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PROSPECTUS
OCTOBER 6, 1999
This filing is made pursuant
to Rule 424(b)(3)
under the Securities Act of
1933 in connection with
Registration No. 333-76055
$150,000,000
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
OFFER TO EXCHANGE ALL 9 7/8% SERIES B
REGISTERED SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2009
FOR ALL OUTSTANDING
9 7/8% SERIES A UNREGISTERED SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2009
---------------------
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
- THIS EXCHANGE OFFER EXPIRES AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON NOVEMBER
5, 1999, UNLESS EXTENDED.
- All outstanding notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn
will be exchanged.
- Tenders of the outstanding notes may be withdrawn any time prior to the
expiration of the exchange offer.
- This exchange offer is subject to certain customary conditions, which we
may waive.
- We will not receive any proceeds from this exchange offer.
- The terms of the notes we will issue in this exchange offer are
substantially identical to the outstanding notes, except that the transfer
restrictions and registration rights that apply to the outstanding notes
will not apply to the new notes.
- Interest on the new notes accrues at the rate of 9 7/8% per annum, payable
semi-annually on each April 1 and October 1.
- There is no existing market for the notes we are offering in this exchange
offer and we do not intend to apply for their listing on any securities
exchange.
NOTICE TO INVESTORS--
- BEFORE YOU TENDER YOUR NOTES, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE "RISK
FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 11 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED
OF THESE NOTES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PAGE
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Prospectus Summary......................................................................................... 1
Risk Factors............................................................................................... 11
The Transactions........................................................................................... 16
Use of Proceeds............................................................................................ 18
Capitalization............................................................................................. 19
Unaudited Pro Forma Statements of Income................................................................... 20
Selected Historical Financial Data......................................................................... 27
Exchange Offer............................................................................................. 30
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations...................... 40
Business................................................................................................... 48
Management................................................................................................. 60
Material Transactions...................................................................................... 65
Principal Stockholders..................................................................................... 67
Description of Capital Stock............................................................................... 68
Description of Our Senior Credit Facility.................................................................. 69
Description of the New Notes............................................................................... 71
Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations................................................... 109
Plan of Distribution....................................................................................... 114
Legal Matters.............................................................................................. 114
Independent Accountants.................................................................................... 114
Change in Independent Accountants.......................................................................... 115
Available Information...................................................................................... 115
Forward-looking Statements................................................................................. 115
Index to Financial Statements.............................................................................. F-1
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
THIS SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS INFORMATION CONTAINED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
YOU SHOULD READ THE ENTIRE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY, INCLUDING THE "RISK FACTORS"
SECTION AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
REFERENCES IN THIS PROSPECTUS TO INDUSTRY AND SALES DATA WERE OBTAINED FROM
INFORMATION RESOURCES, INC. AND TRIAD SYSTEMS CORPORATION.
REFERENCES IN THIS PROSPECTUS TO "PREMIUM BRANDS," "VALUE BRANDS" OR
"OPENING PRICE POINT BRANDS" REFER TO THE THREE BRAND TIERS OF CONSUMER LAWN AND
GARDEN CARE PRODUCTS. VALUE BRANDS ARE TARGETED TOWARD CONSUMERS WHO WANT
PRODUCTS AND PACKAGING THAT ARE COMPARABLE OR SUPERIOR TO PREMIUM BRANDS, BUT AT
A LOWER PRICE, WHILE OPENING PRICE POINT BRANDS ARE DESIGNED FOR CONSUMERS WHO
WANT QUALITY PRODUCTS AND PACKAGING, BUT ARE EXTREMELY COST CONSCIOUS.
THE INITIAL OFFERING
On March 24, 1999, we privately placed $150 million of our old 9 7/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2009. We entered into a registration rights agreement
with the initial purchasers in that private offering in which we agreed, among
other things, to use our reasonable best efforts to file a registration
statement with the SEC, complete this exchange offer within 195 days after
issuing the old notes and, in some circumstances, file a shelf registration
statement. We must pay liquidated damages to the holders of the old notes if we
do not meet these deadlines or if we file a shelf registration statement and
fail to keep it effective until the second anniversary of the issue date of the
notes.
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
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SECURITIES OFFERED................ $150,000,000 principal amount of 9 7/8% Series B
Registered Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009.
THE EXCHANGE OFFER................ We are offering to exchange $150,000,000 principal
amount of our new notes which have been registered under
the Securities Act of 1933 for $150,000,000 of our
outstanding 9 7/8% Series A Unregistered Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2009, which were issued in March
1999.
The new notes are substantially identical to the old
notes, except that certain transfer restrictions and
registration rights relating to the old notes do not
apply to the new notes. You may tender your old notes by
following the procedures described in this prospectus
under the heading "The Exchange Offer."
Each participating broker-dealer that receives new notes
for its own account in the exchange offer must
acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in
connection with any resale of new notes. This
prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from
time to time, may be used by a participating
broker-dealer in connection with resales of new notes
received in exchange for old notes where the old notes
were acquired by the participating broker-dealer as a
result of market-making activities or other trading
activities.
EXPIRATION DATE................... The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on November 5, 1999, unless we extend it.
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We will keep the exchange offer open for not less than
21 business days, or longer if required by applicable
law, after the date on which notice of the exchange
offer is mailed to holders of the old notes. We believe
that it is unlikely that we would extend the exchange
offer beyond 45 business days after notice is mailed to
the holders of the old notes.
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS................. You may withdraw your tender of your notes at any time
prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
expiration date of the exchange offer.
CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE
OFFER........................... The exchange offer is subject to customary conditions,
which we may waive. Please read the "The Exchange
Offer-- Conditions" section of this prospectus for more
information regarding conditions to the exchange offer.
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING YOUR
OLD NOTES....................... If you are a holder of old notes who wishes to accept
the exchange offer, you must either:
(a) complete, sign and date the accompanying Letter of
Transmittal, or a facsimile thereof and mail or
otherwise deliver such documentation, together with your
old notes, to the exchange agent at the address set
forth under "The Exchange--Offer Exchange Agent;" or
(b) arrange for The Depository Trust Company to transmit
certain required information to the exchange agent for
this exchange offer in connection with a book-entry
transfer.
By tendering your notes in this manner, you will be
representing, among other things, that:
- the new notes you acquire pursuant to the exchange
offer are being acquired in the ordinary course of
your business;
- you are not participating, do not intend to
participate, and have no arrangement or understanding
with any person to participate in the distribution of
the new notes issued to you in the exchange offer; and
- you are not an "affiliate" of our company.
MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL
INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES......... Your exchange of old notes for new notes pursuant to the
exchange offer will not result in any gain or loss to
you for federal income tax purposes. See the "Material
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences" section
of this prospectus.
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO
EXCHANGE........................ Old notes that are not tendered or that are tendered,
but not accepted, will be subject to the existing
transfer restrictions on such notes after the exchange
offer. We will have no further obligation to register
the old notes. If you do not participate in the exchange
offer, the liquidity of your notes could be adversely
affected.
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PROCEDURES FOR BENEFICIAL
OWNERS.......................... If you are the beneficial owner of old notes registered
in the name of a broker, dealer or other nominee and you
wish to tender your notes, you should contact such
person in whose name your notes are registered and
promptly instruct such person to tender on your behalf.
GUARANTY DELIVERY PROCEDURES...... If you wish to tender your old notes and time will not
permit your required documents to reach the State Street
Bank and Trust Company by the expiration date, or the
procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on
time, or the certificate for your notes cannot be
delivered on time, you may tender your notes pursuant to
the guaranteed delivery procedures. See "The Exchange
Offer--Guaranteed Delivery Procedures."
ACCEPTANCE OF OLD NOTES; DELIVERY
OF NEW NOTES.................... Subject to certain conditions, we will accept old notes
which are properly tendered in the exchange offer and
not withdrawn, prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time,
on the expiration date of the exchange offer. The new
notes will be delivered as promptly as practicable
following the expiration date.
USE OF PROCEEDS................... We will receive no proceeds from the exchange offer.
EXCHANGE AGENT.................... State Street Bank and Trust Company is the exchange
agent for the exchange offer.
SUMMARY OF THE NEW NOTES
ISSUER............................ United Industries Corporation.
SECURITIES OFFERED................ $150,000,000 principal amount of 9 7/8% Series B Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2009.
MATURITY DATE..................... April 1, 2009.
INTEREST RATE..................... 9.875% per year.
INTEREST PAYMENT DATES............ Every April 1 and October 1, beginning on October 1,
1999.
RANKING........................... The notes will not be secured by any collateral. The
notes will rank below all of our senior debt, but will
rank equal to our other senior subordinated debt.
Therefore, if we default, your right to payment under
the notes will be junior to the rights of holders of our
senior debt to collect money we owe them. As of June 30,
1999, we had $231.1 million of senior debt outstanding,
including $222.1 million on Term Loans A and B and $9.0
million of capital lease obligation. In addition, we had
$110.0 million available under our senior credit
facility.
GUARANTEES........................ The notes will not be guaranteed by anyone on the issue
date. We currently have no subsidiaries, but if we
create any subsidiaries in the future, certain of these
subsidiaries will be required to guarantee the notes
with unconditional guarantees that will rank below their
senior debt, but equal to their senior subordinated
debt, in the right of payment.
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RESALE OF THE NEW NOTES........... Holders of the new notes, other than affiliates and
broker dealers, will be able to resell the new notes to
the public without registration under the Securities Act
or delivery of a prospectus to prospective purchasers.
If you are a holder of old notes who accepts the
exchange offer, you must represent in a Letter of
Transmittal that:
- you acquired the new notes in the ordinary course of
business;
- you are not engaging and do not intend to engage in
the distribution of the new notes;
- you do not have any arrangement or understanding with
any person to participate in the distribution of the
new notes;
- you are not an affiliate of United within the meaning
of Rule 405 of the Securities Act; and
- if you participate in the exchange offer for the
purpose of distributing the new notes, you must comply
with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with
any resale of the new notes and you cannot rely on the
SEC's no-action letters.
If you are a broker dealer who acquired the old notes as
a result of market making or other trading activities,
you may use the exchange offer prospectus, as amended or
supplemented, in connection with resale of the new
notes.
If you are a broker dealer who acquired the old notes
directly from United in private placement and not as a
result of market making and trading activities, you:
- must comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with any resale of the new notes;
- cannot rely on the SEC's no-action letters; and
- cannot use the exchange offer prospectus for resales
of the new notes.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION AFTER
FIVE YEARS...................... Except in connection with public equity offerings by our
company, we cannot choose to redeem the notes until
April 1, 2004. At any time after that date, we can
choose to redeem some or all of the notes at prices
listed under "Description of the New Notes--Optional
Redemption."
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION AFTER EQUITY
OFFERINGS....................... At any time before the third anniversary date of the
issue date of the notes, we can choose to buy back up to
40% of the original principal amount of the notes with
money that we raise in one or more public equity
offerings of $25.0 million or more, as long as:
- we pay 109.875% of the face amount of the notes, plus
interest,
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- we buy the notes back within 90 days of completing the
public equity offering, and
- at least 60% of the notes originally issued remain
outstanding afterwards.
CHANGE OF CONTROL OFFER........... If we experience a change of control, we must give
holders of the notes the opportunity to sell us their
notes at 101% of their face amount, plus accrued
interest. We might not be able to pay you the required
price for notes you present to us at the time of a
change of control, because:
- we might not have enough funds at that time, or
- the terms of our other debt may prevent us from paying
the required price.
CERTAIN INDENTURE PROVISIONS...... The indenture governing the notes will limit what we may
do. The provisions of the indenture will limit our
ability to:
- incur more debt;
- pay dividends and make distributions;
- issue stock of subsidiaries;
- make investments;
- repurchase stock;
- create subsidiaries;
- create liens;
- enter into transactions with affiliates;
- enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
- merge or consolidate; and
- transfer and sell assets.
These covenants are subject to a number of important
exceptions.
TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS............. The new notes are new securities, and there is currently
no established market for them. We do not intend to list
the new notes on any securities exchange.
USE OF PROCEEDS................... We will not receive cash proceeds from the issuance of
the new notes. See "Use of Proceeds."
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For more information about the new notes, see the "Description of the New Notes"
section of this prospectus.
THE COMPANY
United is the leading manufacturer and marketer of value-oriented branded
products for the consumer lawn and garden pesticide and household insecticide
markets in the United States. We manufacture and market one of the broadest
lines of pesticides in the industry, including herbicides and indoor and outdoor
insecticides, as well as insect repellents and water-soluble fertilizers, under
a variety of brand names. Our "value" and "opening price point" brands generally
compete with higher priced premium brands. Our portfolio of value-oriented
brands includes the following:
- SPECTRACIDE, the leading value brand and overall fastest growing brand of
consumer lawn and garden pesticides;
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- SPECTRACIDE TERMINATE, the first ever do-it-yourself consumer termite
killing system, launched in 1998;
- SPECTRACIDE PRO, lawn and garden and household pesticides targeted toward
the professional market, introduced in 1999;
- HOT SHOT, the leading value brand and overall fastest growing brand of
consumer household insecticides;
- CUTTER, the leading value brand and overall fastest growing brand of
consumer insect repellents;
- PETERS, the leading value brand of consumer water-soluble fertilizers; and
- REAL-KILL sold primarily at Home Depot, NO-PEST sold exclusively at
Lowe's, and KRID AND KGRO sold exclusively at Kmart, the opening price
point brands of consumer lawn and garden pesticides and household
insecticides at each of these key retailers.
Our portfolio of pesticide brands holds the number one position in the home
improvement center channel and the number two position in the mass merchandiser
channel. In 1998, we generated net sales, pro forma income from continuing
operations and pro forma EBITDA of $282.7 million, $13.0 million and $60.3
million, respectively.
Our management team has extensive operating, merchandising and marketing
experience with us and in the consumer products industry. This management team
has grown our business by developing new products and acquiring strategic brands
while also improving operating efficiencies. As a result, from 1994 to pro forma
1998 our:
- Net sales grew at a compound annual rate of 19.2%;
- EBITDA grew at a compound annual rate of 36.6%; and
- EBITDA margin increased from 12.4% to 21.3%.
We are a Delaware corporation. Our principal office is located at 8825 Page
Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63114. Our telephone number is (314) 427-0780.
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Spectracide-Registered Trademark-, Spectracide Terminate-TM-, Spectracide
Pro-TM-, Hot Shot-Registered Trademark-, Real-Kill-Registered Trademark-,
No-Pest-Registered Trademark-, Rid-a-Bug-Registered Trademark-,
Bag-a-Bug-Registered Trademark-, Shootout-Registered Trademark- and Gro
Best-Registered Trademark- are trademarks of United Industries Corporation.
United Industries Corporation has, in effect, perpetual licenses to use the
Cutter-Registered Trademark-, Peters-Registered Trademark- and Peters
Professional-Registered Trademark- trademarks. KGro-Registered Trademark- and
KRid-Registered Trademark- are trademarks of Kmart Corporation.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
In June 1999, David A. Jones was named Chairman of the Board. Mr. Jones has
considerable experience with several major consumer goods organizations,
including Thermoscan Inc. and Rayovac Corporation [NYSE: ROV], where he
currently serves as Chairman and CEO. Mr. Jones succeeds David C. Pratt, founder
of United Industries who will remain a board member and consultant to United,
involved with helping to direct the development of our overall strategic
direction and marketplace initiatives.
Additionally, Stephen R. Brian announced his resignation as President and
CEO effective immediately. Mr. Brian cited personal and family considerations as
reasons for his departure. A search is currently underway to hire a new
President and Chief Executive Officer as soon as possible.
D. Garrad Warren III was named Senior Vice President of Marketing and
Business Development. Mr. Warren has extensive experience in areas of strategic
marketing and brand development, most recently serving in senior management
positions at International Foods and Dow Chemical Company.
These appointments were made to support our previously announced strategic
plans to grow Spectrum brands through expanded distribution, increased brand
awareness and new product development initiatives.
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RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the information set forth under "Risk Factors"
as well as the other information and data included in this prospectus before
tendering your old notes in exchange for new notes.
We believe the most significant risks facing United include:
- Holders of old notes who fail to exchange their notes may be unable to
resell their notes.
- Your notes will not be accepted for exchange if you fail to follow the
exchange offer procedures.
- We may be unable to service our debt, including the notes, as a result of
our high level of indebtedness.
- We may incur more debt senior to the notes, which could further increase
the risks described above.
- To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash,
which we may be unable to generate.
- You may lose part of your investment because the notes are subordinated to
our senior debt.
- The terms of our indebtedness impose operational and financial
restrictions on our company which, if breached, could result in an
acceleration of indebtedness.
- If there is a change of control, we may not have the ability to raise the
funds necessary to finance the change of control offer required by the
indenture.
- The holders of a majority of the notes may waive defaults under or modify
the indenture in a manner adverse to noteholders who do not approve of
such actions.
- We depend heavily on a few customers for the substantial majority of our
sales.
- Our historical seasonality could impair our ability to make interest
payments on the notes.
- Adverse weather conditions during our peak selling season could adversely
impact our financial results.
- We may be unable to compete successfully in our highly competitive
industry.
- The growth of our business may make it more difficult to manage.
- We depend on our key personnel and we could be adversely affected if we
lose additional key personnel.
- The interests of the holders of the notes may conflict with our
controlling stockholders.
- Changes in environmental regulations may impose additional costs on us and
expose us to additional requirements which we may be unable to comply
with.
- We may be exposed to significant product liability claims which our
insurance may not cover and which could harm our reputation.
- If we are unable to use and protect our trademarks or formulas, we may be
exposed to modification and licensing costs.
- If our efforts or our customers' or suppliers' efforts to remediate the
year 2000 computer problem are not successful, our operations could be
interrupted which could adversely affect our financial results.
- You may be unable to trade your notes because there is currently no public
market for the notes and one may not develop.
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SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
In the table below, we provide you with selected historical and pro forma
financial data for United. When you read this historical and pro forma financial
data, it is important that you read along with it the financial statements and
related notes, and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations," all of which is included in this prospectus.
The statement of income data for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995
have been derived from audited financial statements which do not appear in this
prospectus. The statement of income data for the six months ended June 30, 1998
and 1999 have been derived from unaudited financial statements included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
The summary pro forma statement of income and other financial data give
effect to the transactions as if they occurred at the beginning of the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998 and the six month periods ended June 30, 1998 and
1999. The unaudited pro forma financial data do not purport to be indicative of
our actual financial position or results of operations, nor are they necessarily
indicative of the results that we may achieve in the future. See "Unaudited Pro
Forma Statements of Income."
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SIX MONTHS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ENDED JUNE 30,
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1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998 1999
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STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Net sales.................................. $ 139,822 $ 159,192 $ 199,495 $ 242,601 $ 282,676 $ 209,226 $ 228,283
Cost of goods sold......................... 73,230 82,603 106,640 128,049 140,445 101,695 112,701
Advertising and promotion expenses......... 15,575 17,813 22,804 25,547 31,719 25,053 24,909
Selling, general and administrative
expenses................................. 35,032 38,629 46,276 52,092 61,066 35,986 37,906
Operating income........................... 15,985 20,147 23,775 36,913 47,125 45,292 30,326
Interest expense........................... 445 609 1,502 1,267 1,106 1,054 17,368
Income (loss) from continuing operations... 15,235 19,249 21,826 34,920 45,027 43,459 5,183
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Cash flow from (used in) continuing
operations............................... $ 7,416 $ 14,316 $ 27,741 $ 35,136 $ 50,763 $ 15,707 $ (3,517)
Cash used in investing
activities--continuing operations........ 2,534 19,253 6,384 5,138 3,628 14,553 784
Cash used in (provided by) financing
activities............................... 13,476 (607) 23,645 32,329 49,088 (1,906) (4,301)
EBITDA(1).................................. 17,299 22,862 27,336 40,510 53,284 48,320 54,925
Depreciation and amortization.............. 1,314 2,715 3,561 3,597 3,838 1,828 2,158
Capital expenditures(2).................... 1,993 4,726 6,384 5,138 3,628 2,111 784
Gross margin............................... 47.6% 48.1% 46.5% 47.2% 50.3% 51.4% 50.6%
EBITDA margin.............................. 12.4 14.4 13.7 16.7 18.8 23.1 24.1
</TABLE>
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AS OF AS OF
DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
1998 1999
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BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital(3).............................................................. $ 30,042 $ 58,383
Total assets.................................................................... 94,161 280,035
Total debt...................................................................... 4,645 381,075
Stockholders' equity (deficit).................................................. 58,257 (169,823)
</TABLE>
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SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
YEAR ENDED 30,
DECEMBER 31, ----------------------
1998 1998 1999
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PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA:
Income (loss) from continuing operations....................................... $ 12,959 $ 25,158 $ 3,965
Cash flow from (used in) continuing operations................................. 18,695 (2,594) (4,735)
Cash used in investing activities--continuing operations....................... 3,628 14,553 784
Cash used in (provided by) financing activities................................ 37,588 (4,781) (4,301)
EBITDA(1)...................................................................... 60,274 54,305 54,925
EBITDA margin.................................................................. 21.3% 26.0% 24.1%
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(SEE FOOTNOTES ON FOLLOWING PAGE)
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(1) EBITDA represents income from continuing operations before interest expense,
income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, recapitalization
transaction fees, change of control bonuses, a severance charge and
non-recurring litigation charges. Pro Forma EBITDA includes related party
transactions and the Thomas H. Lee Company management fee as discussed
below. We have included information concerning EBITDA because we believe
some investors use it as one measure of a company's historical ability to
fund operations and meet its financial obligations. EBITDA is not intended
to represent cash flow from operations as defined by generally accepted
accounting principles and should not be used as an alternative to operating
income or income from continuing operations as an indicator of our operating
performance or cash flow as a measure of liquidity. In addition, our
definition of EBITDA may not be comparable to that reported by other
companies. Pro Forma EBITDA is calculated as follows:
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SIX MONTHS
ENDED JUNE
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 30,
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1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998
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Income from continuing operations.......... $ 15,235 $ 19,249 $ 21,826 $ 34,920 $ 45,027 $ 43,459
Interest expense........................... 445 609 1,502 1,267 1,106 1,054
Income tax expense......................... 305 289 447 726 992 779
Depreciation and amortization.............. 1,314 2,715 3,561 3,597 3,838 1,828
Recapitalization transaction fees(a).......
Change of control bonuses(b)............... -- --
Severance charge(b)........................ -- --
Non-recurring litigation charges(b)........ -- -- -- -- 2,321 1,200
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EBITDA..................................... $ 17,299 $ 22,862 $ 27,336 $ 40,510 53,284 48,320
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Related party transactions(c).............. 7,740 6,360
Thomas H. Lee Company management fee....... (750) (375)
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Pro Forma EBITDA........................... $ 60,274 $ 54,305
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1999
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Income from continuing operations.......... $ 5,183
Interest expense........................... 17,368
Income tax expense......................... 7,775
Depreciation and amortization.............. 2,158
Recapitalization transaction fees(a)....... 10,690
Change of control bonuses(b)............... 8,645
Severance charge(b)........................ 1,606
Non-recurring litigation charges(b)........ 1,500
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EBITDA..................................... 54,925
Related party transactions(c).............. --
Thomas H. Lee Company management fee....... --
-----------
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Pro Forma EBITDA........................... $ 54,925
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(a) As of June 30, 1999, United has recorded $35,783 in fees and expenses
associated with the recapitalization. Fees and expenses that could be
specifically identified as relating to the issuance of debt were
capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the debt as interest
expense. The fees and expenses that could be specifically identified as
relating to the equity transactions were charged directly to equity.
Other transaction fees were allocated between debt and recapitalization
transaction fees expense based on United's estimate of the effort spent
in the activity giving rise to the fee or expense. For the six months
ended June 30, 1999, United recorded a charge of $10,690 for
recapitalization transaction fees.
(b) For the six months ended June 30, 1999, we recorded various charges as
follows (a) change of control bonuses paid to certain members of senior
management amounting to $8,645; (b) $1,606 of severance charges incurred
as a result of the President and Chief Executive Officer's termination of
employment with United; and (c) $1,500 of non-recurring litigation
charges to primarily reserve for the expected cost of an adverse
judgement on a counterclaim filed by defendants in the case of United
Industries Corporation vs. John Allman, Craig Jackman et al. This case
was settled in July 1999. In 1998, we recorded non-recurring litigation
charges of $2,321 related to two separate lawsuits. In March 1998, a
judgment was entered against us for a lawsuit filed by the spouse of a
former employee claiming benefits from a United-owned key man life
insurance policy. We recorded a charge of $1,200 for this case in the
first quarter of 1998. We also incurred costs pertaining to certain
litigation concerning the advertising of our Spectracide Terminate
product for which we have negotiated a settlement. These costs amounted
to $1,121.
9
<PAGE>
(c) Reflects the elimination of stockholder salaries and certain fringe
benefits that were in effect prior to the recapitalization and were
reflective of the private ownership structure that existed prior to the
recapitalization, offset by the salary and fringe benefit structure that
was implemented with the recapitalization. EBITDA for 1994, 1995, 1996
and 1997, has not been adjusted for related party transactions. The
related party transactions amounts were $3,754, $4,215, $3,847 and $3,061
for 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
(2) Capital expenditures for 1995 exclude $8,272 of expenditures related to
acquisitions. Capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 1999
exclude a capital lease obligation of $9,215.
(3) Working capital is defined as current assets (excluding cash and cash
equivalents) less current liabilities (excluding short-term debt and current
portion of long-term debt).
10
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider each of the following factors and all of the
other information set forth in this prospectus before tendering your old notes
for new notes. The risks and uncertainties described below are the risks and
uncertainties that we believe are material.
If any of the following risks and uncertainties develop into actual events,
our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially
adversely affected. In such case, we may not be able to make principal and
interest payments on the notes, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
HOLDERS OF OLD NOTES WHO FAIL TO EXCHANGE THEIR NOTES MAY BE UNABLE TO
RESELL THEIR NOTES. We did not register the old notes under the federal or any
state securities laws, nor do we intend to following the exchange offer. As a
result, the old notes may only be transferred in limited circumstances under the
securities laws. If the holders of old notes do not exchange their notes in the
exchange offer, they lose their right to have the old notes registered under the
federal securities laws. As a result, a holder of old notes after the exchange
offer may be unable to sell its notes.
YOUR NOTES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR EXCHANGE IF YOU FAIL TO FOLLOW THE
EXCHANGE OFFER PROCEDURES. Neither the exchange agent nor our company is under
any duty to notify you of defects or irregularities with respect to your tenders
of old notes for exchange. Old notes that are not tendered or are tendered but
not accepted will, following the exchange offer, continue to be subject to the
existing transfer restrictions on the old notes. In addition, if you tender your
old notes in the exchange offer to participate in a distribution of the new
notes, you will be required to comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the federal securities laws in connection with any
resale transaction. For additional information, please refer to "The Exchange
Offer" and "Plan of Distribution" sections of this prospectus.
WE MAY BE UNABLE TO SERVICE OUR DEBT, INCLUDING THE NOTES, AS A RESULT OF
OUR HIGH LEVEL OF INDEBTEDNESS. As shown below, we have now and, after the
offering, will continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF JUNE 30, 1999
-----------------------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C>
Indebtedness senior to the notes................................ $ 231.1
Total indebtedness.............................................. 381.1
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA
--------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1998 JUNE 30, 1999
--------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges...................... 1.4x 1.5x
</TABLE>
Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to you. For
example, it could:
- make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to
the notes;
- increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry
conditions;
- limit our ability to fund future working capital, capital expenditures,
research and development costs and other general corporate requirements;
- require a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations for debt
payments;
- limit our flexibility to plan for, or react to, changes in our business
and the industry in which we operate;
- place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that
have less debt; and
- limit our ability to borrow additional funds.
11
<PAGE>
Any of the above listed factors could materially adversely affect us. See
"Description of the Notes" and "Description of Our Senior Credit Facility."
WE MAY INCUR MORE DEBT SENIOR TO THE NOTES, WHICH COULD FURTHER INCREASE THE
RISKS DESCRIBED ABOVE. We may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the
future. Our senior credit facility allows us to borrow up to an additional
$110.0 million and all of those borrowings would be senior to the notes. If new
debt is added to our current debt level, the related risks that we now face
could increase. See "Capitalization," "Selected Historical Financial Data,"
"Description of the New Notes" and "Description of Our Senior Credit Facility."
TO SERVICE OUR INDEBTEDNESS, WE WILL REQUIRE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF CASH,
WHICH WE MAY BE UNABLE TO GENERATE. Our ability to make payments on and to
refinance our indebtedness, including these notes, and to fund planned capital
expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. Our
ability to generate cash is subject to some factors beyond our control, such as
general economic, financial and industry conditions, competitive challenges,
weather patterns and government regulations. We believe our cash flow from
operations and available borrowings under our senior credit facility will be
adequate to meet our future liquidity needs for at least the next two years. We
cannot assure you, however, that our business will generate sufficient cash flow
from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to us under our
senior credit facility in a sufficient amount to enable us to pay our
indebtedness, including these notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs. We
may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before
maturity. However, we might not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on
commercially reasonable terms or at all which would limit our flexibility to
react to changes in general economic, financial and industry conditions,
competitive challenges, pressures and adverse changes in government regulation
and our ability to capitalize on significant business opportunities.
YOU MAY LOSE PART OF YOUR INVESTMENT BECAUSE THE NOTES ARE SUBORDINATED TO
OUR SENIOR DEBT. Your right to receive payments on these notes is junior to our
debt under our senior credit facility and capital lease obligation. As of June
30, 1999 we had $231.1 million of senior debt outstanding. In addition, these
notes may rank behind our future borrowings except any future indebtedness that
expressly provides that it ranks equal with, or subordinated in right of payment
to, the notes. As a result, upon any distribution to our creditors in a
bankruptcy or similar proceeding relating to us, the holders of our senior debt
will be entitled to be paid in full in cash before any payment may be made with
respect to the notes.
In addition, all payments on the notes will be blocked in the event of a
payment default on senior debt and may be prohibited for up to 179 consecutive
days in the event of some specified non-payment defaults on senior debt.
In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization or similar
proceeding relating to us, the holders of the notes will participate with trade
creditors and all other holders of our subordinated indebtedness in the assets
remaining after we have paid all of our senior debt. Because the indenture
requires that amounts otherwise payable to holders of the notes in a bankruptcy
or similar proceeding be paid to holders of senior debt instead, holders of the
notes may receive less, ratably, than holders of trade payables. In any of these
cases, we may not have sufficient assets or funds to pay all of our creditors,
and holders of notes may receive less, ratably, than the holders of senior debt.
THE TERMS OF OUR INDEBTEDNESS IMPOSE OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL RESTRICTIONS
ON OUR COMPANY WHICH, IF BREACHED, COULD RESULT IN AN ACCELERATION OF
INDEBTEDNESS. Our senior credit facility and the indenture for the notes
restrict our ability to:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
- incur additional indebtedness - create liens
- pay dividends and make distributions - enter into transactions with affiliates
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
- issue common and preferred stock - enter into sale and leaseback
of subsidiaries transactions
- make investments - merge or consolidate our company
- repurchase stock - transfer and sell assets
- create subsidiaries
</TABLE>
In addition, we must maintain minimum debt service and maximum leverage
ratios under our senior credit facility. A failure to comply with the
restrictions contained in our senior credit facility could lead to an event of
default which could result in an acceleration of indebtedness. An acceleration
would also constitute an event of default under the indenture relating to the
notes. See "Description of Our Senior Credit Facility."
IF THERE IS A CHANGE OF CONTROL, WE MAY NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO RAISE THE
FUNDS NECESSARY TO FINANCE THE CHANGE OF CONTROL OFFER REQUIRED BY THE
INDENTURE. We will be required to offer to repurchase all outstanding notes
upon the occurrence of the following events:
- an unaffiliated person gains 50% of the voting power of United's common
stock,
- a merger in which United is not the surviving corporation or United's
common stock is converted into other property and the holders of United's
common stock immediately prior to the merger cease to hold a majority of
the common stock of the surviving corporation or
- if during any two year period, the directors at the beginning of the
period and new directors who were approved by a majority of directors then
in office cease to constitute a majority.
These events involving a change of control may result in an event of default
under our senior credit facility or other indebtedness that we may incur in the
future. However, it is possible that we will not have sufficient funds at the
time of the change of control to make the required repurchase of notes or that
restrictions in our senior credit facility will not allow such repurchases. In
addition, important corporate events, such as leveraged stock purchases that
would increase the level of our indebtedness, may not constitute a change of
control under the indenture. See "Description of the New Notes-- Repurchase at
the Option of Holders."
THE HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF THE NOTES MAY WAIVE DEFAULTS UNDER OR MODIFY
THE INDENTURE IN A MANNER ADVERSE TO NOTEHOLDERS WHO DO NOT APPROVE OF SUCH
ACTIONS. Subject to limitations specified in the indenture, the holders of a
majority in principal amount of the new notes then outstanding will have the
right to:
- waive existing defaults or events of default;
- waive compliance with provisions of the indenture or the new notes;
- modify or supplement the indenture; and
- direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
remedy available to the Trustee under the indenture.
These provisions of the indenture could allow actions affecting the new
notes to be taken without the approval of all of the holders of the new notes
and thus may have an adverse effect on the holders of new notes who do not
approve of such actions. See "Description of the New Notes--Events of Default"
and "--Modification of Indenture."
WE DEPEND HEAVILY ON A FEW CUSTOMERS FOR THE SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY OF OUR
SALES. Our four largest customers, Home Depot, Wal*Mart, Lowe's and Kmart,
accounted for approximately 26%, 17%, 14% and 11%, respectively, of our net
sales in 1998. We anticipate a similar or greater concentration of customers for
the foreseeable future. Our reliance on these customers may significantly
influence our negotiations with them. We do not have long-term contracts with
any of our customers, and there can be no assurance that our customers will
continue to purchase our products to the degree they have in the past or at all.
The loss
13
<PAGE>
of, or a significant adverse change in, our relationship with any major customer
could have a material adverse effect on us. See "Business--Customers."
OUR HISTORICAL SEASONALITY COULD IMPAIR OUR ABILITY TO MAKE INTEREST
PAYMENTS ON THE NOTES. Our products are used primarily in the spring and
summer, so our business is highly seasonal. For the past two years,
approximately 75% of our net sales have occurred in the first and second
quarters. Our working capital needs, and correspondingly our borrowings, peak
near the end of our first quarter. If cash on hand is insufficient to cover
payments due on the notes and if we are also unable to draw on our senior credit
facility, this seasonality could adversely affect our ability to make interest
payments as required by the notes.
ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS DURING OUR PEAK SELLING SEASON COULD ADVERSELY
IMPACT OUR FINANCIAL RESULTS. Weather conditions in North America have a
significant impact on the timing of sales in the spring selling season and our
overall annual sales. Periods of dry, hot weather can decrease insecticide
sales, while periods of cold and wet weather can slow sales of herbicides and
fertilizers. In addition, an abnormally cold spring throughout North America
could adversely affect both fertilizer and pesticide sales and therefore our
financial results.
WE MAY BE UNABLE TO COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY IN OUR HIGHLY COMPETITIVE
INDUSTRY. We compete against a number of large national and regional brands.
Our principal national competitors include: The Scotts Company, which markets
products under the Ortho-Registered Trademark-, Roundup-Registered Trademark-
and Miracle- Gro-Registered Trademark- brand names; S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.,
which markets products under the Raid-Registered Trademark- and
OFF!-Registered Trademark- brand names; and The Clorox Company, which markets
products under the Combat-Registered Trademark- and Black
Flag-Registered Trademark- brand names. Some of our competitors are larger, have
longer operating histories, greater financial resources and greater market
recognition than us. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete
successfully against our competitors.
THE GROWTH OF OUR BUSINESS MAY MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT TO MANAGE. Rapid
growth may strain our ability to manage our business and will strain our
operational and financial resources and accounting controls. Our continued
growth will require an increase in personnel, particularly in our sales force.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to attract, train,
develop and retain the personnel necessary to pursue our growth strategy.
WE DEPEND ON OUR KEY PERSONNEL AND WE COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED IF WE LOSE
ADDITIONAL KEY PERSONNEL. If we were to lose the services of Richard A. Bender,
William P. Johnson, Daniel J. Johnston or D. Garrad Warren III or if one or more
additional members of management were to depart and subsequently compete with
us, it could have a material adverse effect on our business. David C. Pratt, our
former President and CEO, resigned in January 1999 in connection with our
recapitalization. On June 23, 1999, Stephen R. Brian resigned as our President
and CEO and David A. Jones was named Chairman of the Board. Although we have a
noncompete agreement with Messrs. Pratt and Brian, if they were to compete with
us it could adversely affect our business. Although we believe we will be able
to replace Mr. Brian and we believe we could replace our other key employees
should the need arise, the loss of key personnel could have a material adverse
effect on us. See "Management--Employment Agreements."
THE INTERESTS OF THE HOLDERS OF THE NOTES MAY CONFLICT WITH OUR CONTROLLING
SHAREHOLDERS. Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P. and its affiliates
beneficially own approximately 91.9% of our issued and outstanding common stock,
and accordingly, they have the power to elect a majority of our directors,
appoint new management and approve any action requiring the approval of the
holders of our common stock, including adopting amendments to our charter and
approving mergers or sales of substantially all of our assets. Our directors
elected by Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P. and its affiliates will have the
authority to make decisions affecting our capital structure including the
issuance of additional capital stock, the implementation of stock purchase
programs and the declaration of dividends.
14
<PAGE>
CHANGES IN ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS MAY IMPOSE ADDITIONAL COSTS ON US AND
EXPOSE US TO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS WHICH WE MAY BE UNABLE TO COMPLY WITH. We
are subject to federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and
regulations governing our manufacturing operations and the registration and sale
of our pesticide products. The risk arising from environmental regulation may
increase in the future because the EPA is currently analyzing the risk that
pesticides present to children. Failure to comply with the EPA requirements, the
cost of supplying data to EPA, and the results of EPA's risk analyses could
adversely our business. See "Business--Environmental Regulation."
WE MAY BE EXPOSED TO SIGNIFICANT PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIMS WHICH OUR
INSURANCE MAY NOT COVER AND WHICH COULD HARM OUR REPUTATION. Although we have
product liability insurance coverage in the aggregate amount of $1.0 million per
occurrence, subject to a $500,000 per occurrence self-insured retention, and an
umbrella policy for occurrences exceeding $1.0 million in the amount of $10.0
million, we cannot assure you that this insurance will provide coverage for any
claim against us or will be sufficient to cover all possible liabilities.
Moreover, any adverse publicity arising from claims made against us, even if the
claims were not successful, could adversely affect the reputation and sales of
our products. See "Business--Litigation."
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO USE AND PROTECT OUR TRADEMARKS OR FORMULAS, WE MAY BE
EXPOSED TO MODIFICATION AND LICENSING COSTS. Our ability to successfully
compete in our markets depends, in part, on our ability to use and protect our
trademarks such as Spectracide and Hot Shot. There can be no assurance that our
trademarks will be enforceable or adequately protect us from others using
similar marks. Although we believe that our products do not violate the patents
or proprietary rights of others, it is possible that competitors or others could
claim this. If our products are found to infringe on the rights of others, we
could be required to modify our products or pay for a license for the
manufacture and sale of such products.
IF OUR EFFORTS OR OUR CUSTOMERS' OR SUPPLIERS' EFFORTS TO REMEDIATE THE YEAR
2000 COMPUTER PROBLEM ARE NOT SUCCESSFUL, OUR OPERATIONS COULD BE INTERRUPTED
WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL RESULTS. Our failure, or the failure
of our third party suppliers or customers, to address information technology
issues related to the year 2000 could adversely affect our operations. Like
other business entities, we must address the ability of our computer software
applications and other business systems to properly identify the year 2000 due
to a commonly used programming convention of using only two digits to identify a
year. Unless modified or replaced, these systems could fail or create erroneous
results when referencing the year 2000. While we believe we have assessed the
relevant issues related to the year 2000 problem, we cannot be sure that we will
have adequately addressed the issue. Moreover, we rely on third party suppliers
for finished goods, raw materials, water, other utilities, transportation and a
variety of other key services. If one or more of these suppliers fail to address
the year 2000 problem adequately, these suppliers' operations could be
interrupted. Our or our customers' failure to address the year 2000 problem
adequately could adversely affect our financial results.
YOU MAY BE UNABLE TO TRADE YOUR NOTES BECAUSE THERE IS CURRENTLY NO PUBLIC
MARKET FOR THE NOTES AND ONE MAY NOT DEVELOP. The notes are a new issue of
securities for which there is currently no trading market. We have been informed
by CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC that they
intend to make a market in the notes. However, CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. and
NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC may cease their market-making at any time.
In addition, the liquidity of the trading market in the notes, and the market
price quoted for the notes, may be adversely affected by changes in the overall
market for high yield securities and by changes in our financial performance or
prospects or in the prospects for companies in our industry generally. As a
result, you cannot be sure that an active trading market will develop for the
notes.
15
<PAGE>
THE TRANSACTIONS
On January 20, 1999, we completed a $652.0 million recapitalization to provide
liquidity to some of our existing stockholders, in which:
- Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P. contributed $254.7 million to UIC
Holdings, L.L.C., which purchased common stock from stockholders for
approximately $254.7 million;
- our senior managers purchased common stock from stockholders for
approximately $5.7 million;
- we borrowed $150.0 million under a senior subordinated facility and $225.0
million under a senior credit facility to redeem a portion of the common
stock held by stockholders; and
- existing stockholders retained equity having an implied fair market value
of approximately $16.6 million.
The proceeds of the offering of old notes completed on March 24, 1999 were
used to pay off the $150.0 million senior subordinated facility.
