Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1)
Registration No.
PROSPECTUS
4,581,841 Shares
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED
COMMON STOCK
THESE SECURITIES INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. See "Risk Factors."
ARTRA GROUP Incorporated, a Pennsylvania corporation (the "Company" or
"ARTRA"), is engaged, through its subsidiary, in manufacturing flexible
packaging products principally for the food industry. It also has a significant
minority interest (1,744,703 shares or approximately 14% of the outstanding
stock as of May 28, 1997) in the common stock of COMFORCE Corporation, a public
company whose stock is listed on The American Stock Exchange under the symbol
"CFS."
All of the 4,581,841 shares of common stock of the Company (the "Common
Stock") offered hereby are being offered for sale from time to time by or for
the account of certain existing security holders of the Company (the "Selling
Shareholders"). See "Selling Shareholders." The Common Stock is listed on the
New York and Pacific Stock Exchanges. The Common Stock may be offered by the
Selling Shareholders from time to time in transactions on the New York and
Pacific Stock Exchanges, in negotiated transactions, or a combination of such
methods of sale, at fixed prices that may be changed, at market prices
prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market
prices or at negotiated prices. The Selling Shareholders may effect such
transactions by the sale of the Common Stock to or through broker-dealers, and
such broker-dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts,
concessions or commissions from the Selling Shareholders and/or the purchasers
of the Common Stock for whom such broker-dealers may act as agent or to whom
they may sell as principal, or both (which compensation to a particular
broker-dealer might be in excess of customary commissions).
In certain cases the Selling Shareholders, brokers executing sales
orders on their behalf and dealers purchasing shares from the Selling
Shareholders for resale, may be deemed to be "underwriters," as that term is
defined in Section 2(11) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), and any commissions received by them and any profit on the
resale of Common Stock purchased by them may be deemed underwriting commissions
or discounts under the Securities Act.
The date of this Prospectus in June 4, 1997
<PAGE>
The Company will not receive any proceeds from sales of shares to which
this Prospectus relates. However, insofar as the holders of options or warrants
to purchase shares of the Common Stock are expected to exercise their warrants
or options in order to sell the underlying shares (which are registered hereby),
the Company will receive the amount of the exercise prices of any warrants or
options so exercised. See "Risk Factors - Dilution and Depression of Market
Price from Issuance of Additional Common Stock." As of the date hereof, the
aggregate amount of the exercise prices of all shares issuable by the Company
upon the exercise of options or warrants outstanding as of the date hereof and
subject to registration hereby is $16,664,000. The Company cannot predict when
or if it will receive proceeds from the exercise of warrants or options, or the
amount of any such proceeds. None of the holders of options or warrants can
reasonably be expected to exercise their options or warrants unless the market
price on the New York and Pacific Stock Exchanges of the Common Stock is in
excess of the exercise price therefor. The Company intends to use the proceeds,
if any, received from the exercise of warrants or options to retire or reduce
indebtedness, to pay expenses of the offering and for working capital purposes.
See "Plan of Distribution."
The Company's Common Stock is traded and quoted on the New York and
Pacific Stock Exchanges under the symbol "ATA." On May 28, 1997, the last sale
price of Common Stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange was $4.625 per
share.
The Company will bear all expenses (other than underwriting discounts
and selling commissions, and fees and expenses of counsel or other advisors to
the Selling Stockholders) in connection with the registration of the shares of
Common Stock being offered hereby, which expenses are estimated to be
approximately $225,000. See "Selling Shareholders" elsewhere in this Prospectus.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION OR
ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"), Washington, D.C., a Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the
Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, with
respect to the Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus, which constitutes
part of the Registration Statement, omits certain information contained in said
Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto, as permitted by
the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further information with
respect to the Company and the Common Stock offered hereby, reference is made to
the Registration Statement, including the exhibits thereto and financial
statements, notes, and schedules filed as part thereof, which may be inspected
and copied at the public reference facilities of the Commission referred to
below. Statements herein concerning the contents of any contract or other
document are not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to
the full text of such contract or other document filed with the Commission as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement, or otherwise, each such statement being
qualified and amplified in all respects by such reference.
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and in accordance therewith
files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Commission.
Certain information as of specified dates concerning directors and officers,
their remuneration, options granted to them, the principal holders of securities
of the Company, and any material interest of such persons in transactions with
the Company, is disclosed in proxy statements distributed to the Company's
shareholders and filed with the Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and
other information filed by the Company, and The Registration Statement of which
this Prospectus forms a part, the exhibits and schedules thereto and amendments
thereof, may be inspected at the Commission's public reference facilities
maintained at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, Washington,
D.C. 20549, and at the following SEC Regional Offices: Seven World Trade Center,
13th Floor, New York, New York 10048; and Suite 1400, Northwestern Atrium
Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such
material can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission,
Room 204, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at
prescribed rates. The Common Stock of the Company is listed on the New York
Stock Exchange and the Pacific Stock Exchange, and such reports, proxy material
and other information are also available for inspection at the New York Stock
Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005, and the Pacific Stock
Exchange, 301 Pine Street, San Francisco, California 94104.
- 2 -
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following is a summary of certain of the information contained in
this Prospectus and is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and financial statements appearing elsewhere herein. Prospective
investors should carefully consider the information set forth under the caption
"Risk Factors."
The Company
ARTRA, through its subsidiary, Bagcraft Corporation of America
("Bagcraft"), currently operates in one industry segment as a manufacturer of
packaging products principally serving the food industry. All of the shares of
Bagcraft are owned by BCA Holdings, Inc. ("BCA"), which is a wholly owned
subsidiary of ARTRA. BCA has no assets other than the shares of Bagcraft. ARTRA
is a public company, whose stock is listed on the New York and Pacific Stock
Exchanges under the symbol ATA.
ARTRA, along with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Fill-Mor Holding, Inc.
("Fill-Mor"), also owns a significant minority interest in COMFORCE Corporation
("COMFORCE"), consisting of 1,744,703 shares or approximately 14% of the
outstanding common stock of COMFORCE as of May 28, 1997. COMFORCE provides
telecommunications and computer technical staffing services worldwide to Fortune
500 companies and maintains an extensive global database of technical
specialists, with an emphasis on wireless communications capabilities. COMFORCE
is a public company, whose stock is listed on The American Stock Exchange under
the symbol "CFS." On May 28, 1997, the last reported sale price for the Common
Stock of COMFORCE was $4.625 per share. Fill-Mor has no assets other than the
COMFORCE shares.
The Offering
ARTRA is required under certain agreements it has entered into with
shareholders and warrant holders to register the shares of Common Stock held by
such shareholders or issuable upon the exercise of warrants held by such
warrantholders.
Existing security holders of the Company are offering up to 4,581,841
shares of Common Stock held by them, or issuable to them upon the exercise of
options or warrants held by them.
Common Stock Offered by the Selling Shareholders ............ 4,581,841 shares*
Common Stock Outstanding as of .............................. 7,885,420 shares
Common Stock Issuable Under Options ......................... 913,050 shares
Common Stock Issuable Under Warrants ........................ 2,269,032 shares
- -----------------
*Includes Common Stock issuable under options and warrants. Neither the warrants
or options are being registered. The Company is registering shares of common
stock issuable upon exercise of the options and warrants, shares issuable upon
conversion of certain notes, and shares issued in payment of ARTRA notes and
other obligations.
See "Selling Shareholders" and "Plan of Distribution."
Proceeds From Exercise of Warrants or Options
The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Common
Stock offered hereby by the Selling Shareholders. However, if the holders of
options or warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock exercise their warrants
or options in order to sell the underlying shares, the Company will receive the
amount of the exercise prices of any warrants or options so exercised. Neither
the warrants or options are being registered. The Company
- 3 -
<PAGE>
is registering shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants,
shares issuable upon conversion of certain notes, and shares issued in payment
of ARTRA notes and obligations. The Company cannot predict when or if it will
receive proceeds from the exercise of warrants or options, or the amount of any
such proceeds. The Company intends to use the proceeds, if any, received from
the exercise of warrants or options to retire or reduce indebtedness, to pay
certain expenses of the offering and for working capital.
Risk Factors
Prospective investors should carefully review the risk factors and
other information set forth herein, including under the heading "Risk Factors"
which discusses, among other things, significant risks associated with an
investment in the Company.
Selected Financial Data
Following is a consolidated summary of selected financial data of the
Company for the three month periods ended March 27, 1997 and March 28, 1996 and
each of the five fiscal years in the period ended December 26, 1996. The
information for the years ended December 28, 1995 and December 29, 1994 reflect
the operations of Bagcraft's wholly-owned subsidiary, Arcar Graphics, Inc.
("Arcar"), in discontinued operations. The sale of Arcar (acquired effective
April 9, 1994) was completed on October 26, 1995. Certain selected financial
data for each of the four fiscal years in the period ended December 28, 1995
reflects the discontinuance of the Company's jewelry business effective
September 30, 1995 conducted by its former majority-owned subsidiary COMFORCE
(formerly known as The Lori Corporation ("Lori")). In October 1995, due to
additional issuances of COMFORCE common stock, the Company's interest in
COMFORCE was reduced to approximately 25% and the investment in COMFORCE was
accounted for under the equity method during the fourth quarter of 1995. As of
May 28, 1997 and Dectember 26, 1996, the Company owned 1,744,703 shares and
1,769,703 shares, respectively, or approximately 14% of COMFORCE. See Note 4 to
the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended
March 27, 1997 for a further discussion of the Company's investment in COMFORCE.
- 4 -
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
--------------------- Fiscal Year Ended (E)
March 27, March 28, -----------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(in thousands except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 28,461 $ 28,402 $ 120,699 $ 121,879 $ 111,837 $ 113,584 $ 121,084
Earnings (loss) from
continuing operations (A) (1,353) 203 3,549 (16,943) (13,529) (8,327) (4,118)
Earnings (loss) from
discontinued operations (B) -- -- -- 10 (15,906) (216) (33,854)
Extraordinary credits (C) -- 9,424 9,424 14,030 8,965 22,057 --
Net earnings (loss) (1,353) 9,627 12,973 (2,903) (20,470) 13,514 (37,972)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations (.21) (.01) .28 (2.69) (2.56) (1.84) (1.16)
Discontinued operations -- -- -- -- (2.74) (.04) (7.74)
Extraordinary credits -- 1.23 1.23 2.06 1.57 4.49 --
Net earnings (loss) (.21) 1.22 1.51 (.63) (3.73) 2.61 (8.90)
Total assets (D) 74,633 78,144 77,379 77,949 93,429 92,774 98,731
Long-term debt 39,934 37,551 34,207 34,113 19,673 29,264 13,802
Debt subsequently discharged -- -- -- -- 9,750 -- --
Liabilities subject
to compromise -- -- -- -- -- -- 41,500
Cash dividends -- -- -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
(A) The loss from continuing operations for the three months ended March
27, 1997 includes a realized gain of $213,000 from dispositions of
COMFORCE common stock. Earnings from continuing operations for the
three months ended March 28, 1996 includes a realized gain of
$1,043,000 from dispositions of COMFORCE common stock and a gain of
$838,000 from an exchange of redeemable preferred stock of the
Company's Bagcraft subsidiary. Earnings from continuing operations for
the year ended December 26, 1996 include realized gains of $5,818,000
from dispositions of COMFORCE common stock and a gain of $838,000 from
an exchange of redeemable preferred stock of the Company's
BagcraftBagcraft subsidiary.
(B) The loss from discontinued operations for the year ended December 28,
1995 includes a charge to operations of $6,430,000 to write-off the
remaining goodwill of COMFORCE's jewelry business effective June 29,
1995, and a provision of $1,000,000 for loss on disposal of COMFORCE's
jewelry business. Earnings from discontinued operations for the year
ended December 28, 1995 includes a gain on sale of Bagcraft's Arcar
subsidiary of $8,483,000. The loss from discontinued operations for the
year ended December 31, 1994 includes a charge to operations of
$10,800,000 representing a write-off of New Dimensions goodwill. The
loss from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 1992
includes charges to operations of $8,664,000 representing an impairment
of goodwill at December 31, 1992 and $8,500,000 representing increased
reserves for markdowns allowances and inventory valuation.
(C) The 1996, 1995 and 1994 extraordinary credits represent gains from net
discharge of bank indebtedness. The 1993 extraordinary credit
represents a gain from a net discharge of indebtedness due to the
reorganization of COMFORCE's New Dimensions subsidiary.
(D) As partial consideration for a debt settlement agreement, in December,
1994 Lori's bank lender received all of the assets of the New
Dimensions subsidiary.
(E) Effective in 1993, the Company adopted a 52/53 week fiscal year ending
the last Thursday of December.
- 5 -
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS INVOLVE A HIGH
DEGREE OF RISK. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER, AMONG OTHER
THINGS, THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS INHERENT IN AND AFFECTING THE BUSINESS OF THE
COMPANY AND THIS OFFERING, TOGETHER WITH THE OTHER INFORMATION IN THIS
PROSPECTUS, BEFORE MAKING AN INVESTMENT DECISION.
Continuing Losses
The Company has experienced losses from continuing operations in recent
years, including losses from continuing operations in each year during the
period 1990 - 1995. Losses from continuing operations of $16,943,000 and
$13,529,000 were experienced in 1995 and 1994, respectively. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
Indebtedness
As of May 28, 1997, the Company had outstanding short-term indebtedness
of approximately $15,100,000, of which $4,450,000 was past due. Bagcraft, the
Company's operating subsidiary, is also obligated to pay substantial amounts in
the near future under the terms of its debt obligations. At May 29, 1997,
Bagcraft, the Company's operating subsidiary, had borrowings of $38,001,000
outstanding under its Credit Agreement. In December 1996, Bagcraft's Credit
Agreement was amended to provide for a $20,000,000 term loan payable in varying
quarterly installments through maturity on September 30, 2002 and a revolving
credit loan, subject to a borrowing base, with maximum borrowings of
$18,000,000. Term loan installments totaling $2,000,000 are payable in 1997. As
of May 28, 1997, the oustanding balance on the term loan was $19,500,000. At May
28, 1997, the revolving credit loan had outstanding borrowings of $13,501,000
due September 30, 2002. Initial borrowings under Bagcraft's Credit Agreement in
December 1993 refinanced borrowings under a previous bank loan agreement.
Effective May 15, 1997, the Credit Agreement was amended to provide for a
$5,000,000 term loan (Term Loan B) with interest at the lender's index rate plus
.75%. Term Loan B is payable on May 8, 1998, unless accelerated under terms of
the Credit Agreement. The proceeds of Term Loan B were advanced to ARTRA under
terms of an intercompany note payable to Bagcraft on May 8, 1998. Because the
ARTRA/Bagcraft note results from an intercompany transaction, it has not been
included in ARTRA's short-term indebtedness. ARTRA used the proceeds of this
loan to repay certain ARTRA debt obligations as discussed below.
Bagcraft also had approximately $712,000 payable in 1997, on loans from
the City of Baxter Springs, Kansas, the aggregate principal amount of which was
$10,677,000 as of May 28, 1997. Proceeds from the Baxter Springs, Kansas loans
financed the construction of Bagcraft's 265,000 sq. ft. production facility.
ARTRA has outstanding an aggregate of $3,000,000 in loans from The
Research Center of Kabbalah ("RCK"). All of these loans are currently past due,
but RCK has made no demand for payment of past due amounts. During 1993, RCK,
which held approximately 7% of ARTRA's outstanding Common Stock (including the
stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants) as of May 28, 1997, made certain
short-term loans to the Company of which $2,000,000, with interest at 10%, was
outstanding at December 31, 1993. As additional compensation, RCK received
warrants to purchase an aggregate of 86,250 ARTRA common shares at prices
ranging from $6.00 to $7.00 per share based upon the market price of ARTRA's
common stock at the date of issuance. The warrants expire five years from the
date of issuance. In January 1994, RCK made an additional $1,000,000 short-term
loan to the Company, also with interest at 10%. The proceeds of these loans were
used to pay down various ARTRA short-term loans and other debt obligations. In
December, 1995, RCK received 126,222 shares of ARTRA common in payment of past
due interest through October 31, 1995. Interest on the loans has been paid
through March, 1997. Payment on the loans was due March 31, 1994, however, the
lender has not demanded payment. In February 1997, the lender received a warrant
to purchase an additional 100,000 ARTRA common shares at $5.625 per share as
consideration for not demanding payment of this obligation. In April 1997, the
lender received a warrant to purchase an additional 100,000 ARTRA common shares
at $5.00 per share as consideration for not demanding payment of this
obligation.
- 6 -
<PAGE>
Thru May 27, 1997, ARTRA completed a private placement of 12%
promissory notes due December 1, 1997 in the principal amount of $1,800,000. The
notes are collateralized by by 560,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by
the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional consideration, the noteholders
received warrants to purchase an aggregate of 150,000 ARTRA common shares at a
price of $5.00 per share. The warrantholders have the right to put these
warrants back to ARTRA at any time during the period December 1, 1997 to May 23,
1999, at a price of $7.40 per share. The proceeds from this private placement
were used to pay down various ARTRA debt obligations.
In July 1996, ARTRA completed a private placement of 12% promissory
notes due April 15, 1997 in the principal amount of $7,675,000. The notes are
collateralized by ARTRA's interest in all of the common stock of BCA (the parent
company of Bagcraft). As additional consideration, the noteholders received
warrants to purchase an aggregate of 383,750 ARTRA common shares at a price of
$6.00 per share. In addition, warrants to purchase an additional 35,000 shares
were issued to an unrelated party as a commission in connection with the
offering. The warrants became exercisable August 15, 1996 and expire April 15,
1999. The warrantholders have the right to put these warrants back to ARTRA at
any time during the period April 15, 1997 to October 15, 1998, at a price of
$2.00 per share. The cost of this obligation ($837,500 if all warrants are put
back to the Company) is being accrued in the Company's financial statements as a
charge to interest expense over the period April 15, 1996 (the commencement date
of the private placement) through April 15, 1997 (the maturity date of the notes
as well as the date the warrantholders have the right to put their warrants back
to ARTRA). The proceeds from this private placement were used to pay down
various ARTRA debt obligations. Through May 28, 1997, the Company has repaid
promissory notes with an aggregate principal balance of $6,225,000. The note
payments were funded with the proceeds of additional short-term borrowings and
with funds received from the Company's Bagcraft subsidiary in accordance with
May 1997 amendments to its credit agreement. The maturity date of the remaining
unpaid promissory notes, with an aggregate principal balance of $1,450,000, had
been extended by the noteholders until May 15, 1997. The Company is currently
negotiating with several potential lenders to refinance these notes and other
ARTRA debt obligations.
In August, 1996, ARTRA borrowed $500,000 from Howard Conant, then a
private investor, evidenced by an short-term note, due December 23, 1996,
bearing interest at 10%. The loan was collateralized by 125,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock owned by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional
compensation for the loan, Mr. Conant received a warrant, expiring in 2001, to
purchase 25,000 ARTRA common shares at a price of $5.00 per share. The proceeds
of the loan were used for working capital. At the Company's annual meeting of
shareholders, held August 29, 1996, Mr. Conant was elected to the Company's
board of directors. In December, 1996, the loan was extended until April 23,
1997 and Mr. Conant received, as additional compensation, a warrant , expiring
in 2001, to purchase 25,000 ARTRA common shares at a price of $5.875 per share.
In January, 1997, ARTRA borrowed an additional $300,000 from Mr. Conant
evidenced by an short-term note, due December 23, 1997, bearing interest at 8%.
The loan was collateralized by 100,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by
the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional compensation for the loan, Mr.
Conant received a warrant, expiring in 2002, to purchase 25,000 ARTRA common
shares at a price of $5.75 per share.
In March 1997, ARTRA borrowed an additional $1,000,000 from Mr. Conant
evidenced by a short-term note, due May 26, 1997, bearing interest at 12%. The
loan was collateralized by 585,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the
Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional compensation, Mr. Conant received
an option to purchase 25,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the
Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary at a price of $4.00 per share, with the right to
put the option back to ARTRA on or before May 30, 1997 for a total put price of
$50,000. In May 1997, Mr. Conant exercised his rights and put the COMFORCE
option back to ARTRA for $50,000. The proceeds from this loan were used in part
to repay an ARTRA/Fill-Mor $2,500,000 bank term loan.
In April 1997, ARTRA borrowed $5,000,000 from Mr. Conant evidenced by a
note, due April 20, 1998, bearing interest at 10%. Mr. Conant is holding 810,000
shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary as
collateral for this loan. As additional compensation, the lender received a
warrant to purchase 333,333 ARTRA common shares at a price of $5.00 per share.
- 7 -
<PAGE>
The warrantholder has the right to put this warrant back to ARTRA at any time
during the period April 21, 1998 to April 20, 2000, for a total purchase price
of $1,000,000. The cost of this obligation will be accrued in the Company's
financial statements as a charge to interest expense over the period April 21,
1997 (the date of the loan) through April 21, 1998 (the date the warrantholder
has the right to put the warrant back to ARTRA). The proceeds from this loan
were used to repay Mr. Conant's outstanding borrowings of $1,800,000 and to pay
down other ARTRA debt obligations. As of May 28, 1997, ARTRA had total
outstanding borrowings of $5,000,000 from Mr. Conant collateralized by 810,000
shares of COMFORCE common stock.
At December 26, 1996 (the end of ARTRA's most recent fiscal year),
ARTRA was the obligor under two demand notes origininally issued to CIPKA S.A.,
an unrelated Swiss company, in the amount of approximately $2,300,000, including
accrued interest. The notes were issued in October, 1990 with interest at 15
percent. In January 1997, ARTRA received notice that its obligations to CIPKA
were sold, effective October 26, 1996, to PRESTWOOD LIMITED, an unrelated
company registered in Tortola, BVI. ARTRA is currently negotiating with the
noteholder to extend or refinance this obligation
ARTRA also has outstanding short-term borrowings from other unrelated
parties aggregating approximately $1,600,000. The remaining amounts come due at
various times in 1997. The notes were issued at various times during the period
June, 1994 to March, 1997, and the interest rates vary between 10 and 14
percent. The proceeds of these loans were used for working capital.
