forfeiture under certain
circumstances, including termination of employment with Zany. Forfeited units
are automatically reallocated to a charity that is also a member of Children's
Equity. The fair market value per non-voting unit on the date of gift was
$0.98, resulting in compensation expense to Zany of $100,450, $100,450 and
$40,180 for the units given to Messrs. Spurgeon, Vellios and Helpert,
respectively.
As of May 10, 2000, after the grants and contributions described above, Zany
maintains an ownership interest in ZB Holdings of approximately 51%. Both Zany
and Online Retail Partners continue to hold 50% of the voting interests of ZB
Holdings.
Zany has entered into certain agreements with ZanyBrainy.com pursuant to
which it will provide services to, and act as an agent for, ZanyBrainy.com.
Under the terms of the agreements, these services are to be provided at cost to
ZanyBrainy.com. During the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000, Zany procured
and transferred, at cost, $8,186,000 of merchandise, including freight and
other procurement costs, to ZanyBrainy.com. In addition, Zany transferred costs
of $2,673,000 for the cost of production and marketing materials, and $250,000
for the cost of other services rendered. At January 29, 2000, a receivable of
$1,378,000 from ZanyBrainy.com was included in receivables, net on Zany's
balance sheet. During the thirteen weeks ended April 29, 2000, Zany procured
and transferred at cost $811,000 of merchandise, including freight and other
procurement costs, to ZanyBrainy.com. In addition, Zany transferred costs of
$229,000 for the cost of other services rendered. During the thirteen weeks
ended April 29, 2000, Zany purchased $750,000 of merchandise from
ZanyBrainy.com and at April 29, 2000 had a payable of $610,000 to
ZanyBrainy.com.
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<PAGE>
Additionally, ZanyBrainy.com has entered into certain agreements with Online
Retail Partners and its affiliates pursuant to which Online Retail Partners and
its affiliates will provide services and Internet infrastructure to, and act as
an agent for, ZanyBrainy.com. Under the terms of the agreements, services are
to be provided on a cost plus basis to ZanyBrainy.com. During the fiscal year
ended January 29, 2000, ZanyBrainy.com paid Online Retail Partners and its
affiliates $5,622,965 under these agreements. In the thirteen weeks ended April
29, 2000, ZanyBrainy.com paid Online Retail Partners and its affiliates
$2,118,094 under these agreements.
Keith Spurgeon, Zany's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, is
the Chairman of the Board of ZB Holdings and is on the board of directors of
ZanyBrainy.com. Thomas Vellios, Zany's President, is on the board of directors
of ZB Holdings and ZanyBrainy.com. Henry Nasella, a member of Zany's board of
directors, is Chairman of the Board of Online Retail Partners, Inc. Yves
Sisteron, a member of Zany's board of directors, is on the board of directors
of Online Retail Partners, Inc.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires
that directors and certain officers of Zany, and persons who own more than ten
percent of Zany's common stock, file reports of ownership of company securities
and changes in ownership of Zany's securities with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Zany believes that all filings required to be made during the
fiscal year ended January 29, 2000 were made on a timely basis.
LEGAL MATTERS
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will issue an
opinion as to the validity of the common stock of Zany to be issued in the
merger. In addition, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP and Morgan, Lewis &
Bockius LLP will issue tax opinions to Noodle and Zany, respectively, in
connection with the merger agreement.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Zany as of January 29, 2000 and
January 30, 1999 and for each of the three years in the periods ended January
29, 2000 included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and elsewhere in the
registration statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are
included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
giving said reports.
The consolidated financial statements of Noodle as of January 29, 2000 and
January 30, 1999 and for each of the three years in the periods ended January
29, 2000 included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and registration
statement, have been audited by Janover Rubinroit, LLC, independent auditors,
as set forth in their report thereon. The financial statements referred to
above are included in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP, Zany's current independent public
accountants, expect to be present at the Zany annual meeting and will be
available to respond to appropriate questions from Zany shareholders. Although
these representatives have stated that they do not intend to make any
statements at the Zany annual meeting, they will have the opportunity to do so.
Representatives of Janover Rubinroit, LLC, Noodle's current independent
auditors, expect to be present at the Noodle special meeting and will be
available to respond to appropriate questions from Noodle shareholders.
Although these representatives have stated that they do not intend to make any
statements at the Noodle special meeting, they will have the opportunity to do
so.
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FUTURE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Shareholders of Zany may submit proposals on matters appropriate for
shareholder action at annual meetings in accordance with regulations adopted by
the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any proposal that an eligible
shareholder desires to have presented at the 2001 annual meeting (which is
expected to occur in June 2001) concerning a proper subject for inclusion in
the proxy statement and for consideration at the annual meeting, will be
included in Zany's proxy statement and related proxy card if it is received by
Zany no later than January 30, 2001.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Zany and Noodle file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements
and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These
reports, proxy statements and other information can be read and copied at the
public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549; and Northeast Regional Office, 7 World Trade Center,
Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained
at the prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at its
principal office in Washington, D.C. by calling the SEC at 1-800-732-0330. In
addition, Zany and Noodle file this material electronically with the SEC, and
the SEC maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy
statements and other information regarding companies (including us) that file
electronically with the SEC. The common stock of Zany and Noodle is listed on
the Nasdaq National Market, and reports, proxy statements and other information
can also be inspected at the office of the Nasdaq, 1735 K Street, NW,
Washington, D.C. 20006.
Zany has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4, to
register the Zany common stock to be issued to Noodle shareholders in
connection with the completion of the merger, and this prospectus is part of
Zany's registration statement. For further information with respect to Zany and
the shares, we refer you to the registration statement and its exhibits. This
document is part of that registration statement and constitutes a prospectus of
Zany in addition to being a proxy statement for Zany's annual meeting of
shareholders. As allowed by SEC rules, this document does not contain all of
the information you can find in the registration statement or the exhibits to
the registration statement.
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