Following the recapitalization, UIC Holdings, L.L.C. owns approximately
91.9% of our issued and outstanding common stock, the previous stockholders
retain approximately 6.0% and our senior managers own approximately 2.1%. The
total transaction value of the transactions was approximately $652.0 million,
including related fees and expenses, and the implied total equity value
following the transactions was approximately $277.0 million. The total
consideration paid to redeem our common stock is subject to both upward and
downward adjustments based on our working capital on the closing date of the
recapitalization and excess taxes of our previous stockholders arising from our
Section 338(h)(10) election.
We have delivered notice to the selling stockholders to make an election
under Section 338(h)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. If
implemented, the tax basis of our assets will increase, which should permit us
to increase our tax deduction for depreciation and amortization which should
lower cash paid for taxes. This step-up in basis will result in an anticipated
cash tax benefit of approximately $15.0 million per year over each of the next
15 years, if fully utilized.
The following table sets forth the sources and uses of funds in connection
with these transactions assuming they were consummated on December 31, 1998 (in
millions):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SOURCES OF FUNDS:
Senior credit facility(1)......................................... $ 225.0
Old notes......................................................... 150.0
Equity contribution(2)............................................ 277.0
---------
Total sources................................................. $ 652.0
---------
---------
USES OF FUNDS:
Recapitalization(3)............................................... $ 612.4
Repayment of existing indebtedness................................ 4.6
Estimated fees and expenses....................................... 35.0
---------
Total uses.................................................... $ 652.0
---------
---------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Our senior credit facility consists of:
- the $110.0 million revolving credit facility, of which no borrowings were
outstanding at the closing of the recapitalization;
- the $75.0 million Term Loan A; and
- the $150.0 million Term Loan B.
16
<PAGE>
(2) The equity contribution consists of:
- Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P.'s investment of approximately $254.7
million;
- the management investment of approximately $5.7 million; and
- the equity retained by our existing stockholders having an implied fair
market value of approximately $16.6 million.
(3) The recapitalization consists of:
- approximately $335.4 million used by us to redeem a portion of common
stock held by our existing stockholders;
- approximately $260.4 million (comprised of Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV,
L.P.'s investment and management's investment) used to purchase a portion
of common stock held by our existing stockholders; and
- approximately $16.6 million (comprised of the equity retained by our
existing stockholders) of implied fair market value of common stock
retained by our existing stockholders.
17
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive cash proceeds from the issuance of the new notes. We
used the net proceeds of approximately $145.8 million from the initial offering
of the old notes plus borrowings under our senior credit facility to repay our
borrowings under our senior subordinated facility.
18
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of June 30, 1999. The
information in this table should be read in conjunction with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
our unaudited financial statements, including the related notes, which are
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF
JUNE 30,
1999
-------------------
<S> <C>
(IN THOUSANDS)
Debt:
Existing indebtedness.................................................. $ --
Revolving credit facility(1)........................................... --
Capital lease obligation............................................... 8,950
Term Loan A............................................................ 72,500
Term Loan B............................................................ 149,625
Notes offered hereby................................................... 150,000
----------
Total debt........................................................... 381,075
----------
Stockholders' deficit:
Common stock........................................................... 554
Additional paid-in capital............................................. 116,392
Retained earnings (deficit)............................................ (283,546)
Common stock held in grantor trust..................................... (2,700)
Treasury stock......................................................... (523)
----------
Total stockholders' deficit.......................................... (169,823)
----------
Total capitalization................................................. $ 211,252
----------
----------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Our revolving credit facility provides for borrowings of up to $110.0
million for working capital and general corporate purposes.
19
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENTS OF INCOME
The unaudited pro forma statements of income give effect to the transactions
as if they occurred at the beginning of the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
and the six month periods ended June 30, 1999 and 1998. The transactions
affecting the pro forma statements of income include the recapitalization of
United, which includes the incurrence of the $150 million senior subordinated
facility and a senior credit facility. The senior subordinated facility was paid
off with the proceeds from the issuance of the old notes, which in turn will be
replaced by the new notes offered in this exchange offer. The information in the
column titled "Actual" is summarized from the historical financial statements
included in this prospectus. The unaudited pro forma statements of income do not
purport to be indicative of our actual results of operations, nor are they
necessarily indicative of the results that we may achieve in the future.
When you read these pro forma statements of income, it is important that you
read them along with the actual audited and unaudited financial statements and
related notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations," all of which are included elsewhere in this
prospectus.
20
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RELATED
PARTY TRANSACTION
ACTUAL ADJUSTMENTS ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
-------- ------------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales..................... $282,676 $ -- $ -- $282,676
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold.......... 140,445 -- -- 140,445
Advertising and promotion
expenses.................. 31,719 -- -- 31,719
Selling, general and
administrative expenses... 61,066 (7,740)(1) 750(2) 54,076
Non-recurring litigation
charges................... 2,321 -- -- 2,321
-------- ------ ----------- ---------
Total operating costs and
expenses.................... 235,551 (7,740) 750 228,561
-------- ------ ----------- ---------
Operating income.............. 47,125 7,740 (750) 54,115
Interest expense.............. 1,106 -- 36,820(3) 37,926
-------- ------ ----------- ---------
Income before provision for
income taxes and
discontinued operations..... 46,019 7,740 (37,570) 16,189
Income tax expense............ 992 -- 2,238(4) 3,230
-------- ------ ----------- ---------
Income from continuing
operations.................. $ 45,027 $7,740 $(39,808) $ 12,959
-------- ------ ----------- ---------
-------- ------ ----------- ---------
</TABLE>
SEE THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME.
21
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
The unaudited pro forma statement of income excludes $10,690 of
recapitalization transaction fees, $8,645 of change of control bonuses, $1,606
of severance charges, $1,500 of non-recurring litigation charges, the write-off
of unamortized financing costs of $3,750 and the impact of converting from an
"S" corporation to a "C" corporation of $2,062.
(1) The pro forma adjustment to selling, general and administrative expenses
reflects the elimination of stockholder salaries of $6,713 and certain
fringe benefits of $2,382 that were in effect prior to the recapitalization
and were reflective of the private ownership structure that existed prior to
the recapitalization, offset by the salary and fringe benefit structure of
$1,355 that was implemented with the recapitalization.
(2) The pro forma adjustment to selling, general and administrative expenses
reflects the annual management fee we will pay to the Thomas H. Lee Company.
(3) The pro forma adjustment to interest expense reflects the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RATE AMOUNT
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Interest expense on revolving credit facility.................................. 7.750% $ 2,000(a)
Interest expense on Term Loan A................................................ 7.750% 5,813
Interest expense on Term Loan B................................................ 8.250% 12,375
Interest expense on notes offered hereby....................................... 9.875% 14,813
Amortization of capitalized financing fees..................................... 2,375(b)
Commitment fees on unused available revolving credit facility.................. 550
Interest expense on debt refinanced............................................ (1,106)
---------
Total adjustment............................................................... $ 36,820
---------
---------
- ------------------------
(a) Reflects management's estimate of the annual interest expense associated with seasonal working
capital borrowings.
(b) Reflects annual amortization expense utilizing a weighted average maturity on all borrowings of
eight years.
</TABLE>
A 0.125% increase or decrease in the assumed interest rate on our senior
credit facility would change the pro forma interest expense by approximately
$312 for the year ended December 31, 1998.
(4) The pro forma adjustment to income taxes reflects the following:
- the planned Section 338(h)(10) election with respect to the
recapitalization;
- a 50% valuation allowance to partially reserve the deferred tax asset
arising from the Section 338(h)(10) election; and
- the direct tax effects of the pro forma adjustments described above at an
estimated 38% effective tax rate.
22
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TRANSACTION
ACTUAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
-------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales..................... $228,283 $ -- $228,283
Operating costs and expenses:
Costs of goods sold......... 112,701 -- 112,701
Adversiting and promotion
expenses.................. 24,909 -- 24,909
Selling, general and
administrative expenses... 37,906 -- 37,906
Recapitalization transaction
fees...................... 10,690 -- 10,690
Change of control bonuses... 8,645 -- 8,645
Severance charge............ 1,606 -- 1,606
Non-recurring litigation.... 1,500 -- 1,500
-------- --------- ---------
Total operating costs and
expenses.................... 197,957 -- 197,957
-------- --------- ---------
Operating income.............. 30,326 -- 30,326
Interest expense.............. 17,368 1,965 (1) 19,333
-------- --------- ---------
Income before provision for
income taxes and
discontinued operations..... 12,958 (1,965 ) 10,993
Income tax expense............ 7,775 (747 )(2) 7,028
-------- --------- ---------
Income from continuing
operations.................. $ 5,183 $ (1,218 ) $ 3,965
-------- --------- ---------
-------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
SEE THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME.
23
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
The unaudited pro forma statement of income excludes the write-off of
unamortized financing costs of $3,750.
(1) The pro forma adjustment to interest expense reflects the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RATE AMOUNT
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Interest expense on revolving credit facility.................................. 7.750% $ 0
Interest expense on Term Loan A................................................ 7.750% 323
Interest expense on Term Loan B................................................ 8.250% 688
Interest expense on notes offered hereby....................................... 9.875% 823
Amortization of capitalized financing fees..................................... 100(a)
Commitment fees on unused available revolving credit facility.................. 31
Interest expense on debt refinanced............................................ 0
---------
Total adjustment............................................................... $ 1,965
---------
---------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(a) Reflects amortization expense utilizing a weighted average maturity on
all borrowings of eight years.
(2) The pro forma adjustment to income taxes reflects the direct tax effects of
the pro forma adjustments described above at an estimated 38% effective tax
rate.
24
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION
ACTUAL ADJUSTMENTS ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
-------- ------------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales..................... $209,226 $ -- $ -- $209,226
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold.......... 101,695 -- -- 101,695
Advertising and promotion
expenses.................. 25,053 -- -- 25,053
Selling, general and
administrative expenses... 35,986 (6,360)(1) 375(2) 30,001
Non-recurring litigation
charges................... 1,200 -- -- 1,200
-------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Total operating costs and
expenses.................... 163,934 (6,360) 375 157,949
-------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Operating income.............. 45,292 6,360 (375) 51,277
Interest expense.............. 1,054 -- 18,776(3) 19,830
-------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Income before provision for
income taxes and
discontinued operations..... 44,238 6,360 (19,151) 31,447
Income tax expense............ 779 -- 5,510(4) 6,289
-------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Income from continuing
operations.................. $ 43,459 $6,360 $(24,661) $ 25,158
-------- ------------- ----------- ---------
-------- ------------- ----------- ---------
</TABLE>
SEE THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME.
25
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
The unaudited pro forma statement of income excludes $10,690 of
recapitalization transaction fees, $8,645 of change of control bonuses paid
to management, the write-off of unamortized financing costs of $3,750 and
the impact of converting from an "S" corporation to a "C" corporation.
(1) The pro forma adjustment to selling, general and administrative expenses
reflects the elimination of stockholder salaries of $5,940 and certain
fringe benefits of $1,070 that were in effect prior to the recapitalization
and were reflective of the private ownership structure that existed prior to
the recapitalization, offset by the salary and fringe benefit structure of
$650 that was implemented with the recapitalization.
(2) The pro forma adjustment to selling, general and administrative expenses
reflects one half of the annual management fee we will pay to the Thomas H.
Lee Company.
(3) The pro forma adjustment to interest expense reflects the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RATE AMOUNT
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Interest expense on revolving credit facility.................................. 7.750% $ 1,975
Interest expense on Term Loan A................................................ 7.750% 2,906
Interest expense on Term Loan B................................................ 8.250% 6,188
Interest expense on notes offered hereby....................................... 9.875% 7,406
Amortization of capitalized financing fees..................................... 1,188(a)
Commitment fees on unused available revolving credit facility.................. 167
Interest expense on debt refinanced............................................ (1,054)
---------
Total adjustment............................................................... $ 18,776
---------
---------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(a) Reflects amortization expense utilizing a weighted average maturity on
all borrowings of eight years.
(4) The pro forma adjustment to income taxes reflects the following:
- the Section 338(h)(10) election with respect to the recapitalization;
- a 50% valuation allowance to partially reserve the deferred tax asset
arising from the Section 338(h)(10) election; and
- the direct tax effects of the pro forma adjustments described above at an
estimated 38% effective tax rate.
26
<PAGE>
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
In the table below, we provide you with selected historical financial data
for United. The selected historical financial data for the six months ended June
30, 1998 and 1999 have been derived from unaudited financial statements included
elsewhere in this prospectus. The historical financial data for the years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1995 have been derived from audited financial statements
which do not appear in this prospectus. When you read this selected historical
financial data, it is important that you read along with it the financial
statements and related notes, and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations," all of which is included in this
prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
---------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998 1999
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Net sales.............................. $ 139,822 $ 159,192 $ 199,495 $ 242,601 $ 282,676 $ 209,226 $ 228,283
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold................... 73,230 82,603 106,640 128,049 140,445 101,695 112,701
Advertising and promotion expenses... 15,575 17,813 22,804 25,547 31,719 25,053 24,909
Selling, general and administrative
expenses........................... 35,032 38,629 46,276 52,092 61,066 35,986 37,906
Recapitalization transaction fees.... -- -- -- -- -- -- 10,690
Change of control bonuses............ -- -- -- -- -- -- 8,645
Severance charge..................... -- -- -- -- -- -- 1,606
Non-recurring litigation charges..... -- -- -- -- 2,321 1,200 1,500
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Total operating costs and expenses..... 123,837 139,045 175,720 205,688 235,551 163,934 197,957
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Operating income....................... 15,985 20,147 23,775 36,913 47,125 45,292 30,326
Interest expense....................... 445 609 1,502 1,267 1,106 1,054 17,368
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Income before provision for income
taxes and discontinued operations.... 15,540 19,538 22,273 35,646 46,019 44,238 12,958
Income tax expense..................... 305 289 447 726 992 779 7,775
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Income from continuing operations...... $ 15,235 $ 19,249 $ 21,826 $ 34,920 $ 45,027 $ 43,459 $ 5,183
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Cash flow from (used in) continuing
operations........................... $ 7,416 $ 14,316 $ 27,741 $ 35,136 $ 50,763 $ 15,707 $ (3,517)
Cash used in investing activities--
continuing operations................ 2,534 19,253 6,384 5,138 3,628 14,553 784
Cash used in (provided by) financing
activities........................... 13,476 (607) 23,645 32,329 49,088 (1,906) (4,301)
EBITDA(1).............................. 17,299 22,862 27,336 40,510 53,284 48,320 54,925
Depreciation and amortization.......... 1,314 2,715 3,561 3,597 3,838 1,828 2,158
Capital expenditures(2)................ 1,993 4,726 6,384 5,138 3,628 2,111 784
Gross margin........................... 47.6% 48.1% 46.5% 47.2% 50.3% 51.4% 50.6%
EBITDA margin.......................... 12.4 14.4 13.7 16.7 18.8 23.1 24.1
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges(3)........................... 11.8x 12.4x 8.3x 13.9x 17.6x 20.6x 1.7x
</TABLE>
27
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
---------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998 1999
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital(4)..................... $ 21,867 $ 29,565 $ 26,919 $ 32,046 $ 30,042 $ 61,761 $ 58,383
Total assets........................... 56,037 82,979 84,254 97,441 94,161 161,394 280,035
Total debt............................. -- 16,200 13,960 3,997 4,645 34,987 381,075
Stockholders' equity (deficit)......... 40,131 45,864 46,829 64,449 58,257 79,278 (169,823)
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) EBITDA represents income from continuing operations before interest expense,
income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, recapitalization
transaction fees, change of control bonuses, a severance charge and
non-recurring litigation charges. For the six months ended June 30, 1999, we
accrued $10,690 for recapitalization transaction fees, $8,645 for change of
control bonuses and $1,606 for a severance charge. For the six months ended
June 30, 1998 and 1999, we accrued $1,200 and $1,500 for non-recurring
litigation charges, respectively. We have included information concerning
EBITDA because we believe it is used by certain investors as one measure of
a company's historical ability to fund operations and meet its financial
obligations. EBITDA is not intended to represent cash flow from operations
as defined by generally accepted accounting principles and should not be
used as an alternative to operating income or income from continuing
operations as an indicator of our operating performance or cash flow as a
measure of liquidity. In addition, our definition of EBITDA may not be
comparable to that reported by other companies. EBITDA is calculated as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
----------------------------------------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998 1999
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income from continuing operations....... $ 15,235 $ 19,249 $ 21,826 $ 34,920 $ 45,027 $ 43,459 $ 5,183
Interest expense........................ 445 609 1,502 1,267 1,106 1,054 17,368
Income tax expense...................... 305 289 447 726 992 779 7,775
Depreciation and amortization........... 1,314 2,715 3,561 3,597 3,838 1,828 2,158
Recapitalization transaction fees(a).... -- -- -- -- -- -- 10,690
Change of control bonuses(b)............ -- -- -- -- -- -- 8,645
Severance charges(b).................... -- -- -- -- -- -- 1,606
Non-recurring litigation charges(b)..... -- -- -- -- 2,321 1,200 1,500
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
EBITDA (b).............................. $ 17,299 $ 22,862 $ 27,336 $ 40,510 $ 53,284 $ 48,320 $ 54,925
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(a) As of June 30, 1999, United has recorded $35,783 in fees and expenses
associated with the recapitalization. Fees and expenses that could be
specifically identified as relating to the issuance of debt were
capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the debt as interest
expense. The fees and expenses that could be specifically identified as
relating to the equity transactions were charged directly to equity.
Other transaction fees were allocated between debt and recapitalization
transaction fees expense based on United's estimate of the effort spent
in the activity giving rise to the fee or expense. For the six months
ended June 30, 1999, United recorded a charge of $10,690 for
recapitalization transaction fees.
(b) For the six months ended June 30, 1999, we recorded various charges as
follows: (a) change of control bonuses paid to certain members of senior
management amounting to $8,645; (b) $1,606 of severance charges incurred
as a result of the President and Chief Executive Officer's termination of
employment with United; and (c) $1,500 of non-recurring litigation
charges to primarily reserve for the expected cost of an adverse
judgement on a counterclaim filed by defendants in the case of United
Industries Corporation vs. John Allman, Craig Jackman et al. This case
was settled in July 1999. In 1998, we recorded non-recurring litigation
charges of $2,321 related to two separate lawsuits. In March 1998, a
judgment was entered against us for a lawsuit filed by the
28
<PAGE>
spouse of a former employee claiming benefits from a United-owned key man
life insurance policy. We recorded a charge of $1,200 for this case in
the first quarter of 1998. We also incurred costs pertaining to certain
litigation concerning the advertising of our Spectracide Terminate
product for which we have negotiated a settlement. Costs related to this
case amounted to $1,121.
(c) Does not reflect the elimination of stockholder salaries and certain
fringe benefits that were in effect prior to the recapitalization and
were reflective of the private ownership structure that existed prior to
the recapitalization, offset by the salary and fringe benefit structure
that was implemented with the recapitalization. The related party
transactions' amounts were $3,754, $4,215, $3,847, $3,061, $7,740, and
$6,360 for the years ended 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, and for the six
month period ended June 30, 1998.
(2) Capital expenditures for 1995 exclude $8,272 of expenditures related to
acquisitions. Capital expenditures for six months ended June 30, 1999
exclude a capital lease obligation of $9,215.
(3) For purposes of this calculation, earnings are defined as income before
provision for income taxes and discontinued operations plus fixed charges.
Fixed charges include interest expense on all indebtedness (including
amortization of deferred financing costs) and the portion of operating lease
rental expense which management believes is representative of the interest
factor of rent expense (approximately one-third of rent expense).
(4) Working capital is defined as current assets (excluding cash and cash
equivalents) less current liabilities (excluding short-term debt and current
portion of long-term debt).
29
<PAGE>
EXCHANGE OFFER
PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
We originally sold our old notes on March 19, 1999 to CIBC Oppenheimer and
NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC (the "Initial Purchasers") pursuant to a
Securities Purchase Agreement dated March 19, 1999. The Initial Purchasers
subsequently resold the notes to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on
Rule 144A under the Securities Act. As a condition of the purchase agreement, we
entered into an Exchange Offer Registration Rights Agreement (the "Exchange
Offer Registration Rights Agreement") with the Initial Purchasers pursuant to
which we agreed, for the benefit of the holders of the old notes, at our cost,
to:
- use our reasonable best efforts to file an exchange offer registration
statement (the "Exchange Offer Registration Statement") within 45 days
after the date of the original issuance of the old notes with the SEC
with respect to the exchange offer for the new notes; and
- use our reasonable best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act within 165
days after the date of the original issuance of the old notes.
Upon the Exchange Offer Registration Statement being declared effective, we
will offer the new notes in exchange for surrender of the old notes. We will
keep the exchange offer open for not less than 30 days, or longer if required by
applicable law, after the date on which notice of the exchange offer is mailed
to the holders of the old notes. For each old note surrendered to us pursuant to
the exchange offer, the holder of such old note will receive a new note having a
principal amount equal to that of the surrendered old note.
Under existing interpretations of the staff of the SEC contained in several
no-action letters to third parties, we believe that the new notes will in
general be freely tradeable after the exchange offer without further
registration under the Securities Act. However, any purchaser of old notes who
is an "affiliate" of the Issuers or who intends to participate in the exchange
offer for the purpose of distributing the new notes:
- will not be able to rely on the interpretation of the staff of the SEC;
- will not be able to tender its old notes in the exchange offer; and
- must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of
the Securities Act in connection with any sale or transfer of the old
notes, unless such sale or transfer is made pursuant to an exemption from
such requirements.
As contemplated by these no-action letters and the Exchange Offer
Registration Rights Agreement, each holder accepting the exchange offer is
required to represent to us in the Letter of Transmittal that:
- the new notes are to be acquired by the holder or the person receiving
such new notes, whether or not such person is the holder, in the ordinary
course of business;
- the holder or any such other person, other than a broker-dealer referred
to in the next sentence, is not engaging and does not intend to engage,
in distribution of the new notes;
- the holder or any such other person has no arrangement or understanding
with any person to participate in the distribution of the new notes;
- neither the holder nor any such other person is an "affiliate" of ours
within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act; and
- the holder or any such other person acknowledges that if such holder or
any other person participates in the exchange offer for the purpose of
distributing the new notes it must comply
30
<PAGE>
with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act in connection with any resale of the new notes and cannot
rely on those no-action letters.
As indicated above, each broker-dealer (a "Participating Broker-Dealer") that
receives new notes for its own account in exchange for old notes must
acknowledge that it:
- acquired the new notes for its own account as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities;
- has not entered into any arrangement or understanding with us or any
"affiliate" (within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) to
distribute the new notes to be received in the exchange offer; and
- will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act
in connection with any resale of such new notes.
For a description of the procedures for resales by Participating Broker-Dealers,
see "Plan of Distribution."
In the event that changes in the law or the applicable interpretations of
the staff of the SEC do not permit us to effect such an exchange offer, or if
for any other reason the exchange offer is not consummated within 195 days of
the date of the original issuance of the old notes, we will:
- file a shelf registration statement covering the resale of the old notes;
- use our reasonable best efforts to cause the shelf registration statement
to be declared effective under the Securities Act; and
- use our reasonable best efforts to keep effective the shelf registration
statement for two years after its effective date.
We will, in the event of the filing of the shelf registration statement, provide
to each applicable holder of the old notes copies of the prospectus, which is a
part of the shelf registration statement, notify each such holder when the shelf
registration statement has become effective, and take certain other actions as
are required to permit unrestricted resale of the old notes. A holder of the old
notes that sells such old notes pursuant to the shelf registration statement
generally will be required to be named as a selling security holder in the
related prospectus and to deliver a prospectus to purchasers, will be subject to
certain of the civil liability provisions under the Securities Act in connection
with such sales, and will be bound by the provisions of the Exchange Offer
Registration Rights Agreement which are applicable to such a holder, including
certain indemnification obligations. In addition, each holder of the old notes
will be required to deliver information to be used in connection with the shelf
registration statement and to provide comments on the shelf registration
statement within the time periods set forth in the Exchange Offer Registration
Rights Agreement in order to have their old notes included in the shelf
registration statement and to benefit from the provisions set forth in the
following paragraph.
The Exchange Offer Registration Rights Agreement provides that:
- we will use our reasonable best efforts to file an Exchange Offer
Registration Statement with the SEC on or prior to 45 days after the date
of the original issue of the old notes;
- we will use our reasonable best efforts to have the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC on or prior to 165
days after the date of the original issue of the old notes;
- unless the exchange offer would not be permitted by applicable law or SEC
policy, we will commence the exchange offer and use our reasonable best
efforts to issue on or prior to 195 days after the issue date, new notes
in exchange for all old notes tendered prior thereto in the exchange
offer; and
31
<PAGE>
- if obligated to file the shelf registration statement, we will use our
reasonable best efforts to file the shelf registration statement with the
SEC in a timely fashion.
If:
(a) we fail to file any of the registration statements required by the
Exchange Offer Registration Rights Agreement on or before the date
specified for such filing;
(b) any of such registration statements is not declared effective by the
SEC on or prior to the date specified for such effectiveness;
(c) we fail to consummate the exchange offer within 195 days of the date
of the original issuance of the old notes; or
(d) the shelf registration statement or the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement is declared effective but thereafter ceases to be effective
or usable in connection with resales of Transfer Restricted
Securities (as such term is defined in the Exchange Offer
Registration Rights Agreement) during the period specified in the
Exchange Offer Registration Rights Agreement (each such event
referred to in clauses (a) through (d) above a "registration
default"),
the sole remedy available to holders of the old notes will be the immediate
assessment of additional interest as follows: the per annum interest rate on the
old notes will increase by .25% for each 90-day period during which the
registration default continues, up to a maximum additional interest rate of 2%
per annum in excess of 9 7/8% per annum.
All additional interest will be payable to holders of the old notes in cash
on each April 1 and October 1, commencing with the first such date occurring
after any such additional interest commences to accrue, until such registration
default is cured. After the date on which such registration default is cured,
the interest rate on the old notes will revert to 9 7/8% per annum. Holders of
old notes have no right to receive such additional interest, if any.
Holders of old notes will be required to make certain representations to us
in order to participate in the exchange offer and holders of old notes will be
required to deliver information to be used in connection with the shelf
registration statement and to provide comments on the shelf registration
statement within the time periods set forth in the Exchange Offer Registration
Rights Agreement in order to have their old notes included in the shelf
registration statement and benefit from the provisions regarding additional
interest set forth above. Such required representations and information is
described in the Exchange Offer Registration Rights Agreement.
The summary herein of certain provisions of the Exchange Offer Registration
Rights Agreement is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by, all the
provisions of the Exchange Offer Registration Rights Agreement, a copy of which
is filed as an exhibit to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement of which
this prospectus is a part.
Following the consummation of the exchange offer, holders of the old notes
who were eligible to participate in the exchange offer but who did not tender
their old notes will not have any further registration rights and such old notes
will continue to be subject to certain restrictions on transfer. Accordingly,
the liquidity of the market for such old notes could be adversely affected.
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus
and in the Letter of Transmittal, we will accept any and all old notes validly
tendered and not withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November
5, 1999. We will issue $1,000 principal amount of new notes in exchange for each
$1,000 principal amount of outstanding old notes accepted in the exchange offer.
Holders may
32
<PAGE>
tender some or all of their old notes pursuant to the exchange offer. However,
old notes may be tendered only in integral multiples of $1,000.
The form and terms of the new notes are substantially the same as the form
and terms of the old notes except that:
- the new notes bear a new designation and a different CUSIP number from
the old notes;
- the new notes have been registered under the federal securities laws and
hence will not bear legends restricting the transfer thereof as the old
notes do; and
- the holders of the new notes will generally not be entitled to certain
rights under the Exchange Offer Registration Rights Agreement, which
rights generally will be satisfied when the exchange offer is
consummated. The new notes will evidence the same debt as the tendered
old notes and will be entitled to the benefits of the indenture under
which the old notes were issued. As of the date of this prospectus,
$150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of old notes were outstanding.
Holders of old notes do not have any appraisal or dissenters' rights under
the General Corporation Law of Delaware, the Delaware Limited Liability Company
Act or the indentures relating to such notes in connection with the exchange
offer. We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the applicable
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules
and regulations of the SEC thereunder.
We shall be deemed to have accepted validly tendered old notes when, as and
if we have given oral or written notice thereof, such notice if given orally, to
be confirmed in writing, to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as
agent for the tendering holders for the purpose of receiving the new notes from
our company.
If any tendered old notes are not accepted for exchange because of an
invalid tender, the occurrence of certain other events set forth herein or
otherwise, the certificates for any such unaccepted old notes will be returned,
without expense, to the tendering holder thereof as promptly as practicable
after the expiration date.
Holders who tender old notes in the exchange offer will not be required to
pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the Letter
of Transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of old notes
pursuant to the exchange offer. We will pay all charges and expenses, other than
transfer taxes in certain circumstances, in connection with the exchange offer.
See "--Fees and Expenses."
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSIONS; AMENDMENTS
The expiration date is 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 5, 1999,
unless we extend the exchange offer, in which case the expiration date will be
the latest date and time to which the exchange offer is extended.
In order to extend the exchange offer, we will file with the SEC a
post-effective amendment to the registration statement.
We reserve the right:
- to delay accepting any old notes, to extend the exchange offer or to
terminate the exchange offer if any of the conditions set forth below
under "conditions" shall not have been satisfied, by giving oral or
written notice, such notice if given orally, to be confirmed in writing,
of such delay, extension or termination to the exchange agent, or
- to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner.
Any such delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be
followed as promptly as practicable by oral or written notice thereof to the
registered holders.
33
<PAGE>
INTEREST ON THE NEW NOTES
The new notes will bear interest from their date of issuance. Holders of old
notes that are accepted for exchange will receive, in cash, accrued interest
thereon to, but not including, the date of issuance of the new notes. Such
interest will be paid with the first interest payment on the new notes on
October 1, 1999 to persons who are registered holders of the new notes on
September 1, 1999. Interest on the old notes accepted for exchange will cease to
accrue upon issuance of the new notes.
Interest on the new notes is payable semi-annually on each April 1 and
October 1, commencing on October 1, 1999.
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING
Only a registered holder of old notes may tender such notes in the exchange
offer. To tender in the exchange offer, a holder must complete, sign and date
the Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile thereof, have the signatures thereon
guaranteed if required by the Letter of Transmittal and mail or otherwise
deliver such Letter of Transmittal or such facsimile, together with the old
notes and any other required documents, or cause The Depository Trust Company to
transmit an agent's message in connection with a book-entry transfer, to the
exchange agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.
To be tendered effectively, the old notes, the Letter of Transmittal or agent's
message and other required documents must be completed and received by the
exchange agent at the address set forth below under "-- Exchange Agent" prior to
5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. Delivery of the old notes
may be made by book entry transfer in accordance with the procedures described
below. Confirmation of such book-entry transfer must be received by the exchange
agent prior to the expiration date.
The term "agent's message" means a message, transmitted by a book-entry
transfer facility to, and received by, the exchange agent forming a part of a
confirmation of a book-entry, which states that such book-entry transfer
facility has received an express acknowledgment from the participant in such
book-entry transfer facility tendering the old notes that such participant has
received and agrees:
- to participate in the Automated Tender Option Program ("ATOP");
- to be bound by the terms of the Letter of Transmittal; and
- that we may enforce such agreement against such participant.
By executing the Letter of Transmittal or agent's message, each holder will
make to us the representations set forth above in the fourth paragraph under the
heading "--Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer."
The tender by a holder and the acceptance thereof by us will constitute
agreement between such holder and the company in accordance with the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of Transmittal or
agent's message.
The method of delivery of old notes and the Letter of Transmittal or agent's
message and all other required documents to the exchange agent is at the
election and sole risk of the holder. As an alternative to delivery by mail,
holders may wish to consider overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases,
sufficient time should be allowed to assure delivery to the exchange agent
before the expiration date. No Letter of Transmittal or old notes should be sent
to the company. Holders may request their respective brokers, dealers,
commercial banks, trust companies or nominees to effect the above transactions
for such holders.
Any beneficial owner whose old notes are registered in the name of a broker,
dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes to tender
should contact the registered holder promptly and instruct such registered
holder to tender on such beneficial owner's behalf. See "Instructions to
Registered Holder and/or Book-Entry Transfer Facility Participant from
Beneficial Owner" included with the Letter of Transmittal.
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<PAGE>
Signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case
may be, must be guaranteed by an eligible institution (as defined below) unless
the notes tendered pursuant thereto are tendered by a registered holder who has
not completed the box entitled "Special Registration Instructions" or "Special
Delivery Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal, or for the account of an
eligible institution. In the event that signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or
a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, are required to be guaranteed, such
guarantee must be by a member firm of the Medallion System (an "eligible
institution").
If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered
holder of any old notes listed therein, such notes must be endorsed or
accompanied by a properly completed bond power, signed by such registered holder
as such registered holder's name appears on such notes with the signature
thereon guaranteed by an eligible institution.
If the Letter of Transmittal or any old notes or bond powers are signed by
trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of
corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such
persons should so indicate when signing, and evidence to our satisfaction of
their authority to so act must be submitted with the Letter of Transmittal.
We understand that the exchange agent will make a request promptly after the
date of this prospectus to establish accounts with respect to the old notes at
the book-entry transfer facility, The Depository Trust Company (the "book-entry
transfer facility"), for the purpose of facilitating the exchange offer, and
subject to the establishment thereof, any financial institution that is a
participant in the book-entry transfer facility's system may make book-entry
delivery of old notes by causing such book-entry transfer facility to transfer
such old notes into the exchange agent's account with respect to the old notes
in accordance with the book-entry transfer facility's procedures for such
transfer. Although delivery of the old notes may be effected through book-entry
transfer into the exchange agent's account at the book-entry transfer facility,
unless an agent's message is transmitted to and received by the exchange agent
in compliance with ATOP on or prior to the expiration date, or, if the
guaranteed delivery procedures described below are complied with, within the
time period provided under such procedures, the tender of such notes will not be
valid. Delivery of documents to the book-entry transfer facility does not
constitute delivery to the exchange agent.
All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, including time of
receipt, acceptance of tendered old notes and withdrawal of tendered old notes
will be determined by us, in our sole discretion, which determination will be
final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all old notes
not properly tendered or any old notes our acceptance of which would, in the
opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the right to waive any
defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular old notes. We
may not waive any condition to the exchange offer unless such condition is
legally waiveable. In the event such a waiver by us gives rise to the legal
requirement to do so, we will hold the exchange offer open for at least five
business days thereafter. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the
exchange offer, including the instructions in the Letter of Transmittal, will be
final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities
in connection with tenders of old notes must be cured within such time as the we
shall determine. Although we intend to notify holders of defects or
irregularities with respect to tenders of old notes, neither the issuers, the
exchange agent nor any other person shall incur any liability for failure to
give such notification. Tender of old notes will not be deemed to have been made
until such defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any old notes
received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and as to which
the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by
the exchange agent to the tendering holders, unless otherwise provided in the
Letter of Transmittal, as soon as practicable following the expiration date.
35
<PAGE>
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES
Holders who wish to tender their old notes and whose old notes are not
immediately available, who cannot deliver their old notes, the Letter of
Transmittal or any other required documents to the exchange agent, or who cannot
complete the procedures for book-entry transfer, prior to the expiration date,
may effect a tender if:
- the tender is made through an eligible institution;
- prior to the expiration date, the exchange agent receives by facsimile
transmission, mail or hand delivery from such eligible institution a
properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery,
setting forth the name and address of the holder, the certificate
number(s) of such old notes and the principal amount of old notes
tendered, stating that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing
that, within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the
expiration date, the Letter of Transmittal, or facsimile thereof, or, in
the case of a book-entry transfer, an agent's message, together with the
certificate(s) representing the old notes, or a confirmation of book-entry
transfer of such notes into the exchange agent's account at the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility, and any other documents required by the Letter of
Transmittal will be deposited by the eligible institution with the
exchange agent; and
- the certificate(s) representing all tendered old notes in proper form for
transfer, or a confirmation of a book-entry transfer of such old notes
into the exchange agent's account at the book entry transfer facility,
together with a Letter of Transmittal, of facsimile thereof, properly
completed and duly executed, with any required signature guarantees, or,
in the case of a book-entry transfer, an agent's message, are received by
the exchange agent within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after
the expiration date of the exchange offer.
WITHDRAWAL OF TENDERS
Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of old notes may be withdrawn
at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date of
the exchange offer.
To withdraw a tender of old notes in the exchange offer, a telegram, telex,
letter or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be received by the
exchange agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on the expiration date of the exchange offer. Any such notice of
withdrawal must:
- specify the name of the person having deposited notes to be withdrawn
(the "Depositor");
- identify the notes to be withdrawn, including the certificate number(s)
and principal amount of such notes, or, in the case of old notes
transferred by book-entry transfer, the name and number of the account at
the book entry transfer facility to be credited;
- be signed by the holder in the same manner as the original signature on
the Letter of Transmittal by which such notes were tendered, including
any required signature guarantees, or be accompanied by documents of
transfer sufficient to have the trustee with respect to the old notes
register the transfer of such notes into the name of the person
withdrawing the tender; and
- specify the name in which any such old notes are to be registered, if
different from that of the Depositor.
All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility, including time of
receipt, of such notices will be determined by us and shall be final and binding
on all parties. Any old notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been
validly tendered for purposes of the exchange offer and no new notes will be
issued with respect thereto unless the old notes so withdrawn are validly
retendered. Any old notes which have been tendered but which are not accepted
for exchange will be returned to the holder thereof without cost to
36
<PAGE>
such holder as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or
termination of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn old notes may be
retendered by following one of the procedures described above under
"--Procedures for Tendering" at any time prior to the expiration date.
CONDITIONS
Notwithstanding any other term of the exchange offer, we shall not be
required to accept for exchange, or new notes for, any old notes, and may
terminate or amend the exchange offer as provided herein before the acceptance
of such old notes, if:
- any action or proceeding is instituted or threatened in any court or by
or before any governmental agency with respect to the exchange offer
which, in our sole judgment, might materially impair our ability to
proceed with the exchange offer, or any material adverse development has
occurred in any existing action or proceeding with respect to our company
or any of our subsidiaries; or
- any law, statute, rule, regulation or interpretation by the staff of the
SEC is proposed, adopted or enacted, which, in our sole judgment, might
materially impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer or
materially impair the contemplated benefits of the exchange offer; or
- any governmental approval has not been obtained, which approval we shall,
in our sole discretion, deem necessary for the consummation of the
exchange offer as contemplated hereby.
If we determine, in our sole discretion, that any of the conditions are not
satisfied, we may:
- refuse to accept any old notes and return all tendered old notes to the
tendering holders;
- extend the exchange offer and retain all old notes tendered prior to the
expiration of the exchange offer, subject, however, to the rights of
holders to withdraw such old notes as described in "--Withdrawal of
Tenders" above;
- waive such unsatisfied conditions with respect to the exchange offer and
accept all properly tendered old notes which have not been withdrawn. We
will keep the exchange offer open for at least five business days
following any waiver.
EXCHANGE AGENT
State Street Bank and Trust Company has been appointed as exchange agent for
the exchange offer. Questions and requests for assistance, requests for
additional copies of this prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal and
requests for Notice of Guaranteed Delivery should be directed to the exchange
agent addressed as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
By Mail: Overnight Courier:
State Street Bank and Trust Company State Street Bank and Trust Company
Corporate Trust Department Corporate Trust Department
P.O. Box 778 Two Avenue de Lafayette, Fifth Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02110 Boston, Massachusetts 02111
Attention: Susan Lavey Attention: Susan Lavey
By Hand in New York (as Drop Agent): By Hand in Boston:
State Street Bank and Trust Company, N.A. State Street Bank and Trust Company
61 Broadway Two International Place
Concourse Level, Corporate Trust Window Fourth Floor, Corporate Trust Department
New York, New York 10006 Boston, Massachusetts 02111
Attention: Susan Lavey
Facsimile Transmission: Confirm by Telephone:
(For Eligible Institutions Only) (617) 662-1544
(617) 662-1452
</TABLE>
Delivery to an address other than set forth above will not constitute a
valid delivery.
37
<PAGE>
FEES AND EXPENSES
The expenses of soliciting tenders will be borne by us. The principal
solicitation is being made by mail however, additional solicitation may be made
by telegraph, telecopy, telephone or in person by officers and regular employees
of our company and our affiliates.
We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the exchange
offer and will not make any payments to brokers, dealers, or others soliciting
acceptances of the exchange offer. We, however, will pay the exchange agent
reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse it for its
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith.
We will pay the cash expenses to be incurred in connection with the exchange
offer. Such expenses include fees and expenses of the exchange agent and
trustee, accounting and legal fees and printing costs, among others.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The new notes will be recorded at the same carrying value as the old notes,
which is face value, as reflected in our company's accounting records on the
date of exchange. Accordingly, we will recognize no gain or loss for accounting
purposes. The expenses of the exchange offer will be expensed over the term of
the new notes.
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
The old notes that are not exchanged for new notes pursuant to the exchange
offer will remain restricted securities. Accordingly, such old notes may be
resold only:
- to our company, upon redemption thereof or otherwise;
- so long as the old notes are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A
under the Securities Act, to a person inside the United States whom the
seller reasonably believes is a qualified institutional buyer within the
meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule
144A, in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or pursuant
to another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities
Act, and based upon an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to our
company;
- outside the United States to a foreign person in a transaction meeting
the requirements of Rule 904 under the Securities Act; or
- pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act,
in each case in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any
state of the United States.
RESALE OF THE NEW NOTES
Based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC set forth in no-action
letters issued to third parties, we believe:
- A holder or other person who receives new notes in exchange for old notes
in the ordinary course of business will be allowed to resell the new
notes to the public, and such a resale may be executed (a) without
further registration under the Securities and (b) without delivering to
the purchasers of the new notes a prospectus that satisfies the
requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act.