ARTRA has suffered recurring losses from operations in recent years. As
a result of these factors, ARTRA has experienced difficulty in obtaining
adequate financing to replace certain current credit arrangements, certain of
which are in default, to fund its debt service and liquidity requirements. Due
to its limited ability to receive operating funds from its operating subsidiary,
ARTRA historically has met its operating expenditures with funds generated by
such alternative sources as private placements of ARTRA common stock and notes,
sales of ARTRA common stock with put options, loans from officers/directors and
private investors, as well as through sales of assets (including COMFORCE
shares) and/or other equity infusions. ARTRA plans to continue to seek such
alternative sources of funds to meet its future operating expenditures. However,
there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so in the future.
If ARTRA is unable to negotiate extensions with its creditors and complete the
above mentioned transactions, ARTRA could suffer severe adverse consequences,
and as a result, ARTRA may be forced to liquidate its assets or file for
protection under the Bankruptcy Code. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Status of Debt Agreements
and Operating Plan."
Potential Volatility in Market Price of COMFORCE Common Stock
ARTRA, along with its wholly owned Fill-Mor subsidiary, owns a
significant minority interest in COMFORCE, consisting of 1,744,703 shares or
approximately 14% of the outstanding common stock of COMFORCE as of May 28,
1997, with an aggregate value as of that date of approximately $8,069,000 (value
at December 26, 1996 was $22,564,000). The value of COMFORCE stock has
fluctuated substantially in recent periods. The high per share for the twelve
month period ending April 30, 1997 was $34.12, and the per share low during the
same period was $5.06. There can be no assurance that the value of the COMFORCE
shares will not decline substantially in the future, which would have a material
adverse effect on the value of ARTRA.
The COMFORCE shares constitute unregistered securities under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act"). As a result of ARTRA's former involvement in
the operations and management of COMFORCE, ARTRA was considered an "affiliate"
of COMFORCE under the Act, and because of this, the number of shares that ARTRA
could sell without registration under the Act within any three-month period was
limited. For the reasons set forth below, the Company believes that an exemption
from registration under Rule 144(k) promulgated under the Act is now available
to it, and therefore the limitations under Rule 144 on the number of restricted
shares that ARTRA could sell within any three-month period without registrations
are no longer applicable to it.
- 8 -
<PAGE>
Rule 144(k) of the Act permits the sale without registration under the
Act of restricted shares of an issuer that have been held in excess of three
years (two years as of April 29, 1997) by persons who have not been "affiliates"
of the issuer for the preceding three months. Since December 28, 1995, ARTRA,
Fill-Mor and their respective officers, directors, affiliates and employees have
held no managerial or executive positions with COMFORCE nor have any of the
above served in the capacity of directors, nor have any of them had the right
under any agreement or otherwise to serve in such capacity since December 28,
1995. Likewise, neither ARTRA, Fill-Mor nor any of the above had the right under
any agreement or otherwise to serve in such capacity since December 28, 1995.
Finally, since that time, neither ARTRA, Fill-Mor nor any of their respective
officers, directors, affiliates and employees have had any material involvement
in, nor have they been able to exercise any control over, COMFORCE, either
individually or together with any other person or entity. Because of this, the
Company believes that ARTRA and Fill-Mor are not "affiliates" of COMFORCE and,
since they have held their shares in excess of three years, qualify for the
exemption under Rule 144(k) set forth above.
There can be no assurance that the Securities and Exchange Commission
would concur with the Company's position. Notwithstanding this, ARTRA does not
believe that its ability to sell COMFORCE shares, or eventually to realize on
the value of its COMFORCE shares, will be affected in a material adverse way,
although it may not be able to sell its COMFORCE shares as quickly as it could
if it were to use Rule 144(k), and in any event, an attempt to sell a large
number of its COMFORCE shares over a limited period could be expected to result
in a reduction in the value of such shares. Effective December 19, 1996, ARTRA
and COMFORCE entered into a Settlement Agreement pursuant to which COMFORCE
agreed to include in a proposed underwritten public offering 380,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock held by ARTRA and its Fill-Mor susidiary and ARTRA agreed
to a Lock-up agreement which limits its ability to sell its remaining COMFORCE
common shares for a period of 360 days after the effective date of COMFORCE's
proposed underwritten public offering. COMFORCE did not retain an underwriter
for the proposed underwritten public offering and, accordingly, effective April
30, 1997 ARTRA was released from the provisions of the Lock-up Agreement. The
sale of 1,295,000 COMFORCE common shares held by ARTRA and Fill-Mor is
restricted because the shares are collateral for various short-term loans
(449,703 shares held by ARTRA and Fill-Mor remain unencumbered at May 28, 1997).
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Investment in COMFORCE Corporation."
Inability to Honor Put Options
ARTRA has entered into various agreements under which it has sold its
common shares along with put options that require ARTRA to repurchase these
shares at the option of the holder, usually one year after the date of each such
agreement. At May 28, 1997, options were outstanding that, if exercised, would
require ARTRA to repurchase 72,984 shares of its Common Stock for an aggregate
of approximately $3,100,000. ARTRA does not have adequate resources to make such
redemptions. However, the holders have the option to sell their shares in the
market, subject to the limitations of Rule 144 of the Securities Act, which
could adversely impact the market price of the Common Stock. At its discretion
and subject to its financial ability, ARTRA could reimburse the option holders
for any shortfall resulting from such sale. At the present time none of the
option holders have demanded payment, and all of the option holders have
indicated to the Company a willingness to work with the Company to satisfy the
obligations, in some manner other than a demand for payment under the put
option. See "Risk Factors - Dilution and Depression of Market Price from
Issuance of Additional Common Stock" and "- Limited Trading Activity." See also
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources."
Need for Additional Funds; Unfavorable Credit Terms
The Company continues to be engaged in efforts to obtain equity and
debt financing. Even if the Company's Bagcraft subsidiary generates positive
cash flow (and there can be no assurances that it will), it is restricted in
paying dividends or making distributions to the Company under certain loan
agreements (except for limited overhead allocations payable to ARTRA in certain
circumstances and payments under tax sharing arrangements where applicable). As
a result, ARTRA does not have a means of generating cash flow on a regular
- 9 -
<PAGE>
basis. Consequently, ARTRA is reliant on its ability to place debt and equity
securities privately and to sell COMFORCE shares to raise cash needed to meet
its working capital requirements.
The costs and conditions associated with raising required capital may
not be on favorable terms, and the Company may not be able to sell COMFORCE
shares at favorable prices. In recent years, short-term borrowings by the
Company from private investors have generally been available, but at a high cost
to the Company. Stated base interest rates on its notes have been as high as 20%
(with substantially higher default rates), and certain of the borrowers have
demanded warrants as additional consideration for agreeing to extend credit to
the Company. Warrants to purchase approximately 1,836,032 shares of the
Company's common stock (at exercise prices equal to the market price when
issued, which has ranged from $3.50 to $9.875 per share) have previously been
issued to private lenders in connection with these transactions. The
continuation of such practices could result in further dilution of the existing
shareholders' interests in the Company. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Status of Debt
Agreements and Operating Plan."
Risks Relating to Peter R. Harvey
The Company's ability to continue to refinance its operations is
dependent on the ability of the Company's officers and directors, especially
Peter R. Harvey, to raise capital. In the event Mr. Harvey were not affiliated
with the Company for any reason, this could adversely affect the ability of the
Company to survive.
As of March 27, 1997, ARTRA has outstanding total amounts due from
Peter R. Harvey, including accrued interest, of $8,449,000. The advances bear
interest at the prime rate plus 2%, which was 10.25% at March 27, 1997. This
receivable has been classified as a reduction of common shareholder's equity.
See Note 13 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the
quarter ended March 27, 1997 for a further discussion of the receivable from
Peter R. Harvey.
Peter R. Harvey has not received other than nominal compensation for
his services as an officer or director of ARTRA or any of its subsidiaries since
October of 1990 and Mr. Harvey has agreed not to accept any compensation for his
services as an officer or director of ARTRA or any of its subsidiaries until his
obligations to ARTRA, described above, are fully satisfied. Additionally, since
December 31, 1986, Peter R. Harvey has guaranteed approximately $40,000,000 of
ARTRA obligations to private and institutional lenders (John Harvey also was a
co-guarantor of a $26,700,000 loan included in that total with Peter R. Harvey)
and has also hypothecated personal assets as security for certain ARTRA
obligations.
As partial collateral for amounts due from Peter R. Harvey, the Company
has received the pledge of 1,523 shares of ARTRA redeemable Series A preferred
stock (with a liquidation value of $1,523,000, plus accrued dividends) which are
owned by Mr. Harvey. In addition, Mr. Harvey has pledged a 25% interest in
Industrial Communication Company (a private company). Such interest is valued by
Mr. Harvey at $800,000 to $1,000,000. During 1995, Peter R. Harvey entered into
a pledge agreement with ARTRA whereby Mr. Harvey pledged additional collateral
consisting of 42,067 shares of ARTRA common stock and 707,281 shares of PureTec
Corporation, a publicly traded corporation ("PureTec"). As of May 28, 1997, the
closing market price of PureTec on the NASDAQ National Market was $1.594 per
share. In addition, in connection with a discharge of certain bank indebtedness
discussed below, ARTRA received rights under a mortgage of certain real estate
owned by Mr. Harvey. The real estate had an appraised value of $2 million as of
December 13, 1993. The mortgage collateralized $2,150,000 of the amount owed by
Mr. Harvey. Bank of America Illinois had a senior security interest in the
amount of $850,000. See "Transactions with Management And Others -- Settlement
of the Bank of America Illinois Debt." In March 1997, the bank sold its interest
in Mr. Harvey's note and the related collateral to a private investor. ARTRA
retained its $2,150,000 security interest the real estate, subordinated to the
noteholder's $850,000 security interest in this real estate.
Explanatory Paragraph in Report of Independent Accountants
The Company's independent accountants, Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
("Coopers & Lybrand"), has issued an explanatory paragraph with respect to the
Company, that expresses substantial doubt as to the ability of the Company to
continue as a going concern due to recurring losses from operations and a net
capital deficiency at December 26, 1996. Coopers & Lybrand has stated in its
report that, as a result of these factors, the Company has experienced
difficulty in obtaining adequate financing to replace the current credit
agreements, to fund its debt service and liquidity requirements. The
Consolidated Financial Statements do not include any adjustments that might
result from this uncertainty. If the Company ceases to operate as a going
concern, an investor would be likely to lose his entire investment in the
Company's Common Stock. See Note 1 to "Consolidated Financial Statements."
- 10 -
<PAGE>
Dilution and Depression of Market Price from Issuance of Additional
Common Stock
As of May 28, 1997, there were 7,885,420 shares of the Company's common
stock outstanding. The Company's Board of Directors has the power to issue any
and all authorized but unissued shares without shareholder approval. At the
annual meeting held on August 29, 1996, the Company's shareholders approved an
amendment to the Company's Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of
authorized common shares from 7,500,000 to 20,000,000. In addition, the Company
anticipates that holders of options and warrants will exercise their options and
warrants in order to sell the underlying shares registered hereby. Such an
exercise could result in a dilution of the interests of existing shareholders.
Purchasers of the Shares offered hereby should be aware that the issuance of
additional shares may result in a reduction in the market price of the Company's
Common Stock then outstanding. See "Description of the Company's Securities."
See also "Risk Factors - Limited Trading Activity."
Possible Delisting of Securities from the New York Stock Exchange and
the Pacific Stock Exchange
The Company's Common Stock is currently listed on the New York and
Pacific Stock Exchanges. The Company has been unable to maintain the standards
for continued listing on these exchanges, and the Company's securities could be
subject to delisting from these exchanges at any time. Trading of the Common
Stock might thereafter be conducted in the over-the-counter markets on the
electronic bulletin board established for securities that do not meet the New
York and Pacific Stock exchange listing requirements or in what is commonly
referred to as the "pink sheets." If delisting were to occur, an investor could
find it more difficult to dispose of, or to obtain accurate quotations regarding
the price of the Company's Common Stock, and the market price of the Common
Stock could decline significantly.
Composition of the Board
The Company's Articles of Incorporation require that at least six
persons serve on the Board of Directors. Vacancies existed on the Company's
Board between 1989 and August 29, 1996. All corporate actions taken between
October 12, 1993 and August 29, 1996 are potentially voidable since such actions
were taken in reliance on the consent or affirmative vote of less than four of
the Company's directors which would constitute a majority of the required six
person Board. See "Management -- Information Regarding Directors."
Conflicts of Interest
In the past, the Company has been a party to numerous transactions with
officers and directors of the Company or with entities in which officers and
directors of the Company own substantial equity interests. While the Company
does not presently contemplate effectuating any additional transactions with
officers and directors of the Company or with management-owned entities, there
can be no assurance that it will not do so in the future. See "Transactions with
Management and Others." In addition, as described under "Principal
Shareholders," various officers and directors hold warrants or options to
purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock, including at exercise prices
lower than the market price of the Company's Common Stock as of the date hereof.
Limited Trading Activity
During the six months ended April 30, 1997, the daily average number of
shares of Common Stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange was approximately
25,000 shares. If such trading levels continue, it may be difficult for Selling
Shareholders to effect sales of their shares on the New York and Pacific Stock
Exchanges, and the placement of a substantially larger number of sell orders
could materially and adversely impact the market price
- 11 -
<PAGE>
of the Common Stock. See also "Risk Factors - Dilution and Depression of Market
Price from Issuance of Additional Common Stock."
Competitive Conditions in the Packaging Products Industry
The packaging products industry is highly competitive. The Company's
Bagcraft subsidiary competes as a printer and converter within the competitive
flexible packaging business. Management believes the principal competitive
factors in the Company's markets are product quality and functionality, price,
service and reputation. Bagcraft encounters competition from both integrated
producers and independents in each of its marketing divisions. Some of these
competitors are larger and have access to greater financial resources than
Bagcraft. Bagcraft's costs have increased substantially in recent years, largely
due to increases in the cost of paper. Although Bagcraft generally seeks to pass
its increased costs on to its customers, this is frequently not possible due to
the competitive nature of the paper products industry. See "Business and
Properties - Packaging Products Segment."
Litigation
At March 27, 1997, ARTRA has accrued $2,000,000 for business litigation
and environmental liabilities. Based on investigation and settlement
discussions, the Company believes this to be a sufficient amount for any
potential costs or liabilities for the matters described below. However, no
assurance can be given that the reserved amount is sufficient to satisfy all
potential business litigation and environmental liabilities. As described under
"Business and Properties - Legal Proceedings" herein, ARTRA or its predecessors
or their subsidiaries have been identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency ("EPA") as potentially responsible parties for environmental clean-up
costs (or sued by a named potentially responsible party seeking indemnification
or contribution for clean-up costs) for waste sent to several sites included on
the EPA's National Priorities List, which are commonly known as "Superfund"
sites. In addition, ARTRA or its predecessors and their subsidiaries are alleged
to have sent hazardous substances to certain other sites which, although not
designated as Superfund sites, are sites at which environmental clean-up or
remediation may be required to be undertaken. ARTRA and its predecessors,
directly and through subsidiaries, have, since 1960, operated in excess of 30
manufacturing facilities. Certain of these facilities used and/or generated
hazardous materials and disposed of the hazardous substances, directly or
through third party waste disposal firms at various off-site waste disposal
locations, in most cases before laws had been enacted governing the safe
disposal of hazardous substances.
ARTRA has not conducted a comprehensive audit of potential
environmental liability at the facilities formerly owned or operated by ARTRA or
its predecessors and their subsidiaries since it is no longer the owner or
operator of most of the properties at which it or its predecessors or their
affiliates conducted manufacturing operations. As a result, ARTRA cannot
accurately quantify potential environmental liability associated with past
ownership or operation of these facilities. ARTRA did not keep records of the
companies with which it contracted for the disposal of wastes before such
record-keeping became mandated by law.
In addition, even if ARTRA is not found to be responsible for clean-up
costs at any particular site, the costs of defending itself in any proceedings
or inquiries instituted by the EPA, any state environmental agencies or private
parties could itself be significant. As described under "Risk Factors - Need for
Additional Funds" herein, ARTRA has limited funds available to it, including for
its legal defense. In certain cases, ARTRA may be unable to raise
- 12 -
<PAGE>
the funds needed to mount an adequate (or any) defense against the claims
raised, even if it has legal grounds to do so. In one case described under
"Business and Properties - Legal Proceedings" herein, ARTRA did not prosecute an
appeal of a decision adverse to ARTRA in which its insurer was held not
responsible for defending or indemnifying ARTRA in connection with two
environmental clean-up cases in California. In addition, in another case, ARTRA
entered into a consent decree with the EPA to pay certain clean-up costs, but
was unable to pay the costs it had agreed to bear. See "Business and Properties
- -- Legal Proceedings."
No Cash Dividends
The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock in
recent years and does not anticipate paying any such dividends in the
foreseeable future. In addition, the Bagcraft operating subsidiary of the
Company is prohibited from or restricted in paying dividends or making
distributions to the Company under various loan agreements (except for limited
overhead allocations payable to ARTRA in certain circumstances and tax sharing
agreements where applicable). Accordingly, even if ARTRA were able to pay
dividends to its shareholders, the restrictions or limitations on Bagcraft in
upstreaming payments would make payment of dividends by ARTRA unlikely. See
"Description of the Company's Securities."
Negative Effect on Shareholders from Possible Issuance of Preferred
Stock
The Company is authorized to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, par value $1,000 per share. The preferred stock may be issued in one or
more series, the terms of which may be determined at the time of issuance by the
Board of Directors, without further action by shareholders, and may include
voting rights (including the right to vote as a series on particular matters),
preferences as to dividends and liquidation, conversion and redemption rights
and sinking fund provisions. In 1990 the Company issued 3,750 shares of Series A
Preferred Stock. No other preferred stock is currently outstanding and the
Company has no present plans for the issuance thereof. The issuance of any
preferred stock could affect the rights of the holders of Common Stock and, in
certain circumstances, reduce the value of the Common Stock. See "Description of
the Company's Securities."
- 13 -
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
(in thousands)
The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company at
March 27, 1997. The following should be read in conjunction with the Company's
consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 2,712
===========
Redeemable preferred stock currently payable:
Bagcraft redeemable preferred stock
payable to a related party, cumulative $.01
par value, 13.5%; including accumulated dividends;
redeemable in 1997 with a liquidation preference
equal to $100 per share;
8,650 shares issued and outstanding $ 2,036
BCA Holdings preferred stock
Series B, payable to a related party,
$1.00 par value, 13.5% cumulative;
including accumulated dividends;
redeemable in 1997 with a liquidation
preference of $1,000 per share;
8,135 shares authorized and issued 9,367
-----------
$ 11,403
===========
Long-term debt:
Bagcraft Credit Agreement,
Term loan, interest at the lender's index
rate plus .25%, matures 9/30/02 $ 18,000
Revolving credit loan, interest at the
prime rate plus 1.5%, matures 9/30/02 13,282
Unamortized discount (1,314)
Bagcraft, City of Baxter Springs,
Kansas loan agreements, interest,
at varying rates to 6.6%,
due in varying amounts through 2025 9,966
-----------
$ 39,934
===========
Redeemable common stock, issued 72,984 shares $ 3,073
===========
Noncurrent redeemable preferred stock:
ARTRA redeemable preferred stock:
Series A, $1,000 par value,
6% cumulative payment-in-kind, including
accumulated dividends, net of unamortized
discount of $1,190; redeemable March 1, 2000
at $1,000 per share plus accrued dividends;
authorized 2,000,000 shares
all series; issued 3,750 shares $ 4,477
BCA Holdings preferred stock:
Series A, $1.00 par value, 6% cumulative;
including accumulated dividends;
liquidation preference of $1,000 per share;
10,000 shares authorized; issued 3,675 shares 4,418
-----------
$ 8,895
===========
- 14 -
<PAGE>
Common stock, no par value;
authorized 20,000,000 shares;
issued 7,624,766 shares $ 5,920
Additional paid-in capital 41,155
Unrealized appreciation of investments 17,722
Receivable from related party,
including accrued interest (6,754)
Accumulated deficit (88,403)
-----------
(30,360)
Less treasury stock (7,628 shares), at cost 52
-----------
Total shareholders' deficit $ (30,412)
===========
Total capitalization $ 35,605
===========
- 15 -
<PAGE>
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations.
ARTRA, through its Bagcraft subsidiary, currently operates in one
industry segment as a manufacturer of packaging products principally serving the
food industry. ARTRA also owns a significant minority interest in COMFORCE along
with ARTRA's wholly owned Fill-Mor subsidiary, consisting of 1,744,703 shares or
approximately 14% of the outstanding common stock of COMFORCE as of May 28,
1997. COMFORCE provides telecommunications and computer technical staffing
services worldwide to Fortune 500 companies and maintains an extensive global
database of technical specialists, with an emphasis on wireless communications
capabilities. COMFORCE is a public company, whose stock is listed on The
American Stock Exchange under the symbol "CFS." On May 28, 1997, the last
reported sale price for the Common Stock of COMFORCE was $4.625 per share.
Fill-Mor has no assets other than its COMFORCE shares.
The following discussion supplements the information found in the
financial statements and related notes:
Changes in Business
Arcar
As discussed in Note 3 to the Company's consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 26, 1996, effective April 8, 1994,
Bagcraft purchased the business assets, subject to buyer's assumption of certain
liabilities, of Arcar, a manufacturer and distributor of waterbase inks.
Effective October 26, 1995, Bagcraft sold the business assets, subject to the
buyer's assumption of certain liabilities, of Arcar for cash of approximately
$20,300,000, resulting in a net gain of $8,483,000. The net proceeds, after
extinguishment of certain Arcar debt obligations, of approximately $10,400,000,
were used to reduce Bagcraft debt obligations. The sale of Arcar resulted from
an unsolicited offer from an unrelated entity for an amount that management
believed would exceed the long-term appreciation of Arcar's assets.
COMFORCE
Prior to September, 1995, ARTRA's then 62.9% owned subsidiary, COMFORCE
(formerly Lori), operated as a designer and distributor of popular-priced
fashion costume jewelry and accessories. In September, 1995, COMFORCE adopted a
plan to discontinue its jewelry business and recorded a provision of $1,000,000
for the estimated costs to complete the disposal of the fashion costume jewelry
business.