- If the holder or other person who receives new notes is (a) an
"affiliate" of our company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the
Securities Act or (b) participating, intends to participate or has an
arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the
distribution of the new notes, such holder cannot rely on the position of
the staff of the SEC enunciated in such no-
38
<PAGE>
action letters or any similar interpretive letters, and must comply with
the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities
Act in connection with any resale transaction, unless an exemption from
registration is otherwise available.
- Each Participating Broker-Dealer that receives new notes for its own
account in exchange for old notes, where such old notes were acquired by
such Participating Broker-Dealer as a result of market-making activities
or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such new notes.
As contemplated by these no-action letters and the Exchange Offer
Registration Rights Agreement, each holder accepting the exchange offer is
required to represent to our company in the Letter of Transmittal that:
- the new notes are to be acquired by the holder or the person receiving
such new notes, whether or not such person is the holder, in the ordinary
course of business;
- the holder or any such other person, other than a broker-dealer referred
to in the next sentence, is not engaging and does not intend to engage,
in the distribution of the new notes;
- the holder or any such other person has no arrangement or understanding
with any person to participate in the distribution of the new notes;
- neither the holder nor any such other person is an "affiliate" of our
company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act; and
- the holder or any such other person acknowledges that if such holder or
other person participates in the exchange offer for the purpose of
distributing the new notes it must comply with the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with
any resale of the new notes and cannot rely on those no-action letters.
As indicated above, each Participating Broker-Dealer that receives new notes
for its own account in exchange for old notes must acknowledge that it will
deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new notes. For a
description of the procedures for such resales by Participating Broker-Dealers,
see "Plan of Distribution."
39
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
United is the leading manufacturer and marketer of value-oriented branded
products for the consumer lawn and garden pesticide and household insecticide
markets in the United States. We manufacture and market one of the broadest
lines of pesticides in the industry, including herbicides and indoor and outdoor
insecticides, as well as insect repellents and water-soluble fertilizers, under
a variety of brand names. We believe that the key drivers of growth for the $2.7
billion consumer lawn and garden pesticide and household insecticide retail
markets include: (a) the aging of the United States population; (b) growth in
the home improvement center and mass merchandiser channels; and (c) shifting
consumer preferences toward value-oriented branded products. Our management team
has extensive operating, merchandising and marketing experience with us and in
the consumer products industry and has grown our business by developing new
products and acquiring strategic brands while also improving operating
efficiencies.
The following discussion of our historical results of operations and
financial condition should be read in conjunction with the audited financial
statements and the related notes which are included in this prospectus.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion regarding results of operations refers to net
sales, cost of goods sold, advertising and promotion expense and selling and
general and administrative expenses which we define as follows:
- Net sales are gross sales of products sold to customers upon shipment of
product less any customer discounts from list price and customer returns.
- Cost of goods sold includes chemicals, container and packaging material
costs as well as direct labor, outside labor, manufacturing overhead and
freight.
- Advertising and promotion expense includes the cost of advertising of
products through national and regional media as well as the advertising
and promotion of products through cooperative programs with retailers.
- Selling and general and administrative expenses include all costs
associated with the selling and distribution of product, product
registrations, and administrative functions such as finance, information
systems and human resources.
40
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth the percentage relationship of certain items
in our income statement to net sales.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS
ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
------------------------------- --------------------
1996 1997 1998 1998 1999
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales:
Value brands......................................................... 90.8% 81.4% 82.3% 83.1% 80.8%
Opening price point brands........................................... 9.2 18.6 17.7 16.9 19.2
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total net sales........................................................ 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold................................................... 53.5 52.8 49.7 48.6 49.4
Advertising and promotion expenses................................... 11.4 10.5 11.2 12.0 10.9
Selling, general and administrative expenses......................... 23.2 21.5 21.6 17.2 16.6
Recapitalization transaction fees.................................... 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.7
Change of control bonuses............................................ 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.8
Severance charge..................................................... 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7
Non-recurring litigation charges..................................... 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.6 0.7
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total operating costs and expenses..................................... 88.1 84.8 83.3 78.4 86.8
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income....................................................... 11.9 15.2 16.7 21.6 13.2
Interest expense....................................................... 0.8 0.5 0.4 0.5 7.6
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before provision for income taxes and discontinued operations... 11.1 14.7 16.3 21.1 5.6
Income tax expense..................................................... 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.4 3.4
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income from continuing operatings...................................... 10.9% 14.4% 15.9% 20.8% 2.2%
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
JUNE 30, 1999 COMPARED TO JUNE 30, 1998
NET SALES. Net sales increased 9.1% to $228.3 million for the six months
ended June 30, 1999 from $209.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998.
This increase was driven by a combination of factors including:
- the continued shift of consumers' preferences toward value and opening
price point brands;
- the introduction of Spectracide Pro;
- expanded distribution at home improvement centers and mass merchandisers
due to continued store expansion; and
- increased shipments to K-mart due to improvements in store inventory
levels over 1998.
Net sales of our value brands increased 6.1% to $184.5 million for the six
months ended June 30, 1999 from $173.9 million for the six months ended June 30,
1998. This increase was a result of continued growth of core value brands
including Spectracide and Cutter. Net sales of opening price point brands
increased 24.4% to $43.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 1999 from
$35.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998 driven by the continued
rapid pace of store openings by our top retail customers. The introduction of
Spectracide Pro contributed $5.9 million (2.9%) to net sales for the six months
ended June 30, 1999. Net sales to K-Mart incresed 19.8% to $31.6 million for the
six months ended June 30, 1999 from $26.4 million for the six months ended June
30, 1998.
GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit increased 7.5% to $115.6 million for the six
months ended June 30, 1999 compared to $107.5 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1998. As a percentage of sales, gross profit decreased slightly to
50.6% for the six months ended June 30, 1999 as compared to 51.4% for the six
months ended June 30, 1998. For the six months ended June 30, 1999, we recorded
a charge of $1.1 million
41
<PAGE>
to cost of goods sold for the write-off of our "Citri-Glow" candle inventory.
United discontinued the production of this product line during 1999 and chose to
dispose of the inventory by selling it through discount channels at prices below
cost. If this charge had not been recorded, gross profit for the six months
ended June 30, 1999 would have been 51.1% of sales and would have increased 8.6%
to $116.7 million as compared to $107.5 million for the six months ended June
30, 1998.
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION EXPENSES. Advertising and promotion expenses
decreased .6% to $24.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 1999 compared
to $25.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998. As a percentage of net
sales, advertising and promotion expenses decreased to 10.9% for the six months
ended June 30, 1999 from 12.0% for the six months ended June 30, 1998.
Advertising and promotion expenses decreased as a percentage of net sales growth
since most of our first and second quarter 1999 growth was due to store
expansion by home improvement centers. For the six months ended June 30, 1999,
we recorded a charge of $.9 million related to deductions taken by customers for
advertising and promotional spending in excess of contractual obligations for
which we elected not to pursue collection. This charge has been included in
advertising and promotion expense for the six months ended June 30, 1999. If
this charge has not been recorded in the six months ended June 30, 1999,
advertising and promotional expenses would have decreased 4.4% to $24.0 as
compared to $25.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998. As a
percentage of sales, advertising and promotional expenses would have decreased
to 10.5% for the six months ended June 30, 1999 from 12.0% for the six months
ended June 30, 1998.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased 5.3% to $37.9 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1999 from $36.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998. As a
percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased
slightly to 16.6% for the six months ended June 30, 1999 from 17.2% for the six
months ended June 30, 1998. The overall increase in selling, general and
administrative expenses was related to higher selling, marketing and
distribution costs to support the growth in sales.
RECAPITALIZATION TRANSACTION FEES. As of June 30, 1999, we recorded $35,783
in fees and expenses associated with the recapitalization. Fees and expenses
that could be specifically identified as relating to the issuance of debt were
capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the debt as interest expense.
The fees and expenses that could be specifically identified as relating to the
equity transactions were charged directly to equity. Other transaction fees were
allocated between debt and recapitalization transaction fees expense based on
our estimate of the effort spent in the activity giving rise to the fee or
expense. For the six months ended June 30, 1999, we recorded a charge of $10,690
for recapitalization transaction fees.
CHANGE OF CONTROL BONUSES. For the six months ended June 30, 1999, we
recorded charges for change of control bonuses paid to some members of senior
management amounting to $8.6 million which were contractually required as a
result of the recapitalization.
SEVERANCE CHARGES For the six months ended June 30, 1999, we recorded a
severance charge of $1.6 million incurred as a result of our President and Chief
Executive Officer's termination of employment with United.
NON-RECURRING LITIGATION CHARGES. We recorded non-recurring litigation
charges of $1.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 1999 and $1.2 million
for the six months ended June 30, 1998. In March 1999, we took a charge of $1.5
million to primarily reserve for the expected cost of an adverse judgment on a
counterclaim filed by defendants in the case of United Industries Corporation
vs. John Allman, Craig Jackman et al., pending in the U.S. District Court in
Detroit, Michigan; Case No. 97-76147. We alleged that defendants breached
contracts by failing to perform various services. Defendants counterclaimed for
sales commissions allegedly earned by them but not paid to them by United. On
July 29, 1999, we paid $900 in liquidating damages and $112 in past commissions.
The remaining amounts accrued in connection with the $1,500 charge will
primarily be used to cover unpaid legal costs associated with this case.
42
<PAGE>
Charges recorded as of June 30, 1998 of $1.2 million were related to legal
proceedings pertaining to a suit filed in 1992 by the spouse of a former
employee claiming benefits from a United-owned key man life insurance policy.
Several of our debt covenants are based upon EBITDA. EBITDA for the six
months ended June 30, 1999 was $54.9 million, which excludes charges recorded
for recapitalization transaction fees, change of control bonuses, a severance
charge and non-recurring litigation charges. If we had included the $1.1 million
write-off of our "Citri-Glow" candle inventory and the $.9 million charge
related to advertising deductions taken by customers in excess of contractual
obligations, EBITDA would have been $56.9 million for the six months ended June
30, 1999.
OPERATING INCOME. Operating income decreased 33.1% to $30.3 million for the
six months ended June 30, 1999 from $45.3 million for the six months ended June
30, 1998. As a percentage of net sales, operating income decreased to 13.3% for
the six months ended June 30, 1999 from 21.6% for the six months ended June 30,
1998 as a result of charges related to our recapitalization.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE. In conjunction with the recapitalization, we converted
from an "S" corporation to a "C" corporation. The one-time impact of this
conversion was $2.1 million. Our effective income tax rate reflects the one time
impact of the conversion from an "S" corporation to a "C" corporation, offset by
the estimated fiscal year 1999 benefit related to the step up in tax basis in
conjunction with the recapitalization.
1998 COMPARED TO 1997
NET SALES. Net sales increased 16.5% to $282.7 million in 1998 from $242.6
million in 1997. This increase was driven by a combination of factors including:
- the continued shift of consumers' preferences toward value and opening
price point brands;
- the introduction of Spectracide Terminate; and
- expanded distribution at home improvement centers and mass merchandisers
through increased shelf and rapid store expansion.
Net sales of our value brands increased 17.8% to $232.6 million in 1998 from
$197.5 million in 1997. This increase was a result of continued growth of core
value brands including Spectracide, Hot Shot and Peters, and the introduction of
Spectracide Terminate, which contributed $21.9 million in net sales in 1998. Net
sales of opening price point brands increased 11.1% to $50.1 million in 1998
from $45.1 million in 1997 driven by the continued rapid pace of store openings
by our top retail customers. Net sales of other brands decreased 11.4% to $16.0
million in 1998 from $18.1 million in 1997 due to our effort to shift away from
other brands with reduced margins. The introduction of Spectracide Terminate
contributed $21.9 million (9.0%) to net sales in 1998.
GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit increased 24.2% to $142.2 million in 1998
compared to $114.6 million in 1997. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit
increased to 50.3% in 1998 compared to 47.2% in 1997. The improvement in gross
profit as a percentage of net sales was a result of a more profitable sales mix,
mainly attributable to the introduction of Spectracide Terminate, and volume
efficiencies.
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION EXPENSES. Advertising and promotion expenses
increased 24.2% to $31.7 million in 1998 from $25.5 million in 1997. As a
percentage of net sales, advertising and promotion expenses increased to 11.2%
in 1998 from 10.5% in 1997. The overall increase in advertising and promotion
expenses was primarily related to the launch of Spectracide Terminate.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased 17.2% to $61.1 million in 1998 from $52.1
million in 1997. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and
administrative expenses increased slightly to 21.6% in 1998 from 21.5% in 1997.
The overall increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was related
to higher selling, marketing and distribution costs
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to support the launch of Spectracide Terminate and the rapid growth in sales, as
well as higher related party expenses.
NON-RECURRING LITIGATION CHARGES. Non-recurring litigation charges totalled
$2.3 million in 1998 and were related to two separate lawsuits. In March 1998, a
judgment was entered against United for a lawsuit filed in 1992 by the spouse of
a former employee claiming benefits from a company-owned key man life insurance
policy. We recorded a charge of $1.2 million for this case in the first quarter
of 1998. In October 1998, the FTC and several state attorneys general filed a
lawsuit concerning the advertising of our Spectracide Terminate product. The FTC
and attorneys general alleged that deceptive and unsubstantiated claims were
made regarding this product. In February 1999, a settlement agreement with the
FTC was negotiated. The settlement reached was an agreement that the advertising
for this product be modified and the other parties be reimbursed for certain
costs incurred. Total charges of $1.1 million included $0.4 million paid to 10
states attorneys general for reimbursement of their legal expenses and $0.7
million for legal expenses incurred for our defense.
OPERATING INCOME. Operating income increased 27.7% to $47.1 million in 1998
from $36.9 million in 1997. As a percentage of net sales, operating income
increased to 16.7% in 1998 from 15.2% in 1997 as a result of improved gross
margins as discussed above.
1997 COMPARED TO 1996
NET SALES. Net sales increased 21.6% to $242.6 million in 1997 from $199.5
million in 1996. This increase was driven by a combination of factors including:
- the continued shift of consumers' preferences toward value and opening
price point brands;
- new product introductions, including opening price point brands at Home
Depot and Lowe's; and
- expanded distribution at home improvement centers and mass merchandisers
through increased shelf space and rapid store expansion.
Net sales of our value brands increased 9.0% to $197.5 million in 1997 from
$181.2 million in 1996. This increase was a result of continued growth of core
value brands including Spectracide, Hot Shot and Peters. Net sales of opening
price point brands increased 146.4% to $45.1 million in 1997 from $18.3 million
in 1996 driven by the introductions of Real-Kill at Home Depot and No-Pest at
Lowe's.
GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit increased 23.4% to $114.6 million in 1997
compared to $92.9 million in 1996. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit
increased to 47.2% in 1997 compared to 46.5% in 1996. The improvement in gross
profit as a percentage of net sales was a result of a more profitable sales mix,
volume efficiencies and cost reduction efforts completed late in 1996 related to
the acquisitions made in 1995.
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION EXPENSES. Advertising and promotion expenses
increased 12.0% to $25.5 million in 1997 from $22.8 million 1996. As a
percentage of net sales, advertising and promotion expenses declined to 10.5% in
1997 from 11.4% in 1996. The overall increase in advertising and promotion
expenses related to costs associated with the launch of opening price point
brands at Home Depot and Lowe's.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased 12.6% to $52.1 million in 1997 from $46.3
million in 1996. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and
administrative expenses decreased to 21.5% in 1997 from 23.2% in 1996. The
overall increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was related to
higher selling, marketing and distribution costs to support the rapid growth in
sales. The decline in selling, general and administrative expenses as a
percentage of net sales was a result of increased total sales and the benefits
of cost containment efforts and improved operating leverage.
OPERATING INCOME. Operating income increased 55.3% to $36.9 million in 1997
from $23.8 million in 1996. As a percentage of net sales, operating income
increased to 15.2% in 1997 from 11.9% in 1996 as a
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result of improved gross margins and a decline in selling, general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales as discussed above.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
The low effective tax rate for 1996, 1997 and 1998 was attributable to our
election to be taxed as an "S" corporation under the provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code and similar provisions of Missouri tax law. In conjunction with the
recapitalization, we converted to a "C" corporation and will be subject to
federal and Missouri income tax beginning in 1999.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Historically, we have utilized internally generated funds and borrowings
under credit facilities to meet ongoing working capital and capital expenditure
requirements. As a result of the recapitalization, we have significantly
increased our cash requirements for debt service relating to the notes and our
senior credit facility. As of December 31, 1998, on a pro forma basis, we would
have had long-term debt outstanding of approximately $375.0 million and up to
$110.0 million available under our revolving credit facility. As of June 30,
1999, we had total debt outstanding of $381.1 million. We will rely on
internally generated funds and, to the extent necessary, borrowings under our
revolving credit facility to meet our liquidity needs. See "The Transactions."
Our senior credit facility consists of:
- the $110.0 million revolving credit facility, under which no borrowings
were outstanding at the closing of the recapitalization and at June 30,
1999;
- the $75.0 million Term Loan A ($72.5 million outstanding at June 30,
1999); and
- the $150.0 million Term Loan B ($149.6 million outstanding at June 30,
1999).
Our revolving credit facility and the Term Loan A mature six years from the
closing date of our senior credit facility, and the Term Loan B matures seven
years from the closing date of our senior credit facility. Our revolving credit
facility is subject to a clean-down period during which the aggregate amount
outstanding under our revolving credit facility shall not exceed $10.0 million
for 30 consecutive days occurring during the period between August 1 and
November 30 in each calendar year.
Our principal liquidity requirements are for working capital, capital
expenditures and debt service under our senior credit facility and the notes.
Cash flow from continuing operations provided net cash of approximately $27.7
million, $35.1 million and $50.8 million in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
Net cash used by operating activities from continuing operations was $3.5
million for the six months ended June 30, 1999. Cash flow from operating
activities fluctuates during the year as the seasonal nature of our sales
results in a significant increase in working capital (primarily accounts
receivable and inventory) during the first half of the year, with the second and
third quarters being significant cash collection periods.
Capital expenditures are related to the enhancement of our existing
facilities and the construction of additional production and distribution
capacity. Cash used for capital expenditures in 1996, 1997, 1998 and for the six
months ended June 30, 1999 were $6.4 million, $5.1 million, $3.6 million and
$0.8 million, respectively. In addition, we entered into a capital lease
agreement in March 1999 for $9.2 million. Cash used for capital expenditures for
the remainder of 1999 is expected to be less than $5.0 million.
Principal on the Term Loan A is required to be repaid quarterly in annual
amounts of $10.0 million for years one through four and $17.5 million for years
five and six after the closing of our senior credit facility. Principal on the
Term Loan B is required to be repaid quarterly in annual amounts of $1.5 million
for the first six years and $141.0 million for the seventh year after the
closing of our senior credit facility. See "Description of Our Senior Credit
Facility." On June 30, 1999, principal payments on Term Loans A and B of $2.5
million and $0.4 million, respectively, were paid.
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We believe that our cash flow from operations, together with available
borrowings under our revolving credit facility, will be adequate to meet our
anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and scheduled
principal and interest payments for at least the next two years. However, we
cannot ensure that we will generate sufficient cash flow from operations to
repay the notes and amounts outstanding under our senior credit facility at
maturity without requiring additional financing. Our ability to meet our debt
service and clean-down obligations and reduce our debt will be dependent on our
future performance, which in turn, will be subject to general economic
conditions and to financial, business and other factors, including factors
beyond our control. See "Risk Factors." Because a portion of our debt bears
interest at floating rates, our financial condition is and will continue to be
affected by changes in prevailing interest rates.
SEASONALITY
Our business is highly seasonal because our products are used primarily in
the spring and summer. For the past two years, approximately 75% of our net
sales have occurred in the first and second quarters. Our working capital needs,
and correspondingly our borrowings, peak near the end of our first quarter.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
The year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs being written using
two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Any of our computer
programs that have date-sensitive software may recognize a date using "00" as
the year 1900 rather than the year 2000.
In connection with a $2.5 million management information systems upgrade, we
have substantially completed an inventory of our computer programs and assessed
our year 2000 readiness. Our information systems and computer programs include
programs developed for our proprietary management information system. For
programs which were identified as not being year 2000 ready, we repaired or
replaced the programs and have substantially completed performing appropriate
testing for year 2000. We believe that substantially all of our information
systems should now be year 2000 compliant, but we do not expect to complete our
testing until June 1999.
Costs related to the year 2000 issue are included in the $2.5 million
management information systems upgrade. We estimate that the remaining testing,
repair and replacement necessary to complete our year 2000 compliance program
will cost less than $1.0 million. In our opinion, we do not anticipate any
additional costs relating to the year 2000 issue which would have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition or our results of operations.
While we believe all necessary work will be completed in a timely fashion,
we cannot assure you that all systems will be compliant by the year 2000, or
that the systems of other companies and government agencies on which we rely
will be compliant. We believe the most likely worst-case scenarios that we might
confront with respect to the year 2000 issues have to do with the possible
failure of third-party systems over which we have no control, including, but not
limited to, satellite, power and telephone services. If these failures were not
immediately corrected, our supply and distribution functions would be
temporarily disrupted or delayed. Disruptions of our supply and distribution
functions could also occur if any of our personal computers receiving electronic
data interchange transmissions from our third-party suppliers were not Year 2000
compliant. We have exchanged Year 2000 information with most of our third-party
suppliers and with most of our major customers. Of the third-party suppliers and
major customers we have contacted, over 90% have responded to our requests for
information. We have developed a contingency plan to facilitate electronic data
interchange communication with our main customers. We have installed special
"window adjustment" software to intercept non-Year 2000 compliant electronic
data interchange transmissions and electronically correct the transmission
errors to make them Year-2000 compliant before the transmissions are completed
in our system. In addition, we anticipate that we will have replaced all
non-Year 2000 personal computers utilized in the processing of electronic data
interchange transmissions by September 30, 1999. Based on our assessment to
date, we have not received any indication from a third party indicating that it
expects to experience year 2000 non-compliance of a nature which would have a
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material impact on us. However, the risk remains that our customers or other
third parties may not have accurately determined their state of readiness, in
which case these parties' lack of year 2000 compliance may have a material
adverse effect on our results of operations. We continue to monitor the year
2000 compliance of third parties with which we do business.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" in June 1998. SFAS 133
provides standards on accounting and disclosure for derivative instruments and
requires that all derivatives be measured at fair value and reported as either
assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. We will be required to adopt this
statement no later than the beginning of fiscal year 2001. We have not completed
our analysis to determine the impact of this statement on our financial
statements; however, the impact is not expected to be material.
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
INTEREST RATE
We have not in the past used derivative financial instruments to hedge our
exposure to interest rate risk. The table below provides information about our
long-term debt obligations sensitive to changes in interest rates as of June 30,
1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SCHEDULED MATURITY DATE
----------------------------------------------------------------- JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31,
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 THEREAFTER 1999 1998
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Principal fixed rate debt:
Senior subordinated notes.... -- -- -- $ -- $ -- $ 150,000 $ 150,000 $ --
Average interest rate........ 9.875% 9.875% 9.875% 9.875% 9.875% 9.875% 9.875% --%
Principal variable rate debt:
Senior Credit Facility
Term Loan A................ $ 5,000 $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ 15,625 $ 21,875 $ 72,500 $ --
Term Loan B................ 750 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 142,875 149,625 --
Miscellaneous debt............. -- 4,645
---------- ------
Total debt..................... 372,125 4,645
Less current maturities........ (11,500) (929)
---------- ------
Total long-term debt........... $ 360,625 $ 3,716
---------- ------
---------- ------
</TABLE>
Interest on Term Loan A and Term Loan B ranges from 200 to 325 basis points
above LIBOR depending on certain financial ratios. LIBOR was 5.30% as of June
30, 1999.
EXCHANGE RATE
We do not use derivative instruments to hedge against foreign currency
exposures related to transactions denominated in other than our functional
currency. Substantially all foreign currency transactions are denominated in
United States dollars.
COMMODITY PRICE
We do not use derivative instruments to hedge our exposures to changes in
commodity prices. We utilize various commodity and specialty chemicals in our
production process. Purchasing procedures and arrangements with major customers
serve to mitigate our exposure to price changes in commodity and specialty
chemicals.
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BUSINESS
GENERAL
We are the leading manufacturer and marketer of value-oriented branded
products for the consumer lawn and garden pesticide and household insecticide
markets in the United States. We manufacture and market one of the broadest
lines of pesticides in the industry, including herbicides and indoor and outdoor
insecticides, as well as insect repellents and water-soluble fertilizers, under
a variety of brand names. Our "value" and "opening price point" brands generally
compete with higher priced premium brands. Our portfolio of value-oriented
brands includes the following:
- SPECTRACIDE, the leading value brand and overall fastest growing brand of
consumer lawn and garden pesticides;
- SPECTRACIDE TERMINATE, the first ever do-it-yourself consumer termite
killing system, launched in 1998;
- SPECTRACIDE PRO, lawn and garden and household pesticides targeted toward
the professional market, introduced in 1999;
- HOT SHOT, the leading value brand and overall fastest growing brand of
consumer household insecticides;
- CUTTER, the leading value brand and overall fastest growing brand of
consumer insect repellents;
- PETERS, the leading value brand of consumer water-soluble fertilizers; and
- REAL-KILL, sold primarily at Home Depot, NO-PEST sold exclusively at
Lowe's and KRID and KGRO, sold exclusively at Kmart, the opening price
point brands of consumer lawn and garden pesticides and household
insecticides at each of these key retailers.
We believe that our market leadership is a result of our:
- leading value-oriented brands,
- strategic relationships with major national retailers,
- extensive distribution capabilities,
- exclusive direct sales force and
- proprietary management information systems.
Our portfolio of pesticide brands holds the number one position in the home
improvement center channel and the number two position in the mass merchandiser
channel. In 1998, we generated net sales, pro forma income from continuing
operations and pro forma EBITDA of $282.7 million, $13.0 million and $60.3
million, respectively
Our management team has extensive operating, merchandising and marketing
experience with us and in the consumer products industry. This management team
has grown our business by developing new products and acquiring strategic brands
while also improving operating efficiencies. As a result, from 1994 to pro forma
1998 our:
- Net sales grew at a compound annual rate of 19.2%;
- EBITDA grew at a compound annual rate of 36.6%; and
- EBITDA margin increased from 12.4% to 21.3%.
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INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Retail sales of consumer lawn and garden pesticides and household
insecticides in the United States totaled $2.7 billion in 1998. Since 1994, the
market for these products has grown at an average annual rate of approximately
3%. We believe that the industry will continue to grow at a similar rate over
the next several years due to favorable demographic trends. Approximately 67% of
households in the United States, or 68 million households, participate in some
form of lawn and garden care activity. Moreover, consumers over the age of
forty-five represent the largest segment of lawn and garden care product users
and typically enjoy more leisure time and higher levels of discretionary income
than the general population. As the baby boom generation ages, this segment is
expected to grow at a rate more than twice that of the total population. This
demographic trend is likely to increase the number of lawn and garden care
product users.
We also believe that we will benefit from the following trends in the
industry:
CHANNEL CONSOLIDATION. Historically, consumer lawn and garden care products
have been distributed through a variety of retail channels, including home
improvement centers, mass merchandisers, hardware stores, grocery and drug
stores, warehouse clubs and garden centers. In recent years, as home improvement
centers and mass merchandisers have added stores and expanded their lawn and
garden care departments, consumers have increasingly purchased their lawn and
garden care needs from these outlets due to their broader and deeper product
offerings, competitive prices and convenient locations and hours. In 1997,
approximately 70% of consumers purchased lawn and garden care products at home
improvement centers and mass merchandisers compared to just 57% in 1992. We
believe that these retail channels will continue to gain market share from other
channels over the next several years.
GROWTH IN VALUE-ORIENTED BRANDS. Consumer lawn and garden care products
fall into one of three brand tiers: (a) premium brands, (b) value brands or (c)
opening price point brands. Historically, the market was dominated by premium
brands. Over the past several years, the market has shifted toward value and
opening price point brands. Value brands are targeted toward consumers who want
products and packaging that are comparable or superior to premium brands, but at
a lower price, while opening price point brands are designed for consumers who
want quality products and packaging, but are extremely cost conscious. Value and
opening price point brands' combined share of shelf space at our four largest
customers increased from approximately 40% to 60% between 1995 and 1998 at the
expense of premium brands. We believe that value and opening price point brands
will continue to grow because of (a) continued improving consumer perception of
the quality and performance of these brands and (b) ongoing increases in shelf
space dedicated to these brands due to the higher margins they offer to
retailers.
PROFESSIONAL MARKET BUYING PATTERNS. Home improvement centers are
increasingly targeting the trade professionals in a variety of industries. As a
result, trade professionals are utilizing this channel with greater frequency to
take advantage of the competitive prices, convenience of locations and hours,
delivery services and availability of credit offered by such retailers. Smaller
independent pest control operators and lawn and garden care professionals, who
represent approximately 70% of the professional market, have historically
purchased their supplies from commercial distributors. While the current
selection of professional lawn and garden care products is limited at home
improvement centers, we believe that strategic initiatives underway at several
national retailers will improve the breadth of professional products offered and
drive future growth through this channel.
COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS
LEADING VALUE-ORIENTED BRANDS. United is the leading manufacturer and
marketer of value-oriented branded products for the consumer lawn and garden
pesticide and household insecticide markets in the United States. Our value and
opening price point brands have driven a shift in the industry by offering
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innovative products comparable or superior quality to premium brands at lower
prices. As a result, our products have developed significant brand awareness and
customer loyalty. Our portfolio of pesticide brands holds the number one
position (36% share) in the home improvement center channel and the number two
position (29% share) in the mass merchandiser channel.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH LEADING RETAILERS. We have developed "strategic
partnerships" with a number of leading national retailers in the fastest growing
retail channels. Our four largest customers, Home Depot, Wal*Mart, Lowe's and
Kmart, each hold significant positions in the lawn and garden care market and
have together opened approximately 750 net new stores over the last five years.
As a result, we have been able to significantly increase our sales as these
retailers have added new stores and captured market share.
LARGE, EXCLUSIVE DIRECT SALES FORCE. We have the largest direct sales force
in our industry, with approximately 300 sales representatives dedicated to
merchandising our products. Each representative is responsible for approximately
30 retail outlets and typically visits each store on a weekly basis to
merchandise shelf space, collect inventory data, record orders and educate
in-store personnel about our products. This process facilitates real time
marketing, re-ordering and pricing decisions, helping to maximize store-level
profitability. In addition, our exclusive sales force helps us to identify
emerging trends and develop products to meet consumers' needs. We believe that
our level of direct in-store sales support is unique among our competitors.
PROPRIETARY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM. Our highly advanced and
proprietary management information system provides real time data on sales,
orders and inventories at each retail outlet, allowing targeted sales promotions
and efficient inventory management. With same-day order processing and
strategically located distribution centers throughout the United States, we are
generally able to deliver products to retailers within 72 hours of an order,
allowing retailers to maintain lower inventory levels, generate higher turns and
minimize costly returns.
PROVEN, COMMITTED SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM. Our management team has extensive
operating, merchandising and marketing experience with us and in the consumer
products industry. This management team has grown our business by developing new
products and acquiring strategic brands while also improving operating
efficiencies. Combined, our top four senior managers have over 80 years of
experience in the consumer products industry and 19 years of experience with us.
After the recapitalization, our senior management team owns or has the right to
acquire approximately 9% of our fully diluted common stock.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
We plan to capitalize on our strengths and the favorable industry trends to
enhance our leadership position in value and opening price point brands by
implementing the following key elements of our business strategy:
ENHANCE VALUE BRAND POSITION. We plan to maintain our focus on building our
leading value brands for the consumer lawn and garden pesticide and household
insecticide markets. Our strategy is to provide innovative products of
comparable or superior quality to our competitors at a lower price to appeal to
the large, growing segment of consumers that desire a better value. Over the
past five years, we have grown the sales and market shares of our core value
brands--Spectracide, Hot Shot, Cutter and Peters--through the successful
execution of this strategy.
PARTNER WITH LEADING RETAILERS. We believe that our strong value brand
position coupled with our operational expertise allows us to partner with
leading national retailers to develop opening price point brands. We currently
manufacture and market the opening price point brands for retailers such as Home
Depot, Kmart and Lowe's. Our strategic partnerships with these retailers have
enabled us to significantly
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increase our portion of their category shelf space. Specifically, our products
occupy over half of the category shelf space at Home Depot, Kmart and Lowe's,
where we are "category manager" for lawn and garden pesticides. As category
manager, our representatives work together with these national retailers to
determine advantageous pricing, product mix and merchandising plans.
MAXIMIZE CATEGORY PROFITABILITY FOR RETAILERS. We focus on maximizing
retailers' profitability in selling our products by being a low-cost provider
and leveraging our one-step distribution. We are a low-cost provider as a result
of our high level of vertical integration and our patented water-based aerosol
technology. We have a one-step distribution process through our approximately
300 person exclusive direct sales force, the largest in the industry.
LEVERAGE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK. We continually seek to capitalize on our
strong distribution network and relationships with retailers. To that end, we
have increased our sales and improved our operating leverage by supplying
complementary product lines to retailers. We add new products either through new
product development or by acquiring product lines. Our new product development
strategy has been to introduce innovative products that have superior
performance, easy-to-understand packaging and value pricing. Over the past three
years, we have introduced 80 new products, which represented nearly 40% of our
1998 net sales. New products generate additional sales and generally provide
higher margins to us and our retailers. Spectracide Terminate generated net
sales of $21.9 million in its limited initial launch in 1998, demonstrating the
strength of our distribution network. Our brand acquisition strategy has been to
selectively acquire product lines that can benefit from our strong distribution
network, product development expertise and other competitive strengths. Acquired
product lines such as Peters and Cutter have experienced rapid growth upon
integration into our distribution system.
TARGET PROFESSIONAL MARKET. While the primary end users of our products
have historically been household consumers, we have begun to target smaller
independent pest control operators and lawn and garden care professionals
through our existing retail channels. Historically, these professionals have
purchased their pesticide and lawn and garden care products from commercial
distributors. We believe that these professionals will increasingly utilize the
home improvement center channel to take advantage of the competitive prices,
convenience of locations and hours, delivery services and availability of credit
offered. To benefit from and further drive this trend, we developed Spectracide
Pro, a group of products designed specifically for the professional market.
Launched in March 1999, this line of professional pesticides is supported by
national advertising in relevant trade magazines, in-store promotional
campaigns, an exclusive direct sales force and technical support. We believe
that we can capitalize on our strong relationships with leading national
retailers to gain a meaningful position in the professional market.
OUR HISTORY
United was founded by David C. Pratt in 1969. We initially focused on metal
works and anchor and bolt production. In 1973, we acquired Spray Chem, a
contract manufacturer of liquid and aerosol insecticides and herbicides. In
1985, we acquired Real-Kill and entered into the manufacturing and distribution
of branded products. In 1988, we formed our core businesses through the
acquisition of certain assets of various businesses of Chesebrough-Ponds, a
subsidiary of Unilever plc. The acquired brands included Spectracide, Hot Shot,
Rid-a-Bug, Bag-a-Bug and No-Pest, expanding our products to include a wide array
of value-oriented indoor and outdoor pesticides. In 1994, we acquired assets
relating to Cutter from Miles, Inc. In 1995, we acquired assets from Alljack
Company and Celex Corporation, including Peters, the manufacturing rights of
Kmart's opening price point brands, KRid and KGro, and the Shootout and Gro Best
brand names.
In addition to acquisitions, we have grown through new product
introductions. Our new product development strategy has been to identify unmet
consumer needs, exploit competitors' weaknesses and introduce innovative
products that have superior performance, easy-to-understand packaging and value
pricing. Over the past three years, we have introduced 80 new products, which
represented nearly 40% of
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our 1998 net sales. Examples include: (a) Spectracide Terminate, the first ever
do-it-yourself consumer termite killing system, introduced in 1998, and (b)
Spectracide Pro, a line of lawn and garden and household pesticides targeted
toward smaller independent pest control operators and lawn and garden care
professionals, introduced in March 1999.
PRODUCTS
We are the leading manufacturer and marketer of value and opening price
point branded products for the consumer lawn and garden pesticide and household
insecticide markets in the United States. We manufacture and market one of the
broadest lines of pesticides in the industry, including herbicides and indoor
and outdoor insecticides, as well as insect repellents and water soluble
fertilizers, under a variety of brand names. Our products have comparable or
superior quality and performance to premium brands, but are typically priced at
a 10% to 20% discount. Our value brands are targeted toward consumers who want
products and packaging that are comparable or superior to premium brands, but at
a lower price, while our opening price point brands are designed for consumers
who want quality products and packaging, but are extremely cost conscious. Our
portfolio of value-oriented pesticide brands hold the number one position (36%
share) in the home improvement center channel and the number two position (29%
share) in the mass merchandiser channel. The following is a description of each
of our major products.
VALUE BRANDS (82% OF 1998 NET SALES)
We sell a broad line of value brands marketed under such names as
Spectracide, Spectracide Terminate, Spectracide Pro, Hot Shot, Cutter and
Peters. Since 1994, net sales of our value brands have grown at a compound
annual rate of 13.6% from $139.8 million to $232.6 million in 1998. Below is a
description of each of our value brands:
SPECTRACIDE. The Spectracide product line primarily consists of outdoor
insect control products and herbicides, but also includes indoor insect control
products, specialty items such as plant disease control and rose care products,
and regional products such as fire ant killer and Bag-a-Bug Japanese beetle
traps. Since its acquisition from Unilever in 1988, Spectracide has grown faster
than any brand in the consumer lawn and garden category with net sales growing
at a compound annual rate of 14.1% since 1994. When we acquired the Spectracide
product line, it held a single digit market share in the home improvement center
and mass merchandiser channels. Today, the Spectracide brand has an average
market share in excess of 20% in both of these channels. We have grown this
brand by capitalizing on our strong distribution network, product development
expertise and other competitive strengths. The Spectracide product line consists
of 115 SKUs.
SPECTRACIDE TERMINATE. Introduced in 1998, Spectracide Terminate is the
first ever do-it-yourself consumer termite killing system. The product is based
on professional bait stake technology and comes in 20, 40 or 60 stake packages
to meet the needs of a wide range of property sizes. Prices per package range
from $49 to $129, which is a significant discount to professional services. The
introduction of Spectracide Terminate reflects our focus on innovative product
development. We identified a need for a do-it-yourself alternative because
approximately 98% of the revenues in the $2.0 billion termite control industry
are generated by professional termite franchises. Conceived, developed and
introduced in less than a year, Spectracide Terminate has been very successful
during its initial marketing stage, with net sales of $21.9 million in 1998. As
we continue to expand distribution and enhance marketing programs dedicated to
this product, we believe sales of the Spectracide Terminate product will
continue to grow. The Spectracide Terminate product line consists of 12 SKUs.
SPECTRACIDE PRO. The Spectracide Pro product line, which was introduced in
March 1999, targets smaller independent lawn and garden care professionals and
pest control operators. Many trade professionals are increasingly purchasing
their supplies at home improvement centers. To benefit from and drive this
trend, we developed the Spectracide Pro line, a group of products designed
specifically for the
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<PAGE>
professional market. This product line will be the first to offer both
convenience and value to this market through the home improvement center
channel. Conceived, developed and introduced in less than a year, this product
line is supported by national advertising in relevant trade magazines, an
exclusive direct sales force, a technical support team and in-store promotional
campaigns. Preliminary distribution is through over 400 Home Depot retail
locations. The Spectracide Pro product line consists of 21 SKUs.
HOT SHOT. The Hot Shot product line consists of household insecticides,
including items such as roach and ant killers, flying insect killers, foggers,
wasp and hornet killers, rodenticides, flea control products and, most recently,
a new line of roach and ant baits. Acquired from Unilever in 1988, Hot Shot is
the fastest growing household insecticide brand in the United States, recently
passing Black Flag-Registered Trademark- to become the number two brand in the
home improvement center and mass merchandiser channels. Hot Shot's market
penetration has consistently increased, growing from a market share in the low
single digits in the home improvement center and mass merchandiser channels when
we acquired the brand to over 16% today in the categories in which it competes.
The Hot Shot product line consists of 48 SKUs.
CUTTER. Acquired from Miles, Inc. in 1994, Cutter's product line provides
protection for the entire family, ranging from area repellent citronella candles
to products designed especially for use on children and the outdoorsman. We have
repositioned Cutter as a value brand and increased its distribution, enabling it
to become the fastest growing brand in the insect repellent category. Today,
Cutter has the number one market position in the home improvement center and
hardware store channels. Cutter's average market share in personal repellents is
18% within the channels that it competes. The Cutter product line consists of 27
SKUs.
PETERS. Peters is a water soluble fertilizer available in all purpose
formulations as well as specialty formulations for lawns, roses, tomatoes,
orchids and azaleas. We acquired Peters, our most recent brand acquisition, from
Alljack Company and Celex Corporation in 1995. Originally developed for
professional greenhouse growers, Peters is now the number two water-soluble
fertilizer in the home improvement center channel. For 1999, Peters introduced
new high-impact packaging graphics and new all-weather packaging material and
merchandising displays to improve shelf appearance and allow the products to be
displayed in the live goods departments of home improvement centers and mass
merchandisers. We believe that capital investments made in 1998 for new and
upgraded manufacturing equipment for Peters will streamline operations and
reduce overhead, resulting in significant improvements in manufacturing
productivity. Peters will also continue to benefit from our strong distribution
network, product development expertise and other competitive strengths. The
Peters product line consists of 18 SKUs.
OTHER VALUE BRANDS. We also manufacture and market regional value brands in
Florida and the Caribbean. Rid-a-Bug, sold exclusively in Florida, is a leading
household pesticide product in that state. Real-Kill, marketed as a
Spanish-labeled product throughout the Caribbean, has become the leading brand
of household insecticides in Puerto Rico. We also manufacture private label
products for hardware co-operatives and other retailers and produce under
contract pesticides and other chemicals for other companies.
OPENING PRICE POINT BRANDS (18% OF 1998 NET SALES)
An important aspect of our growth over the past few years has resulted from
our introduction of opening price point brands at home improvement centers and
mass merchandisers. By introducing these products, we have effectively acquired
shelf space at the expense of our competitors by displacing premium brands and
lower quality regional brands. Our strategic retail partners have also benefited
from our introduction of opening price point brands through streamlined
logistics, better inventory control and higher margins. Net sales of our opening
price point brands have grown rapidly from zero in 1994 to $50.1 million in
1998. Below is a description of each of our opening price point brands.
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REAL-KILL. In 1997, we repositioned Real-Kill, relaunching the brand
exclusively at Home Depot as its opening price point brand. The brand consists
of indoor and outdoor pesticides.
NO-PEST. In late 1997, we introduced No-Pest exclusively at Lowe's as its
opening price point brand. The brand consists of indoor and outdoor pesticides.
KRID, KGRO, SHOOTOUT AND GRO BEST. In late 1995, we acquired the
manufacturing operations which produce the Kmart owned opening price point
brands, KRid and KGro, and the brand names, Shootout and Gro Best. These brands
consist of indoor and outdoor pesticides.
CUSTOMERS
We sell our products through all major retail channels, including home
improvement centers, mass merchandisers, hardware stores, grocery and drug
stores, wholesale clubs and garden centers. We manufacture and supply products
to hundreds of customers representing more than 70,000 retail stores across the
United States and in select locations in Canada, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
Our leadership position in the home improvement center and mass merchandiser
channels is a key element of our past and future success. Industry wide,
category sales continue to shift to the home improvement center and mass
merchandiser channels. In 1997, approximately 70% of consumers purchased lawn
and garden products through these channels compared to just 57% in 1992. Within
these channels, we focus on the fastest growing retailers and enjoy
long-standing relationships with market leaders such as Home Depot,Wal.Mart,
Lowe's, Kmart, Food Lion, Albertsons and Walgreens.
Our four largest customers, Home Depot,Wal.Mart, Lowe's and Kmart,
represented 68% of our 1998 net sales. The combination of consumer demand
shifting away from premium price brands and our control of the opening price
point brand at three of these top four customers has helped us achieve the role
of "category manager" for lawn and garden pesticides at Home Depot, Lowe's and
Kmart. As category manager, our representatives work together with these
national retailers to determine advantageous pricing, product mix and
merchandising plans. The following table sets forth our share of shelf space and
position at each of our key retailers:
SHELF SPACE AND POSITION AT FOUR LARGEST CUSTOMERS (1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HOME
DEPOT WAL.MART LOWE'S KMART
----------- ------------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Category manager............................................................. Yes No Yes Yes
Share of 1999 shelf space (2)................................................ 52% 13% 53% 57%
Position based on unit sales (3)............................................. #1 #2 #1 #1
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) As to lawn and garden pesticides.
(2) Management estimate of our share of shelf space in the category based on
store shelf plans.
(3) Based on 1998 point-of-sale data from Information Resources, Inc. and Triad
Systems Corporation
Home Depot, Wal.Mart, Lowe's and Kmart have together opened approximately
750 net new stores, increasing their number of stores from 5,118 in 1994 to
5,858 in 1998. This store growth has permitted us to drive volume by stocking
new shelves rather than depending solely on acquiring existing shelf space from
competitors. We believe that new store growth will continue to drive volume in
the future, as our top customers alone expect to open approximately 400 new
stores in 1999. We expect to occupy the same amount of shelf space in new stores
as in existing stores in comparable geographic locations.
The following table sets forth the store base of each of our top four
customers:
54
<PAGE>
STORE GROWTH OF FOUR LARGEST CUSTOMERS(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HOME
DEPOT WAL.MART LOWE'S KMART
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1994......................................................................... 340 2,132 330 2,316
1995......................................................................... 423 2,234 365 2,161
1996......................................................................... 512 2,304 402 2,134
1997......................................................................... 624 2,362 446 2,136
1998......................................................................... 761 2,467 492 2,138
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Represents stores at year-end.
Below is a brief description of our relationships with our four largest
customers:
HOME DEPOT. Prior to 1997, our relationship with Home Depot included only
the distribution of our core value brands. We capitalized on a shift in consumer
preferences toward value and opening price point brands away from premium brands
by working in partnership with Home Depot to reintroduce Real-Kill exclusively
at Home Depot as its opening price point brand. Our net sales to Home Depot grew
from $9.3 million in 1994 to $73.5 million in 1998, representing a compound
annual growth rate of 67.7%. During the same period, Home Depot grew its store
base at a compound annual growth rate of 22.3%. Our share of shelf space in our
category at Home Depot is approximately 52%.
WAL.MART. At Wal.Mart, we distribute our core value brands. Wal.Mart's
opening price point brand is currently manufactured by a third-party
manufacturer pursuant to a contract that expires in 2000. Our net sales to
Wal.Mart grew from $42.2 million in 1994 to $49.0 million in 1998, representing
a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%. During the same period, Wal.Mart grew its
store base at approximately the same rate. Our share of shelf space in our
category at Wal.Mart is approximately 13%.
LOWE'S. Prior to 1997, our relationship with Lowe's included only the
distribution of our core value brands. Like our relationship with Home Depot,
our relationship was greatly enhanced with the introduction of No-Pest, which we
sell exclusively to Lowe's as its opening price point brand. Our net sales to
Lowe's grew from $11.0 million in 1994 to $40.6 million in 1998, representing a
compound annual growth rate of 38.6%. During the same period, Lowe's grew its
store base at a compound annual growth rate of 10.5%. Our share of shelf space
in our category at Lowe's is approximately 53%.
KMART. Prior to 1995, our relationship with Kmart included only the
distribution of our core value brands. Like our relationships with Home Depot
and Lowe's, our relationship was greatly enhanced when we began manufacturing
Kmart's opening price point brands, KRid and KGro, and acquired its other
opening price point brands, Shootout and Gro Best. Our net sales to Kmart grew
from $0.8 million in 1994 to $32.1 million in 1998, representing a compound
annual growth rate of 151.7%. During that same period, Kmart's store base was
essentially constant. Our share of space in our category at Kmart is
approximately 57%.
SALES AND MARKETING
We conduct our sales activities through our exclusive direct sales force,
the largest in our industry. Our sales force consists of approximately 300
territory managers and 20 area sales managers. Territory managers are typically
responsible for 30 retail accounts and visit accounts on a weekly basis to
merchandise shelves and collect inventory data. Our proprietary management
information system allows this information to be linked from territory managers'
laptop computers to our main database. Territory managers' store visits generate
close to 1,000 store reports a day. The data collected and analyzed includes
valuable real-time information on SKUs, inventory levels and sales, information
that is used by territory managers and our customers to develop promotional
campaigns and merchandising plans that maximize
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<PAGE>
store level sales and profitability. This process facilitates real-time
marketing, re-ordering and pricing decisions, helping to maximize store level
profitability. Orders can be placed directly to our distribution facilities
during a store visit, generally allowing for delivery of orders within 72 hours
of a visit. Our rapid delivery allows customers to maximize inventory turns and
minimize costly returns. In addition, our sales force is better able to help us
identify emerging trends and develop products to meet consumers' needs.
Moreover, our one-step distribution system allows us to minimize our
distribution costs relative to our competitors' smaller sales forces and use of
third-party distributors. Customers benefit as we can offer our products at a
lower price. We believe that our level of direct in-store sales support is
unique among our competitors. In the retail grocery and drug channel, we use a
network of independent brokers to ensure execution of our sales programs.
Our marketing department leads our new product development process as well
as develops all consumer support plans to help drive sales through our strong
distribution network. To promote our products to consumers, we advertise on
national and local television, radio and print media; develop consumer
promotions; and engage in market research efforts. We promote the quality and
efficacy of our value brands, while emphasizing their lower cost relative to
premium brands.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
In fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, we spent $0.8, $0.6 and $0.4 million,
respectively, on research and development. Our research and development
department has developed over 80 new products since 1996 which represented
nearly 40% of our 1998 net sales, evidence of our focus on innovation and the
speed of our development cycle. As a result, our active ingredient chemical
vendors often approach us first with new active ingredients, allowing us to
rapidly develop and introduce new products. Our research and development staff
has extensive experience across all of our product segments. Although our
expertise is in applied formulation, items like our patented water-based aerosol
technology, our exclusive formulation of diquat fusilade and our dual insect and
disease control formulations were developed internally.
RAW MATERIALS AND SUPPLIERS
The key elements of our products are various commodity and specialty
chemicals including diazinon, Dursban-Registered Trademark- and sulfluramid, as
well as packaging materials. We obtain raw materials from various sources, which
we currently consider to be adequate. No one source is considered to be
essential to our operations, and we have never experienced a significant
interruption of supply. Our top suppliers for 1998 included Novartis Crop
Protection, Inc., AgrEvo Environmental Health and Dow Agro Sciences for active
ingredients and United States Can Co. and C. L. Smith for components. In
addition, The Andersons performs toll processing of granular insecticides for
us. Several of our agreements with suppliers provide for price adjustments. In
addition, some of our agreements with suppliers provide for exclusivity rights,
subject to minimum purchase requirements.
COMPETITION
We operate in a highly competitive market and compete against a number of
large national and regional brands. Our principal national competitors include:
The Scotts Company, which markets products under the
Ortho-Registered Trademark-, Roundup-Registered Trademark- and
Miracle-Gro-Registered Trademark- brand names; S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., which
markets products under the Raid-Registered Trademark- and
OFF!-Registered Trademark- brand names; and The Clorox Company, which markets
products under the Combat-Registered Trademark- and Black
Flag-Registered Trademark- brand names. Some of our competitors are larger, have
longer operating histories, greater financial resources and greater market
recognition than us. See "Risk Factors."
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
We operate and own a substantial number of trademarks and tradenames
including the following: Spectracide, Spectracide Terminate, Spectracide Pro,
Hot Shot, Rid-a-Bug, Bag-a-Bug, Real-Kill, No-Pest,
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Shootout and Gro Best. We license the Cutter trademark and other members of the
Cutter family of trademarks from Bayer Corporation and the Peters and Peters
Professional trademarks from The Scotts Company. These licenses are, in effect,
perpetual and exclusive. We also own a number of United States and foreign
patents and have a number of patent applications pending.
MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION
We have four manufacturing facilities located throughout Missouri and
Michigan. Our facilities manufacture primarily three types of product
categories: aerosols, liquids and water-soluble fertilizers. Our products are
formulated using active ingredients manufactured by major chemical companies.
The chemical composition of our products is based on internally developed,
proprietary formulas. The typical manufacturing process consists of four stages:
batch, fill, label and pack. We currently produce over 400 SKUs through our four
aerosol production lines, three liquid production lines and two water-soluble
fertilizer production lines. Our production lines are flexible and can operate
at a variety of filling speeds and produce multiple shipping configurations. We
use outside manufacturers for the production of our granular insecticides, baits
and candles.
Our three aerosol production lines have an annual capacity of 100 million
cans, and production on these lines is approximately 60 million cans. Our three
liquid production lines have annual capacity of approximately 80 million bottles
and are producing approximately 40 million bottles. Our two water-soluble
production lines have an annual capacity of close to 40 million pounds, and
current output is approximately 17 million pounds. We believe our capacity is
sufficient to meet our seasonal inventory needs. On average, the cost of adding
a new aerosol production line is approximately $3.0 million, a new liquid
production line is approximately $2.0 million and a new water soluble production
line is approximately $1.0 million.
We have four distribution centers, located in Vinita Park, Missouri;
Allentown, Pennsylvania; Gainesville, Georgia; and City of Industry, California.
The strategic location of these centers, combined with the real-time order
information provided by our proprietary management information system, allows
same day shipment from one of these locations directly to our retail customers.
All of our facilities are leased under leases expiring on December 31, 1999
or December 31, 2000, but may be renewed at our option for one-year periods
until 2010 in the case of leases initially expiring in December 31, 1999, and
for three additional five-year periods, in the case of a lease expiring on
December 31, 2000. Our leases, like substantially all of our other properties,
are pledged to secure our senior credit facility. See "Material Transactions."
The table below provides information regarding the location, the use and the
approximate square footage of our facilities:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE SQUARE
LOCATION FACILITY DESCRIPTION FOOTAGE
- --------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Overland, MO Office space and finished goods warehousing 182,200
Vinita Park, MO Office space and distribution center 159,550
Bentonville, AR Office space 3,125
Troy, MI Office space 918
Gainesville, GA Distribution center 79,000
Allentown, PA Distribution center 40,000
City of Industry, CA Distribution center 38,000
Vinita Park, MO Manufacturing plant and warehousing 318,500
Plymouth, MI Manufacturing plant 50,000
Earth City, MO Finished goods warehousing 125,000
</TABLE>
57
<PAGE>
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1998, we had approximately 1,000 full-time employees.
Approximately 240 of our employees at our Vinita Park and Overland, Missouri
locations are covered by collective bargaining agreements, which expire in
September, 1999, with Finishers, Maintenance Painters, Industrial and Allied
Workers Local Union 980, AFL-CIO. We have not experienced any significant work
stoppage in recent years, and we believe our labor relations are satisfactory.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In March 1999, we took a charge of $1.5 million to primarily reserve for the
expected cost of an adverse judgment on a counterclaim filed by defendants in
the case of United Industries Corporation vs. John Allman, Craig Jackman et al.,
pending in the U.S. District Court in Detroit, Michigan; Case No. 97-76147. We
alleged that defendants breached contracts by failing to perform various
services. Defendants counterclaimed for sales commissions allegedly earned by
them but not paid to them by United. On July 29, 1999, we paid $900 in
liquidating damages and $112 in past commissions. The remaining amounts accrued
in connection with the $1,500 charge will primarily be used to cover unpaid
legal costs associated with this case.
In October 1998, the FTC and several state attorneys general filed a suit
against us seeking to enjoin our advertising of Spectracide Terminate as a
"termite home defense system." The suit alleges that we have made deceptive and
unsubstantiated claims regarding Spectracide Terminate; we have denied these
allegations. We have negotiated and received a signed settlement agreement
regarding our advertising claims with the FTC and the state attorneys general
involved in the litigation. As part of the settlement, we agreed that we would
not, without competent and reliable scientific evidence, represent to consumers
that: (a) use of Spectracide Terminate alone is effective in preventing termite
infestations or eliminating active termite infestations; (b) Spectracide
Terminate provides "protection for your home against subterranean termites"; and
(c) Spectracide Terminate is a "termite home defense system" or make any
representations comparing the performance of Spectracide Terminate to other
termite control methods. We further agreed to apply to the federal EPA to rename
our product as "Spectracide Terminate." The agreement provides that we may
describe the product as a "do-it-yourself termite killing system for
subterranean termites." Finally, in virtually any advertisement that indicates,
either expressly or implicitly, that Spectracide Terminate kills termites or
prevents termite damage or infestation, we agreed that we would make the
following disclosure: "Not recommended as sole protection against termites, and
for active infestations, get a professional inspection." We incurred charges
from this suit totaling $1.1 million, including $0.4 million paid to 10 states'
attorneys general for reimbursement of their legal expenses and $0.7 million for
other legal expenses we incurred in connection with this suit. These expenses
were reflected as recapitalization and other special charges in the fourth
quarter of 1998 and were paid in the first quarter of 1999. In March 1998, a
judgement was entered against us for a lawsuit filed in 1992 by the spouse of a
former employee claiming benefits from a United-owned key man life insurance
policy. On August 24, 1999 the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District,
affirmed the trial court's decision. We are considering appealing this judgment.
Costs related to this case of $1.2 million were reflected as recapitalization
and other special charges in the first quarter of 1998 of which no amounts have
been paid as of June 30, 1999.
We are also involved in other lawsuits and claims which arise in the
ordinary course of business. Our management does not believe that these claims,
or the claims described above, individually or in the aggregate, will have a
material adverse effect on our financial position or operations. See "Risk
Factors."
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations
governing environmental matters. Our manufacturing operations are subject to
requirements regulating air emissions, wastewater discharge, waste management,
and the cleanup of contamination. Based on assessments conducted by an
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independent environmental consultant in connection with the transactions, we
believe that we are in material compliance with these requirements and have no
material environmental liabilities. Nonetheless, like all companies, we may be
subject to potentially significant fines or penalties if we fail to comply with
these requirements, and we could be subject to potentially significant cleanup
liabilities if contamination is discovered at properties currently or formerly
owned or operated by us or at a facility to which we sent wastes. We are in the
process of eliminating process wastewater discharges from our manufacturing
operations, and expect to reach "zero discharge" by late 1999. The completion of
this project will involve capital expenditures of approximately $200,000. We do
not anticipate any material capital expenditures for environmental controls in
2000 or 2001.
Our pesticide products must be reviewed and registered by EPA and similar
state agencies or, in foreign jurisdictions, foreign agencies, before they can
be marketed. We devote substantial resources to maintaining compliance with
these registration requirements. If we fail to comply, however, the affected
pesticide could be suspended or canceled, and we could be subject to fines or
penalties. Depending upon the pesticide involved, the severity of the sanction,
and the availability of a substitute product, failure to comply with the EPA
requirements could have a material adverse effect on us. Additionally, EPA is in
the process of re-registering all pesticides and is requiring manufacturers to
supply EPA with additional data regarding their pesticides. Where possible, we
are working with trade associations to reduce our cost of developing this data.
We expect that EPA will continue to request additional pesticide data over the
next five to ten years. Because we do not yet know the extent of the data EPA
will require, it is impossible for us to predict the cost impact it will have on
us. It is also possible that the data we submit could show a risk that EPA deems
unacceptable, which could result in cancellation of the pesticide registration.
While we cannot assure you, we do not expect the impact to have a material
adverse effect on us. EPA also intends to analyze the risk that certain
pesticides present to children, as required by the Food Quality Protection Act.
Depending upon the outcome of its risk analyses, EPA could limit the use of some
of our products, which could adversely affect our business. The severity of the
effect would depend on which products were involved, whether another product or
ingredient could be substituted, and whether our competitors are similarly
affected.
Our fertilizer products must be reviewed and registered by each state prior
to sale. The states typically check the weight of the product and the accuracy
of the analysis statement on the packaging. Other consumer products we market
are subject to the safety requirements of the Consumer Product Safety
Commission. If we fail to comply with any of these requirements, we could be
suspended or prohibited from marketing the affected product, which could
adversely affect our business.
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MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Set forth below is the name, age and position of each of our executive
officers and directors. Our board of directors presently consists of six
directors who are elected annually. Executive officers serve at the discretion
of the board of directors and, in the case of Messrs. Bender, Johnson and
Johnston, pursuant to employment agreements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ------------------------ --- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
David A. Jones 51 Chairman of the Board; Director
Richard A. Bender 49 Senior Vice President, Distribution, Human Resources and Manufacturing
William P. Johnson 43 Senior Vice President, Sales
Daniel J. Johnston 41 Senior Vice President, Finance and MIS and Chief Financial Officer; Director
D. Garrad Warren III 47 Senior Vice President, Marketing and Business Development
David C. Pratt 54 Director
C. Hunter Boll 44 Director
Scott A. Schoen 40 Director
Charles A. Brizius 30 Director
</TABLE>
DAVID A. JONES became a director of our company in January 1999 in
connection with the recapitalization and was appointed Chairman of the Board in
June 1999. Mr. Jones has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Rayovac Corporation since March 1996. Between February 1995 and March 1996, Mr.
Jones was Chief Operating Officer, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Thermoscan, Inc. From 1989 to 1994, he served as President
and Chief Executive Officer of The Regina Company, a manufacturer of vacuum
cleaners and other floor care equipment.
RICHARD A. BENDER has served as our Senior Vice President, Distribution,
Human Resources and MIS since 1996. Mr. Bender joined us in 1988 as Vice
President of Human Resources. He has held various positions during his tenure
with us, including responsibilities in our former metals group division,
administration, management information systems, product supply and distribution.
Prior to joining us, Mr. Bender was a general manager in an automotive related
private business and spent 13 years in various roles including sales, plant
operations and human resources at Colgate-Palmolive Co.
WILLIAM P. JOHNSON has served as our Senior Vice President, Sales since
1998. From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Johnson served as Senior Vice President, Sales, and
from 1993 to 1996, as Vice President of Sales in Non-Food National Accounts.
Prior to joining us, Mr. Johnson was a national accounts manager for Rubbermaid,
Inc. from 1989 to 1993. Prior to joining Rubbermaid, Inc., Mr. Johnson held the
position of Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Dorcy International from
1979 to 1989.
DANIEL J. JOHNSTON has served as our Senior Vice President, Finance and MIS
and Chief Financial Officer since 1997. Mr. Johnston joined us in 1994 as
Controller and then worked as Assistant to the Chairman. Prior to joining us, he
spent five years from 1990 to 1994 at Cooper Industries, Inc. in various
financial functions at its corporate office and Bussmann Division. Prior to
joining Cooper Industries, Inc., he was employed by Price Waterhouse, LLP from
1982 to 1990, finishing as an audit manager.
D. GARRAD WARREN III has served as our Senior Vice President, Marketing and
Business Development since June 1999. Prior to joining us, Mr. Warren was the
Senior Vice President, Sales & Customer Development at International Home Foods
from March 1998 to September 1998. Prior to joining International Home Foods,
Mr. Warren spent twenty-four years at Dow Chemical Company in various marketing,
sales and customer development positions.
DAVID C. PRATT was our President and Chief Executive Officer from our
inception until the recapitalization and thereafter served as Chairman of the
Board until Mr. Jones' acceptance of that position. Mr. Pratt has continued as a
director.
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C. HUNTER BOLL became a director of our company in January 1999 in
connection with the recapitalization. Mr. Boll is a managing director of Thomas
H. Lee Company where he has been employed since 1986. Mr. Boll is also a
Principal Managing Director and Member of Thomas H. Lee Advisors, LLC, the
general partner of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., which controls the general
partner of Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P. and Vice President of Thomas H.
Lee Advisors I and T. H. Lee Mezzanine II, affiliates of ML-Lee Acquisition
Fund, L.P., ML-Lee Acquisition Fund II, L.P. and ML-Lee Acquisition Fund II
(Retirement Accounts), L.P., respectively. Mr. Boll also serves as a director of
Stanley Furniture Company, Inc., New York Restaurant Group, Inc., Freedom
Securities Corporation, Big V Supermarkets, Inc., TransWestern Communications
Company, Inc. and several private corporations.
SCOTT A. SCHOEN became a director of our company in January 1999 in
connection with the recapitalization. He is a Managing Director of Thomas H. Lee
Company, which he joined in 1986. In addition, Mr. Schoen is a Principal
Managing Director and Member of Thomas H. Lee Advisors, LLC, the general partner
of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., which controls the general partner of Thomas H.
Lee Equity Fund IV, LP and Vice President of Thomas H. Lee Advisors I and T. H.
Lee Mezzanine II, affiliates of ML-Lee Acquisition Fund, L.P., ML-Lee
Acquisition Fund II, L.P. and ML-Lee Acquisition Fund II (Retirement Accounts),
L.P., respectively. He is also a director of Rayovac Corporation, Syratech
Corporation, TransWestern Communications Company, Inc. and several private
corporations.
CHARLES A. BRIZIUS became a director of our company in January 1999 in
connection with the recapitalization. Mr. Brizius worked at Thomas H. Lee
Company from 1993 to 1995, rejoined in 1997 and currently serves as an
Associate. Mr. Brizius is a Member of Thomas H. Lee Advisors, LLC, the general
partner of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., which controls the general partner of
Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P. From 1991 to 1993, Mr. Brizius worked at
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated in the Corporate Finance Department. He is
also a director of Eye Care Centers of America, Inc.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Other than Mr. Jones and Mr. Pratt, who receive compensation in connection
with consulting agreements, we do not compensate our directors.
In connection with the recapitalization, we entered into a consulting
agreement and a stock option agreement with David A. Jones. These agreements
provide that Mr. Jones:
- serve on our board of directors for three years from the closing of the
recapitalization,
- receive a consulting payment of $75,000 per year,
- receive a directorship fee of $25,000 per year,
- receive a signing bonus of $500,000,
- purchase $1.0 million of common stock and
- receive options pursuant to the 1999 Stock Option Plan to purchase 300,000
shares of common stock.
Also in connection with the recapitalization, we entered into a consulting
agreement with David C. Pratt. This consulting agreement provides that Mr.
Pratt:
- receive a consulting payment of $15,000 per month for four months from the
closing of the recapitalization or until a mutually agreed upon later
date,
- act as Chairman of our board of directors for four months from the closing
of the recapitalization-- which term can continue for up to an additional
five months at the discretion of the other directors,
- remain a member of our board of directors after his term as Chairman has
ended until the earlier of nine months after the closing of the
recapitalization and the end of the consulting term,
- receive a directorship fee of $25,000 per year and
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- receive United-paid health and welfare benefits for four months from the
closing of the recapitalization.
On July 20, 1999, we entered into a chairman's agreement and a stock option
agreement with David A. Jones. These agreements provide that Mr. Jones:
- receives a payment for services rendered of $300,000, which supersedes his
consulting payments and directorship fees, plus participation in our
incentive compensation plan;
- receives a one-time special bonus, which is contemplated to be between
$300,000 and $500,000, after the date which is six months after the date
that we hire a new full-time CEO; and
- receives options pursuant to the 1999 Stock Option Plan to purchase
another 300,000 shares of common stock.
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth the compensation of our former Chief
Executive Officer and the other executive officers (collectively, the "Named
Executive Officers") for the year ended December 31, 1998.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ------------ -------------
David C. Pratt ...................................................... $ 250,000 $ 2,771,061 $ 42,740(2)
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER(1)
Richard A. Bender ................................................... 100,000 260,143 24,018(3)
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, DISTRIBUTION, HUMAN RESOURCES AND
MANUFACTURING
William P. Johnson .................................................. 100,000 251,809 25,364(3)
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, SALES
Daniel J. Johnston .................................................. 100,000 251,809 4,716(3)
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE AND MIS, AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Mr. Pratt resigned as our President and Chief Executive Officer on January
20, 1999 in connection with the recapitalization.
(2) Includes auto allowance and country club dues.
(3) Includes deferred compensation under The Long-Term Incentive Compensation
Plan, which was terminated in the first quarter of 1998.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Messrs. Bender, Johnson, Johnston and Warren have each entered into an
employment agreement with us. The agreements provide for employment until
December 31, 2001, for Messrs. Bender, Johnson and Johnston unless terminated
earlier as provided in their respective employment agreements. Mr. Warren's
employment agreement does not have an expiration date. The employment agreements
provide for annual base salaries of $300,000 for Messrs. Bender, Johnson and
Johnston and $235,000 for Mr. Warren. In addition, each employment agreement
provides for annual incentive compensation to be determined in accordance with
our attainment of certain target EBITDA and customary benefits.
Each employment agreement may be terminated by us at any time with or
without cause. If the employment agreement is terminated by us for cause or by
the executive without good reason, the terminated executive will be entitled to
any unpaid base salary through the date of termination plus any unpaid incentive
compensation. If we terminate the employment agreement without cause or if the
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executive terminates the employment agreement for good reason or the executive
dies or becomes disabled, he will be entitled to any unpaid base salary through
the date of termination, any unpaid incentive compensation and, under certain
conditions, his base salary through the later of January 2002 and the first
anniversary of his termination. Each employment agreement provides for
non-compete, nonsolicitation and confidentiality provisions through the later of
one year after the executive's date of termination or the last date severance
payments are owed to the executive.
In connection with entering his employment agreement, Messrs. Johnson and
Johnston each purchased $1.0 million of common stock, and Mr. Bender purchased
$700,000 of common stock. Messrs. Johnson, Johnston and Bender purchased their
common stock out of the proceeds of a bonus paid at the closing of the
recapitalization. Under some circumstances, we have the right to repurchase the
shares owned by Messrs. Johnson, Johnston and Bender.
1999 STOCK OPTION PLAN
In connection with the recapitalization, we instituted the 1999 Stock Option
Plan, which is administered by a committee of our board of directors. The 1999
Stock Option Plan was designed as an incentive to selected employees, our
consultants and directors to acquire proprietary interest in us, to continue to
perform services for us, to increase their efforts on our behalf and to promote
the success of our business. The options are not designed to be incentive stock
options within the meaning of Section 422 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended. The option pool under the 1999 Stock Option Plan consists of
an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of our common stock that may consist of shares
of our Class A Voting Common Stock, our Class B Non-Voting Common Stock or some
combination of Class A Voting Common Stock and Class B Non-Voting Common Stock.
We granted 300,000 shares of Class A Voting Common Stock and 300,000 shares
of Class B Non-Voting Common Stock to Messrs. Bender, Johnson and Johnston and
granted 25,000 shares of Class A Voting Common Stock and 25,000 shares of Class
B Non-Voting Common Stock to Mr. Warren. The remaining options will be granted
to selected employees as determined by our board of directors from time to time.
The options to purchase shares of common stock are subject to vesting schedules,
which are both time and performance based.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION AND 401(K) PLANS
In connection with the recapitalization, we established a deferred
compensation plan. The plan is administered by a committee of our board of
directors. Messrs. Bender, Johnson and Johnston are eligible to participate in
the plan. The plan provides for the establishment of a grantor trust for the
purpose of accumulating the assets contributed pursuant to the plan. The grantor
trust used the funds contributed to it to purchase:
- 70,000 shares of our Class A Voting Common Stock and 70,000 shares of our
Class B Non-Voting Common Stock for the benefit of Mr. Bender,
- 100,000 shares of our Class A Voting Common Stock and 100,000 shares of
our Class B Non-Voting Common Stock for the benefit of Mr. Johnson and
- 100,000 shares of our Class A Voting Common Stock and 100,000 shares of
our Class B Non-Voting Common Stock for the benefit of Mr. Johnston.
We also maintain a 401(k) defined contribution plan. The plan allows for
discretionary participant elective contributions. We are required to match 50%
of each participant's contributions up to 6% of the employee's salary for those
employees having less than 10 years of service and 75% of each participant's
contributions up to 6% of the employee's salary for those employees having 10 or
more years of service. In 1998, our contributions on behalf of the Named
Executive Officers totalled $7,200 for Mr. Pratt and $4,800 for each of the
others.
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SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
In January 1999, in conjunction with the recapitalization, Stephen R. Brian
was hired as our President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining United,
Mr. Brian served as the President of Home Products International. Mr. Brian
announced his resignation in June 1999, citing personal and family reasons for
his departure. In connection with the resignation of Mr. Brian, we entered into
a severance agreement with Mr. Brian which provides that Mr. Brian will continue
to receive his base salary of $437,000 and benefits through January 31, 2002. Mr
Brian's benefits consist of (a) whatever, if any, health, hospitalization, sick
pay, life insurance, disability insurance, profit sharing, pension, 401(k), and
deferred compensation plans and programs that we may have in effect from time to
time and (b) four weeks paid vacation each year. In addition, the severance
agreement provides that Mr. Brian will receive a $95,000 bonus in respect of
fiscal year 1999, use of an apartment leased by United for a period of three
months at Mr. Brian's expense and transition expenses with respect to his
relocation away from St. Louis. On his resignation, we (a) repurchased from Mr.
Brian 100,000 shares of common stock in exchange for a promissory note in the
amount of $500,000, plus accrued and unpaid interest, and (b) terminated his
right to options under an option agreement. We purchased from Mr. Brian the
right to acquire all of Mr. Brian's and his spouses rights and obligations under
a St. Louis real estate sales contract. Unless we choose to exercise this
option, we have no further liability or obligation under this real estate
contract and no contractual relationship with the builder. The noncompetition
and nonsolicitation provisions under Mr. Brian's original employment agreement
will continue in effect through January 31, 2002.
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MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
In connection with the recapitalization, we entered into a professional
services agreement with Thomas H. Lee Capital, LLC and THL Equity Advisors IV,
LLC. The agreement has a term of three years and automatically extends for
successive one year periods thereafter, unless the parties give 30 days' notice
prior to the end of the term. The agreement provides for a financial advisory
fee of $12.0 million in connection with structuring, negotiating and arranging
the recapitalization and structuring, negotiating and arranging the debt
financing, which was paid at the closing of the recapitalization. In addition,
Thomas H. Lee Capital, LLC and THL Equity Advisors IV, LLC will initially
receive an aggregate of $62,500 per month for management and other consulting
services provided to us. The agreement also provides that we will reimburse
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with management
advisory services. We believe that the terms of the professional services
agreement are comparable to those that would have been obtained by unaffiliated
sources.
STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT
In connection with the recapitalization, we entered into a stockholders
agreement with UIC Holdings, L.L.C., and other stockholders of United. Under the
stockholders agreement the stockholders are required to vote their shares of
capital stock of United for any sale or reorganization of United that has been
approved by United's board of directors or a majority of the stockholders. The
stockholders agreement also grants the stockholders the right to effect the
registration of their common stock they hold for sale to the public, subject to
some conditions and limitations. If we propose to register any of our securities
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the stockholders are entitled to
notice of such registration, subject to some conditions and limitations. Fees,
costs and expenses of registration effected on behalf of the stockholders under
the stockholders agreement, other than underwriting discounts and commissions,
will be paid by United.
RECAPITALIZATION AGREEMENT
Our recapitalization agreement with UIC Holdings, L.L.C., which is owned by
Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P., contains customary provisions, including
representations and warranties with respect to the condition and operations of
the business, covenants with respect to the conduct of the business prior to the
recapitalization closing date and various closing conditions, including the
continued accuracy of the representations and warranties. In general, the
representations and warranties made in the recapitalization agreement survive
until the earlier of 10 days following the delivery of our December 31, 1999,
audited financial statements or April 15, 2000. Representations and warranties
with respect to tax matters survive until 30 days after the expiration of the
applicable statute of limitations; representations with respect to environmental
matters survive until December 31, 2002. Representations and warranties
regarding ownership of stock do not expire. The total consideration paid to
redeem our common stock is subject to both upward and downward adjustments based
on our working capital on the closing date of the recapitalization and excess
taxes of our previous stockholders arising from our Section 338(h)(10) election.
Pursuant to the recapitalization agreement and in consideration of payments
received under their recapitalization agreement, David C. Pratt and Mark R.
Gale, our former general counsel, agreed that for a period ending on the fourth
anniversary of the recapitalization closing date not to own, control,
participate or engage in any line of business in which we are actively engaged
or any line of business competitive with us anywhere in the United States and
any other country in which we were doing business at the closing of the
recapitalization.
In addition, each of the stockholders of United has agreed that for a period
ending on the fourth anniversary of the recapitalization closing date not to
contact, approach or solicit for the purpose of offering employment to or hiring
any person employed by us during the four year period.
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Pursuant to the recapitalization, we redeemed a portion of our common stock
held by our stockholders, and UIC Holdings, L.L.C. and certain members of our
senior management purchased a portion of our common stock from our stockholders.
In the recapitalization, Messrs. Bender, Johnson and Johnston collectively
received an aggregate of approximately $5.8 million in cash and an additional
$2.7 million with which the officers purchased our common stock through grantor
trusts.
LEASE AGREEMENTS
We lease six of our facilities in St. Louis from an affiliate of David C.
Pratt. Five of the leases expire on December 31, 1999, but are renewable for
one-year periods until 2010 and one lease expires on December 31, 2000, but may
be extended for three additional five-year periods. We believe that the terms of
these leases are similar to those negotiated by unrelated parties at arms
length.
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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of our Class A Voting Common Stock by each of our directors and our
Named Executive Officers, by all of our directors and executive officers as a
group, and by each owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our Class
A Voting Common Stock. Each of our directors and Named Executive Officers owns
an equal number of our Class B Non-Voting Common Stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER(1) NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENT OF CLASS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
UIC Holdings, L.L.C........................................................... 25,468,000 91.9%
c/o Thomas H. Lee Company
75 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
David C. Pratt(2)............................................................. 1,325,108 4.8%
Richard A. Bender............................................................. -- *
Williams P. Johnson........................................................... -- *
Daniel J. Johnston............................................................ -- *
David A. Jones................................................................ 100,000 *
C. Hunter Boll(3)............................................................. 25,468,000 91.9%
Scott A. Schoen(3)............................................................ 25,468,000 91.9%
Charles A. Brizius(3)......................................................... 25,468,000 91.9%
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (9 persons)(3)................ 26,971,135 97.4%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Denotes less than one percent.
(1) Beneficial owner generally means any person who, directly or indirectly,
has or shares voting power or investment power with respect to a security.
All of the parties listed above are party to a stockholders agreement,
pursuant to which they have agreed to vote their shares in the election of
directors in accordance with the terms of the stockholders agreement. The
number of shares indicated in this table does not include the shares of
Class A Voting Common Stock that are held by other stockholders subject to
the stockholders agreement. Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that each
person has sole voting and investment power with regard to their shares
listed as beneficially owned. The calculation of beneficial ownership is
based on 27,700,000 shares outstanding and includes all options exercisable
within 60 days of January 20, 1999.
(2) Includes 134,756 shares of our Class A Voting Common Stock held by the David
C. Pratt Grantor Retained Interest Trust and 157,216 shares of our Class A
Voting Common Stock held by the 1994 Ryder Pratt Grantor Retained Annuity
Trust.
(3) All of the equity interests in UIC Holdings, L.L.C. are controlled by the
Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P. and its affiliates, which may therefore
be deemed the beneficial owner of the shares held by UIC Holdings, L.L.C.
All of the shares beneficially owned by the Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV,
L.P. and its affiliates may be deemed to be beneficially owned by THL Equity
Advisors IV, L.L.C. ("Advisors"), Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P. the
general partner of THL Fund IV, by THL Equity Trust IV, the general partner
of Advisors, by THL and by Messrs. Boll, Schoen and Brizius and the other
officers of Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P. Each of these persons
disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
WE ARE A DELAWARE CORPORATION. Our authorized capital stock consists of 65
million shares, of which:
- 32,500,000 have been designated as Class A Voting Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share, and
- 32,500,000 have been designated as Class B Non-Voting Common Stock, par
value $.01 per share.
As of January 20, 1999, there were 27,230,000 shares of Class A Voting
Common Stock outstanding and 27,230,000 shares of Class B NonVoting Common Stock
outstanding. Set forth below is a summary of the material terms of our capital
stock.
DISTRIBUTIONS. The Class A Voting Common Stock and the Class B Non-Voting
Common Stock share ratably in any distribution by us to the holders of our
capital stock or with respect to our liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
VOTING RIGHTS. The holders of Class B Non-Voting Common Stock have no right
to vote on matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, except as otherwise
required by law. The holders of Class A Voting Common Stock are entitled to one
vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by our stockholders.
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<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF OUR SENIOR CREDIT FACILITY
In connection with the recapitalization, we entered into our senior credit
facility by and among our company, a syndicate of lenders, NationsBanc
Montgomery Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as
co-arrangers and NationsBank N.A., Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. and
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce as agents to such lenders. Pursuant to our
senior credit facility, the lenders are lending up to $335.0 million, consisting
of our $110.0 million revolving credit facility, (with a $10.0 million sublimit
for swing line borrowings and a $5.0 million sublimit for the issuance of
letters of credit) the $75.0 million Term Loan A and the $150.0 million Term
Loan B. The restrictions on indebtedness and the mandatory prepayment
obligations imposed by our senior credit facility by its terms did not apply to
the offering of the old notes and the exchange offer.
REPAYMENT. Outstanding commitments under our revolving credit, swing line
and letter of credit terminate and all amounts outstanding thereunder are to
repaid in full on January 20, 2005. The principal amount of the Term Loan A is
$75.0 million. This amount is to be repaid in twenty-four consecutive quarterly
installments commencing June 30, 1999 and a final installment due January 20,
2005, with $10 million to be payable in each of the first four years and $17.5
million to be repaid in each of the last two years. The principal amount of the
Term Loan B is $150.0 million. This amount is to be repaid in twenty-eight
consecutive quarterly installments commencing June 30, 1999 and a final
installment due January 20, 2006, with $1.5 million to be payable in each of the
first six years and $141.0 million to be payable in year seven. As of June 30,
1999 we had $222.1 million outstanding under our senior credit facility,
including $72.5 million outstanding on Term Loan A, and $149.6 million
outstanding on Term Loan B. We did not use the proceeds from the sale of the old
notes to repay amounts outstanding under our senior credit facility because the
senior credit facility permitted the refinancing of the senior subordinated
facility and exempted the proceeds of such refinancing from our mandatory
prepayment obligations under the senior credit facility.
SECURITY; GUARANTY. Our obligations under our senior credit facility are
secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our properties and
assets as well as the properties and assets of our future domestic subsidiaries.
Future domestic subsidiaries will be required to guarantee our obligations under
our senior credit facility, and the stock of future domestic subsidiaries, or a
percentage of this stock in the case of foreign subsidiaries, will also be
pledged to the lenders as security.
INTEREST. The interest rate per annum applicable to advances under our
senior credit facility will be a fluctuating rate of interest measured, at our
option, by reference to (1) the Eurodollar Rate, as defined in our senior credit
facility, plus the applicable borrowing margin, or (2) a rate per annum equal to
the higher of the published prime rate of NationsBank or the Federal Funds Rate,
as defined in our senior credit facility plus 1/4 of 1% (the Base Rate) plus the
applicable borrowing margin. The applicable borrowing margin for the Term Loan B
is 2.25% for the Base Rate advances and 3.25% for Eurodollar advances. The
applicable borrowing margin for our revolving credit facility and the Term Loan
A is between 1.00% and 1.75% for the Base Rate advances and between 2.00% and
2.75% for the Eurodollar advances, in each case based on our consolidated
leverage ratio.