Effective October 17, 1995, COMFORCE acquired all of the capital stock
of COMFORCE Telecom Inc. ("COMFORCE Telecom"), formerly Spectrum Global
Services, Inc. d/b/a YIELD Global, for consideration of approximately $6.4
million, net of cash acquired. This consideration consisted of cash to the
seller of approximately $5.1 million, fees of approximately $700,000, including
a fee of $500,000 to a related party, and 500,000 shares of COMFORCE common
stock valued at $843,000 (at a price per share of $1.68) issued as consideration
for various fees and guarantees associated with the transaction. The 500,000
shares of COMFORCE common stock consisted of (i) 100,000 shares issued to an
unrelated party for guaranteeing the purchase price to the seller, (ii) 100,000
shares issued to ARTRA, then the majority stockholder of COMFORCE, in
consideration of its guaranteeing the purchase price to the seller and agreeing
to enter into the Assumption Agreement, as discussed below, (iii) 150,000 issued
to two unrelated parties for advisory services in connection with the
acquisition, and (iv) 150,000 shares issued to Peter R. Harvey, then a Vice
President and director of COMFORCE for guaranteeing the payment of the $6.4
million purchase price to the seller. Additionally, in conjunction with the
COMFORCE Telecom acquisition, ARTRA entered into an Assumption Agreement whereby
it agreed to assume substantially all pre-existing Lori liabilities and
indemnify COMFORCE in the event any future liabilities arise concerning
pre-existing environmental matters and business related litigation. Accordingly,
at March 27, 1997 and December 26, 1996, $321,000 and $348,000, respectively, of
such pre-existing Lori liabilities were classified in ARTRA's condensed
consolidated balance as current liabilities of discontinued operations. The
Assumption Agreement also provided for ARTRA to exchange its interest in 100% of
Lori's Series C cumulative preferred stock for 100,000 newly issued shares of
COMFORCE common stock.
- 16 -
<PAGE>
COMFORCE Telecom provides telecommunications and computer technical
staffing services worldwide to Fortune 500 companies and maintains an extensive
global database of technical specialists with an emphasis on wireless
communications capability. The acquisition of COMFORCE Telecom was completed on
October 17, 1995.
Effective July 4, 1995, COMFORCE's management agreed to issue up to a
35% common stock interest in COMFORCE to certain individuals to manage
COMFORCE's entry into the telecommunications and computer technical staffing
business. COMFORCE recognized a non-recurring charge of $3,425,000 related to
this stock since these stock awards were 100% vested when issued, and were
neither conditioned upon these individuals' service to the Company as employees
nor the consummation of the COMFORCE Telecom acquisition. Accordingly, this
compensation charge was fully recognized in 1995. The shares of COMFORCE common
stock issued in accordance with the above agreements were valued at $.93 per
share. COMFORCE's management valued COMFORCE based on its discussions with
market makers and other advisors, taking into account (i) that the Jewelry
Business, which was discontinued at the end of the second quarter of 1995, had a
negligible value, and (ii) the value of COMFORCE was principally related to the
potential effect that a purchase of COMFORCE Telecom, if successfully concluded,
would have on the market value of COMFORCE common stock. COMFORCE's management
believed this value of $.93 per share to be a fair and appropriate value based
upon COMFORCE's financial condition as of the date COMFORCE became obligated to
issue these shares. After the issuance of the COMFORCE common shares, plus the
effects of other transactions, ARTRA's ownership interest in COMFORCE common
stock was reduced to approximately 14% and 25% at December 26, 1996 and
December 28, 1995, respectively. Accordingly, in October 1995, the accounts of
COMFORCE and its majority-owned subsidiaries were deconsolidated from ARTRA's
consolidated financial statements. See Note 6 to the Company's consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 26, 1996 for a further
discussion of the accounting treatment of ARTRA's investment in COMFORCE.
Effective December 19, 1996, ARTRA and COMFORCE agreed to settle
various differences in the interpretation of certain agreements relating to the
COMFORCE Telecom acquisition, whereby, among other things:
(a) COMFORCE delivered to ARTRA 100,000 shares of COMFORCE common
stock in consideration of ARTRA's guarantee of the COMFORCE
Telecom purchase price to the seller and 100,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock for the cancellation of the Series C
Preferred Stock. ARTRA's financial statements have reflected the
issuance of these 200,000 COMFORCE common shares to ARTRA since
the fourth quarter of 1995.
(b) ARTRA delivered to COMFORCE certificates evidencing its ownership
of 100% of the Lori Series C Preferred Stock.
(c) COMFORCE agreed to include in a proposed underwritten public
offering 380,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock held by ARTRA and
its Fill-Mor subsidiary. Sales proceeds will be used principally
to discharge the certain ARTRA and Fill-Mor debt obligations.
(d) ARTRA agreed to a Lock-up Agreement which limits its ability to
sell its remaining COMFORCE common shares for a period of 360 days
after the effective date of COMFORCE's proposed underwritten
public offering.
(e) ARTRA agreed to deposit 125,000 shares of its COMFORCE common
stock into an escrow account to collateralize its remaining
obligations under the Assumption Agreement.
COMFORCE did not retain an underwriter for the proposed underwritten
public offering and, accordingly, effective April 30, 1997 ARTRA was released
from the provisions of the Lock-up Agreement.
- 17 -
<PAGE>
Results of Operations
The Company, through its wholly-owned Bagcraft subsidiary, currently
operates in one industry segment as a manufacturer of packaging products
principally serving the food industry. Bagcraft sells all of its products
directly to its customers. On a very limited basis certain customers may be
offered extended payment terms beyond 30 days depending upon prevailing trade
practices and financial strength.
The Company's consolidated financial statements have been reclassified
to report separately the results of operations of Arcar and COMFORCE's
discontinued jewelry business prior to the deconsolidation of COMFORCE and its
majority-owned subsidiaries effective October 1995. Accordingly, the following
discussion of results of operations is presented for the Company's continuing
operations, which are conducted by the Company's wholly-owned Bagcraft
subsidiary.
Three Months Ended March 27, 1997 vs. Three Months Ended March 28, 1996
The following table presents, as a percentage of net sales, operating
expenses and other income (expense) included in the Company's earnings (loss)
before extraordinary credit for the three month periods ended March 27, 1997 and
March 28, 1996.
Three Months Ended
-----------------------
March 26, March 28,
1997 1996
-------- --------
Net sales 100.0% 100.0%
------ ------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold, exclusive of
depreciation and amortization 78.7% 81.5%
Selling, general and administrative 13.9% 13.4%
Depreciation and amortization 3.7% 3.4%
------ ------
96.3% 98.3%
------ ------
Operating earnings 3.7% 1.7%
------ ------
Other income (expense):
Interest expense -6.4% -6.1%
Amortization of debt discount -2.4% -
Realized gain on disposal of
available-for-sale securities .7% 3.7%
Other income (expense), net .1% -.5%
------ ------
-8.0% -2.9%
------ ------
Loss before income taxes,
minority interest
and extraordinary credit -4.3% -1.2%
Provision for income taxes .7% -
Minority interest -1.3% 1.9%
------ ------
Earnings (loss)
before extraordinary credit -4.9% .7%
====== ======
Net sales of $28,461,000 for the three months ended March 27, 1997 were
$59,000, or .2%, higher than net sales for the three months ended March 28,
1996. Incremental 1997 sales attributable to Bagcraft's January 1997 acquisition
of the business assets of AB Specialty were principally offset by decreased food
service sales. The 1997 decrease in food service sales is attributable to
customer deferrals of certain key promotions until the second quarter of 1997.
- 18 -
<PAGE>
The Company's cost of sales of $22,394,000 for the three months ended
March 27, 1997 decreased $747,000 as compared to the three months ended March
28, 1996. Cost of sales for the three months ended March 28, 1996 was 78.7% of
net sales compared to a cost of sales percentage of 81.5% for the three months
ended March 28, 1996. The decrease in cost of sales and cost of sales percentage
is primarily attributable to improved production efficiencies in 1997.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $3,949,000 for the
three months ended March 27, 1997 as compared to $3,800,000 for the three months
ended March 28, 1996. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 13.9% of
net sales for the three months ended March 27, 1997 as compared to 13.4% of net
sales for the three months ended March 28, 1996. The 1997 increase in selling,
general and administrative expenses is primarily attributable to Bagcraft's
January 1997 acquisition of the business assets of AB Specialty.
Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,061,000 for the three
months ended March 27, 1997 as compared to $976,000 for the three months ended
March 28, 1996. Depreciation and amortization expense was 3.7 % of net sales for
the three months ended March 27, 1997 as compared to 3.4% of net sales for the
three months ended March 28, 1996. The 1997 increase in depreciation and
amortization is primarily attributable to Bagcraft's January 1997 acquisition of
the business assets of AB Specialty.
The Company had operating earnings in the three months ended March 27,
1997 of $1,057,000 as compared to operating earnings of $485,000 in the three
months ended March 28, 1996. The 1997 increase in operating earnings is
attributable to improved operating margins as noted above, partially offset by
increased selling, general and administrative expenses and increased
depreciation and amortization.
Interest expense for the three months ended March 27, 1997 increased
$91,000 as compared to the three months ended March 28, 1996. The 1997 increase
is principally attributable to overall increase in the level of borrowings,
partially offset by lower interest rates attributable to the December 1996
amendment and restatement of Bagcraft's Credit Agreement.
Amortization of debt discount was $675,000 for the three months ended
March 27, 1997 as compared to $10,000 for the three months ended March 28, 1996.
The 1997 increase is attributable to the December 1996 amendment and restatement
of Bagcraft's Credit Agreement.
No income tax benefit was recognized in connection with the Company's
1997 pre-tax loss due to the Company's tax loss carryforwards and the
uncertainty of future taxable income. The 1996 extraordinary credit represents a
net gain from discharge of indebtedness. No income tax expense is reflected in
the Company's financial statements resulting from the 1996 extraordinary due to
the utilization of tax loss carryforwards.
- 19 -
<PAGE>
The following table presents, as a percentage of net sales, operating
expenses and other income (expense) included in the Company's earnings (loss)
from continuing operations for the three years in the period ended December 26,
1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
------------------------------------------
December 26, December 28, December 29,
1996 1995 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
----- ----- -----
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold,
exclusive of
depreciation and amortization 78.4% 84.1% 84.7%
Selling, general and administrative 13.0% 15.7% 15.0%
Depreciation and amortization 3.3% 3.6% 3.9%
Write-down of idle machinery and equipment -- 1.2% --
----- ----- -----
94.7% 104.6% 103.6%
----- ----- -----
Operating earnings (loss) 5.3% -4.6% -3.6%
----- ----- -----
Other income (expense):
Interest expense -6.6% -8.0% -7.7%
Realized gain on disposal of
available-for-sale securities 4.8% -- --
Other income (expense), net -0.1% -0.1% --
Equity in loss of COMFORCE -- -0.4% --
----- ----- -----
-1.9% -8.5% -7.7%
----- ----- -----
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
before income taxes and minority interest 3.4% -13.1% -11.3%
Provision for income taxes -0.1% -- --
Minority interest -0.4% -0.7% -0.8%
----- ----- -----
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations 2.9% -13.8% -12.1%
====== ===== ======
</TABLE>
Year Ended December 26, 1996 vs. Year Ended Decemer 28, 1995
Continuing Operations
Net sales from continuing operations of $120,699,000 for the year ended
December 26, 1996 were $1,180,000, or 1.0%, lower than net sales from continuing
operations for the year ended December 28, 1995. The 1996 sales decrease is
attributable to an overall volume decrease partially offset by increased selling
prices. The 1996 volume decrease is principally attributable to purchases of the
Company's products by a major fast food customer a relating to a non-recurring
1995 promotion. The increased 1996 selling prices were in response to the
significant increases in paper costs in 1995.
The Company's cost of sales from continuing operations of $94,613,000
for the year ended December 26, 1996 decreased $7,895,000 as compared to the
year ended December 28, 1995. Cost of sales from continuing operations in the
year ended December 26, 1996 was 78.4% of net sales compared to a cost of sales
percentage of 84.1% for the year ended December 28, 1995. The decrease in cost
of sales is primarily attributable to lower paper costs and the decreased 1996
sales volume as noted above. The decrease in cost of sales percentage is
primarily attributable to lower paper costs and improved production efficiencies
in 1996.
- 20 -
<PAGE>
Selling, general and administrative expenses from continuing operations
were $15,638,000 in the year ended December 26, 1996 as compared to $19,131,000
in the year ended December 28, 1995. Selling, general and administrative
expenses were 13.0% of net sales in the year ended December 26, 1996 as compared
to 15.7% of net sales in the year ended December 28, 1995. The 1996 decrease in
selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily attributable to a
third quarter 1995 compensation charge related to the issuance of a 35% common
stock interest in COMFORCE as additional consideration for certain individuals
to enter into employment or consulting services agreements to manage COMFORCE's
entry into and development of the telecommunications and computer technical
staffing services business.
Depreciation and amortization expense from continuing operations was
$3,927,000 in the year ended December 26, 1996 as compared to $4,330,000 in the
year ended December 28, 1995. Depreciation and amortization expense was 3.3 % of
net sales in the year ended December 26, 1996 as compared to 3.6% of net sales
in the year ended December 28, 1995. The 1996 decrease in depreciation and
amortization expense is primarily attributable to the December, 1995 write-down
of idle machinery and equipment dedicated to the production of microwave popcorn
products.
In recent years, Bagcraft had experienced a decline in its domestic
microwave popcorn business due to the acquisition of one of its major customers
by a company with its own packaging ability. Accordingly, at December 28, 1995,
Bagcraft incurred a charge to operations of $1,503,000 to write-down the
carrying value of idle machinery and equipment dedicated to the production of
microwave popcorn products.
The Company had operating earnings in the year ended December 26, 1996
of $6,521,000 as compared to operating loss of $5,593,000 in the year ended
December 28, 1995. The 1996 increase in operating earnings is attributable to
improved operating margins and to the decrease in selling, general and
administrative expenses as noted above.
Interest expense from continuing operations in the year ended December
26, 1996 decreased $1,777,000 as compared to the year ended December 28, 1995.
The 1996 decrease is principally due to discharges of bank indebtedness in the
fourth quarter of 1995 and the first quarter of 1996.
During 1996 ARTRA sold 193,000 COMFORCE common shares in the market,
with the net proceeds of approximately $3,7000,000 used for working capital.
During 1996 certain lenders received 105,000 COMFORCE common shares held by the
Company as additional consideration for short-term loans. In October 1996, a
lender exercised the conversion rights of a short-term loan and received 33,333
COMFORCE common shares in settlement of the Company's obligation. The
disposition of these 331,333 COMFORCE common shares resulted in realized gains
of $5,818,000 during the year ended December 26, 1996, with cost determined by
average cost.
The 1996 and 1995 extraordinary credits represent net gains from
discharge of indebtedness. No income tax expense is reflected in the Company's
financial statements resulting from the extraordinary credits in due to the
utilization of tax loss carryforwards, except for Federal alternative minimum
tax incurred in 1996. Due to the Company's tax loss carryforwards and the
uncertainty of future taxable income, no income tax benefit was recognized in
connection with the Company's 1995 pre-tax loss.
Discontinued Operations
Earnings from discontinued operations of $10,000 for the year ended
December 28, 1995 consisted of a charge to operations of $6,430,000 to write-off
the remaining goodwill of COMFORCE's jewelry business, a provision of $1,000,000
for loss on disposal of COMFORCE's jewelry business and operating losses of
COMFORCE's jewelry business, offset by a gain on sale of Bagcraft's Arcar
subsidiary of $8,483,000 and operating earnings of Bagcraft's Arcar subsidiary.
- 21 -
<PAGE>
Year Ended December 28, 1995 vs. Year Ended December 29, 1994
Continuing Operations
Net sales from continuing operations of $121,879,000 for the year ended
December 28, 1995 were $10,042,000, or 9.0%, higher than net sales from
continuing operations for the year ended December 29, 1994. The 1995 sales
increase is attributable to increased 1995 selling prices due to the significant
increases in paper costs in the second half of 1994 and early 1995 and to an
improved sales mix in 1995.
The Company's cost of sales from continuing operations of $102,508,000
for year ended December 28, 1995 increased $7,742,000 as compared to year ended
December 29, 1994. Cost of sales from continuing operations in the year ended
December 28, 1995 was 84.1% of net sales compared to a cost of sales percentage
of 84.7% for the year ended December 29, 1994. The increase in cost of sales is
primarily attributable to the significant increases in paper costs in the second
half of 1994 and early 1995. The decrease in cost of sales percentage is
primarily attributable to the Company's ability to pass along the significant
increases in paper costs and to improved production efficiencies in 1995.
Selling, general and administrative expenses from continuing operations
were $19,131,000 in the year ended December 28, 1995 as compared to $16,760,000
in the year ended December 29, 1994. Selling, general and administrative
expenses were 15.7% of net sales in the year ended December 28, 1995 as compared
to 15.0% of net sales in the year ended December 29, 1994. The 1995 increase in
selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily attributable to a
compensation charge of $3,000,000 related to the issuance of a 35% common stock
interest in COMFORCE as additional compensation for certain individuals to enter
into employment or consulting services agreements to manage its entry into and
development of the telecommunications and computer technical staffing services
business.
In recent years, Bagcraft has experienced a decline in its domestic
microwave popcorn business due to the acquisition of one of its major customers
by a company with its own packaging ability. Accordingly, at December 31, 1995,
Bagcraft incurred a charge to operations of $1,503,000 to write-down the
carrying value of idle machinery and equipment dedicated to the production of
microwave popcorn products.
Operating loss from continuing operations in the year ended December
28, 1995 was $5,593,000 as compared to operating loss of $4,026,000 in the year
ended December 29, 1994. The increased operating loss is primarily attributable
to a compensation charge of $3,000,000 related to the issuance of a 35% common
stock interest in COMFORCE as additional compensation for certain individuals to
enter into employment or consulting services agreements to manage its entry into
and development of the telecommunications and computer technical staffing
services business and a charge to operations of $1,503,000 to write-down the
carrying value of idle machinery and equipment dedicated to the production of
microwave popcorn products, partially offset by improved operating margins of
the Bagcraft subsidiary.
Interest expense from continuing operations in the year ended December
28, 1995 increased $1,164,000 as compared to the year ended December 29, 1994.
The 1995 increase is principally due to the cost of ARTRA common stock issued as
additional compensation for the December 1995 private placement of ARTRA
short-term notes.
Due to the Company's tax loss carryforwards and the uncertainty of
future taxable income, no income tax benefit was recognized in connection with
the Company's 1995 and 1994 pre-tax losses. The 1995 extraordinary credit
represents a net gain from discharge of bank indebtedness.
- 22 -
<PAGE>
Discontinued Operations
Earnings from discontinued operations of $10,000 for the year ended
December 28, 1995 consisted of a charge to operations of $6,430,000 to write-off
the remaining goodwill of COMFORCE's jewelry business, a provision of $1,000,000
for loss on disposal of COMFORCE's jewelry business and operating losses of
COMFORCE' jewelry business, offset by a gain on sale of Bagcraft's Arcar
subsidiary of $8,483,000 and operating earnings of Bagcraft's Arcar subsidiary.
The loss from discontinued operations of $15,906,000 for the year ended
December 29, 1994 consisted principally of a charge to operations of $10,800,000
to write-off goodwill of COMFORCE's former New Dimensions subsidiary and
operating losses of COMFORCE's jewelry business.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Working Capital
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $123,000 during the three months
ended March 27, 1997. Cash flows used by operating activities of $1,631,000 and
cash flows used by investing activities of $2,139,000 exceeded cash flows from
financing activities of $3,647,000. Cash flows used by operating activities were
principally attributable to the Company's net loss for the quarter ended March
27, 1997 . Cash flows from investing activities principally represent funds
expended to complete Bagcraft's acquisition of the business assets of AB
Specialty (see Note 14 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial
statements for the quarter ended March 27, 1997) and capital expenditures. Cash
flows from financing activities were principally attributable to a net increase
in long-term borrowings.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $2,176,000 during the year ended
December 26, 1996. Cash flows used by operating activities of $4,380,000
exceeded cash flows from investing activities of $915,000 and cash flows from
financing activities of $1,289,000. Cash flows used by operating activities were
principally attributable to funds used to pay down accounts payable and accrued
liabilities. Cash flows from investing activities principally represent proceeds
from the sale of COMFORCE common stock, partially offset by capital
expenditures. Cash flows from financing activities were principally attributable
to a net increase in long-term borrowings.
The Company's consolidated working capital deficiency increased
$2,975,000 to $6,367,000 during the three months ended March 27, 1997. The
increase in working capital deficiency is principally attributable to unrealized
depreciation of available-for-sale securities (COMFORCE common stock), partially
offset by a planned inventory build-up and working capital purchased in
Bagcraft's January 1997 acquisition of the business assets of AB Specialty.
The Company's consolidated working capital deficiency decreased
$22,973,000 to $3,392,000 during the year ended December 26, 1996. The decrease
in working capital deficiency is principally attributable to the
reclassification of available-for-sale securities (COMFORCE common stock) from a
noncurrent to a current asset at December 26, 1996. The Company's operating plan
for fiscal year 1997 anticipates the sale of these marketable securities, with
proceeds to be used principally to pay down Corporate debt obligations and fund
working capital requirements.
- 23 -
<PAGE>
Status of Debt Agreements and Operating Plan
At March 27, 1997 and December 26, 1996 the Parent Company was in
default of provisions of certain of its credit agreements. Under certain debt
agreements of Bagcraft with its lenders, Bagcraft is restricted in the
distributions that it can make to ARTRA. In December 1996, Bagcraft's credit
agreement was extended until September 30, 2002. See Notes 6 and 7 to the
Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended
March 27, 1997 and discussion below.
ARTRA Corporate
As of May 28, 1997, the Company had outstanding short-term indebtedness
of approximately $15,100,000, of which $4,450,000 was past due.