PREPAYMENTS; REDUCTIONS OF COMMITMENTS. Subject to certain exceptions set
forth in our senior credit facility, the Term Loan A and the Term Loan B are
required to be prepaid and commitments under our revolving credit facility are
required to be permanently reduced with:
- 50% of the net cash proceeds of any issuance of capital stock;
- 100% of the net cash proceeds of any new indebtedness;
- 50% of the excess cash flow;
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- 100% of the net cash proceeds of (a) any asset sale, subject to limited
exceptions or (b) proceeds from any insurance claim relating to one of
our assets, unless the proceeds are applied to replace or repair the lost
of damaged assets; and
- 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain other extraordinary receipts.
Our revolving credit facility is subject to a clean-down period during which
the aggregate amount outstanding under our revolving credit facility shall not
exceed $10.0 million for 30 consecutive days occurring during the period between
August 1 and November 30 in each calendar year.
COVENANTS. Our senior credit facility contains covenants restricting our
ability and that of our subsidiaries to, among others:
- incur or suffer to exist indebtedness or liens,
- merge, consolidate or liquidate,
- sell assets or stock,
- pay dividends or repurchase stock,
- make capital expenditures,
- prepay or amend debt and other material agreements and
- transact with affiliates.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Events of default under our senior credit facility
include:
- our failure to pay principal or interest when due,
- material breach by us of any representation or warranty contained in any
loan document,
- material breach by us of any covenant contained in any loan documents,
- customary cross-default provisions,
- certain adverse events under ERISA plans,
- events of bankruptcy, insolvency or dissolution by us or any of our
subsidiaries,
- the levy of certain judgments against us or any of our subsidiaries,
- the actual or asserted invalidity of security documents or guarantees,
and
- a change of control of our company.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW NOTES
You can find the definition of selected terms used in this description under
the subheading "Selected Definitions" commencing on page 86. In this
description, the word "United" refers only to United Industries Corporation and
not to any of its subsidiaries.
We issued the old notes and will issue the new notes under an indenture
between United and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as trustee. The terms of
the notes include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the
indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.
The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the
indenture. It does not restate the indenture in its entirety. We urge you to
read the indenture because it, and not this description, defines your rights as
holders of these notes. To get a copy of the indenture, refer to the caption
"Where You Can Find More Information."
GENERAL
The notes will be general unsecured obligations of United, ranking
subordinate in right of payment to all senior indebtedness of United and senior
in right of payment to all current and future subordinated indebtedness of
United.
The notes will not be guaranteed by anyone on the issue date. We currently
have no subsidiaries, but if we create any subsidiaries in the future, some of
these subsidiaries will be required to guarantee the notes with unconditional
guarantees that will rank below their senior debt, but equal to their senior
subordinated debt, in the right of payment.
MATURITY, INTEREST AND PRINCIPAL
The notes will be limited in aggregate principal amount to $150.0 million.
The notes will mature on April 1, 2009. The notes will bear interest at a rate
of 9.875% per annum, which will be payable semiannually in arrears on each April
1 and October 1, commencing October 1, 1999, to holders of record of the notes
at the close of business on the immediately preceding March 15 and September 15,
respectively. Interest on the notes will accrue from the most recent date to
which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from March 24,
1999. The interest rate on the notes is subject to increase. Additional interest
will be payable on the payment dates set forth above, in some circumstances, if
the notes or other securities substantially similar to the notes, are not
registered with the SEC within the prescribed time periods.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
Except as described below, the notes are not redeemable before April 1,
2004. On one or more occasions after April 1, 2004, United may redeem the notes,
in whole or in part, at the following redemption prices, if redeemed during the
twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of each year listed below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION PRICE
(AS PERCENTAGE
OF
PRINCIPAL
YEAR AMOUNT)
- -------------------------------------------------------- ----------------
<S> <C>
2004.................................................... 104.938%
2005.................................................... 103.292%
2006.................................................... 101.646%
2007 and thereafter..................................... 100.000%
</TABLE>
In addition, United must pay all accrued and unpaid interest on the notes
redeemed.
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On one or more occasions prior to April 1, 2002, United may use the net
proceeds of one or more qualified public offerings to redeem up to 40% of the
original principal amount of the notes at a redemption price of 109.875% of the
principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest on the notes;
provided that:
(1) at least 60% of the original principal amount of the notes remains
outstanding immediately after the occurrence of any such redemption; and
(2) United makes this redemption not more than 90 days following the closing
of any such qualified public offering.
In the event that United chooses to redeem less than all of the notes,
selection of the notes for redemption will be made by the trustee either:
(1) in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities
exchange, if any, on which these notes are listed; or
(2) on a pro rata basis or by lot or by any method which the trustee deems
fair and appropriate.
If a partial redemption is made with the proceeds of a qualified public
offering, the trustee will select the notes or portion of the notes only on a
pro rata basis or on as nearly a pro rata basis as practicable, unless this
method is prohibited. Notice of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail at
least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder at
its registered address. On and after any redemption date, interest will cease to
accrue on the notes or portions of the notes called for redemption unless United
fails to redeem any note.
ASSET DROP-DOWN
The UIC Holdings, L.L.C, in its sole discretion, may cause United to form
and contribute all or substantially all of its assets to a newly-created
wholly-owned subsidiary, at which time the new operating company would assume
all or substantially all of the liabilities of United including the notes. As a
result of the asset drop-down, United would become a holding company that
directly owns, and the primary asset of which would be, all of the equity
interests in the new operating company. The new operating company would conduct
all of the operations that were previously conducted by United and for purposes
of this section of the prospectus and the indenture, the new operating company
would be "United." The asset drop-down will be carried out, if at all, in
compliance with the "Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets" provisions
described below, and the notes will continue to be guaranteed by restricted
subsidiaries of the new operating company.
SUBORDINATION
The indebtedness represented by the notes will be subordinate in right of
payment to the prior payment in full in cash of all existing and future senior
indebtedness of United. As of December 31, 1998, on a pro forma basis after
giving effect to recapitalization, the offering and the use of proceeds
described in this prospectus, the principal amount of outstanding senior
indebtedness of United, on a consolidated basis, would have been $225.0 million.
In addition, United would have had $110.0 million of undrawn commitments
available under the senior credit facility.
The holders of senior indebtedness of United will be entitled to receive
payment in full in cash of all amounts due on or in respect of all senior
indebtedness of United, including accrued bankruptcy interest and all
outstanding letter of credit obligations cash collateralized before the holders
of the notes will be entitled to receive any payment with respect to the notes
in the event of any distribution to creditors of United:
(1) in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar
proceeding relating to United or to its creditors, as such, or to its
assets;
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(2) in a liquidation or dissolution or other winding-up of United;
(3) in an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or
(4) in any marshalling of assets or liabilities of United. For purposes of
the following discussion, each of the above situations will be referred
to as a bankruptcy proceeding.
For purposes of this section, all existing and future senior indebtedness
and all obligations relating to senior indebtedness will not be deemed to have
been paid in full unless and until all of the obligations of any holder of
senior indebtedness have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all of the
senior indebtedness commitments have been terminated and, in the case of letter
of credit obligations, these obligations have been fully drawn and paid in full
in cash or 100% cash collateralized.
As a result of this subordination, in the event of any bankruptcy
proceeding, holders of the notes may recover less ratably than creditors of
United who are holders of senior indebtedness.
No payment may be made on the notes following (1) a payment default on
designated senior indebtedness or (2) a non-payment event of default on
designated senior indebtedness and the acceleration of the maturity of
designated senior indebtedness. Any of these prohibitions shall continue until
the payment default is cured, waived in writing or ceases to exist or this
acceleration has been rescinded or otherwise cured.
Upon a non-payment event of default on designated senior indebtedness, no
payment may be made on the notes for a period beginning on the date the trustee
receives written notice from the representative or the senior credit facility of
the non-payment event of default until the earliest of:
- more than 179 days have elapsed since the trustee received the notice,
- the non-payment event of default has been cured or waived in writing or
ceased to exist or designated senior indebtedness has been paid in full or
- the payment blockage period has been terminated by written notice to
United or the trustee from the representative.
The payment blockage period cannot extend beyond 179 days from the date the
trustee receives the notice. This is the initial blockage period. Any number of
additional payment blockage periods may be commenced during the initial blockage
period; provided, that no additional payment blockage period can extend beyond
the initial blockage period. After the initial blockage period, no payment
blockage period may be commenced until at least 180 days after the initial
blockage period, other than a payment default, and no event of default with
respect to designated senior indebtedness which existed or was continuing on the
first day of any payment blockage period can serve as the basis for a second
payment blockage period, unless such event of default has been cured or waived
for at least 90 days.
Each guarantee will, to the extent set forth in the indenture, be
subordinate in right of payment to the prior indefeasible payment and
satisfaction in full in cash of all senior indebtedness of the respective
guarantor, including obligations of such guarantor with respect to the senior
credit facility, including any guarantee of the guarantor, and will be subject
to the rights of holders of designated senior indebtedness of such guarantor to
initiate blockage periods, upon terms substantially comparable to the
subordination of the notes to all senior indebtedness of United.
If United or any guarantor fails to make any payment on the notes or any
guarantee when due or within any applicable grace period, whether or not on
account of payment blockage provisions, such failure would constitute an event
of default under the indenture.
By accepting these notes, each holder agrees to be bound by these provisions
and, if any such holder fails to file a proper proof of claim of debt in any
bankruptcy proceeding with respect to United at least 30 days before the time to
file such proofs of claim expires, authorizes the representative of the senior
credit
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facility to file an appropriate claim on behalf of such holder. The
subordination provisions of the indenture cannot be amended without the consent
of all holders of senior indebtedness unless such amendment could not adversely
affect such holders.
SELECTED COVENANTS
The indenture will contain, among others, the following covenants:
LIMITATION ON ADDITIONAL INDEBTEDNESS
United will not, and will not permit any restricted subsidiary of United to,
directly or indirectly, incur any indebtedness; provided that United or any of
the guarantors may incur indebtedness if:
- after giving effect to the incurrence of this indebtedness and the receipt
and application of the proceeds of this indebtedness, United's
consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio is at least 2.0 to 1 and
- no default or event of default has occurred and be continuing at the time
or as a consequence of the incurrence of this indebtedness.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, United and its restricted subsidiaries may
incur permitted indebtedness; provided that United will not incur any permitted
indebtedness that ranks junior in right of payment to the notes that has a
maturity or mandatory sinking fund payment prior to the maturity of the notes.
For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant, in the event that
an item of indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of
permitted indebtedness or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to the first
paragraph of this covenant, United will, in its sole discretion, classify such
item of indebtedness in any manner that complies with this covenant and such
item of indebtedness will be treated as having been incurred pursuant to only
one of the clauses in the definition of permitted indebtedness or pursuant to
the first paragraph of this covenant. Accrual of interest and the accretion of
accreted value will not be deemed to be an incurrence of indebtedness for
purposes of this covenant.
LIMITATION ON OTHER SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT
United will not, and will not permit any of its restricted subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, incur, contingently or otherwise, any indebtedness,
other than the notes and the guarantees, that is both:
(1) subordinate in right of payment to any senior indebtedness of United or
its restricted subsidiaries, and
(2) senior in right of payment to the notes and the guarantees.
For purposes of this covenant, indebtedness is deemed to be senior in right
of payment to the notes and the guarantees, as the case may be, if it is not
explicitly subordinate in right of payment to senior indebtedness at least to
the same extent as the notes and the guarantees are subordinate to senior
indebtedness.
LIMITATION ON RESTRICTED PAYMENTS
United will not, and will not permit any of its restricted subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, make any restricted payment, unless:
(1) no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing at the
time of or immediately after giving effect to the restricted payment;
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(2) other than permitted indebtedness, immediately after giving pro forma
effect to the restricted payment, United could incur $1.00 of additional
indebtedness under the "Limitation on Additional Indebtedness" covenant;
and
(3) immediately after giving effect to the restricted payment, the aggregate
of all restricted payments declared or made after the issue date does not
exceed the sum of:
(a) 50% of the cumulative consolidated net income of United subsequent to
the issue date, or minus 100% of any cumulative deficit in
consolidated net income during such period, plus
(b) 100% of the aggregate net proceeds and the fair market value of
securities or other property received by United from the issue or
sale, after the issue date, of capital stock, other than disqualified
capital stock or capital stock of United issued to any subsidiary of
United, of United or any indebtedness or other securities of United
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for capital stock,
other than disqualified capital stock, of United which have been so
converted or exercised or exchanged net of any amounts of capital
stock of United previously relied upon or to be relied upon to make
any permitted investments pursuant to clause (15) of the definition
of permitted investments, plus
(c) without duplication of any amounts included in clauses (a) and (b)
above, 100% of the aggregate net proceeds of any equity contribution
received by United, other than in return for disqualified capital
stock, from a holder of United's capital stock, net of any amounts of
capital stock of United previously relied upon or to be relied upon
to make any permitted investments pursuant to clause (15) of the
definition of permitted investments, plus
(d) $7,500,000.
For purposes of determining under clause (3) above the amount expended for
restricted payments, cash distributed will be valued at its face amount and
property other than cash will be valued at its fair market value determined, in
good faith, by the board of directors of United.
The provisions of this covenant will not prohibit:
(i) the payment of any distribution within 60 days after the date
of declaration of the declaration, if at such date of
declaration the payment would comply with the provisions of the
indenture;
(ii) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement
of any shares of capital stock of United or indebtedness
subordinated to the notes by conversion into, or by or in
exchange for, shares of capital stock, other than disqualified
capital stock, or out of the net proceeds of the substantially
concurrent sale, other than to a subsidiary of United, of
other shares of capital stock of United, other than
disqualified capital stock;
(iii) the redemption or retirement of indebtedness of United
subordinated to the notes in exchange for, by conversion into,
or out of the net proceeds of, a substantially concurrent sale
or incurrence of indebtedness, other than any indebtedness
owed to a subsidiary, of United that is refinancing
indebtedness;
(iv) the retirement of any shares of disqualified capital stock by
conversion into, or by exchange for, shares of disqualified
capital stock, or out of the net proceeds of the substantially
concurrent sale, other than to a subsidiary of United, of
other shares of disqualified capital stock;
(v) so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is
continuing at the time of or immediately after giving effect to
such payment, the purchase, redemption or other acquisition for
value of shares of capital stock of United or, in the event of
the asset drop-down, the holding company, other than
disqualified capital stock, or options on
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these shares held by United's or its subsidiaries', or, in the
event of the asset drop-down, the holding company's, officers,
employees or directors or former officers, employees or
directors, or their estates or beneficiaries under their
estates, upon the death, disability, retirement or termination
of employment of these current or former officers or employees
pursuant to the terms of an employee benefit plan or any other
agreement pursuant to which these shares of capital stock or
options were issued or pursuant to a severance, buy-sale or
right of first refusal agreement with the current or former
officer or employee; provided that the aggregate cash
consideration paid, or distributions or payments made, pursuant
to this clause shall not exceed $3,000,000 in any fiscal year,
provided, that United may carry over and make in a subsequent
fiscal year, in addition to the amounts permitted for such
fiscal year, the amount of these distributions permitted to
have been made, but not made, in any preceding fiscal year, or
$15,000,000 in the aggregate from and after the issue date,
provided that the foregoing amounts will be increased by:
- the amount of any payments by officers, employees or directors
of the holding company, United or a subsidiary of United for the
purchase of capital stock of United, other than in connection
with the recapitalization, or, in the event of the asset drop-
down, the holding company except to the extent these payments
consist of proceeds from loans by United or a subsidiary of
United, and
- the amount of any cash capital contributions to the Thomas H.
Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P. or any affiliate of the Thomas H. Lee
Equity Fund IV, L.P. used by United to purchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire for value shares of this capital stock;
(vi) the payment of THL fees;
(vii) so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is
continuing, payments not to exceed $100,000 in the aggregate
to enable United to make payments to holders of its capital
stock in lieu of issuance of fractional shares of its capital
stock;
(viii) restricted payments made pursuant to the recapitalization
agreement;
(ix) United or any restricted subsidiary from purchasing all,
excluding directors' qualifying shares, of the capital stock
or other ownership interests in a subsidiary of United which
capital stock or other ownership interests were not owned by
United or a subsidiary of United, such that after giving
effect to this purchase the subsidiary becomes a restricted
subsidiary of United;
(x) the payment of distributions (A) to UIC Holdings, L.L.C. solely
for the purpose of enabling UIC Holdings, L.L.C. to pay its
reasonable, ordinary course operating and administrative
expenses and taxes in any fiscal year will not exceed $250,000,
and (B) in the event of the asset drop-down, to the holding
company for the purpose of enabling the holding company to pay
its reasonable, ordinary course operating and administrative
expenses, the amount of which distributions pursuant to
subclauses (A) and (B) of this clause (x) in any fiscal year
will not exceed $500,000; and
(xi) in the event of the asset drop-down, the payment of
distributions to the holding company solely for the purpose of
enabling the holding company to pay taxes attributable to the
operations of the new operating company and its subsidiaries
to the extent these taxes are actually owed and the holding
company is permitted or required to make these payments.
Notwithstanding the foregoing,
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- the amount of any payments made in reliance on clause (i) and clause (v)
above will reduce the amount otherwise available for restricted payments
pursuant to subparagraphs (1)-(3) above and
- in the event of the asset drop-down, the amount of any payments that
could otherwise have been made in reliance on clauses (v), (vi), (vii),
and (x)(A) may be paid for the respective purposes set forth in these
clauses by the new operating company as dividends or distributions to the
holding company.
Not later than the date of making any restricted payment, United will
deliver to the trustee an officers' certificate stating that the restricted
payment is permitted and setting forth in reasonable detail the basis upon which
the calculations required by this covenant were computed, including without
limitation the date, amount and nature of any purchase or contribution referred
to in clauses (3)(b) or (c) above. These calculations may be based upon United's
latest available financial statements, and, to the extent that the absence of a
default or an event of default is a condition to the making of such restricted
payment, that no default or event of default exists and is continuing and no
default or event of default will occur immediately after giving effect to any
restricted payments.
LIMITATIONS ON INVESTMENTS
United will not, and will not permit any of its restricted subsidiaries to,
make any investment other than (1) a permitted investment or (2) an investment
that is made as a restricted payment in compliance with the "Limitation on
Restricted Payments" covenant, after the issue date.
LIMITATIONS ON LIENS
Other than permitted liens, United will not, and will not permit any of its
restricted subsidiaries to, create, incur or otherwise cause or suffer to exist
or become effective any liens of any kind upon any property or asset of United
or any restricted subsidiary or any shares of stock or debt of any restricted
subsidiary which owns property or assets, now owned or later acquired, which
secures indebtedness PARI PASSU with or subordinated to the notes unless:
(1) if the lien secures indebtedness which is PARI PASSU with the notes,
then the notes are secured on an equal and ratable basis with the
obligations so secured until such time as the obligation is no longer
secured by a lien or
(2) if the lien secures indebtedness which is subordinated to the notes, any
such lien shall be subordinated to the lien granted to the holders of the
notes in the same collateral as that securing the lien to the same extent
as such subordinated indebtedness is subordinated to the notes.
LIMITATION ON TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
United will not, and will not permit any of its restricted subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, enter into or suffer to exist any transaction or series
of related transactions with any affiliate or extend, renew, waive or otherwise
modify the terms of any affiliate transaction entered into prior to the date of
this offering if the extension, renewal, replacement, waiver or other
modification is more disadvantageous to the holders of the notes in any material
respect than the original agreement as in effect on the date of this offering
unless
(1) such affiliate transaction is between or among United and/or its
restricted subsidiaries; or
(2) the terms of the affiliate transaction are fair and reasonable to United
or the restricted subsidiary and the terms of the affiliate transaction
are at least as favorable as the terms which could be obtained by United
or the restricted subsidiary, as the case may be, in a comparable
transaction made on an arm's-length basis between unaffiliated parties.
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In any affiliate transaction involving an amount or having a value in excess
of $2,000,000 which is not permitted under clause (1) above, United must obtain
a resolution of the board of directors certifying that the affiliate transaction
complies with clause (2) above. In any affiliate transaction with a value in
excess of $10,000,000 which is not permitted under clause (1) above, other than
any sale by United of its capital stock that is not disqualified capital stock,
United must obtain a written opinion as to the fairness of such a transaction
from an independent investment banking firm. The limitations set forth in this
and the preceding paragraph will not apply to:
(1) any restricted payment that is not prohibited by the "Limitation on
Restricted Payments" covenant or permitted investment permitted by the
"Limitation on Investments" covenant,
(2) any transaction pursuant to an agreement, arrangement or understanding
existing on the issue date,
(3) any transaction, compensation or agreement, approved by the board of
directors of United, with an officer or director of, or consultant to,
United or of any subsidiary in his or her capacity as officer or director
entered into in the ordinary course of business,
(4) any transaction permitted by the provisions described under "Merger,
Consolidation or Sale of Assets,"
(5) any transaction (a) between United and any Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV,
L.P. group member solely in its capacity as a holder or buyer of United's
capital stock or (b) in the event of the asset drop-down, between the new
operating company and the holding company solely in its capacity as a
holder or buyer of the new operating company's capital stock, provided
that any transaction described in this clause (5) is not otherwise
prohibited by the indenture, or
(6) in the event of the asset drop-down, any commercially reasonable
transaction between the new operating company and the holding company
solely in its capacity as a holder or buyer of the new operating
company's indebtedness, provided that any such transaction is not
otherwise prohibited by the indenture.
LIMITATION ON CREATION OF SUBSIDIARIES
United will not create or acquire, and will not permit any of its restricted
subsidiaries to create or acquire, any subsidiary other than:
(1) a restricted subsidiary that is acquired or created in connection with
an acquisition by United or
(2) an unrestricted subsidiary;
provided, however, that each restricted subsidiary acquired or created pursuant
to clause (1) will at the time it has either assets or stockholder's equity in
excess of $200,000 execute a guarantee in the form attached to the indenture,
pursuant to which the restricted subsidiary will become a guarantor, which
guarantee will be subordinated to the restricted subsidiary's guarantee of or
pledge to secure any other indebtedness that constitutes senior indebtedness to
the same extent as the senior subordinated notes are subordinated to senior
indebtedness. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such senior subordinated
guarantee shall provide by its terms that it will be automatically and
unconditionally released and discharged upon certain mergers, consolidations,
sales and other dispositions, including, without limitation, by foreclosure, in
accordance with the indenture.
LIMITATION ON ASSET SALES
United will not, and will not permit any of its restricted subsidiaries to,
consummate an asset sale unless:
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(1) United or its restricted subsidiary receives consideration at the time
of the asset sale or other disposition at least equal to the fair market
value of the equity interests, property or assets constituting the asset
sale;
(2) not less than 75% of the consideration received by United or its
subsidiaries is in the form of cash or temporary cash investments; and
(3) the asset sale proceeds received by United or such restricted subsidiary
are applied:
(a) first, to the extent United elects, or is required, to prepay, repay
or purchase debt or to reduce an unused commitment to lend under any
then existing senior indebtedness of United or any restricted
subsidiary within 365 days following the receipt of the asset sale
proceeds from any asset sale, but only to the extent that any such
repayment shall result in a permanent reduction of the commitments
thereunder in an amount equal to the principal amount so repaid or be
applied to secure letter of credit obligations; and
(b) second, to the extent of the balance of asset sale proceeds after
application as described above, to the extent United elects, to an
investment in assets used or useful in businesses similar or
ancillary to the business of United or such restricted subsidiary as
conducted at the time of such asset sale, provided that the
investment occurs or United or a restricted subsidiary enters into
contractual commitments to make the investment, subject only to
customary conditions, other than the obtaining of financing, on or
prior to the 365th day following receipt of the asset sale proceeds
on this "reinvestment date" and asset sale proceeds contractually
committed are so applied within 365 days following the receipt of the
asset sale proceeds.
Pending the final application of any such available asset sale proceeds,
United or such restricted subsidiary may temporarily reduce indebtedness under a
revolving credit facility or otherwise invest such available asset sale proceeds
in any manner not prohibited under the indenture.
If, on the reinvestment date with respect to any asset sale, the available
asset sale proceeds exceed $10,000,000, United shall apply an amount equal to
such available asset sale proceeds to an offer to repurchase the notes, at a
purchase price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. If United is
required to make this "excess proceeds offer," United will mail, within 30 days
following the reinvestment date, a notice to the holders of the notes stating,
among other things:
(1) that such holders have the right to require United to apply the
available asset sale proceeds to repurchase such notes at a purchase
price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued
and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase;
(2) the purchase date, which shall be no earlier than 30 days and no later
than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed;
(3) the instructions, determined by United, that each holder must follow in
order to have such notes repurchased; and
(4) the calculations used in determining the amount of available asset sale
proceeds to be applied to the repurchase of such notes.
The excess proceeds offer shall remain open for a period of 20 business days
following its commencement.
United will publicly announce the results of the excess proceeds offer on
the purchase date by sending a press release to the Dow Jones News Service or
similar business news service in the United States. If an excess proceeds offer
is not fully subscribed, United may retain that portion of the available asset
sale proceeds not required to repurchase notes and use such portion for general
corporate purposes, and such
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retained portion shall not be considered in the calculation of available asset
sale proceeds with respect to any subsequent offer to purchase notes.
LIMITATION ON PREFERRED STOCK OF RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES
United will not permit any restricted subsidiary to issue any preferred
stock, except preferred stock to United or a restricted subsidiary, or permit
any person, other than United or a restricted subsidiary, to hold any such
preferred stock unless United or such restricted subsidiary would be entitled to
incur or assume indebtedness under the "Limitation on Additional Indebtedness"
covenant in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation
value of the preferred stock to be issued.
LIMITATION ON CAPITAL STOCK OF SUBSIDIARIES
United will not:
(1) sell, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise convey or dispose of any capital
stock of a subsidiary, other than liens under the senior credit facility
or under the terms of any designated senior indebtedness and liens not
prohibited by the "Limitations on Liens" covenant, other than to United
or another restricted subsidiary or
(2) permit any of its subsidiaries to issue any capital stock, other than
director's qualifying shares, other than (a) to United or a wholly-owned
subsidiary of United or (b) to any other shareholder of such subsidiary
in an amount not to exceed the shareholders' proportionate share of any
dividend, distribution or other issuance to all shareholders.
These restrictions will not apply to an asset sale made in compliance with
the "Limitation on Certain Asset Sales" covenant or the issuance of preferred
stock in compliance with the "Limitation on Preferred Stock of Restricted
Subsidiaries" covenant.
LIMITATION ON DIVIDEND AND OTHER PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING RESTRICTED
SUBSIDIARIES
United will not, and will not permit any of its restricted subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become
effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any restricted
subsidiary of United to:
(1) (a) pay dividends or make any other distributions to United or any
restricted subsidiary of United (i) on its capital stock or (ii)
with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured
by, its profits or
(b) repay any indebtedness or any other obligation owed to United or any
restricted subsidiary of United,
(2) make loans or advances or capital contributions to United or any of its
restricted subsidiaries or
(3) transfer any of its properties or assets to United or any of its
restricted subsidiaries, except for such encumbrances or restrictions
existing under or by reason of
(a) encumbrances or restrictions existing on the date of this offering to
the extent and in the manner these encumbrances and restrictions are
in effect on the date of this offering or no more restrictive in any
material respect,
(b) the indenture, the notes and the guarantees,
(c) applicable law,
(d) any instrument governing acquired indebtedness, which encumbrance or
restriction is not applicable to any person, or the properties or
assets of any person, other than the person, or the property or
assets of the person, so acquired,
(e) any agreement or instrument governing indebtedness of foreign
subsidiaries,
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(f) customary non-assignment provisions in leases, licenses or other
agreements entered in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with past practices,
(g) refinancing indebtedness; provided that such payment restrictions are
no more restrictive in any material respect than those contained in
the agreements governing the indebtedness being extended, refinanced,
renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded,
(h) customary restrictions in security agreements or mortgages or other
similar agreements securing indebtedness of United or a restricted
subsidiary to the extent these restrictions restrict the transfer of
the property subject to these security agreements and mortgages or
(i) customary restrictions with respect to a restricted subsidiary of
United pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into for the
sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the capital stock
or assets of that restricted subsidiary.
LIMITATION ON SALE AND LEASE-BACK TRANSACTIONS
United will not, and will not permit any restricted subsidiary to, enter
into any sale and lease-back transaction unless:
(1) the consideration received is at least equal to the fair market value of
the property sold, as determined, in good faith, by the board of
directors of United, and
(2) United or its restricted subsidiary could incur the attributable
indebtedness in compliance with the "Limitation on Additional
Indebtedness" covenant.
PAYMENTS FOR CONSENT
Neither United nor any of its subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, pay
or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or
otherwise, to any holder of any notes for or as an inducement to any consent,
waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of the indenture or the
notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid or agreed to be paid to
all holders of the notes which so consent, waive or agree to amend in the time
frame set forth in solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or
agreement.
CHANGE OF CONTROL OFFER
In the event of a change of control, United will be obligated to make an
offer to purchase the outstanding notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the
principal amount of the outstanding notes together with any accrued and unpaid
interest on the outstanding notes to the change of control payment date in
accordance with the procedures set forth in this covenant.
Within 30 days following the first date on which United has knowledge of any
change of control, United will send by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the
trustee and to each holder of the notes, at the address appearing in the
register maintained by the registrar of the notes, a notice stating:
(1) that the change of control offer is being made pursuant to this covenant
and that all notes tendered will be accepted for payment, and otherwise
subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein this prospectus;
(2) the change of control purchase price and the change of control payment
date which shall be a business day no earlier than 20 business days from
the date notice is mailed.
(3) that any note not tendered will remain outstanding and continue to
accrue interest;
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(4) that, unless United defaults in the payment of the change of control
purchase price, any notes accepted for payment pursuant to the change of
control offer shall cease to accrue interest after the change of control
payment date;
(5) that holders accepting the offer to have their notes purchased pursuant
to a change of control offer will be required to surrender the notes,
with the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the
reverse of the note completed, to the paying agent at the address
specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the change of
control payment date;
(6) that holders will be entitled to withdraw their acceptance if the paying
agent receives, not later than the close of business on the business day
preceding the change of control payment date, a telegram, telex,
facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the holder,
the principal amount of the notes delivered for purchase, and a statement
that the holder is withdrawing his election to have the notes purchased;
(7) that holders whose notes are being purchased only in part will be issued
new notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the
notes surrendered, provided that each note purchased and each new note
issued will be in an original principal amount in denominations of $1,000
and integral multiples of $1,000; and
(8) any other procedures that a holder must follow to accept a change of
control offer or effect withdrawal of acceptance.
On the change of control payment date, United will, to the extent lawful:
(1) accept for payment notes or portions of notes tendered pursuant to the
change of control offer;
(2) deposit at the paying office established by United money sufficient to
pay the purchase price of all notes or portions of the notes tendered;
and
(3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the trustee accepted notes with an
officers' certificate stating the notes or portions of the notes tendered
to United.
The indenture will require that if the senior credit facility is in effect,
or any amounts are owing under, or in respect of the senior credit facility, at
the time of the occurrence of a change of control, prior to the mailing of the
notice to holders described above, but in any event within 30 days following the
first date on which United has knowledge of any change of control, United
covenants to:
(1) repay in full all obligations under or in respect of the senior credit
facility or offer to repay in full all obligations under or in respect of
the senior credit facility and repay the obligations under or in respect
of the senior credit facility of each lender who has accepted the offer;
or
(2) obtain the requisite consent under the senior credit facility to permit
the repurchase of the notes as described above.
United will be deemed to have knowledge of all filings with the SEC. United
must first comply with the covenant described in the preceding sentence before
it shall be required to purchase notes in the event of a change of control;
provided that United's failure to comply with the covenant described in the
preceding sentence constitutes an event of default if not cured within 60 days
after the notice. As a result, a holder of the notes may not be able to compel
United to purchase the notes unless United is able at the time to refinance all
of the obligations under or in respect of the senior credit facility or obtain
requisite consents under the senior credit facility. Failure by United to make a
change of control offer when required by the indenture constitutes a default
under the indenture and, if not cured within 60 days after notice, constitutes
an event of default.
The indenture will require that:
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(1) if United or any subsidiary of United has issued any outstanding (a)
indebtedness that is subordinate in right of payment to the notes; or (b)
preferred stock, and United or such subsidiary is required to make a
change of control offer or to make a distribution with respect to the
subordinated indebtedness or preferred stock in the event of a change of
control, United shall not consummate the offer or distribution with
respect to the subordinated indebtedness or preferred stock until United
has paid the change of control purchase price in full to the holders of
notes that have accepted United's change of control offer and shall
otherwise have consummated the change of control offer made to holders of
the notes and
(2) United will not issue indebtedness that is subordinate in right of
payment to the notes or preferred stock with change of control provisions
requiring the payment of such indebtedness or preferred stock prior to
the payment of the notes in the event of a change in control under the
indenture.
In the event that a change of control occurs and the holders of notes
exercise their right to require United to purchase notes, if such purchase
constitutes a "tender offer" for purposes of Rule l4e-1 under the Exchange Act
at that time, United will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 as then in
effect with respect to such repurchase.
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR SALE OF ASSETS
United will not, nor will it permit any guarantor to, consolidate with,
merge with or into, or transfer all or substantially all of its assets to, any
person unless:
(1) United or such guarantor, as the case may be, shall be the continuing
person, or the person formed by such consolidation or into which United
or such guarantor, as the case may be, is merged or to which the
properties and assets of United or such guarantor, as the case may be,
are transferred shall be a corporation, a limited liability company or a
limited partnership organized and existing under the laws of the United
States or any State of the United States or the District of Columbia and
shall expressly assume in writing all of the obligations of United or
such guarantor, as the case may be, under the notes and the indenture or
guarantee, as applicable, and the obligations under the indenture shall
remain in full force and effect; provided that at any time United or its
successor is a limited partnership or limited liability company there
shall be a co-issuer of the notes that is a corporation;
(2) immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such
transaction, no default or event of default has occurred and is
continuing; and
(3) unless the merger or consolidation is with, or the transfer of all or
substantially all its assets is to, a wholly-owned subsidiary,
immediately after giving effect to the transaction on a pro forma basis
United or such person could incur at least $1.00 of additional
indebtedness, other than permitted indebtedness, pursuant to the
"Limitation on Additional Indebtedness" covenant.
Nothing in this "Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets" provision will
prohibit the consolidation, merger or transfer of all or substantially all the
assets of any guarantor that is otherwise permitted by and conducted in
accordance with the other applicable provisions of the indenture. In connection
with any consolidation, merger or transfer of assets contemplated by this
provision, United will deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the holders, in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the trustee, an officers'
certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such consolidation,
merger or transfer and the supplemental indenture comply with this provision and
that all conditions precedent relating to the transaction or transactions have
been complied with.
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GUARANTEES
The notes will be unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured senior
subordinated basis by the guarantors. All payments pursuant to the guarantees by
the guarantors will be unconditionally subordinate in right of payment to the
prior indefeasible payment and satisfaction in full in cash of all senior
indebtedness of the guarantor, to the same extent and in the same manner that
all payments on the notes are subordinate in right of payment to the prior
payment in full of all senior indebtedness of United.
The obligations of each guarantor are limited to the maximum amount as will,
after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of the
guarantor and after giving effect to any collections from or payments made by or
on behalf of any other guarantor in respect of the obligations of the other
guarantor under its guarantee or pursuant to its contribution obligations under
the indenture, result in the obligations of the guarantor under the guarantee
not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or
state law. Each guarantor that makes a payment or distribution under a guarantee
shall be entitled to a contribution from each other guarantor in a pro rata
amount based on the adjusted net assets of each guarantor.
A guarantor shall be released from all of its obligations under its
guarantee if all or substantially all of its assets are sold or at least 80% of
its capital stock is sold, in each case in a transaction in compliance with the
covenant described under "Limitation on Certain Asset Sales," provided that in
the event of a sale of less than all of the capital stock of a guarantor, the
release shall not be effective unless and until the guarantor is similarly
released from its guarantee under the senior credit facility or the guarantor
merges with or into or consolidates with, or transfers all or substantially all
of its assets to, United or another guarantor in a transaction in compliance
with "Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets," and the guarantor has delivered
to the trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating
that all conditions precedent relating to the transaction have been complied
with.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The following events will be defined in the indenture as "Events of
Default":
(1) default in payment of any principal of, or premium, if any, on the notes
whether at maturity, upon acceleration or redemption or otherwise,
whether or not such payment is prohibited by the subordination provisions
of the indenture;
(2) default for 30 days, whether or not such payment is prohibited by the
subordination provisions of the indenture, in payment of any interest on
the notes;
(3) default by United or any guarantor in the observance or performance of
any other covenant in the notes or the indenture for 60 days after
written notice from the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding, except in the
case of the consummation of a transaction governed by the "Merger,
Consolidation or Sale of Assets" provision in violation of the terms of
that provision, which will constitute an event of default with the notice
requirement but without the passage of time requirement;
(4) default in the payment at final maturity of principal in an aggregate
amount of $10.0 million or more with respect to any indebtedness of
United or any restricted subsidiary of United, or the acceleration of any
such indebtedness aggregating $10.0 million or more which default shall
not be cured, waived or postponed pursuant to an agreement with the
holders of the indebtedness within 60 days after written notice as
provided in the indenture, or the acceleration shall not be rescinded or
annulled within 20 days after written notice as provided in the
indenture;
(5) any final judgment or judgments which can no longer be appealed or
stayed for the payment of money in excess of $10.0 million, net of
amounts covered by insurance for which coverage is not being challenged
or denied is rendered against United or any restricted subsidiary of
United, and
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shall not be discharged, paid or otherwise satisfied for any period of 60
consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement shall not be in
effect;
(6) certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of
United or any restricted subsidiary of United; and
(7) any of the guarantees ceases to be in full force and effect or any of
the guarantees is declared to be null and void and unenforceable or any
of the guarantees is found to be invalid or any of the guarantors denies
in writing its liability under its guarantee, other than by reason of
release of a guarantor in accordance with the terms of the indenture.
The indenture will provide that the trustee may withhold notice to the
holders of the notes of any default, except in payment of principal or premium,
if any, or interest on the notes, if the trustee considers it to be in the best
interest of the holders of the notes to do so.
The indenture will provide that if an event of default, other than an event
of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization of United will have occurred and be continuing, then the trustee
by notice to United or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal
amount of the notes then outstanding by written notice to United and the trustee
may declare to be immediately due and payable the entire principal amount of all
the notes then outstanding plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of
acceleration and
(1) these amounts shall become immediately due and payable or
(2) if there are any amounts outstanding under or in respect of the senior
credit facility or any commitments remain in effect under the senior
credit facility, these amounts shall become due and payable upon the
first to occur of an acceleration of amounts outstanding under or in
respect of the senior credit facility or five business days after receipt
by United and the representative of notice of the acceleration of the
notes;
provided, however, that after the acceleration but before a judgment or decree
based on the acceleration is obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority
in aggregate principal amount of outstanding notes may, under some
circumstances, rescind and annul the acceleration if all existing events of
default, other than nonpayment of accelerated principal, premium, if any, or
interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration, have been cured
or waived as provided in the indenture. In case an event of default resulting
from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of United shall
occur, the principal, premium, if any, and interest amount with respect to all
of the notes shall be due and payable immediately without any declaration or
other act on the part of the trustee or the holders of the notes.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes then outstanding
shall have the right to waive any existing default or compliance with any
provision of the indenture or the notes and to direct the time, method and place
of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, subject to
limitations specified in the indenture.
No holder of any note will have any right to institute any proceeding with
respect to the indenture or for any remedy under the indenture, unless the
holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of a continuing event
of default and unless the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount
of the outstanding notes have made written request and offered indemnity
satisfactory to the trustee to institute the proceeding as a trustee, and unless
the trustee has not received from the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding notes a direction inconsistent with the
request and has failed to institute the proceeding within 60 days. However,
these limitations do not apply to a suit instituted on the note on or after the
respective due dates expressed in the note.
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
The indenture will provide that United may elect either
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(1) to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect
to the notes, except for the obligations to register the transfer or
exchange of such notes, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed,
lost or stolen notes, to maintain an office or agency in respect of the
notes and to hold monies for payment in trust; or
(2) to be released from their obligations with respect to the notes under
covenants contained in the indenture and described above under "Certain
Covenants" upon the deposit with the trustee, or other qualifying
trustee, in trust for such purpose of money and/or U.S. Government
obligations which through the payment of principal and interest in
accordance with their terms will provide money, in an amount sufficient
to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the notes, on
the scheduled due dates for the notes or on a selected date of redemption
in accordance with the terms of the indenture. Such a trust may only be
established if, among other things, United has delivered to the trustee
an opinion of counsel:
(a) to the effect that neither the trust nor the trustee will be required
to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended, and
(b) describing either a private ruling concerning the notes or a
published ruling of the IRS, to the effect that holders of the notes
or persons in their positions will not recognize income, gain or loss
for federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit,
defeasance and discharge and will be subject to federal income tax on
the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times, as
would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge
had not occurred.
MODIFICATION OF INDENTURE
From time to time, United, the guarantors and the trustee may, without the
consent of holders of the notes, amend the indenture or the notes or supplement
the indenture for certain specified purposes, including providing for
uncertificated notes in addition to certificated notes, consummating the asset
drop-down, and curing any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, or making any
other change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder. The
indenture contains provisions permitting United, the guarantors and the trustee,
with the consent of holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding notes, to modify or supplement the indenture or the notes, except
that no such modification shall, without the consent of each holder affected by
the modification,
(1) reduce the amount of notes whose holders must consent to an amendment,
supplement, or waiver to the indenture or the notes;
(2) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any
note;
(3) reduce the principal of or premium on or change the stated maturity of
any note;
(4) waive a default in the payment of the principal of, interest on, or
redemption payment with respect to any note;
(5) make any note payable in money other than that stated in the note or
change the place of payment from New York, New York;
(6) make any change in provisions of the indenture protecting the right of
each holder of notes to receive payment of principal of and interest on
the note on or after the due date of the note or to bring suit to enforce
the payment, or permitting holders of a majority in principal amount of
notes to waive defaults or events of default;
(7) amend, change or modify in any material respect the obligation of United
to make and consummate a change of control offer in the event of a change
of control or make and consummate an excess proceeds offer with respect
to any asset sale that has been consummated or modify any of the
provisions or definitions with respect thereto;
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(8) affect the ranking of the notes or the guarantees in a manner adverse to
the holders;
(9) change any provision of the indenture relating to the redemption of
notes;
(10) release any guarantor from any of its obligations under its guarantee
or the indenture otherwise than in accordance with the terms of the
indenture.
REPORTS TO HOLDERS
So long as United is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the
Exchange Act, it will continue to furnish the information required by the
Exchange Act to the SEC and to the holders of the notes. The indenture will
provide that even if United is entitled under the Exchange Act not to furnish
such information to the SEC or to the holders of the notes, it will nonetheless
continue to furnish such information to the SEC and holders of the notes.
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
United will deliver to the trustee on or before 100 days after the end of
United's fiscal year and on or before 55 days after the end of each of the
first, second and third fiscal quarters in each year an officers' certificate
stating whether or not the signers know of any default or event of default that
has occurred. If they do, the certificate will describe the default or event of
default and its status.
THE TRUSTEE
The trustee under the indenture will be the registrar and paying agent with
regard to the notes. The indenture will provide that, except during the
continuance of an event of default, the trustee will perform only the duties
specifically set forth in the indenture. During the existence of an event of
default, the trustee will exercise the rights and powers vested in it under the
indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent
person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of that person's
own affairs.
TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE
Holders of the notes may transfer or exchange the notes in accordance with
the indenture. The registrar under the indenture may require a holder, among
other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, and to
pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the indenture. The
registrar is not required to transfer or exchange any note selected for
redemption. Also, the registrar is not required to transfer or exchange any note
for a period of 15 days before selection of the notes to be redeemed.
The notes will be issued in a transaction exempt from registration under the
Securities Act and will be subject to the restrictions on transfer.
The registered holder of a note may be treated as the owner of it for all
purposes.
SELECTED DEFINITIONS
Set forth below is a summary of some of the defined terms used in the
covenants contained in the indenture. We refer you to the indenture for the full
definition of all these terms as well as any other capitalized terms used in
this prospectus for which no definition is provided.
"ACQUIRED INDEBTEDNESS" means indebtedness of a person, including an
unrestricted subsidiary, existing at the time the person becomes a restricted
subsidiary or assumed in connection with the acquisition of the outstanding
equity interests on, or assets from, the person.
"ADJUSTED NET ASSETS" of a guarantor at any date means the lesser of the
amount by which
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(1) the fair value of the property of the guarantor exceeds the total amount
of liabilities, including, without limitation, contingent liabilities,
after giving effect to all other fixed and contingent liabilities, but
excluding liabilities under the guarantee, of the guarantor at that date
and
(2) the present fair salable value of the assets of the guarantor at that
date exceeds the amount that will be required to pay the probable
liability of the guarantor on its debts, after giving effect to all other
fixed and contingent liabilities and after giving effect to any
collection from any subsidiary of the guarantor in respect of the
obligations of the subsidiary under the guarantee, excluding indebtedness
in respect of the guarantee, as they become absolute and matured.
"ASSET ACQUISITION" means
(1) an investment by United or any restricted subsidiary in any other person
pursuant to which the person shall become a restricted subsidiary or
shall be merged with or into United or any restricted subsidiary or
(2) the acquisition by United or any restricted subsidiary of the assets of
any person, other than a restricted subsidiary, which constitute all or
substantially all of the assets of the person or comprise any division or
line of business of the person or any other properties or assets of the
person other than in the ordinary course of business.
"ASSET SALE" means the sale, transfer or other disposition, including any
sale and lease-back transaction, other than to United or any of its restricted
subsidiaries, in any single transaction or series of related transactions having
a fair market value in excess of $1,500,000 of
(1) any capital stock of or other equity interest in any restricted
subsidiary of United or
(2) any other property or assets of United or of any restricted subsidiary
of United; provided that asset sales shall not include:
(a) sales, leases, conveyances, transfers or other dispositions to United
or to a restricted subsidiary or to any other person if after giving
effect to the sale, lease, conveyance, transfer or other disposition
the other person becomes a restricted subsidiary;
(b) the contribution of any assets to a joint venture, partnership or
other person, which may be a subsidiary, to the extent the
contribution constitutes a permitted investment, other than by
operation of clause (4) of the definition of a permitted investment;
(c) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all
of the assets of United or any guarantor as permitted under the
"Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets" provision;
(d) the sale or discount, in each case without recourse, of accounts
receivable arising in the ordinary course of business, but only in
connection with the compromise or collection of accounts receivable;
(e) the factoring of accounts receivable arising in the ordinary course
of business pursuant to arrangements customary in the industry;
(f) the licensing of intellectual property;
(g) disposals or replacements of obsolete equipment in the ordinary
course of business;
(h) leases or subleases to third persons not interfering in any material
respect with the business of United or any of its restricted
subsidiaries;
(i) a disposition of temporary cash investments or goods held for sale in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices of
United;
(j) a disposition that constitutes a change of control; and
(k) any foreclosures on assets.
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"ASSET SALE PROCEEDS" means, with respect to any asset sale,
(1) cash received by or any restricted subsidiary from the asset sale,
including cash received as consideration for the assumption of
liabilities incurred in connection with or in anticipation of the asset
sale, after
(a) provision for all income or other taxes measured by or resulting from
the asset sale,
(b) payment of all brokerage commissions, underwriting and other fees,
including legal and accounting fees, and expenses, including
relocation expenses, related to the asset sale,
(c) any consideration for an asset sale, which would otherwise constitute
asset sale proceeds, that is required to be held in escrow pending
determination of whether a purchase price adjustment will be made,
but amounts under this clause (c) will become asset sale proceeds at
the time and to the extent the amounts are released to United or a
restricted subsidiary,
(d) repayment of indebtedness that either (1) is secured by a lien on the
property or assets sold or (2) is required to be repaid in connection
with the asset sale, in order to obtain a consent required in
connection with the asset sale,
(e) provision for minority interest holders in any restricted subsidiary
as a result of the asset sale and
(f) deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by United or a
restricted subsidiary as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against
any liabilities associated with the assets sold or disposed of in the
asset sale and retained by United or a restricted subsidiary after
the asset sale, including, without limitation, severance, healthcare,
pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities
related to environmental matters or against any indemnification
obligations associated with the assets sold or disposed of in the
asset sale, and
(2) promissory notes and other non-cash consideration received by United or
any restricted subsidiary from the asset sale or other disposition upon
the liquidation or conversion of such notes or non-cash consideration
into cash.
"ATTRIBUTABLE INDEBTEDNESS" in respect of a sale and lease-back transaction
means, as at the time of determination, the greater of:
(1) the fair value of the property subject to such arrangement, as
determined by the board of directors, and
(2) the present value of the total obligations, discounted at the rate borne
by the notes, compounded annually, of the lessee for rental payments
during the remaining term of the lease included in such sale and
lease-back transaction, including any period for which such lease has
been extended.
"AVAILABLE ASSET SALE PROCEEDS" means, with respect to any asset sale, the
aggregate asset sale proceeds from the asset sale that have not been applied in
accordance with clauses (3)(a) or (3)(b) of the first paragraph of "Limitation
on Certain Asset Sales," and that have not previously been the basis for an
excess proceeds offer in accordance with the third paragraph of "Limitation on
Certain Asset Sales."
"CAPITALIZED LEASE OBLIGATIONS" means indebtedness represented by
obligations under a lease that is required to be capitalized for financial
reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP, and the amount of the indebtedness
shall be the capitalized amount of the obligations determined in accordance with
GAAP.
"CHANGE OF CONTROL" means, at any time after the issue date, the occurrence
of one or more of the following events:
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(1) any person, including a person's affiliates and associates, other than a
permitted holder, becomes the beneficial owner, as defined under Rule
13d-3 or any successor rule or regulation promulgated under the Exchange
Act, of 50% or more of the total voting power of the common stock of
United,
(2) there shall be consummated any consolidation or merger of United in
which United is not the continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant
to which the common stock of United would be converted into cash,
securities or other property, other than a merger or consolidation of
United in which the holders of the common stock of United outstanding
immediately prior to the consolidation or merger hold, directly or
indirectly, at least a majority of the common stock of the surviving
corporation immediately after the consolidation or merger, or
(3) during any period of two consecutive years commencing after the issue
date, individuals who at the beginning of the period constituted the
board of directors of United, together with any new directors whose
election by the board of directors or whose nomination for election by
the shareholders of United has been approved by a majority of the
directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning
of such period or whose election or recommendation for election was
previously so approved cease to constitute a majority of the board of
directors of United.
"CONSOLIDATED FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO" means, with respect to any
person, the ratio of EBITDA of such person during the four full fiscal quarters
ending on or prior to the date of the transaction giving rise to the need to
calculate the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio (the "transaction date")
for which financial statements are available to consolidated fixed charges of
such person for those four full fiscal quarters. In addition, for purposes of
this definition, "EBITDA" and "consolidated fixed charges" will be calculated
after giving effect on a pro forma basis for the period of such calculation to:
(1) the incurrence or repayment of any indebtedness of such person or any of
its restricted subsidiaries, and the application of the proceeds of that
repayment, giving rise to the need to make such calculation and any
incurrence or repayment of other indebtedness, and the application of the
proceeds of that repayment, other than the incurrence or repayment of
indebtedness in the ordinary course of business for working capital
purposes pursuant to revolving credit facilities, occurring during those
four full fiscal quarters or at any time subsequent to the last day of
those four full fiscal quarters and on or prior to the transaction date,
as if such incurrence or repayment, as the case may be, and the
application of such proceeds of, occurred on the first day of those four
full fiscal quarters;
(2) any asset sales or asset acquisitions, including, without limitation,
any asset acquisition giving rise to the need to make the calculation as
a result of the person or one if its restricted subsidiaries, including
any person who becomes a restricted subsidiary as a result of the asset
acquisition, incurring, assuming or otherwise being liable for acquired
indebtedness and also including any EBITDA, provided that EBITDA will be
included only to the extent includible pursuant to the definition of
"consolidated net income," attributable to the assets which are the
subject of the asset acquisition during those four full fiscal quarters
occurring during those four full fiscal quarters or at any time
subsequent to the last day of those four full fiscal quarters and on or
prior to the transaction date, as if the asset sale or asset acquisition,
including the incurrence, assumption or liability for any the acquired
indebtedness occurred on the first day of those four full fiscal
quarters;
(3) with respect to any of those four full fiscal quarters commencing prior
to the recapitalization, the recapitalization, which will be deemed to
have taken place on the first day of those four full fiscal quarters; and
(4) any asset sales or asset acquisition, including any EBITDA attributable
to the assets which are the subject of the asset acquisition or asset
sale during those four full fiscal quarters, provided that
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EBITDA will be included only to the extent includible pursuant to the
definition of "consolidated net income," that have been made by any
person that has become a restricted subsidiary of United or has been
merged with or into United or any restricted subsidiary of United during
those four full fiscal quarters or at any time subsequent to the last day
of those four full fiscal quarters and on or prior to the transaction
date that would have constituted asset sales or asset acquisitions had
the transactions occurred when the person was a restricted subsidiary of
United or subsequent to the person's merger into United, as if the asset
sale or asset acquisition, including the incurrence, assumption or
liability for any indebtedness or acquired indebtedness in connection
with that asset sale or asset acquisition occurred on the first day of
those four full fiscal quarters. If the person or any of its restricted
subsidiaries directly or indirectly guarantees indebtedness of a third
person, the preceding sentence will give effect to the incurrence of the
guaranteed indebtedness as if such person or any restricted subsidiary of
the person had directly incurred or otherwise assumed the guaranteed
indebtedness.
Furthermore, in calculating "consolidated fixed charges" for purposes of
determining the denominator of this "consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio,"
(1) interest on outstanding indebtedness determined on a fluctuating basis
as of the transaction date and which will continue to be so determined
after the transaction date will be deemed to have accrued at a fixed rate
per annum equal to the rate of interest on the indebtedness in effect on
the transaction date; and
(2) notwithstanding clause (1) above, interest on indebtedness determined on
a fluctuating basis, to the extent the interest is covered by one or more
interest rate agreements, shall be deemed to accrue at the rate per annum
resulting after giving effect to the operation of the agreements.
"CONSOLIDATED FIXED CHARGES" means, with respect to any person, for any
period, the sum of:
(1) consolidated interest expense, excluding amortization or write-off of
debt issuance costs relating to the recapitalization and the financing
for the recapitalization or relating to retired or existing indebtedness
and amortization or write-off of customary debt issuance costs relating
to future indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business, plus
(2) without duplication, the product of (a) the amount of all dividend
payments on any series of preferred stock of the person or any restricted
subsidiary, determined on a consolidated basis, other than dividends paid
in capital stock, other than disqualified capital stock, paid, accrued or
scheduled to be paid or accrued during the period times (b) a fraction
the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus
the then current effective consolidated federal, state and local tax rate
of the person, expressed as a decimal.
"CONSOLIDATED INTEREST EXPENSE" means, with respect to any person, for any
period, the aggregate amount of interest which, in conformity with GAAP, would
be set forth opposite the caption "interest expense," or any like caption on an
income statement for the person and its restricted subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis, including, but not limited to, imputed interest included in
capitalized lease obligations, all commissions, discounts and other fees and
charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance
financing, the net costs associated with hedging obligations, amortization of
other financing fees and expenses, the interest portion of any deferred payment
obligation, amortization of discount, other than any such discount arising from
the issuance of warrants to purchase common stock to purchasers of United's debt
securities simultaneously with the issuance of the debt securities, or premium,
if any, and all other non-cash interest expense, other than interest amortized
to cost of sales, plus, without duplication, all net capitalized interest for
the period and all interest incurred or paid under any guarantee of
indebtedness, including a guarantee of principal, interest or any combination of
principal or interest of any person, plus the amount of all dividends or
distributions paid on disqualified capital stock other than dividends paid or
payable in shares of capital stock of United, less the amortization of deferred
financing costs.
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"CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME" means, with respect to any person, for any period,
the aggregate of the net income of such person and its restricted subsidiaries
for the period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP;
provided, however, that:
(1) the net income of any
(a) "other person" in which the person in question or any of its
restricted subsidiaries has less than a 100% interest, which interest
does not cause the net income of the other person to be consolidated
into the net income of the person in question in accordance with GAAP
and
(b) unrestricted subsidiary shall be included only to the extent of the
amount of dividends or distributions paid to the person in question
or the restricted subsidiary,
(2) the net income of any restricted subsidiary of the person in question
that is subject to any restriction or limitation on the payment of
dividends or the making of other distributions, other than pursuant to
the notes or as permitted under "Certain Covenants--Limitation on
Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted
Subsidiaries" shall be excluded to the extent of the restriction or
limitation,
(3) (a) the net income of any person acquired in a pooling of interests
transaction for any period prior to the date of the acquisition and
(b) any net gain resulting from an asset sale by the person in question
or any of its restricted subsidiaries other than in the ordinary
course of business shall be excluded,
(4) extraordinary, unusual and non-recurring gains and losses, including any
related tax effects on the person, shall be excluded,
(5) income or loss attributable to discontinued operations, including
without limitation operations disposed of during such period whether or
not such operations were classified as discontinued, shall be excluded,
(6) to the extent not otherwise excluded in accordance with GAAP, the net
income of any restricted subsidiary in an amount that corresponds to the
percentage ownership interest in the income of the restricted subsidiary
not owned on the last day of the period, directly or indirectly, by the
person shall be excluded,
(7) dividends, distributions and any other payments constituting return of
capital from investments shall in any event be excluded to the extent
used to increase the amount available for investment under clause (15) of
the definition of "permitted investments" in accordance with the terms of
that definition,
(8) non-cash compensation charges, including any arising from existing stock
options resulting from any merger or recapitalization transaction, shall
be excluded, and
(9) without duplication, any charges related to the recapitalization shall
be excluded.
"DEFAULT" means any condition or event that is, or with the passing of time
or giving of any notice expressly required under the indenture, or both, would
be, an event of default.
"DESIGNATED SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS," as to United or any guarantor, means
(1) so long as indebtedness under or in respect of the senior credit
facility is outstanding or has commitments for the extension of credit,
the senior indebtedness and
(2) any other senior indebtedness
(a) which at the time of determination exceeds $25,000,000 in aggregate
principal amount, or accreted value in the case of Indebtedness
issued at a discount, outstanding or available under a committed
facility.
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(b) which is specifically designated in the instrument evidencing the
senior indebtedness as "designated senior indebtedness" by the
person, and
(c) as to which the trustee has been given written notice of such
designation and, so long as there is a representative with respect to
the senior credit facility, the representative has concurred in the
designation.
"DISQUALIFIED CAPITAL STOCK" means any capital stock of United or a
restricted subsidiary of United which, by its terms, or by the terms of any
security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable at the
option of the holder, or upon the happening of any event,
(1) matures on or prior to the maturity date of the notes, for cash or
securities constituting indebtedness; or
(2) is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or
otherwise, on or prior to the maturity date of the notes, for cash or
securities constituting indebtedness; or
(3) is redeemable at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, on or
prior to the maturity date of the notes, for cash or securities
constituting indebtedness;
provided that capital stock of United that is held by a current or former
employee of United subject to a put option and/or a call option with United
triggered by the termination of the employee's employment with United and/or
United's performance will not be deemed to be disqualified capital stock solely
by virtue of the call option and/or put option. Without limitation of that
above, disqualified capital stock will be deemed to include (a) any preferred
stock of a restricted subsidiary of United and (b) any preferred stock of
United, with respect to either of which, under the terms of such preferred
stock, by agreement or otherwise, United is obligated to pay current dividends
or distributions in cash during the period prior to the maturity date of the
notes; provided, however, that capital stock of United or any restricted
subsidiary that is issued with the benefit of provisions requiring (1) a change
of control offer or asset sale proceeds offer to be made for such capital stock
in the event of a change of control of or asset sale by United or that
restricted subsidiary, which provisions have substantially the same effect as
the provisions of the indenture described under "Change of Control" or
"Limitation on Certain Asset Sales," or (2) payment of dividends or redemption
only after the notes have been fully paid, will not be deemed to be disqualified
capital stock solely by virtue of these provisions.
"EBITDA" means, for any person, for any period, an amount equal to
(1) the sum of
(a) consolidated net income for the period, plus
(b) the provision for taxes for the period based on income or profits to
the extent the income or profits were included in computing
consolidated net income and any provision for taxes utilized in
computing net loss under clause (a) of this definition, plus
(c) consolidated interest expense for the period, but only including
redeemable dividends in the calculation of the consolidated interest
expense to the extent that the redeemable dividends have not been
excluded in the calculation of consolidated net income, plus
(d) depreciation for such period on a consolidated basis, plus
(e) amortization of intangibles for such period on a consolidated basis,
plus
(f) any other non-cash items, excluding any such non-cash item to the
extent that it represents an accrual of or a reserve for a cash
expense in any period subsequent to the period for which EBITDA is
being calculated, reducing or not included in the definition of
consolidated net income for the period, plus
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(g) without duplication, all cash and non-cash expenses and restructuring
charges arising in connection with the recapitalization, minus
(2) all non-cash items increasing consolidated net income for the period,
all for the person and its subsidiaries determined in accordance with
GAAP,
except that with respect to United each of the above items will be determined on
a consolidated basis with respect to United and its restricted subsidiaries
only, provided, however, that, for purposes of calculating EBITDA during any
fiscal quarter, cash income from a particular investment, other than in a
subsidiary which under GAAP is consolidated, of the person will be included only
(1) to the extent cash income has been received by the person with respect
to the investment, or
(2) if the cash income derived from the investment is attributable to
temporary cash investments.
"FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, with respect to any asset or property, the price
which could be negotiated in an arm's-length, free market transaction, for cash,
between a willing seller and a willing and able buyer, neither of whom is under
undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction.
"FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY" means a restricted subsidiary of United
(1) that is organized in a jurisdiction other than the United States of
America or a state thereof or the District of Columbia and
(2) with respect to which at least 90% of its sales, as determined in
accordance with GAAP, are generated by operations located in
jurisdictions outside the United States of America.
"GUARANTEE" means, as the context may require, individually, a guarantee, or
collectively, any and all guarantees, of the obligations of United with respect
to the notes by each guarantor, if any, pursuant to the terms of the indenture.
"GUARANTOR" means each restricted subsidiary of United that hereafter
becomes a guarantor pursuant to the indenture, and guarantors means these
entities, collectively.
"GUARANTOR REPRESENTATIVE" means
(1) so long as the senior credit facility remains outstanding or any
commitments under it remain in effect, the agent, or if there is more
than one agent, the administrative agent for the lender parties, and
(2) the agent, indenture trustee, other trustee or other representative for
any guarantor senior indebtedness.
"GUARANTOR SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS" means the principal of and premium, if any,
and interest on, and any and all other fees, expense reimbursement obligations,
indemnities and other amounts and obligations incurred or owing pursuant to the
terms of all agreements, documents and instruments providing for, creating,
securing or evidencing or otherwise entered into in connection with,
(1) any guarantor's direct incurrence of any indebtedness or its guarantee
of all indebtedness of United or any of its subsidiaries, in each case,
under the senior credit facility,
(2) all obligations of the guarantor with respect to any interest rate
agreement,
(3) all obligations of the guarantor to reimburse any bank or other person
in respect of amounts paid under letters of credit, acceptances or other
similar instruments,
(4) all other indebtedness of the guarantor which does not expressly provide
that it is to rank PARI PASSU with or subordinate to the guarantees and
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(5) all deferrals, renewals, extensions, refinancings, replacements and
refundings in whole or in part of, and amendments, modifications,
restatements and supplements to, any of the indebtedness described above.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, guarantor senior indebtedness
will not include
(1) indebtedness of such guarantor to any of its subsidiaries, except to the
extent the indebtedness is pledged as security under the senior credit
facility,
(2) indebtedness represented by the guarantees,
(3) any indebtedness which by the express terms of the agreement or
instrument creating, evidencing or governing the same is junior or
subordinate in right of payment to any other item of indebtedness of
United, although this clause (3) shall not apply to the subordination of
liens or security interests covering property or assets securing
guarantor senior indebtedness,
(4) any trade payable arising from the purchase of goods or materials or for
services obtained in the ordinary course of business or
(5) liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by
United.
"HOLDING COMPANY" means the parent company of the new operating company
following the asset drop- down.
"INCUR" means, with respect to any indebtedness or other obligation of any
person, to create, issue, incur, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable in
respect of the indebtedness or other obligation or the recording, as required
pursuant to GAAP or otherwise, of any the indebtedness or other obligation on
the balance sheet of the person; provided that a change in GAAP that results in
an obligation of the person that exists at such time becoming indebtedness shall
not be deemed an incurrence of the indebtedness.
"INDEBTEDNESS" means, with respect to any person, any indebtedness at any
time outstanding, secured or unsecured, contingent or otherwise, which is for
borrowed money whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the
assets of that person or only to a portion of its assets, or evidenced by bonds,
notes, debentures or similar instruments or representing the balance deferred
and unpaid of the purchase price of any property, excluding, without limitation,
any balances that constitute accounts payable or trade payables or liabilities
arising from advance payments or customer deposits for goods and services sold
by United in the ordinary course of business, and other accrued liabilities and
expenses arising in the ordinary course of business if and to the extent any of
the indebtedness would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of that person
prepared in accordance with GAAP, and will also include, to the extent not
otherwise included:
(1) any capitalized lease obligations,
(2) obligations secured by a lien to which the property or assets owned or
held by the person is subject, whether or not the obligation or
obligations secured by the lien has been assumed, provided, however, that
if the obligation or obligations has not been assumed, the amount of the
indebtedness will be deemed to be the lesser of the principal amount of
the obligation or the fair market value of the pledged property or
assets,
(3) guarantees of items of other persons which would be included within this
definition for the other persons, whether or not the items would appear
upon the balance sheet of the guarantor,
(4) all obligations for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of
credit, banker's acceptance or similar credit transaction, provided that
in the case of any such letters of credit, the items for which the
letters of credit provide credit support are those of other persons which
would be included within this definition for the other persons,
(5) disqualified capital stock of the person or any restricted subsidiary of
the person, and
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(6) obligations of any such person under any interest rate agreement
applicable to any of the above, if and to the extent the interest rate
agreement obligations would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of
the person prepared in accordance with GAAP.
The amount of indebtedness of any person at any date shall be the
outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described
above and, with respect to contingent obligations, the maximum liability upon
the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation, provided:
(1) that the amount outstanding at any time of any indebtedness issued with
original issue discount is the principal amount of the indebtedness less
the remaining unamortized portion of the original issue discount of the
indebtedness at such time as determined in conformity with GAAP and
(2) that indebtedness shall not include any liability for federal, state,
local or other taxes.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the above definition, any trade
payable arising from the purchase of goods or materials or for services obtained
in the ordinary course of business shall not be deemed to be "indebtedness" of
United or any restricted subsidiary for purposes of this definition.
Furthermore, guarantees of, or obligations with respect to letters of credit
supporting, indebtedness otherwise included in the determination of the amount
shall also not be included.
"INDIVIDUAL INVESTORS" means the persons who made the management
contribution and, without duplication, the persons who hold the retained equity
as of the issue date.
"INVESTMENTS" means, directly or indirectly, any advance, account
receivable, other than an account receivable arising in the ordinary course of
business or acquired as part of the assets acquired by United in connection with
an acquisition of assets which is otherwise permitted by the terms of the
indenture, loan or capital contribution to, by means of transfers of property to
others, payments for property or services for the account or use of others or
otherwise, the purchase of any stock, bonds, notes, debentures, partnership or
joint venture interests or other securities of, the acquisition, by purchase or
otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business or assets or stock or
other evidence of beneficial ownership of, any person or the making of any
investment in any person. Investments shall exclude extensions of trade credit
on commercially reasonable terms in accordance with normal trade practices. For
the purposes of the "Limitation on Restricted Payments" covenant, "investment"
shall include and be valued at the fair market value of the net assets of any
restricted subsidiary at the time that the restricted subsidiary is designated
an unrestricted subsidiary and shall exclude the fair market value of the net
assets of any unrestricted subsidiary at the time that the unrestricted
subsidiary is designated a restricted subsidiary. If United or any restricted
subsidiary of United sells or otherwise disposes of any common stock of any
direct or indirect restricted subsidiary of United such that, after giving
effect to any such sale or disposition, United no longer owns, directly or
indirectly, greater than 50% of the outstanding common stock of the restricted
subsidiary, United shall be deemed to have made an investment on the date of any
such sale or disposition equal to the fair market value of the common stock of
the restricted subsidiary not sold or disposed of.
"ISSUE DATE" means the date the notes are first issued by United and
authenticated by the trustee under the indenture.
"LIEN" means, with respect to any property or assets of any person, any
mortgage or deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit
arrangement, other than advance payments or customer deposits for goods and
services sold by United in the ordinary course of business, security interest,
lien, charge, easement or encumbrance of any kind or nature whatsoever on or
with respect to the property or assets, including, without limitation, any
capitalized lease obligation, conditional sales, or other title retention
agreement having substantially the same economic effect as any of the above.
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"NET PROCEEDS" means:
(1) in the case of any sale of capital stock by any person, the aggregate
net proceeds received by the person, after payment of expenses,
commissions and the like incurred in connection with the aggregate net
proceeds, whether the proceeds are in cash or in property, valued at the
fair market value, as determined in good faith by the board of directors
of the person, at the time of receipt, and
(2) in the case of any exchange, exercise, conversion or surrender of
outstanding securities of any kind for or into shares of capital stock of
the person which is not disqualified capital stock, the net book value of
the outstanding securities on the date of the exchange, exercise,
conversion or surrender, plus any additional amount required to be paid
by the holder to the person upon the exchange, exercise, conversion or
surrender, less any and all payments made to the holders, e.g., on
account of fractional shares and less all expenses incurred by United in
connection with the payments.
"NON-PAYMENT EVENT OF DEFAULT" means any event, other than a payment
default, the occurrence of which entitles, or, in the case of some of the events
described in clause (6) under "Events of Default," with the passage of time
would entitle, one or more persons to accelerate the maturity of any designated
senior indebtedness.
"OBLIGATIONS" means, with respect to any indebtedness, any principal,
premium, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages
and other expenses and liabilities payable under the documentation governing the
indebtedness.
"PAYMENT DEFAULT" means any default, whether or not any requirement for the
giving of notice, the lapse of time or both, or any other condition to the
default becoming an event of default has occurred, in the payment of principal
of, or premium, if any, or interest on or any other obligations payable in
connection with designated senior indebtedness.
"PERMITTED HOLDERS" means, collectively,
(1) United and, in the event of the asset drop-down, the holding company,
(2) the Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P. and any of its affiliates,
(3) the individual investors, each of the spouses, children or other lineal
descendants of the individual investors, the probate estate of any such
individual and any trust, so long as one or more of the above individuals
retains substantially all of the controlling or beneficial interest
thereunder, and
(4) any underwriter during the course of an underwritten public offering
until completion of the initial distribution of the underwritten public
offering.
"PERMITTED INDEBTEDNESS" means:
(1) indebtedness of United or any restricted subsidiary arising under or in
connection with the senior credit facility in an amount not to exceed the
sum of (a) $225,000,000 plus (b) the greater of (i) $110,000,000 or (ii)
the aggregate of 80% of the accounts receivable and 50% of the inventory
of United and its consolidated restricted subsidiaries, which sum shall
be reduced by any mandatory prepayments actually made as a result of any
asset sale or similar sale of assets, to the extent, in the case of
payments of revolving credit indebtedness, that the corresponding
commitments have been permanently reduced, and any scheduled payments
actually made;
(2) indebtedness under the notes and the guarantees;
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(3) indebtedness of foreign subsidiaries not to exceed $5,000,000 in the
aggregate at any one time outstanding;
(4) indebtedness not covered by any other clause of this definition which is
outstanding on the issue date, including, for purposes of this clause
(4), capitalized lease obligations in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000
incurred in the leasing of an aircraft for use by United , which lease is
entered into on or before September 30, 1999;
(5) indebtedness of United to any restricted subsidiary of United and
indebtedness of any restricted subsidiary of United to United or another
restricted subsidiary of United; provided that (a) if United or any
guarantor is the obligor on the indebtedness, the indebtedness is
unsecured and expressly subordinated to the payment in full to all
obligations in respect of the notes and the guarantee of the guarantor on
terms substantially in the form provided in the indenture and (b)(1) any
subsequent issuance or transfer of equity interests that results in the
indebtedness being held by a person other than United or a restricted
subsidiary of United, and (2) any sale or transfer of the indebtedness to
a person other than United or a restricted subsidiary of United, will be
deemed to constitute an incurrence of indebtedness by United or the
restricted subsidiary not permitted by this clause (5);
(6) interest rate agreements;
(7) refinancing indebtedness;
(8) indebtedness under commodity hedge agreements and currency agreements
entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with
reasonable business requirements and not for speculation;
(9) indebtedness consisting of guarantees made in the ordinary course of
business by United or its restricted subsidiaries of obligations of
United or any of its restricted subsidiaries, which obligations are not
otherwise prohibited under the indenture;
(10) contingent obligations of United or its subsidiaries in respect of
customary indemnification and purchase price adjustment obligations
incurred in connection with an asset sale; provided that the maximum
assumable liability in respect of all of these obligations shall at no
time exceed the gross proceeds actually received by United and its
subsidiaries in connection with the asset sale;
(11) indebtedness incurred in respect of performance, surety and other
similar bonds and completion guarantees provided by United and the
restricted subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, and
extensions, refinancings and replacements thereof;
(12) indebtedness incurred by United or any of its restricted subsidiaries
constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit
issued in the ordinary course of business, including, without limitation,
letters of credit in respect of workers' compensation claims or
self-insurance, or other indebtedness with respect to reimbursement type
obligations regarding workers' compensation or other similar claims;
(13) purchase money indebtedness and capitalized lease obligations of United
and its subsidiaries incurred to acquire, construct or improve property
and assets in the ordinary course of business and any refinancings,
renewals or replacements of the purchase money indebtedness or
capitalized lease obligation, subject to the limitations on their
principal amount set forth in this clause (13), the principal amount of
which purchase money indebtedness and capitalized lease obligations shall
not in the aggregate at any one time outstanding exceed $15,000,000; and
(14) additional indebtedness of United or any of its restricted
subsidiaries, other than indebtedness specified in clauses (1) through
(13) above not to exceed $25,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time
outstanding.
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"PERMITTED INVESTMENTS" means, for any person, investments made on or after
the issue date consisting of:
(1) investments by United, or by a restricted subsidiary of United, in
United or a restricted subsidiary;
(2) temporary cash investments;
(3) investments by United, or by a restricted subsidiary of United, in a
person, if as a result of the investment (a) the person becomes a
restricted subsidiary of United, (b) the person is merged, consolidated
or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of
its assets to, or is liquidated into, United or a restricted subsidiary
of United or (c) the business or assets are owned by United or a
restricted subsidiary;
(4) an investment that is made by United or a restricted subsidiary of
United in the form of any stock, bonds, notes, debentures, partnership or
joint venture interests or other securities that are issued by a third
party to United or a restricted subsidiary solely as partial
consideration for the consummation of an asset sale that is otherwise
permitted under the covenant described under "Limitation on Certain Asset
Sales";
(5) investments consisting of (a) purchases and acquisitions of inventory,
supplies, materials and equipment, or (b) licenses or leases of
intellectual property and other assets in each case in the ordinary
course of business;
(6) investments consisting of (a) loans and advances to employees for
reasonable travel, relocation and business expenses in the ordinary
course of business not to exceed $2,000,000 in the aggregate at any one
time outstanding, (b) loans to employees of United or its subsidiaries
for the sole purpose of purchasing equity of United, (c) extensions of
trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and (d) prepaid expenses
incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(7) without duplication, investments consisting of indebtedness permitted
pursuant to clause (5) of the definition of "permitted indebtedness";
(8) investments existing on the issue date;
(9) investments of United under interest rate agreements;
(10) investments under commodity hedge agreements and currency agreements
entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with
reasonable business requirements and not for speculation;
(11) investments consisting of endorsements for collection or deposit in the
ordinary course of business;
(12) investments in suppliers or customers that are in bankruptcy,
receivership or similar proceedings or as a result of foreclosure on a
secured investment in a third party received in exchange for or
cancellation of an existing obligation of the supplier or customer to
United or a restricted subsidiary;
(13) investments paid for solely with capital stock, other than disqualified
capital stock, of United;
(14) investments in joint venture arrangements, or in a person which as a
result of the investment becomes a joint venture arrangement, in an
aggregate amount, as valued at the time each the investment is made, not
exceeding $10,000,000 for all investments from and after the date of this
offering; and
(15) investments, other than investments specified in clauses (1) through
(14) above, in an aggregate amount, as valued at the time each investment
is made, not exceeding $10,000,000 for all the
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investments from and after the issue date; provided that the amount
available for investments to be made pursuant to this clause (15) shall
be increased from time to time (a) to the extent any return of capital is
received by United or a restricted subsidiary on an investment previously
made in reliance on this clause (15), in each case, up to, but not
exceeding, the amount of the original investment but only to the extent
the return of capital is excluded from consolidated net income and (b) by
100% of the aggregate net proceeds from the issue or sale of United's
capital stock or of any equity contribution received by United, other
than in return for disqualified capital stock, from a holder of United's
capital stock, net of any amounts thereof used to calculate amounts
available for restricted payments pursuant to clause (3) under
"Limitation on Restricted Payments" or previously relied upon to make any
permitted investments pursuant to this clause (15).
Not later than the date of making of any permitted investment made in
reliance on clause (15) above that includes proceeds described in clause (b)
United shall deliver to the trustee an officers' certificate stating that the
permitted investment is permitted and setting forth in reasonable detail the
date, amount and nature of the purchase or contribution being relied upon.
"PERMITTED LIENS" means
(1) liens on property or assets of, or any shares of stock of or secured
debt of, any corporation existing at the time the corporation becomes a
restricted subsidiary of United or at the time the corporation is merged
into United or any of its restricted subsidiaries; provided that the
liens are not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, the
corporation becoming a restricted subsidiary of United or merging into
United or any of its restricted subsidiaries,
(2) liens securing refinancing indebtedness; provided that the lien does not
extend to or cover any property, shares or debt other than the property,
shares or debt securing the indebtedness so refunded, refinanced or
extended,
(3) liens in favor of United or any of its restricted subsidiaries, and
(4) liens existing on the issue date.
"PERSON" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability
company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated
organization or government.
"PREFERRED STOCK" means any capital stock of a person, however designated,
which entitles the holder to a preference with respect to dividends,
distributions or liquidation proceeds of the person over the holders of other
capital stock issued by the person.
"PROPERTY" of any person means all types of real, personal, tangible,
intangible or mixed property owned by the person whether or not included in the
most recent consolidated balance sheet of the person and its subsidiaries under
GAAP.
"PURCHASE MONEY INDEBTEDNESS" means any indebtedness incurred by a person to
finance, within 90 days from incurrence, the cost of an item of property
acquired in the ordinary course of business, the principal amount of which
indebtedness does not exceed the sum of
(1) 100% of the cost and
(2) reasonable fees and expenses of the person incurred in connection with
purchase money indebtedness.
"QUALIFIED PUBLIC OFFERING" means a public offering and sale by United, or,
in the event of the asset drop-down, the new operating company or the holding
company, of shares of its common stock, however designated and whether voting or
non-voting, and any and all rights, warrants or options to acquire the common
stock pursuant to a registration statement registered pursuant to the Securities
Act; provided that the aggregate net proceeds to the issuer from the offering
and sale is at least $25,000,000 and, provided,
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further that, in the event of the asset drop-down and a subsequent qualified
public offering by the holding company, the holding company will contribute to
the capital of the new operating company that portion of the net proceeds of the
qualified public offering, necessary to pay the aggregate redemption price,
including accrued interest of the notes to be redeemed.
"RECAPITALIZATION" means the transactions described in the recapitalization
agreement.
"RECAPITALIZATION AGREEMENT" means the agreement and plan of
recapitalization, purchase and redemption dated as of December 24, 1998, as
amended by Amendment No. 1 dated January 20, 1999 and Amendment No. 2 dated
January 25, 1999, by and among the sellers, United and the UIC Holdings, L.L.C.
"REDEEMABLE DIVIDEND" means, for any dividend or distribution with regard to
disqualified capital stock, the quotient of the dividend or distribution divided
by the difference between one and the maximum statutory federal income tax rate,
expressed as a decimal number between 1 and 0, then applicable to the issuer of
the disqualified capital stock.
"REFINANCING INDEBTEDNESS" means indebtedness that is issued in exchange
for, or refunds, refinances, renews, replaces, defeases or extends, in whole or
in part, any indebtedness of United outstanding on the issue date or other
indebtedness permitted to be incurred by United or its restricted subsidiaries
pursuant to the terms of the indenture, but only to the extent that:
(1) the refinancing indebtedness is subordinated to the notes to at least
the same extent as the indebtedness being exchanged for, refunded,
refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or extended, if at all,
(2) the refinancing indebtedness is scheduled to mature either (a) no
earlier than the indebtedness being refunded, refinanced or extended, or
(b) after the maturity date of the notes,
(3) the portion, if any, of the refinancing indebtedness that is scheduled
to mature on or prior to the maturity date of the notes has a weighted
average life to maturity at the time the refinancing indebtedness is
incurred that is equal to or greater than the weighted average life to
maturity of the portion of the indebtedness being refunded, refinanced or
extended that is scheduled to mature on or prior to the maturity date of
the notes,
(4) the refinancing indebtedness is in an aggregate principal amount that is
equal to or less than the sum of (a) the aggregate principal amount then
outstanding under the indebtedness being refunded, refinanced or
extended, (b) the amount of accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and
premiums owed, if any, not in excess of preexisting prepayment provisions
on the indebtedness being refunded, refinanced or extended and (c) the
amount of customary fees, expenses and costs related to the incurrence of
the refinancing indebtedness, and
(5) the refinancing indebtedness is incurred by the same person that
initially incurred the indebtedness being refunded, refinanced or
extended, except that United or a wholly-owned subsidiary United may
incur refinancing indebtedness to refund, refinance or extend
indebtedness of United or any other wholly-owned subsidiary of United.
"RESTRICTED PAYMENT" means any of the following:
(1) the declaration or payment of any dividend or any other distribution or
payment on capital stock of United or any restricted subsidiary of United
or any payment made to the direct or indirect holders of capital stock of
United or any restricted subsidiary of United, other than (a) dividends
or distributions payable solely in capital stock, other than disqualified
capital stock, or in options, warrants or other rights to purchase
capital stock, other than disqualified capital stock, and (b) in the case
of restricted subsidiaries of United, dividends or distributions payable
to United or to a wholly-owned subsidiary of United,
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(2) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of
any capital stock of United or any of its restricted subsidiaries, other
than capital stock owned by United or a wholly-owned subsidiary of
United, excluding disqualified capital stock,
(3) the making of any principal payment on, or the purchase, defeasance,
repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value,
prior to any scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking
fund payment, of any indebtedness which is subordinated in right of
payment to the notes other than subordinated indebtedness acquired in
anticipation of satisfying a scheduled sinking fund obligation, principal
installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the
date of acquisition,
(4) the making of any investment or guarantee of any investment in any
person other than a permitted investment,
(5) any designation of a restricted subsidiary as an unrestricted subsidiary
on the basis of the investment by United therein and
(6) forgiveness of any indebtedness of an affiliate of United, other than a
restricted subsidiary, to United or a restricted subsidiary.