ARTRA has outstanding an aggregate of $3,000,000 in loans from The
Research Center of Kabbalah ("RCK"). All of these loans are currently past due,
but RCK has made no demand for payment of past due amounts. During 1993, RCK,
which held approximately 7% of ARTRA's outstanding Common Stock (including the
stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants) as of May 28, 1997, made certain
short-term loans to the Company of which $2,000,000, with interest at 10%, was
outstanding at December 31, 1993. As additional compensation, RCK received
warrants to purchase an aggregate of 86,250 ARTRA common shares at prices
ranging from $6.00 to $7.00 per share based upon the market price of ARTRA's
common stock at the date of issuance. The warrants expire five years from the
date of issuance. In January 1994, RCK made an additional $1,000,000 short-term
loan to the Company, also with interest at 10%. The proceeds of these loans were
used to pay down various ARTRA short-term loans and other debt obligations. In
December, 1995, RCK received 126,222 shares of ARTRA common in payment of past
due interest through October 31, 1995. Interest on the loans has been paid
through March, 1997. Payment on the loans was due March 31, 1994, however, the
lender has not demanded payment. In February 1997, the lender received a warrant
to purchase an additional 100,000 ARTRA common shares at $5.625 per share as
consideration for not demanding payment of this obligation. In April 1997, the
lender received a warrant to purchase an additional 100,000 ARTRA common shares
at $5.00 per share as consideration for not demanding payment of this
obligation.
Thru May 27, 1997,, ARTRA completed a private placement of 12%
promissory notes due December 1, 1997 in the principal amount of $1,800,000. The
notes are collateralized by by 360,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by
the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional consideration, the noteholders
received warrants to purchase an aggregate of 150,000 ARTRA common shares at a
price of $5.00 per share. The warrantholders have the right to put these
warrants back to ARTRA at any time during the period December 1, 1997 to May 23,
1999, at a price of $7.40 per share. The proceeds from this private placement
were used to pay down various ARTRA debt obligations.
In July 1996, ARTRA completed a private placement of 12% promissory
notes due April 15, 1997 in the principal amount of $7,675,000. The notes are
collateralized by ARTRA's interest in all of the common stock of BCA (the parent
company of Bagcraft). As additional consideration, the noteholders received
warrants to purchase an aggregate of 383,750 ARTRA common shares at a price of
$6.00 per share. In addition, warrants to purchase an additional 35,000 shares
were issued to an unrelated party as a commission in connection with the
offering. The warrants became exercisable August 15, 1996 and expire April 15,
1999. The warrantholders have the right to put these warrants back to ARTRA at
any time during the period April 15, 1997 to October 15, 1998, at a price of
$2.00 per share. The cost of this obligation ($837,500 if all warrants are put
back to the Company) is being accrued in the Company's financial statements as a
charge to interest expense over the period April 15, 1996 (the commencement date
of the private placement) through April 15, 1997 (the maturity date of the notes
as well as the date the warrantholders have the right to put their warrants back
to ARTRA). The proceeds from this private placement were used to pay down
various ARTRA debt obligations. Through May 28, 1997, the Company has repaid
promissory notes with an aggregate principal balance of $6,225,000. The note
payments were funded with the proceeds of additional short-term borrowings and
with funds received from the Company's Bagcraft subsidiary in accordance with
May 1997 amendments to its credit agreement. The maturity date of the remaining
unpaid promissory notes, with an aggregate principal balance of $1,450,000, had
been extended by the noteholders until May 15, 1997. The Company is currently
negotiating with several potential lenders to refinance these notes and other
ARTRA debt obligations.
- 24 -
<PAGE>
In August, 1996, ARTRA borrowed $500,000 from Howard Conant, then a
private investor, evidenced by an short-term note, due December 23, 1996,
bearing interest at 10%. The loan was collateralized by 125,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock owned by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional
compensation for the loan, Mr. Conant received a warrant, expiring in 2001, to
purchase 25,000 ARTRA common shares at a price of $5.00 per share. The proceeds
of the loan were used for working capital. At the Company's annual meeting of
shareholders, held August 29, 1996, Mr. Conant was elected to the Company's
board of directors. In December, 1996, the loan was extended until April 23,
1997 and Mr. Conant received, as additional compensation, a warrant , expiring
in 2001, to purchase 25,000 ARTRA common shares at a price of $5.875 per share.
In January, 1997, ARTRA borrowed an additional $300,000 from Mr. Conant
evidenced by an short-term note, due December 23, 1997, bearing interest at 8%.
The loan was collateralized by 100,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by
the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional compensation for the loan, Mr.
Conant received a warrant, expiring in 2002, to purchase 25,000 ARTRA common
shares at a price of $5.75 per share.
In March 1997, ARTRA borrowed an additional $1,000,000 from Mr. Conant
evidenced by a short-term note, due May 26, 1997, bearing interest at 12%. The
loan was collateralized by 585,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the
Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional compensation, Mr. Conant received
an option to purchase 25,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the
Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary at a price of $4.00 per share, with the right to
put the option back to ARTRA on or before May 30, 1997 for a total put price of
$50,000. In May 1997, Mr. Conant exercised his rights and put the COMFORCE
option back to ARTRA for $50,000. The proceeds from this loan were used in part
to repay an ARTRA/Fill-Mor $2,500,000 bank term loan.
In April 1997, ARTRA borrowed $5,000,000 from Mr. Conant evidenced by a
note, due April 20, 1998, bearing interest at 10%. Mr. Conant is holding 810,000
shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary as
collateral for this loan. As additional compensation, the lender received a
warrant to purchase 333,333 ARTRA common shares at a price of $5.00 per share.
The warrantholder has the right to put this warrant back to ARTRA at any time
during the period April 21, 1998 to April 20, 2000, for a total purchase price
of $1,000,000. The cost of this obligation will be accrued in the Company's
financial statements as a charge to interest expense over the period April 21,
1997 (the date of the loan) through April 21, 1998 (the date the warrantholder
has the right to put the warrant back to ARTRA). The proceeds from this loan
were used to repay Mr. Conant's outstanding borrowings of $1,800,000 and to pay
down other ARTRA debt obligations. As of May 7, 1997, ARTRA had total
outstanding borrowings of $5,000,000 from Mr. Conant collateralized by 810,000
shares of COMFORCE common stock.
-25-
<PAGE>
At December 26, 1996 (the end of ARTRA's most recent fiscal year),
ARTRA was the obligor under two demand notes originally issued to CIPKA S.A., an
unrelated Swiss company, in the amount of approximately $2,300,000, including
accrued interest. The notes were issued in October, 1990 with interest at 15
percent. In January 1997, ARTRA received notice that its obligations to CIPKA
were sold, effective October 26, 1996, to PRESTWOOD LIMITED, an unrelated
company registered in Tortola, BVI. ARTRA is currently negotiating with the
noteholder to extend or refinance this obligation
ARTRA also has outstanding short-term borrowings from other unrelated
parties aggregating approximately $1,600,000. The remaining amounts come due at
various times in 1997. The notes were issued at various times during the period
June, 1994 to March, 1997, and the interest rates vary between 10 and 14
percent. The proceeds of these loans were used for working capital.
ARTRA has suffered recurring losses from operations and has a net
capital deficiency. As a result of these factors, ARTRA has experienced
difficulty in obtaining adequate financing to replace certain current credit
arrangements, certain of which are in default, to fund its debt service and
liquidity requirements in 1996. Due to its limited ability to receive operating
funds from its operating subsidiary, ARTRA historically has met its operating
expenditures with funds generated by such alternative sources as private
placements of ARTRA common stock and notes, sales of ARTRA common stock with put
options, loans from officers/directors and private investors, as well as through
sales of assets (including COMFORCE shares) and/or other equity infusions. ARTRA
plans to continue to seek such alternative sources of funds to meet its future
operating expenditures.
ARTRA believes that it will be able to satisfy its obligations.
However, there can be no assurance that ARTRA will be able to successfully
refinance the above referenced indebtedness or that it will be able to sell
COMFORCE shares at an acceptable price. See "Investment In COMFORCE
Corporation." If ARTRA is unable to negotiate extensions with its creditors and
complete the above mentioned transactions, ARTRA could suffer severe adverse
consequences, and as a result, ARTRA may be forced to liquidate its assets or
file for protection under the Bankruptcy Code.
In March 1997, ARTRA borrowed $1,000,000 from an unaffiliated
corporation evidenced by a short-term note, due May 26, 1997, bearing interest
at 12%. The loan was collateralized by 630,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock
owned by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional compensation, the
lender received an option to purchase 25,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock
owned by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary at a price of $4.00 per share, with
the right to put the option back to ARTRA on or before May 30, 1997 for a put
price of $50,000. Under certain circumstances, ARTRA has the right to repurchase
the option for $50,000. In May 1997, ARTRA repurchased the option for $50,000
and repaid this loan . The proceeds from this loan were used in part to repay an
ARTRA/Fill-Mor $2,500,000 bank term loan.
On August 15, 1996, ARTRA and its 100% owned Fill-Mor subsidiary
entered into a $2,500,000 term loan agreement with a bank. The loan, which
provided for interest payable monthly at the bank's reference rate (8.25% at
December 26, 1996) was guaranteed by ARTRA and was collateralized by 1,265,000
shares of COMFORCE common stock. Proceeds of the loan were used for working
capital. In March 1997, the loan was repaid with proceeds from other short-term
borrowings, principally the two $1,000,000 loans from Mr. Conant and an
unaffiliated corporation, as discussed above.
In May, 1996, ARTRA borrowed $100,000 from Edward A. Celano, then a
private investor, evidenced by an unsecured short-term note, due August 7, 1996,
and renewed to February 6, 1997, bearing interest at 10%. The proceeds of the
loan were used for working capital. At the Company's annual meeting of
shareholders, held August 29, 1996, Mr. Celano was elected to the Company's
board of directors. Effective January 17, 1997, Mr. Celano exercised his
conversion rights and received 18,182 shares of ARTRA common stock as payment of
the principal balance of his note.
- 26 -
<PAGE>
In October 1996 the Company and its Fill-Mor subsidiary entered into a
margin loan agreement with a financial institution which provided for borrowings
of $600,000, with interest approximating the prime rate. Borrowings under the
loan agreement were collateralized by 215,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock
owned by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. The proceeds of the loan were used
for working capital. In January, 1997, the loan was repaid with proceeds from
other short-term borrowings.
As of February 26, 1996, ARTRA was indebted to Bank of America Illinois
("B of A") in the sum of $14,563,639.59 including accrued interest and fees (the
"Prior ARTRA Indebtedness"). As of February 26, 1996, Peter R. Harvey, an
officer and director of ARTRA, was indebted to B of A in the sum of $7,496,830
including accrued interest (the "Prior Harvey Indebtedness"). The Prior ARTRA
Indebtedness and the Prior Harvey Indebtedness are collectively referred to as
the "Debt," or "Prior Notes."
On February 26, 1996, for an aggregate purchase price of $5,150,000
(the "Purchase Price") Arabella, S.A. ("Arabella") purchased from B of A (the
"Debt Purchase") all of B of A's interest in the Debt except that B of A
retained the rights to $3 million of the Prior Harvey Indebtedness. B of A then
entered into a Participation Agreement with ARTRA pursuant to which B of A
transferred to ARTRA the right to receive $2.15 million of the retained $3
million indebtedness. The $3 million indebtedness was collateralized by a
mortgage on certain real estate owned by Mr. Harvey. B of A's rights to the
remaining $850,000 of the indebtedness had priority over ARTRA's rights to the
$2.15 million. In March 1997, the bank sold its interest in Mr. Harvey's note
and the related collateral to a private investor. ARTRA retained its $2,150,000
security interest the real estate, subordinated to the noteholder's $850,000
security interest in this real estate.
The Prior ARTRA Indebtedness and the Prior Harvey Indebtedness were
satisfied as follows.
1. ARTRA paid Arabella cash in the amount of $2,650,000, 100,000 shares
of ARTRA common stock (valued at $440,667 after a discount for restricted
marketability) and 25,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock held by ARTRA (with a
then fair market value of $200,000).
2. BCA executed a note in favor of Arabella in the principal amount of
$1,900,000 with a maturity date of May 26, 1996 (the "New ARTRA Note"), and
Peter R. Harvey executed a note in favor of Arabella in the principal amount of
$2,296,830 (the "New Harvey Note"). The amount of the Harvey Note was reduced to
$100,000 if payment was made by May 26, 1996. Arabella was entitled to up to an
additional 100,000 shares of ARTRA common stock and 25,000 shares of COMFORCE
stock depending on when ARTRA and Peter R. Harvey repaid the new debt. The New
ARTRA and Harvey Notes were repaid in April, 1996, principally from the proceeds
of a private placement completed in July (and commenced in April). Based on the
date of the repayment, Arabella received an additional 50,000 shares of ARTRA
stock, which had a value of $220,000 after a discount for restricted
marketability. Arabella also received an additional $125,000 in lieu of the
additional 12,500 shares of COMFORCE to which it was entitled based on the date
of repayment.
3. ARTRA gave Arabella an option to purchase 40% of the common stock of
Bagcraft for nominal consideration. The option was valued at $500,000. Per the
terms of the agreement, ARTRA repurchased the option for $550,000 in April,
1996.
ARTRA recognized a gain on the discharge of indebtedness of $9,424,000
($1.23 per share) in the first quarter of 1996 and recorded a receivable for Mr.
Harvey's pro rata share ($1,089,000) of the debt discharge funded by the
Company. In addition, ARTRA discharged $2,150,000 of amounts previously owed to
it by Peter Harvey, which offset ARTRA's right to receive $2,150,000 from Mr.
Harvey pursuant to the Participation Agreement discussed above. See
"Transactions With Management And Others -- Settlement of the Bank of America
Illinois Debt."
In December 1995, ARTRA completed a private placement of $2,500,000 of
12% convertible subordinated promissory notes due March 21, 1996. As additional
consideration the noteholders received 15,000 ARTRA common shares per each
$100,000 of notes issued, or an aggregate of 375,000 ARTRA common shares. The
ARTRA common shares were valued at $1,266,000 ($3.375 per share) based upon the
closing market value of ARTRA common stock on the date of issue, discounted for
restricted marketability. In the event the notes and all accrued interest were
not paid in full at maturity, the noteholders had the option to convert all or a
portion of the amount due into shares of ARTRA common at a conversion price of
$3.00 per share. The proceeds from the private placement, held in escrow at
December 28, 1995, were used to pay down other debt obligations in January,
1996. At March 28, 1996, the outstanding principal amount due on these notes was
reduced to $1,975,000. In April, 1996, the remaining outstanding notes were
repaid principally with proceeds from the private placement of ARTRA notes
completed in July, 1996 as discussed above.
- 27 -
<PAGE>
On March 31, 1994, ARTRA entered into a series of agreements with B of
A and Kenny Construction Company ("Kenny"), which had guaranteed $2,500,000 of
ARTRA bank notes held by B of A. A major shareholder and executive officer of
Kenny is an ARTRA director. Per terms of the agreements, Kenny purchased
$2,500,000 of ARTRA notes from B of A and B of A released Kenny from its
$2,500,000 loan guaranty. As additional consideration, Kenny received an option
to put back to ARTRA the 49,980 shares of ARTRA common stock which it had
received as compensation for the former $2,500,000 loan guaranty at a price of
$15.00 per share. The put option was exercisable on the later of the day that
the $2,500,000 note payable to Kenny became due or the date the ARTRA bank notes
payable to B of A were paid in full. The option price was to increase by $2.25
annually. During the first quarter of 1996, the $2,500,000 note and related
accrued interest was paid in full, principally with the proceeds from additional
short-term borrowings. The put option remains outstanding.
On February 20, 1996, the Company issued 10% Secured Convertible
Promissory Notes to two lenders for the aggregate principal amount of
$2,400,000. Up to an aggregate principal amount of $400,000 of Secured Notes was
convertible into common stock of the Company at the rate of $5.00 per share. The
notes were collateralized by an aggregate of 1,980,000 shares of COMFORCE common
stock, which constituted all of the COMFORCE stock owned by the Company. The 10%
Notes were due on June 19, 1996. The holders converted notes with a value of
$400,000, and the remaining notes were repaid with the proceeds from the June
sale of COMFORCE shares. See "Investment In COMFORCE Corporation."
ARTRA has entered into various agreements under which it has sold its
common shares along with put options that require ARTRA to repurchase these
shares at the option of the holder, usually one year after the date of each such
agreement. At May 28, 1997, options were outstanding that, if exercised, would
require ARTRA to repurchase 72,984 shares of its Common Stock for an aggregate
of approximately $3,100,000. ARTRA does not have adequate resources to make such
redemptions. However, the holders have the option to sell their shares in the
market, subject to the limitations of Rule 144 of the Securities Act, which
could adversely impact the market price of the Common Stock. At its discretion
and subject to its financial ability, ARTRA could reimburse the option holders
for any shortfall resulting from such sale. At the present time none of the
option holders have demanded payment, and all of the option holders have
indicated to the Company a willingness to work with the Company to satisfy the
obligations, in some manner other than a demand for payment under the put
option.
As discussed in Note 13 to the Company's condensed consolidated
financial statements for the quarter ended March 27, 1997, ARTRA has total
amounts due from its president, Peter R. Harvey, of which $8,449,000 and
$7,998,000, including accrued interest, remained outstanding at March 27, 1997
and December 26, 1996, respectively. The amounts due bear interest at the prime
rate plus 2% (10.25% at March 27, 1997 and December 26, 1996). This receivable
from Peter R. Harvey has been classified as a reduction of common shareholders'
equity.
Commencing January 1, 1993 to date, interest on all amounts due from
Peter R. Harvey has been accrued and fully reserved.
As partial collateral for amounts due from Peter R. Harvey, the Company
has received the pledge of 1,523 shares of ARTRA redeemable preferred stock
(with a liquidation value of $1,523,000, plus accrued dividends) which are owned
by Mr. Harvey. In addition, Mr. Harvey has pledged a 25% interest in Industrial
Communication Company (a private company). Such interest is valued by Mr. Harvey
at $800,000 to $1,000,000. During 1995, Peter R. Harvey entered into a pledge
agreement with ARTRA whereby Mr. Harvey pledged additional collateral consisting
of 42,067 shares of ARTRA common stock and 707,281 shares of PureTec. As of May
7, 1997, the closing market price of Puretec on the NASDAQ National Market was
$1.688 per share. In addition, in connection with a discharge of certain bank
indebtedness discussed below, ARTRA received rights under a mortgage of certain
real estate owned by Mr. Harvey. The real estate had an appraised value of $2
million as of December 13, 1993. The mortgage secures $2,150,000 of the amount
owed by Mr. Harvey. Bank of America Illinois had a senior security interest in
the amount of $850,000. See "Transactions With Management And Others --
Settlement of the Bank of America Illinois Debt." In March 1997, the bank sold
its interest in Mr. Harvey's note and the related collateral to a private
investor. ARTRA retained its $2,150,000 security interest the real estate,
subordinated to the noteholder's $850,000 security interest in this real estate.
ARTRA's corporate entity has no material commitments for capital
expenditures.
- 28 -
<PAGE>
Bagcraft
Bagcraft entered into a Credit Agreement, dated as of December 17, 1993
(the "Credit Agreement") that initially provided for a revolving credit loan
with interest at the lender's index rate plus 1.5% and two separate term loans.
The term loans were separate facilities initially totaling $12,000,000 (Term
Loan A) and $8,000,000 (Term Loan B), bearing interest at the lender's index
rate plus 1.75% and 3%, respectively.
Effective February 1, 1996, the Credit Agreement was amended whereby,
among other things, the maturity date of the Credit Agreement was extended until
September 30, 1997, certain loan covenants were amended. The principal payments
under Term Loan B were modified to include twenty-three monthly installments of
$200,000 from November 15, 1995 to September 30, 1997, with the remaining
balance payable at maturity (September 30, 1997). Additionally, in conjunction
with a preferred stock exchange agreement between BCA (the parent of Bagcraft),
Bagcraft and the holder of Bagcraft's 13.5% cumulative redeemable preferred
stock, the lender consented to an advance to Bagcraft of $4,135,000 under the
revolving credit loan to be transferred to ARTRA as a dividend (see Note 11 to
the Company's consolidated financial statements).
In December 1996, the Credit Agreement was amended and restated
whereby, among other things, the maturity date of the Credit Agreement was
extended to September 30, 2002 and certain loan covenants were amended. Term
Loan A and Term Loan B, as previously defined in the Credit Agreement were
consolidated into a new $20,000,000 term loan with interest at the lender's
index rate plus .25% (8.5% at December 26, 1996). Principal payments under the
term loan were modified to provide for annual principal payments (payable in
quarterly installments) in the amount of $2,000,000 in 1997 through 1999;
$3,000,000 in 2000 and 2001; and $8,000,000 in 2002. The amended and restated
Credit Agreement also provided for a $3,00,000 capital expenditures line of
credit with interest at the lender's index rate plus .25%.
The amount available to Bagcraft under the revolving credit loan is
subject to a borrowing base, as defined in the Credit Agreement, up to a maximum
of $18,000,000. At March 27, 1997 and December 26, 1996, approximately
$4,700,000 and $6,200,000, respectively, was available and unused by Bagcraft
under the revolving credit loan. Borrowings under the revolving credit loan are
payable upon maturity of the Credit Agreement, unless accelerated under terms of
the Credit Agreement. At March 27, 1997 and December 26, 1996, the interest rate
on the revolving credit loan was 8.25%.
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are collateralized by the common
stock and substantially all of the assets of Bagcraft. The Credit Agreement, as
amended, contains various restrictive covenants, that among other restrictions,
require Bagcraft to maintain minimum levels of tangible net worth and liquidity
levels, and limits capital expenditures and restricts additional loans, dividend
payments and payments to related parties. In addition, the Credit Agreement
prohibits changes in ownership of Bagcraft. At December 26, 1996 Bagcraft was in
compliance with the provisions of its Credit Agreement.
Effective May 15, 1997, the Credit Agreement was amended to provide for
a $5,000,000 term loan (Term Loan B) with interest at the lender's index rate
plus .75%. Term Loan B is payable on May 8, 1998, unless accelerated under terms
of the Credit Agreement. The proceeds of Term Loan B were advanced to ARTRA
under terms of an intercompany note payable to Bagcraft on May 8, 1998. Because
the ARTRA/Bagcraft note results from an intercompany transaction, it has not
been included in ARTRA's short-term indebtedness. ARTRA used the proceeds of
this loan to repay certain ARTRA debt obligations
As additional compensation for borrowings under the Credit Agreement,
in December 1993, the lender received a detachable warrant ("Warrant"), expiring
in December 1998, allowing the holder to purchase up to 10% of the fully diluted
common equity of Bagcraft at a nominal value. Under certain conditions Bagcraft
was required to repurchase the Warrant from the lender. The determination of the
repurchase price of the Warrant was to be based on the Warrant's pro rata share
of the highest of book value, appraised value or market value of Bagcraft. In
connection with the February 1, 1996 amendment to the Credit Agreement, the
warrant agreement was amended to permit the holder to purchase 13% of the fully
diluted common equity of Bagcraft at the original nominal purchase price and to
extend the expiration date to December 17, 1999. In January 1997, in accordance
with the December 1996 amendment to the Credit Agreement, Bagcraft repurchased
50% of the Warrant (6.5% of the fully diluted common equity of Bagcraft) for
$1,500,000. Bagcraft can repurchase the remaining 50% of the Warrant on or after
December 17, 1997 for an amount based upon the Warrant's pro rata share of the
highest of book value, appraised value or market value of Bagcraft as noted
- 29 -
<PAGE>
above. In accordance with the May 1997 amendment to the Credit Agreement the
Warrant was amended. In the event there is a change in Bagcraft's ownership
through May 30, 1998, the lender is entitled to receive an amount equal to 6.5%
of the fully diluted common equity of Bagcraft, based upon the fair value of
Bagcraft at the date of a change of ownership, less the $1,500,000 the lender
received in January 1997 when Bagcraft repurchased 50% of the Warrant.
In March, 1994 Bagcraft and the City of Baxter Springs, Kansas
completed a $12,500,000 financing package associated with the construction of a
new 265,000 sq. ft. production facility in Baxter Springs, Kansas. The financing
package, funded by a combination of Federal, state and local funds, consists of
the following loan agreements payable by Bagcraft directly to the City of Baxter
Springs:
A $7,000,000 promissory note payable in ten installments of $700,000
due annually on July 21 of each year beginning in 1995 through
maturity on July 21, 2004. Interest, at varying rates from 4.6% to
6.6%, is payable semi-annually. At March 27, 1997 and December 26,
1996, Bagcraft had outstanding borrowings of $5,600,000 under this
loan agreement.
A $5,000,000 subordinated promissory note payable as follows:
$2,425,000 due in 1998; and $2,425,000 due in 1999. The subordinated
promissory note is non-interest bearing, subject to certain repayment
provisions as defined in the agreement (as amended). At March 27, 1997
and December 26, 1996, Bagcraft had outstanding borrowings of
$4,850,000 under this loan agreement.
Two separate $250,000 subordinated promissory notes payable in varying
installments through January 20, 2025. The subordinated promissory
notes are non-interest bearing, subject to certain repayment
provisions as defined in the agreement. At March 27, 1997 and December
26, 1996, Bagcraft had outstanding borrowings of $228,000 and
$231,000, respectively, under this loan agreement.
Borrowings under the above loan agreements are collateralized by a
first lien on the land and building at the Baxter Springs, Kansas production
facility and by a second lien on certain machinery and equipment. Under certain
ircumstances, repayment of the borrowings under the above loan agreements is
subordinated to the repayment of obligations under Bagcraft's Credit Agreement.
At December 28, 1995, $552,000 of borrowings from the above loan agreements was
reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheet in current assets as
restricted cash and equivalents. These funds, invested in interest bearing cash
equivalents and restricted for expenditures associated with the Baxter Springs,
Kansas project were expended during the first quarter of 1996.
The Kansas facility replaced Bagcraft's production facilities in
Joplin, Missouri and Carteret, NJ.
Bagcraft has historically funded its capital requirements with cash
flow from operations and funds available under its revolving credit loan. These
sources should provide sufficient cash flow to fund Bagcraft's short-term
capital requirements. As discussed above, it is anticipated that Bagcraft's
recently amended Credit Agreement will provide Bagcraft with the ability to fund
its long-term capital requirements.
Bagcraft anticipates that its 1997 capital expenditures, principally
for manufacturing equipment, will be approximately $2,500,000 and will be funded
principally from the above-mentioned credit facilities and also from operations.
As discussed in Note 14 to the condensed consolidated financial
statements for the quarter ended March 27, 1997, effective January 2, 1997,
Bagcraft completed the purchase of the business assets, subject to buyer's
assumption of certain liabilities, of AB Specialty Holding Company, Inc. ("AB").
The consideration consisted of cash of approximately $2.4 million, funded
through borrowings under Bagcraft's Credit Agreement, of which approximately
$1.2 million was paid as a deposit in December 1996. The acquisition of AB, is
expected to enhance Bagcraft's specialty bag business.
The common stock and virtually all the assets of the Company and its
Bagcraft subsidiary have been pledged as collateral for borrowings under various
loan agreements. Under certain debt agreements the Company is limited in the
amounts it can withdraw from its operating subsidiaries.
- 30 -
<PAGE>
Investment In COMFORCE Corporation
ARTRA, along with its wholly owned Fill-Mor subsidiary, owns a
significant minority interest in COMFORCE, consisting of 1,744,703 shares or
approximately 14% of the outstanding common stock of COMFORCE as of May 28,
1997, with an aggregate value as of that date of approximately $8,069,000 (value
at December 26, 1996 was $22,564,000). The value of COMFORCE stock has
fluctuated substantially in recent periods. The high per share for the twelve
month period ending April 30, 1997 was $34.12, and the per share low during the
same period was $5.06. There can be no assurance that the value of the COMFORCE
shares will not decline substantially in the future, which would have a material
adverse effect on the value of the Company.
The COMFORCE shares constitute unregistered securities under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act"). As a result of ARTRA's former involvement in
the operations and management of COMFORCE, ARTRA was considered an "affiliate"
of COMFORCE under the Act, and because of this, the number of shares that ARTRA
could sell without registration under the Act within any three-month period was
limited. For the reasons set forth below, the Company believes that an exemption
from registration under Rule 144(k) promulgated under the Act is now available
to it, and therefore the limitations under Rule 144 on the number of restricted
shares that ARTRA could sell within any three-month period without registrations
are no longer applicable to it.
Rule 144(k) of the Act permits the sale without registration under the
Act of restricted shares of an issuer that have been held in excess of three
years (two years as of April 29, 1997) by persons who have not been "affiliates"
of the issuer for the preceding three months. Since December 28, 1995, ARTRA,
Fill-Mor and their respective officers, directors, affiliates and employees have
held no managerial or executive positions with COMFORCE nor have any of the
above served in the capacity of directors, nor have any of them had the right
under any agreement or otherwise to serve in such capacity since December 28,
1995. Likewise, neither ARTRA, Fill-Mor nor any of the above had the right under
any agreement or otherwise to serve in such capacity since December 28, 1995.
Finally, since that time, neither ARTRA, Fill-Mor nor any of their respective
officers, directors, affiliates and employees have had any material involvement
in, nor have they been able to exercise any control over, COMFORCE, either
individually or together with any other person or entity. Because of this, the
Company believes that ARTRA and Fill-Mor are not "affiliates" of COMFORCE and,
since they have held their shares in excess of three years, qualify for the
exemption under Rule 144(k) set forth above.
There can be no assurance that the Securities and Exchange Commission
would concur with the Company's position. Notwithstanding this, ARTRA does not
believe that its ability to sell COMFORCE shares, or eventually to realize on
the value of its COMFORCE shares, will be affected in a material adverse way,
although it may not be able to sell its COMFORCE shares as quickly as it could
if it were to use Rule 144(k), and in any event, an attempt to sell a large
number of its COMFORCE shares over a limited period could be expected to result
in a reduction in the value of such shares. Effective December 19, 1996, ARTRA
and COMFORCE entered into a Settlement Agreement pursuant to which COMFORCE
agreed to include in its proposed underwritten public offering 380,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock held by ARTRA and its Fill-Mor susidiary and ARTRA agreed
to a Lock-up agreement which limits its ability to sell its remaining COMFORCE
common shares for a period of 360 days after the effective date of COMFORCE's
proposed underwritten public offering. COMFORCE did not retain an underwriter
for the proposed underwritten public offering and, accordingly, effective April
30, 1997 ARTRA was released from the provisions of the Lock-up
Agreement.Currently, the sale of 1,295,000 COMFORCE common shares held by ARTRA
and Fill-Mor is restricted because the shares are collateral for various
short-term loans (449,703 shares held by ARTRA and Fill-Mor remain
unencumbered).
The Company's operating plan for fiscal year 1997 anticipates the sale
of these marketable securities, with proceeds to be used principally to pay down
Corporate debt obligations and fund working capital requirements.
In January 1996, the Company's Board of Directors approved the sale of
200,000 of ARTRA's COMFORCE common shares to certain officers, directors and key
employees of ARTRA for non-interest bearing notes totaling $400,000. The notes,
collateralized by the 200,000 COMFORCE common shares sold, are not payable until
the earlier of the registration of these shares under the Securities Act of 1993
or the expiration of the applicable resale waiting period under Securities Act
- 31 -
<PAGE>
Rule 144. Additionally, the noteholders have the right to put their
COMFORCE shares back to ARTRA in full payment of the balance of their notes.
Based upon the preceding factors, the Company has concluded that, for reporting
purposes, it has effectively sold options to certain officers, directors and key
employees to acquire 200,000 of ARTRA's COMFORCE common shares. Accordingly,
these 200,000 COMFORCE common shares have been removed from the Company's
portfolio of "Available-for-sale securities" and are classified in the Company's
consolidated balance sheet at December 26, 1996 as other receivables with an
aggregate value of $400,000, based upon the value of proceeds to be received
upon future exercise of the options. The disposition of these 200,000 COMFORCE
common shares will result in a gain which has been deferred and will not be
recognized in the Company's financial statements until the options to purchase
these 200,000 COMFORCE common shares are exercised. As of May 28, 1997, no
options to acquire any of the 200,000 COMFORCE common shares had been exercised.
In March 1997, a lender received 25,000 COMFORCE common shares held by
ARTRA as additional consideration for a short-term loan. The disposition of
these 25,000 COMFORCE common shares resulted in a realized gain of $213,000,
with cost determined by average cost.
As additional consideration for a February 1996 short-term loan, the
lender received 25,000 COMFORCE common shares held by ARTRA. In March 1996,
ARTRA sold 93,000 COMFORCE shares in the market, with the proceeds of
approximately $630,000 used for working capital. The disposition of these
118,000 COMFORCE common shares during the quarter ended March 28, 1996 resulted
in realized gains of $1,043,000, with cost determined by average cost.
During the year ended December 26, 1996 ARTRA sold 193,000 COMFORCE
common shares in the market, with the net proceeds of approximately $3,7000,000
used for working capital. During 1996 certain lenders received 105,000 COMFORCE
common shares held by the Company as additional consideration for short-term
loans. In October 1996, a lender exercised the conversion rights of a short-term
loan and received 33,333 COMFORCE common shares in settlement of the Company's
obligation. The disposition of these 331,333 COMFORCE common shares resulted in
realized gains of $5,818,000 during the year ended December 26, 1996, with cost
determined by average cost.
At May 28, 1997 ARTRA's remaining investment in COMFORCE (1,744,703
shares, or approximately a 14% common stock ownership interest) was classified
in the Company's consolidated balance sheet in current assets as
"Available-for-sale securities."
In conjunction with the COMFORCE Telecom acquisition, ARTRA agreed to
assume substantially all pre-existing COMFORCE liabilities (i.e., COMFORCE
liabilities existing from operations prior to the acquisition of COMFORCE
Telecom) and indemnify COMFORCE in the event any future liabilities arise
concerning pre-existing environmental matters and business related litigation.
Accordingly, at March 27, 1997 and December 26, 1996, respectively, $321,000 and
$348,000 of such pre-existing COMFORCE liabilities were classified in ARTRA's
condensed consolidated balance sheet as current liabilities of discontinued
operations. See Note 4 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for
the quarter ended March 27, 1997 and Note 6 to the consolidated financial
statement for the year ended December 26, 1996 for a further discussion of
ARTRA's investment in COMFORCE. See "Changes in Business - COMFORCE" for
additional information relating to the Company's investment in COMFORCE.
Litigation
The Company and its subsidiaries are the defendants in various
business-related litigation and environmental matters. See Note 12 to the
Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended
March 27, 1997. At March 27, 1997 and December 26, 1996, the Company had accrued
$2,000,000 and $1,900,000, respectively, for business-related litigation and
environmental liabilities. However, as discussed elsewhere herein, ARTRA may not
have available funds to pay liabilities arising out of these business-related
litigation and environmental matters or, in certain instances, to provide for
its legal defense. ARTRA could suffer severe adverse consequences in the event
of an unfavorable judgment in any of these matters. See "Risk Factors --
Litigation," and "Legal Proceedings."
- 32 -
<PAGE>
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards
At March 27, 1997, the Company and its subsidiaries had Federal income
tax loss carryforwards of approximately $36,000,000, expiring principally in
2002 - 2010, available to be applied against future taxable income, if any. In
recent years, the Company has issued shares of its common stock to repay various
debt obligations, as consideration for acquisitions, to fund working capital
obligations and as consideration for various other transactions. Section 382 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 limits a corporation's utilization of its
Federal income tax loss carryforwards when certain changes in the ownership of a
corporation's common stock occurs. In the opinion of management, the Company is
not currently subject to such limitations regarding the utilization of its
Federal income tax loss carryforwards. Should the Company continue to issue a
significant number of shares of its common stock, it could trigger a limitation
that would prevent it from utilizing a substantial portion of its Federal income
tax loss carryforwards.
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
Bagcraft's costs have increased substantially in recent years, largely
due to increases in the cost of paper. Although Bagcraft seeks to pass its
increased costs on to its customers, this is frequently not possible due to the
competitive nature of the paper products industry.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Earnings Per Share
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share ("SFAS
128"). SFAS 128 specifies the computation, presentation, and disclosure
requirements for earnings per share. This new accounting principle is effective
for the Company's fiscal year ending December 25, 1997. The Company believes
that adoption will not have a material impact on its financial statements.
BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
General
Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bagcraft Corporation of America
("Bagcraft"), ARTRA currently operates in one industry segment as a manufacturer
of packaging products principally serving the food industry.
Prior to September 28, 1995, ARTRA's then majority owned subsidiary,
COMFORCE Corporation (then known as The Lori Corporation), operated as a
designer and distributor of popular-priced fashion costume jewelry and
accessories. In September 1995 COMFORCE adopted a plan to discontinue its
jewelry business.
On October 17, 1995, COMFORCE acquired all of the capital stock of
COMFORCE Telecom Inc. ("COMFORCE Telecom"), formerly Spectrum Global Services,
Inc. d/b/a YIELD Global. COMFORCE Telecom provides telecommunications and
computer technical staffing services worldwide to Fortune 500 companies and
maintains an extensive, global database of technical specialists with an
emphasis on wireless communications capability. In the fourth quarter of 1995,
ARTRA's investment in COMFORCE was reduced to approximately 25% and, at December
26, 1996 ARTRA's interest in COMFORCE common stock was further reduced to
approximately 14%. See Notes 3 and 6 to the Company's consolidated financial
statements for a further discussion of ARTRA's investment in COMFORCE.
- 33 -
<PAGE>
Packaging Products Business
Effective March 3, 1990, ARTRA entered into the packaging products
business with its acquisition of Bagcraft. Bagcraft, established in 1947, is a
leading manufacturer and supplier of flexible packaging products to the fast
food, bakery, microwave popcorn and supermarket industries and is also a
significant supplier to the theater industry. Several of Bagcraft's products are
widely recognized and have become standard items within various segments of the
food industry. Bagcraft is a full-service supplier complete with its own
laboratory and engineering departments. Bagcraft's sales and technical staff
work in conjunction with Bagcraft's customers to determine the proper components
of the package. Bagcraft's art department creates packaging designs, subject to
customer approval, or duplicates customer-supplied designs. Thereafter, the
packaging is produced in accordance with customer specifications using a variety
of papers, film, foil and lamination. Bagcraft has developed a number of
proprietary innovations in the manufacture of its packaging products. Such
innovations include the Dubl-Wax(TM) bag, which introduced specialty waxed bags
to the retail bakery industry. Bagcraft is also credited with being instrumental
in developing and producing the first microwave popcorn bags.
Bagcraft currently produces over three billion bags and three billion
sheets and wrappers annually for the packaging of more than 1,000 different
products. Bagcraft purchases the paper, foil, films and chemicals it uses from a
number of different unaffiliated suppliers. Since Bagcraft purchases each of the
raw materials it requires from more than one supplier, it is not dependent upon
a single supplier for any specific materials or supplies.
Sales orders are processed, and manufacturing and delivery schedules
are determined primarily at Bagcraft's headquarters and principle production
facility in Chicago. In September, 1994, Bagcraft completed the construction of
a new 265,000 sq. ft. production facility in Baxter Springs, Kansas. The new
Kansas facility, which has added production capacity in Bagcraft's growing food
service products business, has replaced Bagcraft's production facility in
Joplin, Missouri (which was conveyed to a contractor involved in constructing
the Baxter Springs facility in partial consideration of such contractor's fees),
its facility in Carteret, New Jersey (which was sold in 1994) and its facility
in Forest Park, Georgia (which was converted into a distribution facility).
Bagcraft's products are sold throughout the United States by a sales
force of approximately 15 full-time salespersons who sell to wholesale
distributors and a number of independent brokers who sell Bagcraft product lines
to large food processors and food chains. Bagcraft presently sells its products
to more than 2,000 customers. Although some of these are the largest and most
recognizable companies in the food industry, no single customer accounted for
more than 10% of ARTRA's consolidated net sales in 1996.
Sales to customers are made pursuant to orders placed in advance for
periods of up to one year. In certain instances Bagcraft and a customer can
enter into an agreement to maintain a specified minimum inventory for the
customer. The contracts entered into by Bagcraft with its customers vary in
length depending on the customer's needs and Bagcraft's capacity to meet the
customer's requirements. Generally, Bagcraft's contracts provide advance notice
of from 30 days to one year to terminate a contract. The contracts typically
provide for delivery of goods at an agreed-upon fixed price, subject to
adjustment upon timely notice in advance. Bagcraft usually grants its customers
rights of return, subject to penalty, except in the case of goods produced to
specification. In addition, Bagcraft typically requires payment for goods 30
days after shipment, but gives its customers a 1% discount if payment is made
within 10 days after shipment.
Bagcraft believes that it is the manufacturer of the most diversified
line of flexible packaging products in the United States. However, there are a
number of domestic and foreign companies which compete directly with Bagcraft in
each of its major product lines, certain of which have a larger market share
- 34 -
<PAGE>
with respect to specific product lines. Bagcraft's competitors range from small
companies to divisions of large corporations which have substantially greater
financial resources than those available to Bagcraft. Bagcraft competes on the
basis of quality, service and the price of its products.
Bagcraft believes that only a modest level of continuing research and
development and strict quality and process control will be necessary to maintain
and improve its position in the flexible packaging industry. All product
modifications and manufacturing innovations reflect input from its personnel in
general management, sales, marketing design, R&D and engineering.
During 1996, Bagcraft's products were sold by four marketing divisions
as described below. However, in 1997, Bagcraft will structure its marketing its
marketing department into seven segments: Concessions, Distributors, Food
Service, Microwave Popcorn, Supermarket Deli/Bakery, Retail Packaging and
International.
Paper Division
Bagcraft believes it is the industry leader in specialty paper bags,
which represented approximately 31% of Bagcraft's 1996 sales. Bakeries account
for approximately 63% of the paper division's sales which also include
supermarkets and various retail food chains. A number of the paper division's
products, including Dubl-Wax(TM), Dubl-Panel(TM), Dubl-Clear(TM) and
Sealing-Strip(TM) represent significant manufacturing innovations which have
contributed to Bagcraft's position as the industry leader. Major customers
include Walgreen's, Albertson's, Dunkin' Donuts and Boston Market and Publix.
Bagcraft believes the outlook for the future indicates stability and growth.
Bagcraft's Paper Division stocks approximately 150 generic products,
which enables Bagcraft to lead the industry in providing the widest variety of
immediately available unprinted and stock printed bags and sheets in the
industry. Stock products are bought and inventoried by distributors who, in
turn, sell them in varying quantities to end-users for a multitude of purposes.
The stock line is sold mainly through Bagcraft field salespeople and
telemarketing from Bagcraft's Chicago home office.
Food Service Division
The Food Service Division, which represented approximately 46% of
Bagcraft's 1996 sales, is a leader among its competitors. Bagcraft's products
sold to the food service industry include foil and paper bags and sheets for
sandwiches, french fries, chicken and other prepared foods. Major customers in
this industry include Wendy's, Burger King, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen and
McDonald's.
The development of the Honeycomb sheet helped propel Bagcraft to its
industry leading position. The Honeycomb sheet incorporates a moisture absorbing
layer which prevents buns from becoming soggy and tends to keep food warm for a
longer period of time. When used to replace rigid packaging, it represents
significant source reduction to the solid waste system. Additionally, Bagcraft
was the first manufacturer to print 6-color sheets.
- 35 -
<PAGE>
Specialty Bag Division
The Specialty Bag Division represented approximately 17% of Bagcraft's
1996 sales. Many of the division's products represent unique additions to
Bagcraft's standard products. The Cue-Pon Bag(TM) has a "tear out" coupon
affixed near the window on the bag which offers the shopper the immediate
benefit of the coupon upon purchase. The Cue-Pon Pocket Bag(TM) has a pouch on
the front of the bag which can be filled with novelty items by the retailer.
The division features products for the packaging of bakery goods, such
as cookies and donuts, coffee, pre-popped popcorn and specialized promotional
items. This division provides bags with transparent windows, metal tin tie
attachments and convenient self-opening bottoms. Customers for the division
include Bake-Line Products and Interstate Brands.
This division also produces theater popcorn bags, which provide the
theater chains with a more economical package that is easy to dispose of and
substantially reduces the amount of space needed to inventory the product. These
double wall bags provide many of the properties of rigid containers such as tubs
and cartons with the environmental and storage advantages of bags. Bagcraft is
the leading supplier of popcorn bags to theater chains such as General Cinema
Corporation, Carmike and Mann Theaters.
As discussed in Note 14 to the condensed consolidated financial
statements for the quarter ended March 27, 1997, effective January 2, 1997,
Bagcraft purchased the business assets, subject to buyer's assumption of certain
liabilities, of AB Specialty Holding Company, Inc. ("AB"). The acquisition of
AB, is expected to enhance Bagcraft's specialty bag business.
Microwave Popcorn Division
The Microwave Popcorn Division, which represented approximately 6% of
Bagcraft's 1996 sales, represents an example of Bagcraft's high technology
advancements. Bagcraft supplies microwave popcorn packaging to several industry
leaders, including Hunt-Wesson (Orville Redenbacher) and U.S.A. Family Foods.