For purposes of determining the amount expended for restricted payments,
cash distributed or invested will be valued at the face amount and property
other than cash shall be valued at its fair market value determined by United's
board of directors.
"RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" means a subsidiary of United other than an
unrestricted subsidiary. The board of directors of United may designate any
unrestricted subsidiary or any person that is to become a subsidiary as a
restricted subsidiary if:
(1) immediately after giving effect to the action, and treating any acquired
indebtedness as having been incurred at the time of the action, United
could have incurred at least $1.00 of additional indebtedness, other than
permitted indebtedness, pursuant to the "Limitation on Additional
Indebtedness" covenant and
(2) no default or event of default has occurred and be continuing.
United will deliver an officers' certificate to the holders upon designating
any unrestricted subsidiary as a restricted subsidiary.
"SALE AND LEASE-BACK TRANSACTION" means any arrangement with any person
providing for the leasing by United or any restricted subsidiary of United of
any real or tangible personal property, which property has been or is to be sold
or transferred by United or the restricted subsidiary to the person in
contemplation of the leasing.
"SENIOR CREDIT FACILITY" means the credit agreement, dated as of January 20,
1999, among United, the banks, financial institutions and other institutional
lenders from time to time party to the credit agreement dated as of January 20,
1999, NationsBank, N.A., as the swing line bank and the initial issuing bank
under the credit agreement dated as of January 20, 1999, NationsBanc Montgomery
Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding Inc., as the co-arrangers for
the credit agreement dated as of January 20, 1999, Canadian Imperial Bank of
Commerce, as documentation agent for the credit agreement dated as of January
20, 1999, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as syndication agent under the
credit agreement dated as of January 20, 1999, NationsBanc Montgomery Securities
LLC, as lead arranger and book manager for the credit agreement dated as of
January 20, 1999, and NationsBank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lender
parties under the credit agreement dated as of January 20, 1999, together with
all "Loan Documents" as defined in the credit agreement dated as of January 20,
1999 and all other documents related to the credit agreement dated as of January
20, 1999, in each case as the agreements may be amended, supplemented or
otherwise modified from time to time, including any agreement
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extending the maturity of, refinancing, renewing, replacing or otherwise
restructuring, in whole or in part, all or any portion of the indebtedness under
the agreement or any successor or replacement agreement and whether by the same
or any other agent, lender or group of lenders or other party to the agreement.
"SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS" means the principal of and premium, if any, and
interest on, and any and all other fees, expense reimbursement obligations,
indemnities and other amounts and obligations incurred or owing pursuant to the
terms of all agreements, documents and instruments providing for, creating,
securing or evidencing or otherwise entered into in connection with
(1) all indebtedness of United under the senior credit facility,
(2) all obligations of United with respect to any interest rate agreement,
(3) all obligations of United to reimburse any bank or other person in
respect of amounts paid under letters of credit, acceptances or other
similar instruments,
(4) all other indebtedness of United which does not expressly provide that
it is to rank PARI PASSU with or subordinate to the notes and
(5) all deferrals, renewals, extensions, refinancings, replacements and
refundings in whole or in part of, and amendments, modifications,
restatements and supplements to, any of the indebtedness described above.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, senior indebtedness will not
include
(1) indebtedness of United to any of its subsidiaries, except to the extent
the indebtedness is pledged as security under the senior credit facility,
(2) indebtedness represented by the notes,
(3) any indebtedness which by the express terms of the agreement or
instrument creating, evidencing or governing the same is junior or
subordinate in right of payment to any other item of indebtedness of
United, although this clause (3) will not apply to the subordination of
liens or security interests covering property or assets securing senior
indebtedness,
(4) any trade payable arising from the purchase of goods or materials or for
services obtained in the ordinary course of business or
(5) liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by
United.
"SUBSIDIARY" of any specified person means any corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, association or other business entity,
whether now existing or later organized or acquired,
(1) in the case of a corporation, of which more than 50% of the total voting
power of the capital stock entitled, without regard to the occurrence of
any contingency, to vote in the election of directors, officers or
trustees held by such first-named person or any of its subsidiaries; or
(2) in the case of a partnership, limited liability company, joint venture,
association or other business entity, with respect to which such
first-named person or any of its subsidiaries has the power to direct or
cause the direction of the management and policies of that entity by
contract or otherwise or if in accordance with GAAP that entity is
consolidated with the first-named person for financial statement
purposes.
"TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS" means
(1) investments in marketable direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the
United States of America, or of any governmental agency or political
subdivision of the United States of America, maturing within 365 days of
the date of purchase;
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(2) investments in certificates of deposit and time deposits issued by a
lender under the senior credit facility or by a bank, or subsidiary of a
bank holding company, organized under the laws of the United States of
America or any of its states or the District of Columbia, in each case
having capital, surplus and undivided profits at the time of investment
totaling more than $500,000,000 and rated at the time of investment at
least A by Standard and Poor's Corporation and A-2 by Moody's Investor
Services, Inc. maturing within 365 days of purchase;
(3) commercial paper issued by any person organized under the laws of any
state of the United States of America and rated at least "Prime-1," or
the then equivalent grade, by Moody's Investor Services, Inc. or at least
"A- 1," or the then equivalent grade, by Standard and Poor's Corporation,
in each case with a maturity of not more than 180 days from the date of
acquisition; or
(4) investments not exceeding 365 days in duration in money market funds
that invest substantially all of such funds' assets in the investments
described in the preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3).
"THL FEES" means
(1) management fees under the management agreement between United and Thomas
H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P. and its affiliates and successors and assigns
that do not exceed $750,000 per year and the reimbursement of expenses
pursuant thereto, provided that the amount of the management fees paid
per year will increase to $1,500,000 if at the time of such payment
United could incur at least $1.00 of additional indebtedness, other than
permitted indebtedness, pursuant to the "Limitation on Additional
Indebtedness" covenant and
(2) one time fees to Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P. in connection with
each acquisition of a company or a line of business by United or its
subsidiaries, the fees to be payable at the time of each such acquisition
and not to exceed 1% of the aggregate consideration paid by United and
its subsidiaries for any such acquisition.
"UNRESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" of any person means
(1) any subsidiary of the person that at the time of determination will be
or continue to be designated an unrestricted subsidiary by the board of
directors of the person in the manner provided below and
(2) any subsidiary of an unrestricted subsidiary.
The board of directors may designate any subsidiary to be an unrestricted
subsidiary unless the subsidiary owns any capital stock of, or owns or holds any
lien on any property of, United or any other subsidiary of United that is not a
subsidiary of the subsidiary to be so designated; provided that
(1) the designation complies with the "Limitation on Restricted Payments"
covenant and
(2) each subsidiary to be so designated and each of its subsidiaries has not
at the time of designation, and does not, create, incur, issue, assume,
guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable with respect
to any indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of
the assets of United or any of its restricted subsidiaries.
The board of directors may designate any unrestricted subsidiary to be a
restricted subsidiary only if
(1) immediately after giving effect to the designation and treating all
indebtedness of the unrestricted subsidiary as being incurred on such
date, United is able to incur at least $1.00 of additional indebtedness,
other than permitted indebtedness, in compliance with the "Limitation on
Additional Indebtedness" covenant and
(2) immediately before and immediately after giving effect to the
designation, no default or event of default has occurred and is
continuing.
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Any such designation by the board of directors will be evidenced by the
board resolution giving effect to the designation and an officers' certificate
certifying that the designation complied with the provisions. The trustee will
be given prompt notice by United of each board resolution of United under this
provision, together with a copy of each the resolution adopted.
BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM
The notes were offered and sold to QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A under the
Securities Act ("Rule 144A Notes"). Notes also were offered and sold in reliance
on Regulation S ("Regulation S Notes"). In addition, notes may have been
subsequently transferred to institutional accredited investors within the
meaning of subparagraph (a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) of Rule 501 under the Securities
Act of Institutional Accredited Investors in transactions exempt from
registration under the Securities Act not made in reliance on Rule 144A or
Regulation S under the Securities Act ("Other Notes").
Rule 144A Notes initially were represented by one or more notes in
registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively, the "Rule 144A
Global Note"). The Rule 144A Global Notes were deposited upon issuance with the
Trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), in New York, New
York, and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, in each case for credit
to an account of a direct or indirect participant as described below. Other
Notes held by Institutional Accredited Investors were represented by one or more
certificated notes bearing the restrictive legend described under Notice to
Investors ("Accredited Investor Certificated Notes"). Regulation S Notes
initially were represented by one or more notes in registered, global form
without interest coupons (collectively, the "Regulation S Global Note," and,
together with the Rule 144A Global Note, the "Global Notes"). The Regulation S
Global Notes were deposited upon issuance with the Trustee as custodian for DTC,
and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC, in each case for credit to the
accounts of Euroclear System ("Euroclear") and Cedel Bank, S.A. ("CEDEL"). On or
prior to the 40th day after the later of the commencement of the offering and
the issue Date (such period through and including such 40th day, the "Restricted
Period"), beneficial interests in the Regulation S Note may be held only through
Euroclear or CEDEL, as indirect participants in DTC, unless transferred to a
person that takes delivery in the form of an interest in the corresponding Rule
144A Global Note in accordance with the certification requirements described
below. Beneficial interests in the Rule 144A Global Note may not be exchanged
for beneficial interests in the Regulation S Global Note at any time except in
the limited circumstances described below. See "--Exchanges between Regulation S
Notes and Rule 144A Notes and Other Notes."
Except as set forth below, the Global Notes may be transferred, in whole but
not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its
nominee. Beneficial interests in the Global Notes may not be exchanged for notes
in certificated form except in the limited circumstances described below. See
"--Exchange of Book-Entry Notes for Certificated Notes."
Rule 144A Notes (including beneficial interests in the Rule 144A Global
Note) and Other Notes are subject to certain restrictions on transfer and bear a
restrictive legend as described under Notice to investors. In addition, transfer
of beneficial interests in the Global Notes are subject to the applicable rules
and procedures of DTC and its direct or indirect participants (including, if
applicable, those of Euroclear and CEDEL), which may change from time to time.
The notes may be presented for registration of transfer and exchange at the
offices of the registrar.
DEPOSITORY PROCEDURES
DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company created to
hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the
"Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions
in those securities between the participants through electronic book-entry
changes in accounts of the participants. The participants include securities
brokers and dealers (including the initial purchasers), banks, trust companies,
clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to
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DTC's system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers
and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with
a participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the "Indirect
Participants"). Persons who are not participants may beneficially own securities
held by or on behalf of DTC only through the participants or the indirect
participants. The ownership interest and transfer of ownership interest of each
actual purchaser of each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on
the records of the participants and the indirect participants.
DTC has also advised us that pursuant to procedures established by it, (i)
upon deposit of the Global Notes, DTC will credit the accounts of participants
designated by the initial purchasers with portions of the principal amount of
the Global Notes and (ii) ownership of such interests in the Global Notes will
be shown on, and the transfer of ownership thereof will be effected only
through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to the participants) or by the
participants and the indirect participants (with respect to other owners of
beneficial interests in the Global Notes).
Investors in the Rule 144A Global Note may hold their interests therein
directly through DTC, if they are participants in such system, or indirectly
through organizations (including Euroclear and CEDEL) which are participants in
such system. Investors in the Regulation S Global Note must initially hold their
interests therein through Euroclear or CEDEL, if they are accountholders in such
systems, or indirectly through organizations which are accountholders in such
systems. After the expiration of the restricted period (but not earlier),
investors may also hold interests in the Regulation S Global Note through
organizations other than Euroclear and CEDEL that are participants in the DTC
system. Euroclear and CEDEL will hold interests in the Regulation S Global Note
on behalf of their participants through their respective depositories, which in
turn will hold such interests in the Regulation S Global Note customers'
securities accounts in their respective names on the books of DTC. The Chase
Manhattan Bank, Brussels office, will initially act as depository for Euroclear,
and Citibank, N.A., will initially act as depository for CEDEL. All interests in
a Global Note, including those held through Euroclear or CEDEL, may be subject
to the procedures and requirements of DTC. Those interests held through
Euroclear or CEDEL may also be subject to the procedures and requirements of
such system.
The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery
in definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to
transfer beneficial interests in a Global Note to such persons may be limited to
that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of the participants, which in
turn act on behalf of the indirect participants and certain banks, the ability
of a person having beneficial interests in a Global Note to pledge such
interests to persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC system, or
otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack
of a physical certificate evidencing such interests. For certain other
restrictions on the transferability of the notes, see "--Exchange of Book-Entry
Notes for Certificated Notes" and "--Exchanges between Regulation S Notes and
Rule 144A Notes and Other Notes."
EXCEPT AS DESCRIBED BELOW, OWNERS OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTES WILL NOT
HAVE NOTES REGISTERED IN THEIR NAMES, WILL NOT RECEIVE PHYSICAL DELIVERY OF
NOTES IN CERTIFICATED FORM AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED THE REGISTERED OWNERS OR
HOLDERS THEREOF UNDER THE INDENTURE FOR ANY PURPOSE.
Payments in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest
on a Global Note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be payable to
DTC or its nominee in its capacity as the registered holder under the indenture.
Under the terms of the indenture, we and the Trustee will treat the persons in
whose names the notes, including the Global Notes, are registered as the owners
thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments and for any and all other
purposes whatsoever. Consequently, none of our company, the initial purchasers,
the Trustee or any of our agents or agents of the initial purchasers or the
Trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for (i) any aspect or
accuracy of DTC's records or any participant's or indirect participant's records
relating to the beneficial ownership or (ii) any other matter relating to the
actions and practices of DTC or any of the participants or the indirect
participants.
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DTC has advised us that our current practice, upon receipt of any payment in
respect of securities such as the notes (including principal and interest), is
to credit the accounts of the relevant participants with the payment on the
payment date, in amounts proportionate to their respective holdings in principal
amount of beneficial interests in the relevant security as shown on the records
of DTC. Payments by the participants and the indirect participants to the
beneficial owners of notes will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the Trustee or
our company. Neither our company nor the Trustee will be liable for any delay by
DTC or any of the participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the
notes, and our company and the Trustee may conclusively rely on and will be
protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee as the registered
owner of the Global Notes for all purposes.
Except for trades involving only Euroclear and CEDEL participants, interests
in the Global Notes will trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement System and
secondary market trading activity in such interests will therefore settle in
immediately available funds, subject in all cases to the rules and procedures of
DTC and the participants. Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected
in accordance with DTC's procedures and will be settled in same-day funds.
Transfers between accountholders in Euroclear and CEDEL will be effected in the
ordinary way in accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.
Subject to compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the notes
described herein, cross-market transfers between the accountholders in DTC, on
the one hand, and directly or indirectly through Euroclear or CEDEL
accountholders, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance
with DTC's rules on behalf of Euroclear or CEDEL, as the case may be, by its
respective depository; however, such cross-market transactions will require
delivery of instructions to Euroclear or CEDEL, as the case may be, by the
counterparty in such system in accordance with the rules and procedures and
within the established deadlines (Brussels time) of such system. Euroclear or
CEDEL, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement
requirements, deliver instructions to its respective depository to take action
to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in
the relevant Global Note in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance
with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC.
Euroclear and CEDEL accountholders may not deliver instructions directly to the
depositories for Euroclear or CEDEL.
Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or
CEDEL accountholder purchasing an interest in a Global Note from an
accountholder in DTC will be credited, and any such crediting will be reported
to the relevant Euroclear or CEDEL participant, during the securities settlement
processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear or CEDEL) immediately
following the settlement date of DTC. Cash received in Euroclear or CEDEL as a
result of sales of interests in a Global Note by or through a Euroclear or CEDEL
accountholder to a participant in DTC will be received with value on the
settlement date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or CEDEL
cash account only as of the business day for Euroclear or CEDEL following DTC's
settlement date.
DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a
holder of notes only at the direction of one or more participants to whose
account with DTC interests in the Global Notes are credited and only in respect
of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the notes as to which such
participant or participants has or have given such direction. However, if any of
the events described under--Exchange of Book Entry Notes for Certificated Notes
occurs, DTC reserves the right to exchange the Global Notes for (in the case of
the Rule 144A Global Note) legended notes in certificated form and to distribute
such notes to its participants.
The information in this section concerning DTC, Euroclear and CEDEL and
their book-entry systems has been obtained from sources that we believe to be
reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
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Although DTC, Euroclear and CEDEL have agreed to the foregoing procedures to
facilitate transfers of interests in the Regulation S Global Note and in the
Rule 144A Global Note among accountholders in DTC and accountholders of
Euroclear and CEDEL, they are under no obligation to perform or to continue to
perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time.
None of our company, the initial purchasers or the Trustee or any agent of our
company, the initial purchasers or the Trustee will have any responsibility for
the performance by DTC, Euroclear or CEDEL or their respective participants,
indirect participants or accountholders of their respective obligations under
the rules and procedures governing their operations.
EXCHANGE OF BOOK-ENTRY NOTES FOR CERTIFICATED NOTES
Notes transferred to institutional accredited investors who are not QIBs
will be issued in registered certificated form. In addition, a Global Note is
exchangeable for definitive notes in registered certificated form if (i) DTC (x)
notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for the
Global Note and we thereupon fail to appoint a successor depository or (y) has
ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, (ii) we, at
our option, notify the Trustee in writing that they elect to cause the issuance
of the notes in certificated form or (iii) there shall have occurred and be
continuing a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the notes. In all
cases, certificated notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or
beneficial interests therein will be registered in the names, and issued in any
approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of DTC (in accordance with its
customary procedures) and will bear, in the case of the restricted Global Note,
the restrictive legend described in Notice to investors and, in the case of the
Regulation S Global Note, a legend substantially in the form of the first
sentence of the legend in bold type on the cover of this Offering Memorandum, in
each case, unless we determine otherwise in compliance with applicable law.
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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion summarizes the material U.S. federal income tax
aspects of the exchange of old notes for new notes pursuant to the exchange
offer and the ownership and disposition of the new notes. This discussion is for
general information and does not consider all aspects of U.S. federal income
taxation that may be relevant to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the
notes by a prospective investor in light of your personal circumstances. This
discussion also does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences of
ownership of notes not held as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221
of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the U.S. federal income tax
consequences to investors subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal
income tax laws, such as dealers in securities or foreign currency, tax-exempt
entities, financial institutions, insurance companies, persons that hold the
notes as part of a "straddle," a "hedge" or a "conversion transaction," persons
that have a "functional currency" other than the U.S. dollar, and investors in
pass-through entities. In addition, this discussion does not describe any tax
consequences arising under U.S. federal gift and estate taxes or out of the tax
laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction.
This discussion is based upon the Code, existing, temporary and proposed
Treasury regulations issued by the IRS, and current administrative rulings and
court decisions as of the date of this Registration Statement. All of the
foregoing is subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis, and any such
change could affect the continuing validity of this discussion.
Persons considering investing in the notes should consult their own tax
advisors concerning the application of federal income tax laws, as well as the
laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction, to their particular
situations.
U.S. HOLDERS
The following discussion is limited to the U.S. federal income tax
consequences relevant to a holder of a new note that is:
- a citizen or resident (as defined in Section 7701(b)(1) of the Code) of
the United States;
- a corporation organized under the laws of the United States or any U.S.
political subdivision (or one treated as a citizen or resident under the
Code);
- an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax
regardless of the source; or
- a trust with respect to which a court within the United States is able to
exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more
United States persons have the authority to control all of its substantial
decisions (a "U.S. Holder").
Certain U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to a holder other than
a U.S. Holder are discussed separately below.
NEW NOTES
The exchange of old notes for new notes pursuant to the exchange offer will
not be treated as an "exchange" for federal income tax purposes because the new
notes will not be considered to differ materially in kind or extent from the old
notes. Rather, the new notes received by a Holder will be treated as a
continuation of the old notes in the hands of such Holder. As a result, there
will be no federal income tax consequences to Holders exchanging old notes for
new notes pursuant to the exchange offer.
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STATED INTEREST
Stated interest on a new note should be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary
interest income at the time it accrues or is received in accordance with such
U.S. Holder's method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
MARKET DISCOUNT
If a new note is acquired at a "market discount," some or all of any gain
realized upon a sale or other disposition or payment at maturity or some or all
of a partial principal payment of such new note may be treated as ordinary
income, as described below. For this purpose, "market discount" is the excess,
if any, of the stated redemption price at maturity of a new note over its
purchase price, subject to a statutory DE MINIMIS exception. Unless a U.S.
Holder has elected to include market discount in income as it accrues, any gain
realized on a subsequent disposition of a new note, other than in connection
with certain nonrecognition transactions, or payment at maturity, or some or all
of any partial principal payment with respect to the new note, will be treated
as ordinary income to the extent of the market discount that is treated as
having accrued during the period such U.S. Holder held the new note.
The amount of market discount treated as having accrued will be determined
either:
- on a straight-line basis by multiplying the market discount times a
fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days the new note was
held by the U.S. Holder and the denominator of which is the total number
of days after the date such U.S. Holder acquired the new note up to and
including the date of its maturity; or
- if the U.S. Holder so elects, on a constant interest rate method.
A U.S. Holder may make that election with respect to any new note but, once
made, such election is irrevocable.
In lieu of recharacterizing gain upon disposition as ordinary income to the
extent of accrued market discount at the time of disposition, a U.S. Holder of a
new note acquired at a market discount may elect to include market discount in
income currently, through the use of either the straight-line inclusion method
or the elective constant interest method. Once made, the election to include
market discount in income currently applies to all new notes and other
obligations held by the U.S. Holder that are purchased at a market discount
during the taxable year for which the election is made, and all subsequent
taxable years of the U.S. Holder, unless the Internal Revenue Service (the
"IRS") consents to a revocation of the election. If an election is made to
include market discount in income currently, the basis of the new note in the
hands of the U.S. Holder will be increased by the market discount thereon as it
is included in income. In addition, the U.S. Holder may be required to defer,
until the maturity of the old note or its earlier disposition in a taxable
transaction, the deduction of all or a portion of the interest expense on any
indebtedness incurred (or continued) in order to purchase or carry such old
note.
Unless a U.S. Holder who acquires a new note at a market discount elects to
include market discount in income currently, such U.S. Holder may be required to
defer deductions for any interest paid on indebtedness allocable to such new
notes in an amount not exceeding the deferred income until such income is
realized.
In addition, in President Clinton's Fiscal Year 2000 Budget which was
submitted to Congress on February 1, 1999, a proposal was submitted which would
require holders that use an accrual method of accounting to include market
discount in income (as ordinary interest income) as it accrues. Under this
proposal, the holder's yield for purposes of determining and accruing market
discount would be limited to the greater of (1) the original yield-to-maturity
of the debt instrument plus 5 percentage points, or (2) the applicable federal
rate at the time the holder acquired the debt instrument plus 5 percentage
points. As currently proposed, this proposal would be effective for debt
instruments acquired on or after the date of
110
<PAGE>
enactment. As of the date of this Registration Statement, whether this proposal
will be enacted is uncertain.
BOND PREMIUM
If a U.S. Holder purchases a note and immediately after the purchase the
adjusted basis of the note exceeds the sum of all amounts payable on the
instrument after the purchase date, other than qualified stated interest, the
note has "bond premium." The old notes were issued for an amount in excess of
their principal amount, and thus have "bond premium." A U.S. Holder may elect to
amortize such bond premium over the remaining term of such note or if it results
in a smaller amount of amortizable bond premium, until an earlier call date.
If bond premium is amortized, the amount of interest that must be included
in the U.S. Holder's income for each period ending on an interest payment date
or at the stated maturity, as the case may be, will be reduced by the portion of
premium allocable to such period based on the note's yield to maturity. If such
an election to amortize bond premium is not made, a U.S. Holder must include the
full amount of each interest payment in income in accordance with its regular
method of accounting and will receive a tax benefit from the premium only in
computing such U.S. Holder's gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition or
payment of the principal amount of the new note.
An election to amortize premium will apply to amortizable bond premium on
all notes and other bonds, the interest on which is includible in the U.S.
Holder's gross income, held at the beginning of the U.S. Holder's first taxable
year to which the election applies or that are thereafter acquired and may be
revoked only with the consent of the IRS.
SALE, EXCHANGE OR REDEMPTION OF THE NEW NOTES
Upon the disposition of a new note by sale, exchange or redemption, a U.S.
Holder will generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the
amount realized on the disposition, other than amounts attributable to accrued
interest not yet taken into income which will be taxed as ordinary income, and
the U.S. Holder's tax basis in the new note. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in a new
note generally will equal the cost of the new note to the U.S. Holder increased
by amounts includible in income as market discount, if the U.S. Holder elects to
include market discount on a current basis, and reduced by any bond premium
amortized by any U.S. Holder.
Assuming the new note is held as a capital asset, such gain or loss, except
to the extent that the market
discount rules otherwise provide, will generally constitute capital gain or loss
and will be long-term capital gain, which is taxed, in the case of non-corporate
taxpayers, at a maximum rate of 20%, or loss if the U.S. Holder has held such
new note for longer than 12 months.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND INFORMATION REPORTING
Under the Code, a U.S. Holder of a new note may be subject, under certain
circumstances, to information reporting and/or backup withholding at a 31% rate
with respect to cash payments in respect of interest on, or the gross proceeds
from disposition of, a new note. This withholding applies only if a U.S. Holder:
- fails to furnish its social security or other taxpayer identification
number ("TIN") within a reasonable time after a request therefor;
- furnishes an incorrect TIN;
- fails to report interest or dividends properly; or
- fails, under certain circumstances, to provide a certified statement,
signed under penalty of perjury, that the TIN provided is its correct
number and that it is not subject to backup withholding.
111
<PAGE>
Any amount withheld from a payment to a U.S. Holder under the backup
withholding rules is allowable as a credit, and may entitle such holder to a
refund, against such Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that
the required information is furnished to the IRS. Certain persons are exempt
from backup withholding, including corporations and financial institutions.
Holders of new notes should consult their tax advisors as to their qualification
for exemption from withholding and the procedure for obtaining such exemption.
NON-U.S. HOLDERS
The following discussion is limited to the U.S. federal income tax
consequences relevant to a holder of a new note that is not a U.S. Holder (a
"Non-U.S. Holder").
This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation
that may be relevant to the purchase, ownership or disposition of the new notes
by any particular Non-U.S. Holder in light of such Holder's personal
circumstances, including holding the new notes through a partnership. For
example, persons who are partners in foreign partnerships or beneficiaries of
foreign trusts or estates and who are subject to U.S. federal income tax because
of their own status, such as U.S. residence or foreign persons engaged in a
trade or business in the United States, may be subject to U.S. federal income
tax even though the entity is not subject to income tax on disposition of its
new note.
For purposes of the following discussion, interest and gain on the sale,
exchange or other disposition of the new note will be considered "U.S. trade or
business income" if such income or gain is effectively connected with the
conduct of a U.S. trade or business, or in the case of an applicable income tax
treaty between the United States and the country of which the Holder is a
qualified resident, attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment (or to a
fixed base) in the United States.
STATED INTEREST
Generally, any interest paid to a Non-U.S. Holder of a new note that is not
U.S. trade or business income will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if
the interest qualifies as "portfolio interest." Interest on the new notes will
qualify as portfolio interest if:
- the Non-U.S. Holder does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of
the total voting power of United Industries corporation, and is not a
"controlled foreign corporation" with respect to which either of the
issuers is a "related person" within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(C)
of the Code; and
- the beneficial owner, under penalties of perjury, certifies that the
beneficial owner is not a U.S. person and such certificate provides the
beneficial owner's name and address and such beneficial owner files the
requisite withholding form.
The gross amount of payments to a Non-U.S. Holder of interest that do not
qualify for the portfolio interest exception and that are not U.S. trade or
business income will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30%,
unless a U.S. income tax treaty applies to reduce or eliminate withholding. U.S.
trade or business income will be taxed at regular U.S. federal income tax rates
rather than the 30% gross rate. To claim the benefit of a tax treaty or to claim
exemption from withholding because the income is U.S. trade or business income,
the Non-U.S. Holder must provide a properly executed Form 1001 or 4224, or such
successor forms as the IRS designates, as applicable, prior to payment of
interest. These forms must be periodically updated. Under regulations effective
beginning after December 31, 1999, the Forms 1001 and 4224 will be replaced by
Form W-8, and a Non-U.S. Holder who is claiming the benefits of a tax treaty may
be required to obtain a U.S. TIN and to provide certain documentary evidence
issued by foreign governmental authorities to prove residence in the foreign
country.
112
<PAGE>
SALE, EXCHANGE OR REDEMPTION OF NOTES
Subject to the discussion concerning backup withholding, any gain realized
by a Non-U.S. Holder on the sale, exchange or redemption of a new note generally
will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless such gain is U.S. trade or
business income, or, subject to certain exceptions, the Non-U.S. Holder is an
individual who holds the new note as a capital asset and is present in the
United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition.
INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING
The issuers must report annually to the IRS and to each Non-U.S. Holder any
interest that is subject to U.S. withholding tax or that is exempt from
withholding pursuant to a tax treaty or the portfolio interest exception. Copies
of these information returns may also be made available under the provisions of
a specific treaty or agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which
the Non-U.S. Holder resides.
Backup withholding and information reporting will not apply to payments of
principal on the new notes by the issuers to a Non-U.S. Holder, if the Holder
certifies as to its non-U.S. status under penalties of perjury or otherwise
establishes an exemption, provided that neither the issuers nor their paying
agent has actual knowledge that the Holder is a U.S. Holder or that the
conditions of any other exemption are not, in fact, satisfied.
The payment of the proceeds from the disposition of notes to or through the
U.S. office of any broker, U.S. or foreign, will be subject to information
reporting and possible backup withholding unless the owner certifies as to its
non-U.S. status under penalties of perjury or otherwise establishes an
exemption, provided that the broker does not have actual knowledge that the
holder is a U.S. Holder or that the conditions of any other exemption are not,
in fact, satisfied. The payment of the proceeds from the disposition of a new
note to or through a non-U.S. office of a U.S. broker that is not a "U.S.
related person" will not be subject to information reporting or backup
withholding. For this purpose, a "U.S. related person" is a "controlled foreign
corporation" for U.S. federal income tax purposes or a foreign person 50% or
more of whose gross income from all sources for the three-year period ending
with the close of its taxable year preceding the payment, or for such part of
the period that the broker has been in existence, is derived from activities
that are effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
In the case of the payment of proceeds from the disposition of new notes to
or through a non-U.S. office of a broker that is either a U.S. person or a U.S.
related person, the regulations require information reporting on the payment
unless the broker has documentary evidence in its files that the owner is a Non-
U.S. Holder and the broker has no knowledge to the contrary. Backup withholding
will not apply to payments made through foreign offices of a broker that is a
U.S. person or a U.S. related person, absent actual knowledge that the payee is
a U.S. Holder.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a
Non-U.S. Holder will be allowed as a refund or a credit against such Non-U.S.
Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the requisite
procedures are followed.
113
<PAGE>
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Each Participating Broker-Dealer that receives new notes for its own account
pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such new notes. This prospectus, as
it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a
Participating Broker-Dealer in connection with the resale of new notes received
in exchange for new notes where such new notes were acquired as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that for a
period of 180 days after the expiration date, we will make this prospectus, as
amended or supplemented, available to any Participating Broker-Dealer for use in
connection with any such resale. Each Participating Broker-Dealer who acquired
the old notes directly form United in the private placement and not as a result
of market making and trading activities; (a) must comply with the registration
and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with
any resale of the notes; (b) cannot rely on the SEC's no-action letters; and (c)
cannot use the exchange offer prospectus for resales of the new notes.
We will not receive any proceeds from any sales of the new notes by
Participating Broker Dealers. new notes received by Participating Broker-Dealers
for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from time to
time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated
transactions, through the writing of options on the new notes or a combination
of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at
prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such
resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers
who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any
such Participating Broker-Dealer and/or the purchasers of any such new notes.
Any Participating Broker-Dealer that resells the new notes that were received by
it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any broker or dealer
that participates in a distribution of such new notes may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any
such resale of new notes and any commissions or concessions received by any such
persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act.
The Letter of Transmittal states that by acknowledging that it will deliver and
by delivering a prospectus, a Participating Broker-Dealer will not be deemed to
admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
For a period of 180 days after the expiration date, we will promptly send
additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this
prospectus to any Participating Broker-Dealer that requests such documents in
the Letter of Transmittal.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the offering and the sale of the
notes will be passed upon for us by Kirkland & Ellis, Chicago, Illinois.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Our financial statements as of December 31, 1998, and for the year ended
December 31, 1998, included in this prospectus have been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public accountants, as stated in their
report appearing herein. Our financial statements as of December 31, 1996 and
1997, and for each of the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, included in
this prospectus have been audited by Rubin, Brown, Gornstein & Co., LLP,
independent public accountants, as stated in their report appearing herein.
114
<PAGE>
CHANGE IN INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Effective January 20, 1999, we dismissed Rubin, Brown, Gornstein & Co. LLP
as our independent accountants. Concurrent with such dismissal, we engaged
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent accountants. The decision to
dismiss Rubin, Brown, Gornstein & Co. LLP as our independent accountants was
approved by United's board of directors.
The reports of Rubin, Brown, Gornstein & Co. LLP on our financial statements
for each of the two fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 1997 did not
contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or
modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
In connection with the audits of our financial statements for each of the
two fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 1997 and through January 20,
1999, there were no disagreements between us and Rubin, Brown, Gornstein & Co.
LLP on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement
disclosure, or auditing scope and procedures which, if not resolved to the
satisfaction of Rubin, Brown, Gornstein & Co. LLP, would have caused them to
make reference to the matter in their reports.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
United has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 pursuant
to the Securities Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
covering the exchange offer contemplated by this Prospectus. This Prospectus
does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement.
For further information with respect to United and the exchange offer, see the
Registration Statement.
We are not currently subject to the periodic reporting and other
informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We have
agreed that, whether or not we are required to do so by the rules and
regulations of the Securities Exchange Commission, for so long as any of the
notes remain outstanding, we will furnish to the holders of the notes and file
with the Securities Exchange Commission, unless the Securities Exchange
Commission will not accept such a filing: (a) all quarterly and annual financial
information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the
Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if we were required to file such forms,
including a Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations and, with respect to the annual information only, a report
thereon by our certified independent accountants and (b) all reports that would
be required to be filed with the Commission on Form 8-K if we were required to
file such reports.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We make forward-looking statements throughout this prospectus. Whenever you
read a statement that is not simply a statement of historical fact, such as when
we describe what we believe, expect or anticipate will occur, and other similar
statements, you must remember that our expectations may not be correct, even
though we believe they are reasonable. We do not guarantee that the transactions
and events described in this prospectus will happen as described, or that they
will happen at all. You should read this prospectus completely and with the
understanding that actual future results may be materially different from what
we expect. We will not update these forward-looking statements, even though our
situation will change in the future.
115
<PAGE>
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
116
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
-----
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Accountants--PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.............................................. F-2
Report of Independent Auditors--Rubin, Brown, Gornstein & Co. LLP.......................................... F-3
Balance Sheets............................................................................................. F-4
Statements of Income....................................................................................... F-5
Statements of Stockholders' Equity......................................................................... F-6
Statements of Cash Flows................................................................................... F-7
Notes to Financial Statements.............................................................................. F-8
Unaudited Financial Statements as of June 30, 1999......................................................... F-19
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Board of Directors
United Industries Corporation
St. Louis, Missouri
In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheet of United Industries
Corporation and the related statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash
flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of United
Industries Corporation at December 31, 1998, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above. The financial statements of
United Industries Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1997 and December
31, 1996 were audited by other independent accountants whose report dated
February 25, 1998 expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.
/S/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 24, 1999
F-2
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Board of Directors
United Industries Corporation
St. Louis, Missouri
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of United Industries
Corporation, an S Corporation, as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the related
statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years then
ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of United's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of United Industries
Corporation as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations
and cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
/s/ Rubin, Brown, Gornstein & Co. LLP
February 25, 1998
F-3
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1997 1998
--------- ----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................................................ $ 316 $ --
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $60 at
December 31, 1997 and 1998)............................................................ 17,526 17,650
Inventories.............................................................................. 41,637 41,444
Prepaid expenses......................................................................... 1,696 2,172
--------- ----------
Total current assets................................................................. 61,175 61,266
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net.................................................. 20,022 20,156
Amounts due from affiliated company........................................................ 3,428 --
Other assets............................................................................... 7,018 6,948
Investment in discontinued operations...................................................... 5,798 5,791
--------- ----------
Total assets......................................................................... $ 97,441 $ 94,161
--------- ----------
--------- ----------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt..................................................... $ 1,050 $ 929
Accounts payable......................................................................... 22,090 18,519
Accrued expenses......................................................................... 6,723 12,705
--------- ----------
Total current liabilities............................................................ 29,863 32,153
Long-term debt............................................................................. 2,947 3,716
Other liabilities.......................................................................... 182 35
--------- ----------
Total liabilities.................................................................... 32,992 35,904
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock............................................................................. 2 2
Additional paid-in capital............................................................... 972 972
Retained earnings........................................................................ 70,798 70,193
Treasury stock........................................................................... (7,323) (12,910)
--------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity........................................................... 64,449 58,257
--------- ----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity........................................... $ 97,441 $ 94,161
--------- ----------
--------- ----------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1996 1997 1998
---------- ---------- ----------
Net sales.................................................................... $ 199,495 $ 242,601 $ 282,676
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold......................................................... 106,640 128,049 140,445
Advertising and promotion expenses......................................... 22,804 25,547 31,719
Selling, general and administrative expenses............................... 46,276 52,092 61,066
Non-recurring litigation charges........................................... -- -- 2,321
---------- ---------- ----------
Total operating costs and expenses..................................... 175,720 205,688 235,551
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating income............................................................. 23,775 36,913 47,125
Interest expense............................................................. 1,502 1,267 1,106
---------- ---------- ----------
Income before provision for income taxes and discontinued operations......... 22,273 35,646 46,019
Income tax expense........................................................... 447 726 992
---------- ---------- ----------
Income from continuing operations............................................ 21,826 34,920 45,027
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax.............................. 2,325 1,923 1,714
---------- ---------- ----------
Net income................................................................... $ 24,151 $ 36,843 $ 46,741
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCUMULATED CLASS A VOTING CLASS B NON-VOTING
OTHER COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL
COMPREHENSIVE -------------------------- -------------------------- PAID-IN RETAINED
INCOME SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL EARNINGS
--------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance--January 1, 1996...... $ -- 1,000 $ 1 1,000 $ 1 $ 913 $ 45,817
Net income.................... 24,151
Other comprehensive income....
Distributors paid............. (17,005)
Treasury stock reissued....... 59
Treasury stock purchased......
-- --
------ ----- ----- ----- -----------
Balance--December 31, 1996.... -- 1,000 1 1,000 1 972 52,963
-- --
------ ----- ----- ----- -----------
Balance--January 1, 1997...... -- 1,000 1 1,000 1 972 52,963
Net income.................... 36,843
Other comprehensive income....
Distributions paid............ (19,008)
Treasury stock cost
adjustment..................
-- --
------ ----- ----- ----- -----------
Balance--December 31, 1997.... -- 1,000 1 1,000 1 972 70,798
-- --
------ ----- ----- ----- -----------
Balance--January 1, 1998...... -- 1,000 1 1,000 1 972 70,798
Net income.................... 46,741
Other comprehensive income....
Distributions paid............ (47,346)
Treasury stock purchased......
Treasury stock cost
adjustment..................
-- --
------ ----- ----- ----- -----------
Balance--December 31, 1998.... $ -- 1,000 $ 1 1,000 $ 1 $ 972 $ 70,193
-- --
-- --
------ ----- ----- ----- -----------
------ ----- ----- ----- -----------
<CAPTION>
NOTES
RECEIVABLE-
TREASURY STOCK TREASURY TOTAL
---------------------- STOCK STOCKHOLDERS'
SHARES AMOUNT REISSUED EQUITY
----------- --------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance--January 1, 1996...... (135) (169) (699) 45,864
Net income.................... 24,151
Other comprehensive income....
Distributors paid............. (17,005)
Treasury stock reissued....... 43 53 (112)
Treasury stock purchased...... (308) (6,993) 811 (6,182)
----- --------- --- -------------
Balance--December 31, 1996.... (400) (7,109) -- 46,828
----- --------- --- -------------
Balance--January 1, 1997...... (400) (7,109) -- 46,828
Net income.................... 36,843
Other comprehensive income....
Distributions paid............ (19,008)
Treasury stock cost
adjustment.................. (214) (214)
----- --------- --- -------------
Balance--December 31, 1997.... (400) (7,323) -- 64,449
----- --------- --- -------------
Balance--January 1, 1998...... (400) (7,323) -- 64,449
Net income.................... 46,741
Other comprehensive income....