Bagcraft was instrumental in the development of the first microwave
popcorn bag and played an important role in developing "susceptor" accelerator
technology which it has incorporated into its products. The susceptor technology
involves placing a metallized material into the popcorn bag which accelerates
the heat transfer and results in a higher percentage of the popcorn kernels
being popped.
In recent years, Bagcraft has experienced a decline in its domestic
microwave popcorn business due to the acquisition of one of its major customers
by a company with its own packaging ability. Accordingly, at December 31, 1995,
Bagcraft incurred a charge to operations of approximately $1,500,000 to
write-down the carrying value of idle machinery and equipment dedicated to the
production of microwave popcorn products.
- 36 -
<PAGE>
Discontinued Business - Arcar
As discussed in Note 3 to the Company's consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 26, 1996, effective April 8, 1994,
Bagcraft acquired the business assets, subject to buyer's assumption of certain
liabilities of Arcar Graphics, Inc. ("Arcar"), a manufacturer and distributor of
waterbase inks for the flexographic and rotogravure printing industries. Arcar
is one of the larger waterbase ink suppliers in the United States and serves
over 500 customers. The principal markets of Arcar's products included printers
of tags and labels, flexible packaging manufacturers and polycoated cup
manufacturers. As discussed in Note 3 to the Company's consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 26, 1996, effective October 26, 1995,
Bagcraft completed the sale of the business assets of Arcar, subject to the
buyer's assumption of certain liabilities.
Employees
The Company currently employs approximately 900 persons. The Company
considers its relationships with its employees to be good.
Properties
The following table sets forth a brief description of the properties of
the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company and its subsidiaries believe that
all of their facilities are adequate for their present and reasonably
anticipated future business requirements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Location General Description Ownership
- -------- ------------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
ARTRA:
Northfield, IL (1) Headquarters facility of Leased, expiring in 1997
approximately 7,000 sq. ft
Bagcraft:
Chicago, IL Administrative and manufacturing facility of Owned
approximately 148,000 sq. ft.
Chicago, IL (2) Warehouse and office facility of Leased, expiring in 2006
approximately 63,000 sq. ft
Baxter Springs, KS (5) Manufacturing, warehouse and office facility
of approximately 265,000 sq. ft. Owned
Hialeah, FL (2) (3) Manufacturing, warehouse and office facility Leased, expiring in 1998
of approximately 25,000 sq. ft.
Medley, FL (3) (4) Warehouse facility of approximately 20,000 sq. ft Leased, expiring in 1999
Forest Park, GA (5) Warehouse and office facility Owned
of approximately 35,000 sq. ft
</TABLE>
- 37 -
<PAGE>
(1) This lease provides for a one-year renewal option. Effective December
1995, the building was purchased by a trust owned by John Harvey, the
Company's Chairman of the board of directors.
(2) This lease provides for a ten-year option to renew at the current
market rate.
(3) This lease was assumed in conjunction with Bagcraft's January
acquisition of AB Specialty Holding Company.
(4) This lease provides for a two-year renewal option.
(5) In September, 1994, Bagcraft completed construction of a new 265,000
sq. ft. production facility in Baxter Springs, Kansas. This facility
replaced Bagcraft's production facilities in Joplin, Missouri,
Carteret, New Jersey and Forest Park, Georgia. Bagcraft conveyed the
former Joplin, Missouri facility to one of the contractors involved in
the construction of the Baxter Springs, Kansas facility as partial
consideration for the work performed by this contractor. Bagcraft sold
the Carteret, New Jersey facility in 1994. The Forest Park, Georgia
facility was retained as a distribution center until it was closed in
June 1996.
Legal Proceedings
The Company and its subsidiaries are the defendants in various
business-related litigation and environmental matters. At March 27, 1997 and
December 26, 1996 the Company had accrued $2,000,000 and $1,900,000,
respectively, for business-related litigation and environmental liabilities.
While these litigation and environmental matters involve wide ranges of
potential liability, management does not believe the outcome of these matters
will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position; however
it may have have an adverse effect on the results of operations for an
individual reporting period. However, ARTRA may not have available funds to pay
liabilities arising out of these business-related litigation and environmental
matters or, in certain instances, to provide for its legal defense.
In November, 1993, ARTRA filed suit in the Circuit Court of the
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit for the state of Illinois (the "State Court Action")
against Salomon Brothers, Inc., Salomon Brothers Holding Company, Inc., Charles
K. Bobrinskoy, Michael J. Zimmerman (collectively, "Salomon Defendants"), D.P.
Kelly & Associates, L.P. ("DPK"), Donald P. Kelly ("Kelly Defendants" along with
DPK), James F. Massey and William Rifkind relating to the acquisition of
Envirodyne in 1989 by Emerald Acquisition Corp. ("Emerald"). Envirodyne had
filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 7, 1993 which provided ARTRA with no
value in the Emerald Stock received in connection with the acquisition. On
November 22, 1993, ARTRA filed a First Amended Complaint. The defendants removed
the case to the Bankruptcy Court in which the Emerald Chapter 11 case is
pending. On July 15, 1994, all but two of ARTRA's causes of action were remanded
to the state court. The Bankruptcy Court retained jurisdiction of ARTRA's claims
against the defendants for breaching their fiduciary duty as directors of
Emerald to Emerald's creditors and interference with ARTRA's contractual
relations with Emerald. On April 7, 1995, the Company's appeal of the Bankruptcy
Court's order retaining jurisdiction over two claims was denied. On July 26,
1995, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order dismissing these claims. On August
4, 1995, ARTRA appealed from the Bankruptcy Court's dismissal order. That appeal
was denied on October 31, 1996 by the United States District Court. ARTRA has a
right to appeal the District Court's decision. This appeal has been filed in the
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
- 38 -
<PAGE>
On July 18, 1995, ARTRA filed a Fourth Amended Complaint in the State
Court Action for breach of fiduciary duty, fraudulent misrepresentation,
negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract and promissory estoppel. In the
State Court Action, ARTRA seeks compensatory damages of $136.2 million, punitive
damages of $408.6 million and the repayment of approximately $33 million in fees
paid to Salomon. The causes of action for breach of the fiduciary duty of due
care were repleaded to reserve ARTRA's right to appeal the State Court's
dismissal of the causes of action in the Third Amended Complaint. The cause of
action against defendant Kelly was dismissed with prejudice pursuant to a
stipulation between ARTRA and the Kelly Defendants.
On or about March 1, 1996, DPK brought a motion for summary judgment as
to ARTRA's claims for breach of contract and promissory estoppel. DPK's motion
was granted on June 4, 1996. The Company has appealed this decision.
In January, 1985 the United States Environmental Protection Agency
("EPA") notified the Company's Bagcraft subsidiary that it was a potentially
responsible party ("PRP") under the Comprehensive Environmental Responsibility
Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") for alleged release of hazardous
substances at the Cross Brothers site near Kankakee, Illinois. Although Bagcraft
has denied liability for the site, it has entered into a settlement agreement
with the EPA, along with the other third party defendants, to resolve all claims
associated with the site except for state claims. In May, 1994 Bagcraft paid
$850,000 to formally extinguish the EPA claim. In September 1989, Bagcraft was
served with a complaint filed by the State of Illinois against seventeen parties
for alleged involvement with the Cross Brothers site. The complaint alleges
Bagcraft is repsonsible for the costs of cleanup incurred and to be incurred.
Bagcraft denies the material allegations an is participating in settlement
discussions with the State and thirteen other potential responsible parties to
resolve all claims associated with the State. An agreement has been reached in
principal to settle the State claim, pending resolution of the terms of an
appropriate consent order. Bagcraft's share of the proposed settlement is
approximately $150,000.
Bagcraft has been notified by the EPA that it is a potentially
responsible party for the disposal of hazardous substances at the Ninth Avenue
site in Gary, Indiana. This site is listed on the EPA's National Priorities
list. A group of defendant PRPs, known as the Ninth Avenue Remedial Group,
settled with the USEPA and agreed to remediate the site. This Group subsequently
sued numerous third party defendants, including Bagcraft, alleged also to be
responsible parties at the site. The plaintiffs have produced only limited
testamentary evidence, and no documentary evidence, linking Bagcraft to this
site, and the Company has neither discovered any records which indicate, nor
located any current or former employees who have advised, that Bagcraft
deposited hazardous substances at the site. Based on the foregoing, management
of the Company does not believe that it is probable that the Company will have
any liability for the costs of the clean-up of this site. The Company intends to
vigorously defend itself in this case.
Bagcraft reported a release associated with solvent tanks located in a
vault at its Chicago facility. After seeking approval from the IEPA, Bagcraft
installed and is currently operating a soil vapor gas extraction system designed
to achieve remedial objectives which the IEPA has determined to be appropriate
to the site.
Bagcraft's Chicago facility has also been the subject of allegations
that it violated laws and regulations associated with the Clean Air Act. The
facility has numerous sources of air emissions of volatile organic materials
("VOMs") associated with its printing operations and is required to maintain and
comply with permits and emissions regulations with regard to each of these
emission sources.
In November of 1995, the EPA issued a Notice of Violation ("NOV")
against Bagcraft's Chicago facility alleging numerous violations of the Clean
Air Act and related regulations. The NOV alleges that the facility installed and
operated emission sources without permits, that it failed to operate air
pollution control equipment at required efficiencies and that there were
releases of VOMs above permitted limits. In April 1997, the EPA filed an
administrative complaint and has proposed a $250,000 civil penalty. Bagcraft has
filed a response to the complaint and is attempting to negotiate a settlement.
- 39 -
<PAGE>
Bagcraft has been notified that it may have responsibility with respect
to a clean-up site on Basket Creek Road, Georgia. Bagcraft presently has no
indication of its liability, if any or whether it is a responsible party.
In April 1994, the EPA notified the Company that it was a PRP for the
disposal of hazardous substances (principally waste oil) at a disposal site in
Palmer, Massachusetts generated by a manufacturing facility formerly operated by
the Clearshield Plastics Division ("Clearshield") of Harvel Industries, Inc.
("Harvel"), a majority owned subsidiary of ARTRA. In 1985, Harvel was merged
into ARTRA's subsidiary, Fill-Mor. This site has been included on the EPA's
National Priorities List. In February, 1983, Harvel sold the assets of
Clearshield to Envirodyne. The alleged waste disposal occurred in 1977 and 1978,
when Harvel was a majority-owned subsidiary of ARTRA. In early 1994, a group of
PRP's filed a claim in the Envirodyne bankruptcy proceeding with respect to the
Palmer site. In May 1994, Envirodyne and its Clearshield National, Inc.
subsidiary filed an adversary proceeding against ARTRA for indemnification in
connection with this claim. Both the claim and the adversary proceeding were
voluntarily dismissed, but the PRP group has requested that ARTRA pay a share of
the response costs. The cost of clean-up at the Palmer, Massachusetts site has
been estimated to be approximately $7 million according to proofs of claim
filed in the adversary proceeding. A committee formed by the PRP group has
estimated the liability respecting the activities of Clearshield to be
approximately $400,000. ARTRA has not made any independent investigation of the
amount of its potential liability and no assurances can be given that it will
not substantially exceed $400,000.
In a case titled Sherwin-Williams Company v. ARTRA GROUP Incorporated,
filed in 1991 in the United States District Court for Maryland, Sherwin-Williams
Company ("Sherwin-Williams") brought suit against ARTRA and other former owners
of a paint manufacturing facility in Baltimore, Maryland for recovery of costs
of investigation and clean-up of hazardous substances which were stored,
disposed of or otherwise released at this manufacturing facility. This facility
was owned by Baltimore Paint and Chemical Company, formerly a subsidiary of
ARTRA, from 1960 to 1980. Sherwin-William's current projection of the cost of
clean-up is approximately $5 to $6 million. The Company has filed counterclaims
against Sherwin-Williams and cross claims against other former owners of the
property. The Company also is vigorously defending this action and has raised
numerous defenses. Currently, the case is in its early stages of discovery and
the Company cannot determine what, if any, its liability may be in this matter.
ARTRA was named as a defendant in United States v. Chevron Chemical
Company brought in the United States District Court for the Central District of
California respecting the Operating Industries, Inc. site in Monterey Park,
California. This site is included on the EPA's National Priorities List. ARTRA's
involvement stemmed from the alleged disposal of hazardous substances by The
Synkoloid Company ("Synkoloid"), a subsidiary of Baltimore Paint and Chemical
Company, which was formerly owned by ARTRA. Synkoloid manufactured spackling
paste, wall coatings and related products, certain of which generated hazardous
substances as a by-product of the manufacturing process.
ARTRA entered into a consent decree with the EPA in which it agreed to
pay $85,000 for one phase of the clean-up costs for this site; however, ARTRA
defaulted on its payment obligation. ARTRA is presently unable to estimate the
total potential liability for clean-up costs at this site, which clean-up is
expected to continue for a number of years. The consent decree, even if it had
been honored by ARTRA, was not intended to release ARTRA from liability for
costs associated with other phases of the clean-up at this site. The Company is
presently unable to determine what, if any, additional liability it may incur in
this matter. There can be no assurance that ARTRA's liability will not be
material in amount.
Several cases have arisen from ARTRA's purchase of Dutch Boy Paints
which owned a facility in Chicago which it purchased from NL Industries. In a
case titled City of Chicago v. NL Industries, Inc. and ARTRA GROUP Incorporated,
filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, the City of Chicago brought
a nuisance action and alleged that ARTRA (and NL Industries, Inc.) had
improperly stored, discarded and disposed of hazardous substances at the Dutch
Boy site, and that ARTRA had conveyed the site to Goodwill Industries to avoid
clean-up costs. At the time the suit was filed, the City of Chicago claimed that
it would cost $1,000,000 to remediate the site.
- 40 -
<PAGE>
ARTRA and NL Industries, Inc. have counter sued each other and have
filed third party actions against the subsequent owners of the property. The
Company is presently unable to determine its liability, if any, in connection
with this case. The parties were conducting discovery but the case was stayed
pending the resolution of the EPA action described below.
In 1986, in a case titled People of the State of Illinois v. NL
Industries, Inc., ARTRA GROUP Incorporated, et al., the Cook County State's
attorney filed suit seeking response costs in excess of $2,000,000 and treble
punitive damages for costs expended by IEPA in remediating contamination at the
Dutch Boy site, alleging that all former owners contributed to the
contamination. In 1989, the Circuit Court dismissed the action, holding that the
state had failed to exhaust its administrative procedures. In 1992, this holding
was reversed by the Illinois Supreme Court. In 1996, the Illinois Appellate
Court affirmed the District Court's decision to dismiss the case based on lack
of due diligence on the part of the State of Illinois. The State of Illinois has
filed a Petition for Rehearing which was granted. The Company is presently
unable to determine ARTRA's liability, if any, in connection with this case.
On November 17, 1995, the EPA issued letters to ARTRA, NL Industries
and others alleging that they were potentially responsible parties with respect
to releases at the Dutch Boy facility in Chicago and demanding that they
remediate the site. NL Industries entered into a consent decree with EPA in
which it agreed to remediate the site. The Company is presently unable to
determine its liability, if any, in connection with this case.
On August 7, 1995, a Second Amended Verified Complaint was filed in the
Supreme Court of N.Y. by Philip Elghanian against ARTRA, its officers and
directors (the "ARTRA Defendants") and others alleging that the defendants
engaged in a scheme to defraud plaintiff of approximately $5 million of the
value of his investment in shares of ARTRA. The plaintiff seeks damages and
interest in excess of $38 million and punitive and exemplary damages in excess
of $100 million. On January 19, 1996, the ARTRA Defendants filed a motion to
dismiss the Second Amended Complaint. In February 1997, the Second Amended
Complaint was dismissed, with the right to replead. In April 1997, the plaintiff
appealed the dismissal of the Second Amended Compliant.
On June 14, 1995 Tartan Resources brought suit in the United States
District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against A.G. Holding
Corporation, The Lori Corporation and Bagcraft. Bagcraft was voluntarily
dismissed from the lawsuit by the plaintiff. Tartan Resources alleges that under
the alter-ego theory, A.G. Holding is liable for a judgment entered against
ARTRA and Artra Resources Corp. The plaintiff seeks $151,215.46 plus interest,
costs and attorneys fees. A.G. Holding's motion for summary judgment was granted
on September 19, 1996.
On March 17, 1993, a judgment in the amount of $599,187.52 was entered
against Artra Group, Inc. in the matter entitled SW Associates Limited
Partnership v. Artra Group, Inc., Case No. 90 L 19514. Plaintiff commenced post
judgment collection proceedings to collect its debt, but in 1994 these
proceedings were dismissed for lack of diligence. To date, no money has been
recovered from Artra.
In connection with the sale of its former Sargent Welch Scientific
Company subsidiary, ARTRA assumed liabilities relating to early retirement
claims. ARTRA is approximately $120,000 behind in scheduled payments. ARTRA
intends to pay the entire liability, which is a maximum of $320,000, depending
upon years lived by covered employees. ARTRA has accrued the entire $320,000 in
its financial statements.
In 1994, ARTRA entered into a settlement agreement in connection with a
lawsuit filed by Hosiery Manufacturing Company. Under the terms of the
settlement, ARTRA was to pay $500,000. ARTRA was unable to satisfy its
obligations under the settlement agreement and subsequently entered into a new
settlement agreement reducing the liability to $125,000. This liability was paid
in September 1996.
- 41 -
<PAGE>
MARKET PRICE OF THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK
ARTRA's common stock, without par value, is traded on the New York
("NYSE") and Pacific Stock Exchanges. The Company currently does not meet
certain of the requirements for maintaining its listing on the NYSE and the NYSE
is reviewing the status of the Company's listing on the exchange. As of March
27, 1997 the approximate number of holders of its common stock was 2,500.
The high and low sales prices for ARTRA's common stock, as reported in
the NYSE Quarterly Market Statistics reports, during the quarter ended March 27,
1997 and the past two fiscal years were as follows:
1997 1996 1995
--------------- ----------------- -----------------
High Low High Low High Low
------ ------- ------ ------- ------ -------
First quarter 6 - 3/8 4 - 1/2 6 - 3/4 4 - 5/8 5 - 3/4 3 - 1/2
Second quarter 9 - 1/4 5 - 3/4 5 - 1/2 3 - 1/4
Third quarter 8 - 3/8 4 - 3/4 6 4 - 1/8
Fourth quarter 6 - 3/4 5 5 - 1/8 3 - 5/8
No dividends were paid in 1996 or 1995 nor are any anticipated in 1997.
The Company was prohibited from paying dividends to its stockholders pursuant to
the terms of its bank loan agreement that was discharged in February 1996. In
addition, the Company's operating subsidiaries historically have been prohibited
from or restricted in paying dividends or making distributions under their
respective debt agreements (except for limited overhead allocations or payments
in accordance with tax sharing agreements with the parent entity). Accordingly,
current restrictions or limitations on the Company's Bagcraft subsidiary in
upstreaming payments in 1997 and beyond would make the payment of dividends by
ARTRA unlikely. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" for a discussion of the loan agreements of the
Company and its Bagcraft subsidiary.
- 42 -
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY'S SECURITIES
General
The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 20,000,000
shares of Common Stock without par value, of which 7,885,420 shares have been
issued and are outstanding as of May 28, 1997, and (ii) 2,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, par value $1,000 per share, which may be issued in one or more
series with such rights and preferences as determined by the Board of Directors,
of which 3,750 shares of a series designated "Series A Preferred Stock" have
been issued and are outstanding as of the date hereof. As of the date hereof,
there were approximately 2,500 holders of record of the Company's Common Stock.
Common Stock
The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock in
recent years and does not anticipate paying any such dividends in the
foreseeable future. In addition, Bagcraft is prohibited from or restricted in
paying dividends or making distributions to the Company under various loan
agreements (except for limited overhead allocations payable to the parent entity
and payments under tax sharing arrangements where applicable). Accordingly, even
if the Company were permitted to pay dividends to its shareholders, the
restrictions or limitations on Bagcraft in upstreaming payments would make
payment of dividends by the Company unlikely.
Payment of dividends by the Company is also subject to the significant
cumulated dividends on the Company's Series A Preferred Stock, which must be
paid prior to the payment of dividends on the common stock. The holders of the
Common Stock are entitled to dividends or other distributions only if, as and
when declared out of funds legally available therefor after payment of any
dividends required to be paid in respect of any preferred stock then
outstanding. Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive
cumulative dividends at the rate of $60.00 per share per annum prior to the
payment of dividends on the Common Stock.
The Company's ability to pay dividends in respect of the Common Stock
may be further limited since it is required to redeem the Series A Preferred
Stock on March 1, 2000 to the extent of legally available funds for a redemption
price of $1,000 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the date of
redemption. In the event legally available funds are insufficient to redeem the
Series A Preferred Stock on March 1, 2000, ARTRA must thereafter redeem such
stock when and as funds become legally available. In addition, in the event a
"control transaction" (as described below under "-Series A Preferred Stock")
occurs, which is not approved by the Board of Directors, the Series A Preferred
Stock is required to be thereupon redeemed.
Pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, the Board of
Directors may, without shareholder approval, authorize the issuance of such
other series of preferred stock with dividend rights and liquidation preferences
prior and superior to those of the common stock. In the event the Board of
Directors authorizes one or more additional series of Preferred Stock, the
ability of the Company to pay dividends or other distributions to the holders of
the Common Stock may be further limited and could have the effect of making the
acquisition of the Company more difficult or unattractive or uneconomic for a
potential hostile acquirer, as more fully described under "Shareholder Voting
Rights," below.
The Common Stock is not subject to any conversion or redemption
provisions and the holders thereof are not provided any pre-emptive rights. All
outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully-paid and non-assessable.
See also "Shareholder Voting Rights," below for a description of the
voting rights of shareholders.
- 43 -
<PAGE>
Series A Preferred Stock
The following is a brief description of the rights and preferences of
the Series A Preferred Stock. No Series A Preferred Stock is being offered
hereby, but the rights of the holders of Common Stock are affected by the rights
and preferences of the Series A Preferred Stock.
Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive
dividends at the rate of $60.00 per share per annum, payable annually. The
annual dividend shall be payable in cash or at the sole option of ARTRA, in
additional shares or fractional shares of the Series A Preferred Stock having
the aggregate redemption value equal to the amount of such dividends. Such
dividends shall be cumulative and shall accrue on each share on a day-to-day
basis. No dividends or distributions upon liquidation may be paid to the holders
of common stock if there is any deficiency in the payment of Series A Preferred
Stock dividends and, in the case of distributions upon liquidation, of a
liquidation preference of $1,000 per share of Preferred Stock. To date, no
dividends have been declared or paid on the Series A Preferred Stock.
The outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock are required to be
redeemed by ARTRA on March 1, 2000 to the extent funds are legally available
therefor. The redemption price is $1,000 per share plus an amount equal to the
accrued and unpaid dividends to the date fixed for redemption. Also, in the
event of a "control transaction" which is not approved by the Board of Directors
of ARTRA, all of the outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be
redeemed at a price of $1,000 per share plus unpaid accrued dividends prior to
the consummation of the "control transaction." The term "control transaction"
means the acquisition by a person or group (other than Messrs. P. Harvey and J.
Harvey and their affiliates) of the voting power over voting shares of ARTRA
which would entitle the holder or holders thereof to cast at least 40% of the
votes that all shareholders would be entitled to cast in an election of
directors of ARTRA.
The Series A Preferred Stock is not convertible into Common Stock and
no pre-emptive rights have been granted with respect to the Series A Preferred
Stock.
See also "Shareholder Voting Rights," below for a description of the
voting rights of shareholders.
Shareholder Voting Rights
Each share of Common Stock has equal voting rights and each share is
entitled to one vote in all matters in which shareholders shall be entitled to
vote. The Articles of Incorporation provide for cumulative voting in the
election of directors. Therefore, every shareholder entitled to vote for
directors has the right, in person or by proxy, to multiply the number of votes
to which the shareholder is entitled to cast by the total number of directors to
be elected in the same election. The shareholder may cast the whole number of
such votes for one candidate or may distribute them among any two or more
candidates.
- 44 -
<PAGE>
Generally, the holders of shares of Common Stock and Series A Preferred
Stock are entitled to one vote per share on a combined basis and not on a class
basis except in limited circumstances. Under the Articles of Incorporation of
the Company, the affirmative vote of a majority of the holders of Common Stock
and Series A Preferred Stock (voting as a single class) represented in person or
by proxy at a meeting at which a quorum is present, is generally required to
approve matters submitted to the shareholders, subject to certain exceptions
under both the Articles of Incorporation and the Pennsylvania Business
Corporation Law of 1988, as amended (the "BCL"), described below.
Under the BCL, the holders of the stock of each class or series are
entitled to vote, as a class, on the following: (i) an amendment to the Articles
of Incorporation authorizing the board to fix the rights and preferences of
preferred stock; (ii) an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation authorizing
a new class or series of shares, or increasing the number of authorized shares
of any class or series of shares having a preference as to dividends or assets
which is senior to an existing class of shares; (iii) an amendment to the
Articles of Incorporation making a change in the preferences, limitations or
special rights of any class of shares which is adverse to such class; and (iv)
adoption of a plan authorizing the division, merger, consolidation or conversion
of the corporation or the sale by the corporation of all or substantially all of
its assets if the plan effects a change in the Articles of Incorporation such
that a vote would have been required under any of the preceding three clauses.
Under the Company's Articles of Incorporation, shareholders have
certain special voting rights. The Articles provide that if required by the BCL
(as summarized in the preceding paragraph), the holders of stock of each class
or series are entitled to vote as a class. Since the designations of rights and
preferences of the Series A Preferred Stock provide that the holders of such
stock shall vote with the holders of the common stock as a single class, the
holders of Series A Preferred Stock would vote as a separate class only where
required by the BCL. These special voting rights are as follows:
(1) Removal of the entire Board of Directors or any class thereof or
any individual director without assigning any cause requires the vote of 80% of
the shares of all shareholders entitled to vote on the election of directors.
(2) Approval of (a) a proposal that the Company enter into a merger or
consolidation with a person who, together with his affiliates, owns or controls
5% or more of the voting stock of the Company, or (b) a proposal to reclassify
securities, recapitalize or other transaction (except certain redemptions
permitted by the terms of the security to be redeemed) designed to decrease the
number of shares of voting stock outstanding after any person has acquired 5% or
more of the Company's voting stock, requires the affirmative vote of 80% of the
shares of all shareholders entitled to vote on the proposal, except that the
foregoing provisions do not apply to a merger, consolidation or sale of assets
and property (i) which shall have been approved by a resolution duly adopted by
a majority of the directors in the office and the affirmative vote of the
holders of shares of voting stock of the Corporation representing at least a
majority of the shares of all shareholders entitled to vote on the proposal or
(ii) between the Company and another corporation, 50% or more of the voting
stock of which is owned by the Company, if the Company is the survivor or
purchaser.
(3) The affirmative vote of 80% of the shares of all shareholders
entitled to vote on the amendment of the Articles of Incorporation or of a
majority of the shares of all shareholders entitled to vote and 80% of the
directors in office is required to amend the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation described in paragraphs (1) and (2).
- 45 -
<PAGE>
These provisions could have the effect of deterring a hostile takeover
attempts in several respects. First, the takeover of the Company would certainly
be made more difficult (and thus the Company would be a less attractive target)
in that removal of a member or class of members of, or the entire board of
directors requires approval of the holders of 80% of the Company's stock.
Second, the requirement that the holders of 80% of the Company's stock approve a
merger with a 5% stockholder unless the Company's board approves the transaction
(in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of only a majority of the
Company's stock is needed to approve the transaction) could also make a hostile
takeover quite difficult, while increasing the probability that a transaction
with a person controlling the board or with another friendly suitor would be
approved.
"Blank Check" Preferred Stock
The Articles of Incorporation of the Company authorize its Board of
Directors to establish series or classes of preferred stock and fix the rights,
preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof. The Board is authorized to
issue up to 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which 3,750 shares of Series
A Preferred Stock have been issued and are are oustanding as of the date hereof.
The BCL provides that if any proposed amendment to the certificate of
incorporation of a corporation adversely affects the preferences, limitations or
special rights of any class of shares, then the holders of shares of such class
are entitled to vote as a class as to such amendment. However, since the holders
of Common Stock approved an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the
Company which permits the Board of Directors to authorize the issuance of new
series of preferred stock with such rights (including voting rights) and
preferences as fixed by the Board of Directors, the holders of Common Stock will
not have the right to vote, whether as class or otherwise, to authorize the
issuance of new series of preferred stock with preferences as to dividends and
distributions on liquidation.
By authorizing and issuing preferred stock with particular rights, the
Company might be able to deter a hostile acquisition. For example, the Company
could issue shares of preferred stock with extraordinary voting rights or
liquidation preferences to make it more difficult for a hostile acquirer to gain
control of the Company. In addition to the anti-takeover effect of the issuance
of preferred stock, holders of preferred stock have a preferred position over
holders of common stock on liquidation, the right to a fixed or minimum dividend
before any dividend is paid (or accrued) on common stock, and the right to
approve certain extraordinary corporate matters.
See also "Description of the Company's Securities - Series A Preferred
Stock."
Put Options
From time to time the Company has issued shares of its Common Stock to
private investors in transactions in which the investors received
non-transferable put options to resell such shares to the Company for prescribed
periods at prices in excess of the purchase price paid by them for such shares.
As of May 28, 1997, private investors held in the aggregate 72,984 shares of the
Common Stock subject to put options requiring the Company to repurchase shares
for approximately $3,100,000 in the aggregate.
Warrants and Options
From time to time the Company has issued warrants and options to
purchase its Common Stock for an exercise price generally based on the market
price of the Common Stock as of the date of grant of the option or warrant. As
of May 28, 1997, investors held warrants to purchase 2,269,365 shares in the
aggregate of Common Stock. In addition, as of such date, employees or former
employees of the Company held options granted under the Company's 1985 and 1996
Stock Option Plans to purchase 913,050 shares in the aggregate of Common Stock.
- 46 -
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT
Information Regarding Directors
The following table lists the name and age of each director of ARTRA,
his business experience during the past five (5) years, his positions with ARTRA
and certain directorships.
Name Age Positions and Experience
- ---- --- ------------------------
John Harvey 64 Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer of ARTRA;
Director since 1968; Chairman of the
Board of Directors, since 1985, a
Director from 1982 to December 1995
and the Chief Executive Officer from
1990 to November 1995 of COMFORCE
Corporation (temporary professional
employment, formerly The Lori
Corporation); an equity holding of
ARTRA representing 14% of COMFORCE
outstanding stock; a Director of
Plastic Specialties and Technologies,
Inc. ("PST") (textiles, hose and
tubing); and Director of Ozite
Corporation (textiles, hose and
tubing). Director of PureTec
Corporation, the successor by merger
to Ozite. Former Director of Rymer
Foods, Inc. (portion control meat
products and seafood).
Peter R. Harvey 61 President and Chief Operating Officer
and a Director since 1968; Director
of COMFORCE (temporary professional
employment, formerly The Lori
Corporation)from 1985 to December 1995
and a vice president through January
1996, an equity holding of ARTRA
representing 14% of COMFORCE
outstanding common stock; a former
Director and Chief Operating Officer
of SoftNet Systems, Inc. ("SoftNet").
During 1995, Mr. Harvey resigned
from all of the Softnet offices,
formerly The Vader Group Inc. (image
processing and health care cost
containment); Vice President and
Director of Ozite Corporation, the
majority parent of PST (textiles, hose
and tubing). Director of PureTec
Corporation, the successor by merger
to Ozite. Former Director of Rymer
Foods Inc., (portion control meat
products and seafood).
Gerard M. Kenny 44 Director since 1988; Executive Vice
President and Director since 1982 of
Kenny Construction Company since 1982
(diversified heavy construction);
General Partner of Clinton Industries
(investments), a limited partnership,
since 1972.
Edward A. Celano 57 Executive Vice President of the
Atlantic Bank of New York since May 1,
1996, Senior Vice President of
National Westminster, USA from 1984
through April 1996, corporate finance.
Howard R. Conant 71 Retired Chairman of the Board of
Interstate Steel Co., 1970 to 1990,
and a consultant to Interstate through
1992.
- 47 -
<PAGE>
Maynard K. Louis 66 Retired Chairman of the Board of Lord
Label (now known as Porter &
Chatburn), a printing company, from
1965 to 1989, Vice President, 1989 to
1993, director of ARTRA from 1993
through 1995.
Robert L. Johnson 60 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Johnson Bryce, Inc., flexible
packaging materials of food products
since 1991, and previously, for many
years, a vice president of Sears
Roebuck & Co.
John Harvey and Peter R. Harvey are brothers. COMFORCE was a 64.3%
owned subsidiary of ARTRA until October, 1995. ARTRA now owns approximately 14%
of COMFORCE. PureTec International, Inc. and PST are affiliates of ARTRA.
Information Regarding Executive Officers
Set forth below is information concerning the executive officers and
other key employees of ARTRA who were in office or employed as of the date of
this Prospectus.
Name Age Position
- ---- --- --------
John Harvey 64 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of ARTRA
Peter R. Harvey 61 President and Chief Operating Officer of ARTRA
John G. Hamm 57 Executive Vice President of ARTRA
Robert S. Gruber 63 Vice President - Corporate Relations of ARTRA
James D. Doering 60 Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial
Officer of ARTRA
John Conroy 52 Vice President - Corporate Administration of
ARTRA
Lawrence D. Levin 45 Controller of ARTRA
Edwin G. Rymek 66 Secretary of ARTRA
John Harvey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ARTRA. See
"Information Concerning Directors" above for a description of Mr. Harvey's
relevant business experience.
Peter R. Harvey, President and Chief Operating Officer of ARTRA. See
"Information Concerning Directors" above for a description of Mr. Harvey's
relevant business experience.
John G. Hamm, Executive Vice President of ARTRA. Mr. Hamm has served as
Executive Vice President, since February 1988, and Vice President - Finance,
from 1975 until 1988, of ARTRA. Mr. Hamm has also served as Vice President -
Finance, from August 1990 until July 1995, and as a Director, from 1984 until
- 48
-
<PAGE>
July 1995, of Ozite Corporation. Mr. Hamm also serves as a Director of SoftNet
Systems, Inc. since 1985 and served as Director of PST from 1985 until January,
1996.
Robert S. Gruber, Vice President - Corporate Relations of ARTRA. Mr.
Gruber has served as Vice President - Corporate Relations of ARTRA since 1975
and The Lori Corporation from 1975 to 1995. Mr. Gruber has served as a
consultant to COMFORCE during 1996.
James D. Doering, Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
of ARTRA. Mr. Doering has served as Vice President, since 1980, Treasurer, since
1987, Chief Financial Officer, since February 1988, and Controller, from 1980 to
1987. Mr. Doering has also served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of COMFORCE from February 1988 through January 1996.
John Conroy, Vice President - Corporate Administration of ARTRA. Mr.
Conroy has served as Vice President - Corporate Administration since March 1990.
Prior thereto, he served as Vice President - Corporate Administration, of
Sargent-Welch Scientific Company from September 1988 to December 1989. Mr.
Conroy previously served in various risk management positions with ARTRA from
1978 to September 1988, most recently as Corporate Risk Director.
Lawrence D. Levin, Controller of ARTRA. Mr. Levin has served as
Controller, since 1987, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary, since 1980,
and Assistant Controller, from 1980 to 1987. Mr. Levin has also served as
Controller of COMFORCE since December 1989 through January 1996 and as the
Assistant Chief Financial Officer of COMFORCE from May 1993 through January
1996.
Edwin G. Rymek, Secretary of ARTRA. Mr. Rymek has served as Secretary
of ARTRA since 1987 and of COMFORCE from 1982 through 1995.
Officers are appointed by the boards of directors of ARTRA and its
subsidiaries and serve at the pleasure of each respective board. Except for the
relationship of Peter R. Harvey (a director and executive officer) and John
Harvey (a director and executive officer), who are brothers, there are no family
relationships among the executive officers and/or directors, nor are there any
arrangements or understandings between any officer and another person pursuant
to which he was appointed to office except as may be hereinafter described.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Directors' Compensation
Directors who are not employees of ARTRA ("Outside Directors") are
entitled to receive an annual retainer of $4,000 and $250 per meeting attended;
however, no fees were paid to Outside Directors in 1995. Each Outside Director
who sits on an established committee of ARTRA is entitled to receive $150 per
committee meeting attended. Employees of ARTRA who also serve as directors
receive no additional compensation for such service.
Executive Officer Compensation
The following table shows all compensation paid by ARTRA and its
subsidiaries for the fiscal years ended December 26, 1996, December 28, 1995 and
December 29, 1994, to the chief executive officer of ARTRA and each of its other
most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive
officers of ARTRA as of December 26, 1996 and whose compensation exceeded
$100,000 in 1996.
- 49 -
<PAGE>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation(1) Long Term Compensation(1)
---------------------- -------------------------
Securities All
Underlying(3) Other
Name and Salary Salary Options - Compen-
Principal Positions Year Paid Deferred(2) Bonus No. of Shares sation
------------------- ---- ---- ----------- ----- ------------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John Harvey, 1996 $137,811 $ -0- $ -0- 141,000 $5,456 (4)
Chairman and Chief 1995 126,200 -0- -0- -0- 2,520 (5)
Executive Officer 1994 126,200 -0- -0- -0- 2,520 (5)
James D. Doering, 1996 133,600 -0- -0- 57,500 6,000 (4)
Vice President and 1995 49,900 83,500 -0- -0- 3,470 (5)
Chief Financial Officer 1994 111,133 22,267 -0- -0- 3,000 (5)
John G. Hamm, 1996 133,600 -0- -0- 101,250 6,000 (4)
Executive 1995 49,900 83,500 -0- -0- 3,470 (5)
Vice President 1994 111,133 22,267 -0- -0- 3,000 (5)
Robert S. Gruber, 1996 110,400 -0- -0- 97,750 6,000 (4)
Vice President 1995 92,000 69,000 -0- -0- 2,868 (5)
Corporate Relations 1994 -0- 18,400 -0- -0- 4,831 (5)
- -----------------------
<FN>
(1) No additional annual compensation was paid, no restrictive stock awards
or stock appreciation rights were granted, and no long term incentive
plan payouts were made to any of the officers listed in the table. Only
compensation earned in 1996 (irrespective of the year in which paid) is
considered in determining inclusion in this table.
(2) Salaries are shown as paid (or deferred) in the year earned. Any
deferred salaries paid in a year subsequent to the year earned are not
shown as paid in such subsequent year. All salary deferrals for the
years 1994 and 1995 have been paid as of the date hereof.
(3) All of the options shown in this column were granted under the
Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of $5.25 per
share, being the closing price of the Company's common stock on the New
York Stock Exchange on the date of grant (October 4, 1996). These
options expire October 4, 2006.
(4) These amounts include the Company's contributions to the 401(k) plan
during 1996 and 1995 and amounts contributed to the ARTRA GROUP
Incorporated Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "ESOP") during 1995.
See note (5) below for a further discussion of the ESOP.
(5) These amounts represent the closing price on the New York Stock
Exchange of Common Stock as of the date the named officers became
entitled to receive the stock pursuant to the ESOP. Annual
contributions were made to the ESOP at the discretion of the Board of
Directors. ARTRA contributed 15,000 common shares to the Plan with a
fair market value of $71,250 ($4.75 per share) for the plan year ending
December 29, 1994. Effective August 1, 1995, the Company terminated the
ESOP and subsequently distributed the related Employee accounts to
participants.
</FN>
</TABLE>
- 50 -
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth information concerning the aggregate
number and potential realizable values of options granted to the Chief Executive
Officer and the other executive officers of the Company listed in the Summary
Compensation Table during the fiscal year ended December 26, 1996. The Board of
Directors authorized the issuance of options on October 5, 1996 at a per share
exercise price of $5.25 (being the closing price on October 4, 1996).
OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Potential Realizable
Value at Assumed
Annual Rates of
Appreciation for
Individual Grants Option Term (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------
Number of % of Total Options
Options Granted to Exercise Price Expiration
Name Granted Employees in 1996 ($ per share) Date 5% 10%
- ------------------- -------- ----------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John Harvey 141,000 26.5% $ 5.25 10-04-06 $ 466,710 $1,184,400
James D. Doering 57,500 10.8% $ 5.25 10-04-06 $ 190,325 $ 784,875
John G. Hamm 101,250 19.0% $ 5.25 10-04-06 $ 335,138 $ 850,500
Robert S. Gruber 97,750 18.3% $ 5.25 10-04-06 $ 323,553 $ 821,100
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth information concerning the aggregate
number and values of options held by the Chief Executive Officer and the other
executive officers of the Company listed in the Summary Compensation Table as of
December 26, 1996 which were granted to such officers in consideration of their
services as officers or directors of the Company. No other options held by the
Chief Executive Officer or any other executive officers of the Company listed in
the Summary Compensation Table were exercised in 1996.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 1996 AND
OPTION VALUES AS OF DECEMBER 26, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Value of Unexercised
Unexercised In-the-Money
Options at 12-26-96 Options at 12-26-96
Shares Acquired Value Exercisable/ Exercisable/
Name on Exercise Realized Unexercisable(1) Unexercisable(2)
- ------------------ --------------- --------- ------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John Harvey 0 $ 0 221,000/ $321,000/None
0
James D. Doering 8,500 18,000 111,000/ 180,000/None
0
John G. Hamm 0 0 140,450/ 184,000/None
0
Robert S. Gruber 0 0 118,750/ 136,000/None
0
- -------------------------------
<FN>
(1) See the notes under "Principal Shareholders" for a description of the
options (including exercise prices) granted to each of the executive
officers listed in this table.
(2) The listed options were issued at per share exercise prices of from
$3.65 per share to $5.25 per share. The market price of Common Stock as
of the close of trading on December 26, 1996 on the New York Stock
Exchange was $6.125 per share.
</FN>
</TABLE>
- 51 -
<PAGE>
Compensation Committee Interlocks And Insider Participation
Authority to determine the compensation of executive officers is
conferred upon the Company's Board of Directors or, in the case of officers paid
by Bagcraft Corporation of America ("Bagcraft"), by Bagcraft's Board of
Directors. The salary of John Harvey was paid by Bagcraft.
ARTRA's Board did not consider the compensation of its officers in
1996. The decisions concerning the cash compensation of these executive officers
(including of John Harvey, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ARTRA,
who was compensated by Bagcraft for his services as its Chairman) were made by
Peter R. Harvey, the President and Chief Operating Officer of ARTRA. Although
ARTRA has an Option and Compensation Committee formed to consider and award
options under ARTRA's 1985 Stock Option Plan, this committee did not meet in
1995. In December, 1995, the ARTRA Board awarded options to the Chief Executive
Officer and to certain executive officers subject to approval by the
shareholders of the proposed 1996 Stock Option Plan. Peter R. Harvey, John
Harvey and Gerard Kenny executed the consent approving these awards. These
awards were granted as compensation for late salary payments during the period
1991 to 1995. See "Transactions with Management and Others" for a description of
various transactions and relationships between the Company and each of these
directors.
- 52 -
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
As of May 28, 1997, there were 7,885,420 shares of Common Stock issued
and outstanding. The following table sets forth the number and percentage of
Common Stock known by management of ARTRA to be beneficially owned as of May 28,
1997 by (i) all stockholders known by management of ARTRA to own 5% or more of
ARTRA's Common Stock, (ii) all directors of ARTRA, (iii) each executive officer
included in the Summary Compensation Table and (iv) all directors, executive
officers and other key employees of ARTRA as a group (9 persons). Unless stated
otherwise, each person so named exercises sole voting and investment power as to
the shares of Common Stock so indicated.
As of May 28, 1997, 3,750 shares of Series A Preferred Stock of ARTRA,
par value $1,000 per share, were issued and outstanding. Each share of this
Series A Preferred Stock entitles the holder to one vote on an equal basis with
each share of Common Stock. Accordingly, for purposes of showing ownership of
Common Stock in the table below, the Series A Preferred Stock is treated as
Common Stock.