Distributions paid............ (47,346)
Treasury stock purchased...... (120) (5,818) (5,818)
Treasury stock cost
adjustment.................. 231 231
----- --------- --- -------------
Balance--December 31, 1998.... $ (520) $ (12,910) $ -- $ 58,257
----- --------- --- -------------
----- --------- --- -------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1996 1997 1998
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income.................................................................. $ 24,151 $ 36,843 $ 46,741
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Income from discontinued operations......................................... (2,325) (1,923) (1,714)
Depreciation and amortization............................................... 3,561 3,597 3,838
Loss on sale or disposal of equipment....................................... 1,411 97 31
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in accounts receivable......................................... (2,560) (5,410) (124)
Decrease (increase) in inventories........................................ 2,121 (6,608) 193
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses................................... 352 92 (476)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses......................... 967 8,565 2,411
Other, net.................................................................. 63 (117) (137)
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash flow from continuing operations.......................................... 27,741 35,136 50,763
Cash flow from discontinued operations........................................ 3,155 1,896 1,858
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities............................... 30,896 37,032 52,621
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for acquisition of equipment and leasehold
improvements, net......................................................... (6,384) (5,138) (3,628)
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash used by investing activities--continuing operations...................... (6,384) (5,138) (3,628)
Cash used by investing activities--discontinued operations.................... (279) (422) (221)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash used in investing activities................................... (6,663) (5,560) (3,849)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Decrease in line of credit, net............................................. (2,050) (9,250) --
Payments on long-term debt.................................................. (4,900) (927) (3,997)
Purchase of treasury stock.................................................. (1,437) -- (1,173)
Net advances from (to) affiliated company................................... 1,747 (3,144) 3,428
Distributions paid.......................................................... (17,005) (19,008) (47,346)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash used in financing activities................................... (23,645) (32,329) (49,088)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.......................... 588 (857) (316)
Cash and cash equivalents--beginning of year.................................. 585 1,173 316
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents--end of year........................................ $ 1,173 $ 316 $ --
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid............................................................... $ 1,401 $ 1,308 $ 1,584
Income taxes paid........................................................... $ 465 $ 612 $ 567
Noncash financing activity:
Treasury stock purchased for stockholder notes............................ $ 4,745 $ -- $ 4,645
Revaluation of treasury stock............................................. $ -- $ 214 $ (231)
Forgiveness of shareholder note........................................... $ 811 $ -- $ --
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-7
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being
determined using the first-in, first-out method. Cost includes raw materials,
direct labor and overhead.
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Expenditures for equipment and leasehold improvements and those which
substantially increase the useful lives of equipment are capitalized.
Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When equipment
is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated
depreciation are removed from the accounts and gains or losses on the
dispositions are reflected in earnings. Depreciation is provided on the
straight-line basis by charges to costs or expenses at rates based on the
estimated useful lives of the assets. Machinery and equipment are depreciated
over periods ranging from three to twelve years. Office furniture and equipment
are depreciated over periods ranging from five to ten years. Automobiles and
trucks are depreciated over periods ranging from three to seven years. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over periods ranging from five to thirty-nine years.
Subsequent to acquisition, the Company continually evaluates whether later
events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining useful life
of equipment and leasehold improvements may warrant revision or that the
remaining balance of equipment and leasehold improvements may not be
recoverable. The measurement of possible impairment is based on the ability to
recover the balance of equipment and leasehold improvements from expected future
operating cash flows on an undiscounted basis. In the opinion of management, no
such impairment existed as of December 31, 1997 and 1998.
GOODWILL
Goodwill is included in other assets and represents the excess of cost over
the net tangible assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is amortized over 40
years. Subsequent to acquisition, the Company continually evaluates whether
later events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining useful
life of an intangible asset may warrant revision or that the remaining balance
of an intangible asset may not be recoverable. The measurement of possible
impairment is based on the ability to recover the balance of intangible assets
from expected future operating cash flows on an undiscounted basis. In the
opinion of management, no such impairment existed as of December 31, 1997 and
1998.
F-8
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION EXPENSES
The Company advertises and promotes its products through national and
regional media. Products are also advertised and promoted through cooperative
programs with retailers. The Company expenses advertising and promotion costs as
incurred, although costs incurred during interim periods are generally expensed
ratably in relation to revenues.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and approximated
$427, $592 and $776 for 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company recognizes revenue upon shipment of its products. Sales are net
of discounts and allowances.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Comprehensive income is defined as the total of net income and all other
non-owner changes in equity (see the accompanying statements of stockholders'
equity). The Company has no other items that affect comprehensive income other
than net income.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, earnings per
share information is not presented since the Company does not have publicly held
common stock.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
In 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(FAS) 131, Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.
FAS 131 supersedes FAS 14, Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business
Enterprise, replacing the "industry segment" approach with the "management"
approach. The management approach designates the internal organization that is
used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as
the source of the Company's reportable segments. FAS 131 also requires
disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers.
The adoption of FAS 131 did not affect results of operations or financial
position but did affect the disclosure of segment information (see Note
17--Segment information).
2. SUBSEQUENT EVENT--RECAPITALIZATION OF THE COMPANY
On January 20, 1999, pursuant to a recapitalization agreement with UIC
Holdings, L.L.C., which is owned by Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P. ("THL
Fund IV" and, together with its affiliates, the "THL Parties"), the Company was
recapitalized in a transaction in which: (a) UIC Holdings, L.L.C. purchased
common stock from the Company's stockholders for approximately $254.7 million;
(b) the Company's senior managers purchased common stock from the Company's
existing stockholders for approximately $5.7 million; and (c) the Company used
the net proceeds of a senior subordinated facility (the "senior
F-9
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
2. SUBSEQUENT EVENT--RECAPITALIZATION OF THE COMPANY (CONTINUED)
subordinated facility") and borrowings under a senior credit facility (the
"senior credit facility") to redeem a portion of the common stock held by the
Company's existing stockholders. Following the recapitalization, UIC Holdings,
L.L.C. owns approximately 91.9% of the Company's issued and outstanding common
stock, the existing stockholders retain approximately 6.0% and the Company's
senior managers own approximately 2.1%. The total transaction value of the
recapitalization was approximately $652.0 million, including related fees and
expenses, and the implied total equity value following the recapitalization was
approximately $277.0 million. The total consideration paid to redeem the
Company's common stock is subject to both upward and downward adjustments based
on the Company's working capital on the date of the recapitalization and excess
taxes of the Company's previous stockholders arising from the Company's Section
338(h)(10) election.
The recapitalization was funded by: (a) $225.0 million of borrowings under a
senior credit facility; (b) $150.0 million of borrowings under a senior
subordinated facility; (c) the approximate $254.7 million equity investment by
the THL Parties through UIC Holdings, L.L.C.; (d) the approximate $5.7 million
equity investment by the Company's senior management team; and (e) equity
retained by the Company's existing stockholders having an implied fair market
value of approximately $16.6 million.
The recapitalization will be accounted for as a leveraged recapitalization
which will have no impact on United's historical basis of assets and liabilities
for financial reporting purposes. The effects of the recapitalization have not
been included in these financial statements.
3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In connection with the recapitalization of the Company as described in Note
2 above, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary DW Wej-it, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("DW"). All of the Company's assets and liabilities related
to the Company's business of manufacturing and marketing construction anchoring
fasteners and providing contract manufacturing services in metals fabrication
(which is collectively referred to as the "Metals Business") were contributed to
DW. Effective January 1, 1999, the Company distributed all of the shares of
capital stock of DW owned by the Company to its shareholders.
The Metals Business is accounted for as a discontinued operation in the
accompanying financial statements. The Investment in discontinued operations at
December 31, 1998 and 1997 is primarily comprised of cash, accounts receivable,
inventory, fixed assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses. Operating
results for the Metals Business have been included in the Statements of Income
for 1996, 1997 and 1998.
Results for discontinued operations are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER
31,
-------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1996 1997 1998
--------- --------- ---------
Net sales.................................................... $ 18,242 $ 18,757 $ 18,038
Income before income taxes................................... 2,373 1,963 1,751
Income tax expense........................................... 48 40 37
Income from discontinued operations.......................... 2,325 1,923 1,714
</TABLE>
F-10
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
4. COMMON STOCK AND STOCK SPLIT
The Company's articles of incorporation previously authorized 20,000 shares
of $1.00 par value Class A Voting shares and 20,000 shares of $1.00 par value
Class B Non-Voting shares. At December 31, 1998, 740 Class A Voting shares and
740 Class B Non-Voting shares were outstanding. At December 31, 1996 and 1997,
800 Class A Voting shares and 800 Class B Non-Voting shares were outstanding.
On January 20, 1999, the Company's Board of Directors declared a
83,378.37838 to 1 stock split and increased the Company's authorized capital to
65 million shares, of which 32.5 million have been designated as Class A Voting
Common Stock and 32.5 million have been designated as Class B Non-Voting Common
Stock. As of January 20, 1999, there were 27.7 million shares of Class A Voting
Common Stock outstanding and 27.7 million shares of Class B Non-Voting Common
Stock outstanding. In conjunction with the stock split, the Company's board of
directors reduced the par value of both the Class A Voting shares and Class B
Non-Voting shares to $0.01 per share. The effects of the stock split and changes
to the authorized capital of the Company have not been reflected in the
accompanying financial statements.
5. INVENTORIES
Inventories at December 31, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Raw materials........................................................... $ 8,253 $ 7,748
Finished good........................................................... 33,384 33,696
--------- ---------
$ 41,637 $ 41,444
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
6. EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment and leasehold improvements at December 31, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Machinery and equipment................................... $ 27,379 $ 30,243
Office furniture and equipment............................ 3,065 3,316
Automobiles and trucks.................................... 322 322
Leasehold improvements.................................... 6,401 6,793
--------- ---------
37,167 40,674
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization........... 17,145 20,518
--------- ---------
$ 20,022 $ 20,156
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
Depreciation charged against income approximated to $3,324, $3,377 and
$3,624 in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
F-11
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
7. OTHER ASSETS
Other assets at December 31, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Goodwill................................................................. $ 7,988 $ 7,988
Accumulated amortization................................................. (1,530) (1,744)
--------- ---------
6,458 6,244
Other.................................................................... 560 704
--------- ---------
$ 7,018 $ 6,948
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
Amortization charged against income for goodwill approximated $237, $220 and
$214 in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
8. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses at December 31, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash overdraft........................................................... $ -- $ 3,148
Litigation accrual....................................................... -- 2,321
Other.................................................................... 6,723 7,236
--------- ---------
$ 6,723 $ 12,705
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
9. LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES
Long-term debt at December 31, consists of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Former stockholder, unsecured, payable in annual principal installments of $982 plus interest
at the six-month U.S. Treasury Bill rate in effect on the first day of each annual period... $ 3,997 $ --
Former stockholders, unsecured, payable in annual principal installments of $929 plus interest
at the six-month U.S. Treasury Bill rate in effect on the first day of each annual period... -- 4,645
Less: current maturities...................................................................... (1,050) (929)
--------- ---------
$ 2,947 $ 3,716
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
The long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 1998 was repaid in
conjunction with the recapitalization on January 20, 1999. The fair value of
long-term debt approximates its carrying value.
Prior to the recapitalization, the Company had available an unsecured
seasonal working capital line of credit with a bank. The agreement provided the
Company with a maximum $80,000 line of credit. Interest on outstanding
borrowings were payable monthly at a rate not to exceed the bank's LIBOR rate
plus
F-12
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
9. LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES (CONTINUED)
0.75% or the bank's prime rate less 1.75%. No borrowings were outstanding at
December 31, 1998. This agreement was canceled in conjunction with the
recapitalization.
In conjunction with the recapitalization on January 20, 1999 as discussed in
Note 2, the Company borrowed $225,000 under the senior credit facility and
$150,000 under the senior subordinated facility.
The senior credit facility was provided by NationsBank, N.A., Morgan Stanley
Senior Funding, Inc. and CIBC Inc. and consists of (a) a $110,000 revolving
credit facility (the "revolving credit facility"), under which no borrowings
were outstanding at the closing of the recapitalization; (b) a $75,000 term loan
facility ("Term Loan A"); and (c) a $150,000 term loan facility ("Term Loan B").
The revolving credit facility and the Term Loan A mature six years from the
closing date of the senior credit facility, and the Term Loan B matures seven
years from the closing date of the senior credit facility. The revolving credit
facility is subject to a clean-down period during which the aggregate amount
outstanding under the revolving credit facility shall not exceed $10.0 million
for 30 consecutive days occurring during the period between August 1 and
November 30 in each calendar year.
The principal amount of the Term Loan A is to be repaid in twenty-three
consecutive quarterly installments commencing June 30, 1999 and a final
installment due January 20, 2005, with $10,000 to be payable in each of the
first four years and $17,500 to be repaid in each of the last two years. The
principal amount of the Term Loan B is to be repaid in twenty-seven consecutive
quarterly installments commencing June 30, 1999 and a final installment due
January 20, 2006, with $1,500 to be payable in each of the first six years and
$141,000 to be payable in year seven.
Interest on the revolving credit facility, Term Loan A and Term Loan B
ranges from 200 to 325 basis points above LIBOR depending on certain financial
ratios. Unused commitments under the revolving credit facility are subject to a
50 basis point annual commitment fee.
Obligations under the senior credit facility are secured by substantially
all of the properties and assets of the Company and substantially all of the
properties and assets of the Company's future domestic subsidiaries.
The senior subordinated facility was provided by CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. and
NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC. The notes mature in 2009 and bear
interest at 10.5% per annum, which is payable semi-annually in arrears on July
15 and January 15, commencing in 1999. The interest rate on the notes is subject
to increase under certain circumstances.
Aggregate maturities under the senior credit facility (excluding the
revolving credit facility) and the senior subordinated facility are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1999.............................................................. $ 8,625
2000.............................................................. 11,500
2001.............................................................. 11,500
2002.............................................................. 11,500
2003.............................................................. 17,125
Thereafter........................................................ 314,750
---------
$ 375,000
---------
---------
</TABLE>
F-13
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
10. TREASURY STOCK REISSUED/PURCHASED
On January 1, 1996, the Company reissued 42.56 shares of treasury stock in
exchange for a note for $112 from a stockholder. The note bore interest at
8.17%, payable in January of each year. The difference between the reissue price
and the cost of the treasury stock was credited to additional paid-in capital.
On August 15, 1996, the Company purchased all the outstanding shares covered
by the note discussed above and by previous transactions and related notes. As
part of this treasury stock purchase, the outstanding notes, along with accrued
interest, were credited against the purchase price of the stock.
During 1997, the cost of the treasury stock purchased in 1996 was revalued,
resulting in an increase of $214 in treasury stock and long-term debt.
On January 30, 1998, the Company purchased 120 shares, which represented all
of the outstanding common stock of three stockholders for cash of $1,173 and
shareholder notes totaling $4,645. In 1998, the treasury stock was revalued,
resulting in a decrease of $231 in treasury stock.
11. INCOME TAXES
The Company had elected "S" corporation status under provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code, and similar provisions of Missouri tax law. As such, the
Company was not liable for federal or Missouri state income taxes, but rather
the stockholders include their distributive share of the taxable income of the
Company on their respective income tax returns. The Company was under a
contractual obligation to its stockholders to distribute a percentage of net
income equal to 110% of the highest personal income tax rates to provide the
stockholders with funds to make their personal quarterly estimated income tax
payments.
The provision for income taxes consists of certain state income taxes
computed at statutory rates in effect.
In conjunction with the recapitalization, the Company converted to a "C"
corporation and will be subject to federal income tax beginning in 1999.
12. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS
The Company has a 401(k) savings plan which covers substantially all of its
employees with six months or more continuous service. The 401(k) feature allows
participants to defer a portion of eligible compensation on a tax-deferred
basis. The plan provides for the Company to match 50% of the voluntary
contribution up to 6% of gross earnings. The matching amount increases to 75%
after ten years of service. The matching contribution amounted to $352, $347 and
$239 for 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
13. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
The Company occasionally advanced funds or received funds from a company
with common ownership to the Company. The advances are unsecured and bear
interest at the Company's borrowing rate. The amounts due from the affiliated
company bore interest at 10.5% per year and were repaid in 1998.
Effective January 1, 1996, the Company entered into a services agreement
with an affiliated company to provide executive, administrative, acquisition,
bookkeeping, clerical and other services. The fees for these services are to be
determined by mutual agreement within 120 days of year end for the prior year.
F-14
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
13. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES (CONTINUED)
The services agreement will remain in place until terminated by either party.
Fees charged under this service agreement were $768, $0 and $0 for 1996, 1997
and 1998, respectively. This agreement was canceled in connection with the
recapitalization.
The Company has guaranteed the debt of an affiliated company. The guaranteed
debt amounted to approximately $5,528 and $4,833 at December 31, 1997 and 1998,
respectively. The guarantee of this debt was terminated in connection with the
recapitalization.
See Note 15--Commitments--for a discussion of lease arrangements with a
related party.
14. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISKS, EXPOSURES AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentration
of credit risk consist principally of trade accounts receivable. The Company is
heavily dependent on four customers for a substantial majority of its sales.
These four customers accounted for approximately 64% and 68% of net sales for
1997 and 1998, respectively. At December 31, 1997 and 1998, accounts receivable
from these four customers were 56% and 51%, respectively, of total accounts
receivable. (See Note 17--Segment information for sales to United's four largest
customers.)
The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial
conditions and generally does not require collateral from its customers. The
Company maintains allowances for potential credit losses, and such losses have
generally been within management's expectations.
Through December 31, 1998, the Company did not have any significant amounts
of debt outstanding that was sensitive to changes in interest rates. The Company
does not use any derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to
interest rate changes. The Company does utilize various commodity and specialty
chemicals in its production process. The Company does not use derivative
commodity instruments to hedge its exposures to changes in commodity prices.
The carrying value of cash and short-term financial instruments approximates
fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments.
15. COMMITMENTS
The Company rents one of its facilities from an affiliated company under an
operating lease expiring December 31, 2000 with minimum annual rentals of $138.
The Company has three options to renew the lease for additional five-year
periods. Rent expense amounted to $138 in 1996, 1997 and 1998.
The Company leases the majority of its operating facilities from an
affiliated company under various operating leases expiring December 31, 1999 at
minimum annual rentals of approximately $2,637. The leases also provide that on
an annual basis the monthly rent is adjusted by one-half of the annual change in
the Consumer Price Index percentage. The Company has options to renew the leases
on a year-to-year basis for an additional ten years, beginning January 1, 2000.
The Company also leased an aircraft from this company for $96 per month through
December 1998.
The Company leases a portion of its operating facilities from the same
company under a sublease agreement expiring on December 31, 2005 with minimum
annual rentals ranging from $140 to $368. The
F-15
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
15. COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED)
Company has two, five-year options to renew the lease, beginning January 1,
2006. Total rent expense to this affiliated company amounted to $3,202, $3,528
and $3,575 for 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
The Company is also obligated under other operating leases for use of
warehouse space. The leases expire at various dates through January 31, 2001.
Three of the leases provide as many as three five-year options to renew. Total
rent expense under these lease agreements amounted to $1,233, $654 and $654 for
1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
Management believes that the terms and expenses associated with the related
party leases described above are similar to those negotiated by unrelated
parties at arm's length.
The future minimum rental commitments, required under noncancellable
operating leases, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT
---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
YEAR AFFILIATE OTHER TOTAL
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- --------- ---------
1999........................................................................ $ 2,514 $ 472 $ 2,986
2000........................................................................ 506 180 686
2001........................................................................ 416 -- 416
2002........................................................................ 416 -- 416
2003........................................................................ 416 -- 416
Thereafter.................................................................. 832 -- 832
----------- --------- ---------
$ 5,100 $ 652 $ 5,752
----------- --------- ---------
----------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
16. CONTINGENCIES
In March 1998, a judgement was entered against the Company for a lawsuit
filed in 1992 by the spouse of a former employee claiming benefits from a
Company-owned key man life insurance policy. On August 24, 1999 the Missouri
Court of Appeals, Eastern District, affirmed the trial court's decision. We are
currently considering appealing this judgment.
In October 1998, the FTC and several state attorneys general filed a suit
against the Company seeking to enjoin its advertising of Spectracide Terminate
as "a home defense system." The FTC and attorneys general alleged that the
Company had made deceptive and unsubstantiated claims regarding this product. In
February 1999, the Company negotiated a settlement agreement with the FTC which
is currently being circulated among the parties to the case for signatures, in
which the Company agrees to modify its advertising and to reimburse the other
parties for certain costs incurred.
Costs related to the two cases described above have been reflected as
non-recurring litigation charges in 1998.
The Company is involved in litigation and arbitration proceedings in the
normal course of business that assert product liability and other claims. The
Company is contesting all such claims. When it appears probable in management's
judgment that the Company will incur monetary damages or other costs in
connection with such claims and proceedings, and such costs can be reasonably
estimated, appropriate liabilities are recorded in the financial statements and
charges are made against earnings.
Management believes the possibility of a material adverse effect on the
Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows
from the claims and proceedings described above is remote.
F-16
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
17. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company operates in one segment consisting of the manufacturing,
marketing and distribution of lawn and garden care and insect control products
to retail channels principally in the United States. (See Note 3--Discontinued
operations--for a discussion of the spin-off of the Metals Business.) The
Company's product lines include herbicides, household insecticides, insect
repellents and water-soluble fertilizers under a variety of brand names. The
product lines are as follows:
VALUE BRANDS
- Spectracide--consumer lawn and garden pesticides;
- Hot Shot--household insecticides;
- Cutter--consumer insect repellents; and
- Peters--consumer water-soluble fertilizers.
OPENING PRICE POINT BRANDS
- Real-Kill--opening price point brand at Home Depot;
- No-Pest--opening price point brand at Lowe's; and
- KRid and KGro--exclusive opening price point brand at Kmart.
The Company sells and distributes both its value and opening price point
brands to its four largest customers. Net sales to United's four largest
customers were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997 1998
----- -----
Customer A........................................................................ 19% 26%
Customer B........................................................................ 18% 17%
Customer C........................................................................ 10% 14%
Customer D........................................................................ 17% 11%
</TABLE>
No other customers represented more than 10% of 1997 or 1998 net sales.
F-17
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
18. UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
-------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH TOTAL
--------- ---------- --------- --------- ----------
Net sales............................................... $ 82,295 $ 126,938 $ 47,952 $ 25,491 $ 282,676
Operating income........................................ 15,525 29,864 4,268 (2,532) 47,125
Income from continuing operations....................... 14,999 28,448 4,273 (2,693) 45,027
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax......... 420 534 424 336 1,714
Net income.............................................. 15,419 28,982 4,697 (2,357) 46,741
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
-------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH TOTAL
--------- ---------- --------- --------- ----------
Net sales............................................... $ 83,133 $ 100,483 $ 40,187 $ 18,798 $ 242,601
Operating income........................................ 15,968 23,607 2,476 (5,138) 36,913
Income from continuing operations....................... 15,274 22,507 2,168 (5,029) 34,920
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax......... 534 577 436 376 1,923
Net income.............................................. 15,808 23,084 2,604 (4,653) 36,843
</TABLE>
F-18
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
INDEX
JUNE 30, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
---------
<S> <C>
Balance Sheet.............................................................................................. F-20
Statements of Operations................................................................................... F-21
Statements of Cash Flows................................................................................... F-22
Notes to Financial Statements.............................................................................. F-23
</TABLE>
F-19
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
BALANCE SHEET
JUNE 30, 1999
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
1999
-----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.......................................................................... $ --
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $60).................................. 79,214
Inventories........................................................................................ 41,111
Prepaid expenses................................................................................... 1,456
-----------
Total current assets............................................................................. 121,781
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net............................................................ 28,107
Deferred income tax.................................................................................. 109,466
Other assets......................................................................................... 20,681
-----------
Total assets..................................................................................... $ 280,035
-----------
-----------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligation.................................. $ 12,152
Accounts payable................................................................................... 27,885
Accrued expenses................................................................................... 35,513
Short-term borrowings.............................................................................. --
-----------
Total current liabilities........................................................................ 75,550
Long-term debt....................................................................................... 360,625
Capital lease obligation............................................................................. 8,298
Other liabilities.................................................................................... 5,385
-----------
Total liabilities................................................................................ 449,858
Stockholders' deficit:
Common stock....................................................................................... 554
Additional paid-in capital......................................................................... 116,392
Retained earnings.................................................................................. (283,546)
Common stock held in Grantor Trust................................................................. (2,700)
Treasury Stock..................................................................................... (523)
-----------
Total stockholders' deficit...................................................................... (169,823)
-----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit...................................................... $ 280,035
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-20
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
JUNE 30, 1999 AND JUNE 30, 1998
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
30,
----------------------
1998 1999
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
(UNAUDITED)
Net sales............................................................................ $ 209,226 $ 228,283
Operating costs and expenses:
Costs of goods sold................................................................ 101,695 112,701
Advertising and promotion expenses................................................. 25,053 24,909
Selling, general and administrative expenses....................................... 35,986 37,906
Recapitalization transaction fees.................................................. -- 10,690
Change of control bonuses.......................................................... -- 8,645
Severance charge................................................................... -- 1,606
Non-recurring litigation charges................................................... 1,200 1,500
---------- ----------
Total operating costs and expenses............................................... 163,934 197,957
---------- ----------
Operating income..................................................................... 45,292 30,326
Interest expense..................................................................... 1,054 17,368
---------- ----------
Income before provision for income taxes, discontinued operations and extraordinary
item............................................................................... 44,238 12,958
Income tax expense................................................................... 779 7,775
---------- ----------
Income from continuing operations, before extraordinary item......................... 43,459 5,183
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax...................................... 954 --
---------- ----------
Income before extraordinary item..................................................... 44,413 5,183
Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt, net of income tax benefit of
$1,425............................................................................. -- (2,325)
---------- ----------
Net income........................................................................... $ 44,413 $ 2,858
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-21
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
JUNE 30, 1999 AND JUNE 30, 1998
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
30,
----------------------
1998 1999
---------- ----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income.............................................................................. $ 44,413 $ 2,858
Loss from early extinguishment of debt................................................ -- 3,750
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Income from discontinued operations................................................... (954) --
Deferred compensation................................................................. -- 2,700
Depreciation and amortization......................................................... 1,828 2,158
Recapitalization transaction fees..................................................... -- 10,690
Amortization of deferred financing fees............................................... -- 995
Provision for deferred income tax expense............................................. -- 6,350
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in accounts receivable..................................................... (61,245) (61,564)
Decrease in inventories............................................................. 12,894 333
Decrease in prepaid expenses........................................................ 437 716
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses................................... 17,898 26,374
(Increase) decrease in other assets................................................. (14) 535
Other, net.......................................................................... 450 588
---------- ----------
Cash flow provided by (used in) continuing operations............................. 15,707 (3,517)
Cash flow provided by discontinued operations..................................... 857 --
---------- ----------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities............................... 16,564 (3,517)
Investing activities:
Purchases of equipment and leasehold improvements....................................... (2,111) (784)
Increase in amounts due from affiliates................................................. (12,442) --
---------- ----------
Cash used by investing activities--continuing operations.......................... (14,553) (784)
Cash used by investing activities--discontinued operations........................ (77) --
---------- ----------
Net cash used by investing activities............................................. (14,630) (784)
Financing activities:
Redemption of common stock.............................................................. -- (337,896)
Transaction costs related to the redemption of common stock............................. -- (11,378)
Net advances to affiliated company...................................................... -- (5,700)
Issuance of common stock................................................................ -- 1,990
Shareholder equity contribution......................................................... -- 8,425
Debt issuance costs..................................................................... -- (18,605)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt...................................................... 61,395 581,760
Payments on short-term borrowings....................................................... (30,405) (214,545)
Issuance of treasury stock.............................................................. (5,818) --
Repayment of note receivable from employee.............................................. -- 250
Distributions paid...................................................................... (23,266) --
---------- ----------
Net cash provided by financing activities......................................... 1,906 4,301
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents................................................. 3,840 --
Cash and cash equivalents--beginning of period............................................ 316 --
---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents--end of period.................................................. $ 4,156 $ --
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-22
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1--BASIS OF PRESENTATION
INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and do not include all of the
information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles
for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments
considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating
results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results for any
other quarter or for the full year. These statements should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the
annual report of United Industries Corporation (the Company) for the year ended
December 31, 1998.
NOTE 2--RECAPITALIZATION OF THE COMPANY AND OTHER MATTERS
On January 20, 1999, pursuant to a recapitalization agreement with UIC
Holdings, L.L.C. (the "Equity Investor"), which is owned by Thomas H. Lee Equity
Fund IV, L.P. ("THL Fund IV" and, together with its affiliates, the "THL
Parties"), the Company was recapitalized (the "Recapitalization") in a
transaction in which: (i) the Equity Investor purchased common stock from our
existing stockholders for approximately $254.7 million; (ii) the Company's
senior managers purchased common stock from our existing stockholders for
approximately $5.7 million; and (iii) the Company used the net proceeds of a
senior subordinated facility (the "Senior Subordinated Facility") and borrowings
under a senior credit facility (the "Senior Credit Facility") to redeem a
portion of the common stock held by the Company's existing stockholders.
Following the Recapitalization, the Equity Investor owns approximately 91.9% of
the Company's issued and outstanding common stock, the existing stockholders
retain approximately 6.0% and the Company's senior managers own approximately
2.1%. The total transaction value of the Recapitalization was approximately
$652.0 million, including related fees and expenses, and the implied total
equity value following the Recapitalization was approximately $277.0 million.
The total consideration paid to redeem the Company's common stock is subject to
both upward and downward adjustments based on the Company's working capital on
the date of the Recapitalization and excess taxes of the Company's previous
stockholders arising from the Company's Section 338(h)(10) election.
The Recapitalization was funded by: (i) $225.0 million of borrowings under
the Senior Credit Facility; (ii) $150.0 million of borrowings under the Senior
Subordinated Facility; (iii) approximately $254.7 million equity investment by
the THL Parties through the Equity Investor; (iv) approximately $5.7 million
equity investment by the Company's senior management team; and (v) equity
retained by the Company's existing stockholders having an implied fair market
value of approximately $16.6 million.
The Recapitalization was accounted for as a leveraged recapitalization,
which had no impact on the Company's historical basis of assets and liabilities
for financial reporting purposes.
The Senior Subordinated Facility was redeemed through the issuance of 9 7/8%
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009. In connection with this redemption, the
Company incurred an extraordinary loss from the early extinguishment of debt,
net of tax of $2,325.
For the six months ended June 30, 1999, the Company has recorded $35,783 in
fees and expenses associated with the recapitalization. Such total fees and
expenses consist of: (i) fees and expenses related to the Transactions,
including bank commitment fees and underwriting discounts and commissions;
F-23
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 2--RECAPITALIZATION OF THE COMPANY AND OTHER MATTERS (CONTINUED)
(ii) professional, advisory and investment banking fees and expenses; and (iii)
miscellaneous fees and expenses such as printing and filing fees. The fees and
expenses that could be specifically identified as relating to the issuance of
debt were capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the debt as
interest expense. The fees and expenses that could be specifically identified as
relating to the equity transactions were charged directly to equity. Other
transaction fees were allocated between debt and recapitalization transaction
fees expense based on the Company's estimate of the effort spent in the activity
giving rise to the fee or expense. The allocation of fees and expenses to debt,
equity and recapitalization transaction fees is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RECAPITALIZATION
TRANSACTION
DEBT EQUITY FEES TOTALS
--------- --------- --------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Direct costs................................ $ 15,877 $ 6,488 $ -- $ 22,365
Allocated costs............................. 2,728 -- 10,690 13,418
--------- --------- ------- ---------
Total fees and expenses..................... $ 18,605 $ 6,488 $ 10,690 $ 35,783
--------- --------- ------- ---------
--------- --------- ------- ---------
</TABLE>
In connection with the Recapitalization of the Company as described above,
the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary DW Wej-it, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("DW"). All of the Company's assets and liabilities related to the
Company's business of manufacturing and marketing construction anchoring
fasteners and providing contract-manufacturing services in metals fabrication
(which is collectively referred to as the "Metals Business") were contributed to
DW. Effective January 1, 1999, the Company distributed all of the shares of
capital stock of DW owned by the Company to its shareholders.
For the six months ended June 30, 1999, the Company recorded various charges
as follows: (i) change of control bonuses to some members of senior management
totalling $8,645, which were contractually required as a result of the
Recapitalization. Senior management reinvested $2,700 of their change in control
bonuses in the Company's common stock through a Grantor Trust and (ii) $1,606 of
severance charges incurred as a result of the President and Chief Executive
Officer's termination of employment with the Company.
For the six months ended June 30, 1999, the Company recorded a charge of
$1,100 to cost of goods sold for the write-off of its "Citri-Glow" candle
inventory. United discontinued the product line during 1999 and chose to dispose
of the inventory by selling it through discount channels at prices below cost.
In addition, the Company recorded a charge of $900 related to deductions taken
by customers for advertising and promotional spending in excess of contractual
obligations for which the Company elected not to pursue collection.
NOTE 3--COMMON STOCK AND STOCK SPLIT
The Company's articles of incorporation previously authorized 20,000 shares
of $1.00 par value Class A Voting shares and 20,000 shares of $1.00 par value
Class B Non-Voting shares. At December 31, 1998, 740 Class A Voting shares and
740 Class B Non-Voting shares were outstanding
F-24
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 3--COMMON STOCK AND STOCK SPLIT (CONTINUED)
On January 20, 1999, the Company's Board of Directors declared an
83,378.37838 to 1 stock split and increased the Company's authorized capital to
65.0 million shares, of which 32.5 million have been designated as Class A
Voting Common Stock and 32.5 million have been designated as Class B Non-Voting
Common Stock. As of January 20, 1999, there were 27.7 million shares of Class A
Voting Common Stock outstanding and 27.7 million shares of Class B Non-Voting
Common Stock outstanding. In conjunction with the stock split, the Company's
board of directors reduced the par value of both the Class A Voting shares and
Class B Non-Voting shares to $0.01 per share.
NOTE 4--INVENTORIES
Inventories at June 30, 1999 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
1999
-----------
<S> <C>
Raw materials...................................................................... $ 6,569
Finished goods..................................................................... 34,542
-----------
Total inventories.................................................................. $ 41,111
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
NOTE 5--OTHER ASSETS
Other assets at June 30, 1999 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
1999
-----------
<S> <C>
Goodwill........................................................................... $ 7,988
Accumulated amortization........................................................... (1,854)
-----------
6,134
Debt issuance costs, net of amortization........................................... 13,860
Other.............................................................................. 687
-----------
Total other assets................................................................. $ 20,681
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
F-25
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 6--ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses at June 30, 1999 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
1999
-----------
<S> <C>
Advertising and promotion expenses................................................. $ 12,991
Recapitalization fees and expenses................................................. 5,800
Cash overdraft..................................................................... 5,205
Litigation expenses................................................................ 1,219
Settlement charges................................................................. 1,200
Interest expense................................................................... 4,453
Severance.......................................................................... 1,306
Commissions........................................................................ 449
Freight expense.................................................................... 278
Other.............................................................................. 2,612
-----------
Total accrued expenses............................................................. $ 35,513
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
NOTE 7--INCOME TAXES
In conjunction with the Recapitalization, the Company converted from an "S"
Corporation to a "C" Corporation. The impact of the conversion was a charge of
$2,062, which has been reflected as income tax expense in the accompanying
financial statements.
Deferred income taxes were recorded for the temporary differences that were
created in conjunction with the Recapitalization and conversion to a "C"
corporation. Deferred income taxes were as follows on January 21, 1999:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Goodwill.......................................................... $ 226,300
Equipment and leashold improvements............................... (2,668)
Other............................................................. 606
---------
Gross deferred tax asset.......................................... 224,238
Valuation allowance............................................... (113,150)
---------
Net deferred tax asset............................................ $ 111,088
---------
---------
</TABLE>
The temporary difference for goodwill results from the step up in tax basis
due to the recapitalization while maintaining historical basis for book
purposes. This benefit will be realized over 15 years. Based on historical
levels of income and the length of time required to utilize this benefit, a
valuation allowance representing 50% of the total benefit has been established.
F-26
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 7--INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
Deferred tax assets and liabilities included in the balance sheet at June
30, 1999 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Deferred income tax............................................... $ 109,466
Other liabilities................................................. (2,668)
---------
$ 106,798
---------
---------
</TABLE>
NOTE 8--COMMITMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
The Company leases the majority of its operating facilities from a company
owned by a significant shareholder of the Company under various operating leases
expiring December 31, 1999. Minimum annual rentals under these leases are
approximately $2,637. The Company has options to renew the leases on a
year-to-year basis for an additional ten years, beginning January 1, 2000. The
Company leases a portion of its operating facilities from the same company under
a sublease agreement expiring on December 31, 2005 with minimum annual rentals
ranging from $140 to $368. The Company has two, five-year options to renew the
lease, beginning January 1, 2006.
The Company is also obligated under other operating leases for use of
warehouse space. The leases expire at various dates through January 31, 2001.
Three of the leases provide as many as three five-year options to renew.
Management believes that the terms and expenses associated with the related
party leases described above are similar to those negotiated by unrelated
parties at arm's length.
In connection with the Recapitalization Agreement, the Company entered into
a professional services agreement with the Thomas H. Lee Company. The agreement
extends for a term of three years, beginning January 20, 1999, and automatically
extends for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless the parties give 30
days' notice prior to the end of the term. Under the agreement, the Thomas H.
Lee Company will receive $62.5 per month for management and other consulting
services provided to the Company. The agreement also provides that the Company
will reimburse out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with management
advisory services.
NOTE 9--CONTINGENCIES
In March 1999, the Company took a charge of $1,500 to primarily reserve for
the expected cost of an adverse judgment on a counterclaim filed by defendants
in the case of United Industries Corporation vs. John Allman, Craig Jackman et
al., pending in the U.S. District Court in Detroit, Michigan; Case No. 97-76147.
The Company alleged that defendants breached contracts by failing to perform
various services. Defendants counterclaimed for sales commissions allegedly
earned by them but not paid to them by the Company. On July 29, 1999, the
Company paid $900 in liquidating damages and $112 in past commissions. The
remaining amounts accrued in connection with the $1,500 charge will primarily be
used to cover unpaid legal costs associated with this case.
In March 1998, a judgement for $1,200 was entered against the Company for a
lawsuit filed in 1992 by the spouse of a former employee claiming benefits from
a Company-owned key man life insurance policy. On August 24, 1999 the Missouri
Court of Appeals, Eastern District, affirmed the trial court's decision. We are
currently considering appealing this judgment. The Company has reflected the
judgement amount as
F-27
<PAGE>
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 9--CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
non-recurring litigation charges for the six months ended June 30, 1998 of which
no amounts have been paid as of June 30, 1999.
In October 1998, the FTC and several state attorneys general filed a suit
against the Company seeking to enjoin the Company's advertising of Spectracide
Terminate as a "termite home defense system." The suit alleges that the Company
made deceptive and unsubstantiated claims regarding Spectracide Terminate; the
Company has denied the allegations. The Company has entered into a settlement
agreement regarding its advertising claims with the FTC and the state attorney
generals involved in the litigation. As part of the settlement, the Company
agreed that it would not, without competent and reliable scientific evidence,
represent to consumers that: (a) use of Spectracide Terminate alone is effective
in preventing terminate infestations or eliminating active termite infestations;
(b) Spectracide Terminate provides "protection for your home against
subterranean termites"; and (c) Spectracide Terminate is a "termite home defense
system" or make any representations comparing the performance of Spectracide
Terminate to other termite control methods. The Company further agreed to apply
to the federal EPA to rename the product as "Spectracide Terminate" (without
reference to "termite home defense system"). The agreement provides that the
Company may describe the product as a "do-it-yourself termite killing system for
subterranean termites." Finally, in virtually any advertisement that indicates,
either expressly or implicitly, that Spectracide Terminate kills termites or
prevents termite damage or infestation, the Company agreed to make the following
disclosure: "Not recommended as sole protection against termites, and for active
infestations, get a professional inspection." The Company incurred charges from
this suit totalling $1,100, including $400 paid to 10 states' attorneys general
for reimbursement of their legal expenses and $700 for other legal expenses
incurred in connection with this suit. These expenses were reflected as
non-recurring litigation charges in the fourth quarter of 1998 and were paid in
the first quarter of 1999.
The Company is involved in litigation and arbitration proceedings in the
normal course of business that assert product liability and other claims. The
Company is contesting all such claims. When it appears probable in management's
judgment that the Company will incur monetary damages or other costs in
connection with such claims and proceedings, and such costs can be reasonably
estimated, appropriate liabilities are recorded in the financial statements and
charges are made against earnings.
Management believes the possibility of a material adverse effect on the
Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows
from the claims and proceedings described above is remote.
F-28
<PAGE>
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
F-29
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANY DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR REPRESENT ANYTHING TO YOU OTHER THAN THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS. YOU MUST NOT RELY ON UNAUTHORIZED INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATIONS.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT OFFER TO SELL OR ASK FOR OFFERS TO BUY ANY OF THE
SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL, WHERE THE PERSON MAKING THE
OFFER IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO, OR TO ANY PERSON WHO CAN NOT LEGALLY BE OFFERED
THE SECURITIES. THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS CURRENT ONLY AS OF THE
DATE ON ITS COVER, AND MAY CHANGE AFTER THAT DATE. FOR ANY TIME AFTER THE COVER
DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS, WE DO NOT REPRESENT THAT OUR AFFAIRS ARE THE SAME AS
DESCRIBED OR THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS CORRECT--NOR DO WE IMPLY
THOSE THINGS BY DELIVERING THIS PROSPECTUS OR SELLING SECURITIES TO YOU.
------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary........................................................ 1
Risk Factors.............................................................. 11
The Transactions.......................................................... 16
Use of Proceeds........................................................... 18
Capitalization............................................................ 19
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements.................................. 20
Selected Historical Financial Data........................................ 27
Exchange Offer............................................................ 30
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.............................................................. 40
Business.................................................................. 48
Management................................................................ 60
Material Transactions..................................................... 65
Principal Stockholders.................................................... 67
Description of Capital Stock.............................................. 68
Description of Our Senior Credit Facility................................. 69
Description of the New Notes.............................................. 71
Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.................. 109
Plan of Distribution...................................................... 114
Legal Matters............................................................. 114
Independent Auditors...................................................... 114
Change in Independent Accountants......................................... 115
Available Information..................................................... 115
Forward-looking Statements................................................ 115
Index to Financial Statements............................................. F-1
</TABLE>
$150,000,000
UNITED INDUSTRIES
CORPORATION
OFFER TO EXCHANGE THEIR 9 7/8% SERIES B
REGISTERED SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES
DUE 2009 FOR ANY AND ALL OF THEIR
OUTSTANDING 9 7/8% SERIES A UNREGISTERED
SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2009
---------------------
PROSPECTUS
---------------------
OCTOBER 6, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