Number
of Shares
Beneficially
Name of Beneficial Owner Owned Percent
- ------------------------ ----- -------
Research Center of Kabbalah(1) 647,250 7.9%
Peter R. Harvey(2) Common 440,243 5.6%
Preferred 1,523 40.6%
John Harvey(3) 423,796 5.2%
Gerard M. Kenny(4) 240,048 3.0%
Maynard K. Louis(5) 121,000 1.5%
Howard R. Connant(6) 538,333 6.5%
Edward A. Celano 18,182 *
Robert L. Johnson 2,873 *
John G. Hamm(7) 143,498 1.8%
Robert S. Gruber(8) 141,104 1.8%
James D. Doering(9) 124,311 1.6%
All directors and executive officers
as a group (12 persons) 2,420,082 25.8%
* Less than 1% of the outstanding shares.
Ozite Corporation, an affiliate of ARTRA by reason of Peter R. Harvey
and John Harvey being directors of the parent corporation, Puretec, is the
record holder of 2,227 shares (59.4%) of the ARTRA Series A Preferred.
(1) The address of Research Center of Kabbalah ("RCK") is 83-84 115th Street,
Richmond Hill, New York 11418. The shares beneficially owned by RCK consist
of 361,000 shares of Common Stock owned directly, 21,250 shares of Common
Stock issuable under a warrant which expires October 29, 1998 at an
exercise price of $6.00 per share, 65,000 shares of Common Stock issuable
issuable under a warrant which expires December 31, 1998 at an exercise
price of $7.00 per share, 100,000 shares of Common Stock issuable under a
warrant which expires February 14, 2002 at an exercise price of $5.625 per
share and 100,000 shares of Common Stock issuable under a warrant which
expires April 13, 2002 at an exercise price of $5.00 per share.
(2) Mr. Peter R. Harvey's business address is 500 Central Avenue, Northfield,
Illinois 60093. The shares beneficially owned by Mr. Harvey consist of
375,138 shares held directly by him (of which 373,615 are Common Stock and
1,523 are shares of Series A Preferred Stock), 23,001 shares held as
trustee for the benefit of his nieces, 800 shares owned by his wife and
children, 634 shares held in his 401(k) plan, 7,193 shares held in his
individual retirement account, 20,000 shares issuable under an option which
expires September 19, 2001 at an exercise price of $3.65 per share and
15,000 shares issuable under an option which expires January 8, 2003 at an
exercise price of $3.75 per share.
- 53 -
<PAGE>
(3) Mr. John Harvey's business address is 500 Central Avenue, Northfield,
Illinois 60093. The shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Harvey
consist of 123,100 shares held directly by him, 1,705 shares held in his
401(k) plan, 5,746 shares held in his individual retirement account,
100,000 shares held by Mr. Harvey's daughters, 75,000 shares issuable under
an option which expires December 19, 2000 at an exercise price of $3.65 per
share, 1,000 shares issuable under an option which expires September 19,
2001 at an exercise price of $3.65 per share, 4,000 shares issuable under
an option which expires January 8, 2003 at an exercise price of $3.75 per
share, 141,000 shares issuable under an option which expires October 4,
2006 at an exercise price of $5.25 per share and an aggregate of 72,245
shares issuable under warrants expiring at various dates in 2000 and 2001
received in 1995 and 1996 as additional compensation for 1995 and 1996
short-term loans at exercise prices of $3.75 per share to $6.25 per share.
(4) The shares beneficially owned by Mr. Kenny consist of 2,000 shares of
ARTRA's common stock issuable upon the exercise of an option at $10.00 per
share expiring November 28, 1996, 75,652 shares held by (or issuable to)
Kenny Construction Company, 14,411 shares held by Clinton Industries, and
75,001 shares issuable under a warrant held by Clinton Industries which
expires November 10, 1997 at an exercise price of $5.00 per share. Kenny
Construction Company holds put options to sell to ARTRA (i) 23,004 shares
of Common Stock for a put price of $83.45 per share plus an amount equal to
15% per annum for each day from March 1, 1991 to the date of payment by
ARTRA, which put option expires December 31, 1997, and (ii) 49,980 shares
of Common Stock for a put price of $21.19 per share, subject to an annual
increase of $2.25, which put option is exercisable on the later of the date
ARTRA's obligations to Bank of America are repaid or the $2,500,000 note of
ARTRA payable to Kenny Construction Company (as described in paragraph 5
under "Transactions with Management and Others." If the stock subject to
the put is sold at a price less than the put price, the Company would
remain liable to the holder of the put for the amount by which the put
price of the shares exceeds the selling price. Mr. Kenny is Executive Vice
President, Director and beneficial owner of 16.66% of the issued and
outstanding stock of Kenny Construction Company. He is also the General
Partner and a 14.28% beneficial owner of Clinton Industries, a limited
partnership. See paragraphs 4 and 5 under "Transactions with Management and
Others."
(5) Mr. Louis is the holder of warrants to purchase 121,000 shares of ARTRA
common stock at prices of $4.50 to $8.00 per share which warrants expire on
various dates commencing in 1997 and ending June 13, 2001.
(6) Mr. Conant holds 140,000 ARTRA common shares directly, Mrs. Conant holds
5,000 ARTRA common shares and Mr. Conant holds warrants to acquire 393,000
shares of ARTRA common stock at prices of $5.00 to $5.75 per share which
warrants expire on various dates in 2001 and 2002.
(7) The shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Hamm consist of 50
shares held directly by him, 93 shares held by him and his wife jointly,
2,905 shares held in his 401(k) plan, 25,000 shares issuable under an
option which expires December 19, 2000 at an exercise price of $3.65 per
share, 1,000 shares issuable under an option which expires September 19,
2001 at an exercise price of $3.65 per share, 13,200 shares issuable under
an option which expires January 8, 2003 at an exercise price of $3.75 per
share, and 101,250 shares issuable under an option which expires October 4,
2006, at an exercise price of $5.25 per share.
(8) The shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Gruber consist of
20,190 shares held directly by him, 943 shares held in his 401(k) plan,
1,221 shares held in his individual retirement account, 8,000 shares
issuable under an option which expires December 19, 2000 at an exercise
price of $3.65 per share, 1,000 shares issuable under an option which
expires September 19, 2001 at an exercise price of $3.65 per share, 12,000
shares issuable under an option which expires January 8, 2003 at an
exercise price of $3.75 per share and 97,750 shares issuable under an
option which expires October 4, 2006, at an exercise price of $5.25 per
share.
(9) The shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Doering consist of
10,500 shares held by him in joint tenancy with his wife, 1,693 shares held
in his 401(k) plan, 1,118 shares held in his individual retirement account,
22,500 shares issuable under an option which expires December 19, 2000 at
an exercise price of $3.65 per share, 31,000 shares issuable under an
option which expires January 8, 2003 at an exercise price of $3.75 per
share and 57,500 shares issuable under an option which expires October 4,
2006, at an exercise price of $5.25 per share.
- 54 -
<PAGE>
TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS
Effective October 17, 1995, COMFORCE, formerly a 64% owned subsidiary
of ARTRA, acquired all of the capital stock of COMFORCE Telecom, Inc. ("COMFORCE
Telecom"), formerly Spectrum Global Services, Inc. d/b/a YIELD Global, for
consideration of approximately $6.4 million, net of cash acquired. This
consideration consisted of cash to the seller of approximately $5.1 million,
fees of approximately $700,000, including a fee of $500,000 to a related party,
and 500,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock valued at $843,000 (at a price per
share of $1.68) issued as consideration for various fees and guarantees
associated with the transaction. The 500,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock
consisted of (i) 100,000 shares issued to an unrelated party for guaranteeing
the purchase price to the seller, (ii) 100,000 shares issued to ARTRA, then the
majority stockholder of the Company, in consideration of its guaranteeing the
purchase price to the seller and agreeing to enter into the Assumption
Agreement, as discussed below, (iii) 150,000 issued to two unrelated parties for
advisory services in connection with the acquisition, and (iv) 150,000 shares
issued to Peter R. Harvey, then a Vice President and director of COMFORCE for
guaranteeing the payment of the $6.4 million purchase price to the seller.
Additionally, in conjunction with the COMFORCE Telecom acquisition, ARTRA
entered into an Assumption Agreement whereby it agreed to assume substantially
all pre-existing Lori liabilities and indemnify COMFORCE in the event any future
liabilities arise concerning pre-existing environmental matters and business
related litigation. Accordingly, at March 27, 1997 and December 26, 1996,
$321,000 and $348,000, respectively, of such pre-existing Lori liabilities were
classified in ARTRA's condensed consolidated balance as current liabilities of
discontinued operations.
Effective July 4, 1995, COMFORCE's management agreed to issue up to a
35% common stock interest in the COMFORCE to certain individuals to manage
COMFORCE's entry into the telecommunications and computer technical staffing
business. COMFORCE recognized a non-recurring charge of $3,425,000 related to
this stock since these stock awards were 100% vested when issued, and were
neither conditioned upon these individuals' service to the Company as employees
nor the consummation of the COMFORCE COMFORCE Telecom acquisition. Accordingly,
this compensation charge was fully recognized in 1995. The shares of COMFORCE
common stock issued in accordance with the above agreements were valued at $.93
per share. COMFORCE's management valued COMFORCE based on its discussions with
market makers and other advisors, taking into account (i) that the Jewelry
Business, which was discontinued at the end of the second quarter of 1995, had a
negligible value, and (ii) the value of COMFORCE was principally related to the
potential effect that a purchase of COMFORCE COMFORCE Telecom, if successfully
concluded, would have market value of COMFORCE common stock. COMFORCE's
management believed this value of $.93 per share to be a fair and appropriate
value based upon COMFORCE's financial condition as of the date COMFORCE became
obligated to issue these shares. After the issuance of the COMFORCE common
shares, plus the effects of other transactions, ARTRA's ownership interest in
COMFORCE common stockwas reduced to approximately 14% and 25% at December 26,
1996 and December 28, 1995, respectively. Accordingly, in October 1995, the
accounts of COMFORCE and its majority-owned subsi diaries were deconsolidated
from ARTRA's consolidated financial statements. See Note 6 to the Company's
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 26, 1996 for a
further discussion of the accounting treatment of ARTRA's investment in
COMFORCE.
Effective December 19, 1996, ARTRA and COMFORCE agreed to settle
various differences in the interpretation of certain agreements relating to the
COMFORCE Telecom acquisition, whereby, among other things:
(a) COMFORCE delivered to ARTRA 100,000 shares of COMFORCE common
stock in consideration of ARTRA's guarantee of the COMFORCE
Telecom purchase price to the seller and 100,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock for the cancellation of the Series C
Preferred Stock. ARTRA's financial statements have reflected the
issuance of these 200,000 COMFORCE common shares to ARTRA since
the fourth quarter of 1995.
(b) ARTRA delivered to COMFORCE certificates evidencing its ownership
of 100% of the Lori Series C Preferred Stock.
- 55 -
<PAGE>
(c) COMFORCE agreed to include in a proposed underwritten public
offering 380,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock held by ARTRA and
its Fill-Mor subsidiary. Sales proceeds will be used principally
to discharge certain ARTRA and Fill-Mor debt obligations.
(d) ARTRA agreed to a Lock-up Agreement which limits its ability to
sell its remaining COMFORCE common shares for a period of 360 days
after the effective date of COMFORCE's proposed underwritten
public offering.
(e) ARTRA agreed to deposit 125,000 shares of its COMFORCE common
stock into an escrow account to collateralize its remaining
obligations under the Assumption Agreement.
COMFORCE did not retain an underwriter for the proposed underwritten
public offering referred to in paragraph (c) and, accordingly, effective April
30, 1997 ARTRA was released from the provisions of the Lock-up
Agreement.
During 1995, ARTRA received $399,000 of advances from COMFORCE. In
1996, COMFORCE advanced ARTRA an additional $54,000. During 1996 ARTRA repaid
the above advances and paid down, assumed or otherwise settled substantially all
of the known pre-existing COMFORCE liabilities it assumed in conjunction with
the COMFORCE COMFORCE Telecom acquisition.
John Harvey was the chief executive officer, the chairman of the board
of COMFORCE until November 1995 and a director to December 1995. Peter R. Harvey
was a a director of COMFORCE to December 1995 and a vice president of COMFORCE
through January 1, 1996. James D. Doering was the vice president and chief
financial officer of COMFORCE through January 1996. Lawrence D. Levin was the
controller and assistant chief financial officer of COMFORCE through January
1996. Edwin Rymek was the secretary of COMFORCE through November 1995.
In January 1995, ARTRA borrowed $100,000 from John Harvey on a
short-term basis evidenced by a note due March 20, 1995 and bearing interest at
8% per annum. This loan, as well as other short-term borrowings from John
Harvey, aggregating $175,000 at December 28, 1995, have been renewed as they
matured during 1995. In February 1996 ARTRA repaid $50,000 to Mr. Harvey. In May
1996 ARTRA repaid Mr. Harvey's loans and related accrued interest in their
entirety. As additional compensation the loans provided for the issuance of
warrants to purchase ARTRA common shares, as determined by the number of days
the loans are outstanding. John Harvey received warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 66,045 shares of ARTRA common stock at prices ranging from $3.75 to
$6.125 per share as additional compensation for his loans to ARTRA.
During 1990 and 1991, ARTRA made advances to Peter R. Harvey, of which
$820,000 (including $112,000 in accrued interest) remained outstanding at
December 30, 1993. The outstanding principal balance of these advances bears
interest at the prime rate plus 2%. ARTRA had previously borrowed funds from Mr.
Harvey evidenced by a $2,000,000 ARTRA note payable to him. Upon Mr. Harvey's
surrender of this note to ARTRA (which note had previously been pledged by him
to secure obligations he owed to another company), ARTRA applied the $2,000,000
to amounts due from him.
In addition to the advances made directly by ARTRA, certain advances
were previously made to Mr. Harvey by Bagcraft prior to its acquisition by ARTRA
in 1990. In December 1993, $1,894,000, representing the total amount of these
advances (including accrued interest of $120,000) was transferred from ARTRA's
Bagcraft subsidiary to ARTRA as a dividend (a portion of which interest has been
reserved on ARTRA's books).
In February 1996, a bank agreed to discharge all amounts under its
ARTRA notes ($14,563,639.39 including accrued interest and fees) and certain
obligations of ARTRA's president, Peter R. Harvey. In connection with said
discharge, ARTRA obtained a $2,150,000 participation right in a $3 million note,
which was offset by the discharge of $2,150,000 in prior Harvey indebtedness. In
addition, ARTRA recorded a receivable of $1,089,000 for Mr. Harvey's pro rata
share of the debt discharge funded by the Company. See "Transactions with
Management and Others -- Settlement of the Bank of America Illinois Debt." In
March 1997, the bank sold its interest in Mr. Harvey's note and the related
collateral to a private investor. ARTRA retained its $2,150,000 security
interest the real estate, subordinated to the noteholder's $850,000 security
interest in this real estate.
- 56 -
<PAGE>
In May 1991, ARTRA's Fill-Mor subsidiary made advances to Peter R.
Harvey. The advances, made out of a portion of the proceeds of a short-term bank
loan, bear interest at the prime rate plus 2%. The amount of these advances at
March 30, 1995 was $1,540,000 (including $398,000 of accrued interest). In
April, 1995, these advances from ARTRA's Fill-Mor subsidiary to Peter R. Harvey
were transferred to ARTRA as a dividend.
The aggregate amount of all amounts due from Mr. Harvey which remained
outstanding as of March 27, 1997 was $8,449,000. ARTRA has accrued interest in
the sum of $1,865,000 on the principal owed to it by Mr. Harvey. Commencing
January 1, 1993 to date, interest on these amounts due from Peter R. Harvey has
been accrued and fully reserved.
As partial collateral for amounts due from Peter R. Harvey, the Company
has received the pledge of 1,523 shares of ARTRA redeemable preferred stock
(with a liquidation value of $1,523,000, plus accrued dividends) which are owned
by Mr. Harvey. In addition, Mr. Harvey has pledged a 25% interest in Industrial
Communication Company (a private company). Such interest is valued by Mr. Harvey
at $800,000 to $1,000,000. During 1995, Peter R. Harvey entered into a pledge
agreement with ARTRA whereby Mr. Harvey pledged additional collateral consisting
of 42,067 shares of ARTRA common stock and 707,281 shares of PureTec. In
addition, in connection with a discharge of certain bank indebtedness discussed
below, ARTRA received rights under a mortgage of certain real estate owned by
Mr. Harvey. The mortgage secures $2,150,000 of the amount owed by Mr. Harvey.
The bank has a senior security interest in the amount of $850,000. See
"Transactions With Management And Others - - Settlement of the Bank of America
Illinois Debt." In March 1997, the bank sold its interest in Mr. Harvey's note
and the related collateral to a private investor. ARTRA retained its $2,150,000
security interest the real estate, subordinated to the noteholder's $850,000
security interest in this real estate.
Peter R. Harvey has not received compensation for his services other
than nominal amounts as an officer or director of ARTRA or any of its
subsidiaries since October 1990. Additionally, Mr. Harvey has agreed not to
accept any compensation for his services as an officer or director of ARTRA or
any of its subsidiaries until his obligations to ARTRA, described above, are
fully satisfied. Additionally, since December 31, 1986, Peter R. Harvey has
guaranteed approximately $40,000,000 of ARTRA obligations to private and
institutional lenders (John Harvey also was a co-guarantor of a $26,700,000 loan
included in that total with Peter R. Harvey), and has also hypothecated personal
assets as security for the ARTRA obligations which are described in this proxy
statement.
Under Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, ARTRA (a
Pennsylvania corporation) is permitted to make loans to officers and directors.
Further, under the Delaware General Corporation Law, Fill-Mor (a Delaware
corporation) is permitted to make loans to an officer (including any officer who
is also a director, as in the case of Peter R. Harvey), whenever, in the
judgment of the directors, the loan can reasonably be expected to benefit
Fill-Mor.
At the September 19, 1991 meeting, ARTRA's Board of Directors discussed
but did not act on a proposal to ratify the advances made by ARTRA to Peter R.
Harvey. The 1992 advances made by ARTRA to Peter R. Harvey were ratified by
ARTRA's Board of Directors. In the case of the loan made by Fill-Mor to Peter R.
Harvey, the Board of Directors of Fill-Mor approved the borrowing of funds from
Fill-Mor's bank loan agreement, a condition of which was the application of a
portion of the proceeds thereof to the payment of certain of Peter R. Harvey's
loan obligations to the bank. However, the resolutions did not acknowledge the
use of such proceeds for this purpose and the formal loan documents with the
bank did not set forth this condition (though in fact, the proceeds were so
applied by the bank).
In June 1996, Peter R. Harvey loaned the Company 100,000 shares of
ARTRA common stock with (with a then fair market value of $587,000). The Company
principally issued these common shares to certain lenders as additional
consideration for short-term loans. In September 1996, after the Company's
shareholders approved an increase in the number of authorized common shares, the
Company repaid this loan. At Peter R. Harvey's direction, the 100,000 shares of
the Company's common stock were issued in blocks of 25,000 shares to the four
daughters of the Company's Chairman of the Board, John Harvey. John Harvey and
Peter R. Harvey are brothers.
- 57 -
<PAGE>
During 1986 and through August 10, 1988, ARTRA entered into a series of
short-term borrowing agreements with private investors. Each agreement granted
an investor a put option, principally due in one year, that required ARTRA to
repurchase any or all of the shares sold at a 15% to 20% premium during a
specified put period. Kenny Construction Company ("Kenny") entered into a put
option agreement with ARTRA, which has been extended from time to time, most
recently on November 11, 1992. At such time ARTRA and Kenny agreed to extend the
put option whereby Kenny received the right to sell to ARTRA 23,004 shares of
ARTRA common stock at a put price of $56.76 plus an amount equal to 15% per
annum for each day from March 1, 1991 to the date of payment by ARTRA, which
option expires December 31, 1997.
Gerard M. Kenny, a director of ARTRA, is the Executive vice-president
and Chief Executive Officer and a director of Kenny and beneficially owns 16.66%
of Kenny's capital stock.
On March 21, 1989, ARTRA borrowed $5,000,000 from its bank lender
evidenced by a promissory note. This note has been amended and extended from
time to time. The borrowings on this note were collateralized by, among other
things, a $2,500,000 personal guaranty by Kenny. Kenny received compensation in
the form of 833 shares of ARTRA common stock for each month that its guaranty
remained outstanding through March 31, 1994. Under this arrangement, Kenny
received 49,980 shares of ARTRA common stock as compensation for its guaranty.
On March 31, 1994, ARTRA entered into a series of agreements with its
bank lender and with Kenny. Under the terms of these agreements, Kenny purchased
a $2,500,000 participation in the $5,000,000 note payable to ARTRA's bank
lender. Kenny's participation is evidenced by a $2,500,000 ARTRA note (the
"Kenny Note") bearing interest at the prime rate. As consideration for its
purchase of this participation, the bank lender released Kenny from its
$2,500,000 loan guaranty. As additional consideration, Kenny received an option
to put back to ARTRA the 49,980 shares of ARTRA common stock received as
compensation for its $2,500,000 ARTRA loan guaranty at a price of $15.00 per
share. The put option is subject to increase at the rate of $2.25 per share per
annum ($21.188 at December 26, 1996). The put option is exercisable on the later
of the date the Kenny Note is repaid or the date ARTRA's obligations to its bank
lender are fully paid. During the first quarter of 1996, the $2,500,000 note and
related accrued interest was paid in full, principally with the proceeds from
additional short-term borrowings. The put option remains outstanding.
On September 27, 1989, ARTRA received a proposal to purchase Bagcraft
from Sage Group, Inc. ("Sage"), a privately-owned corporation. Effective March
3, 1990, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARTRA indirectly acquired from Sage 100%
of the issued and outstanding common shares of BCA Holdings, Inc., which in turn
owned 100% of the stock of Bagcraft, for total consideration which was delivered
to Ozite as the successor by merger to Sage, upon approval of ARTRA's
shareholders. The consideration for the Bagcraft acquisition consisted of
772,000 shares of ARTRA's common stock and 3,750 shares of its $1,000 par value
junior non-convertible payment-in-kind preferred stock bearing a dividend rate
of 6%. The issuance of the ARTRA Common and Preferred Stock as consideration was
approved by ARTRA's shareholders at the December 1990 annual meeting of
shareholders. Upon the merger of Sage into Ozite on August 24, 1990, Ozite
became entitled to receive this consideration, which right Ozite assigned to its
PST subsidiary. Peter R. Harvey, ARTRA's President, and John Harvey, ARTRA's
Chairman of the Board of Directors, were the principal shareholders of Sage and
Ozite as of the times that the merger agreements were executed and the mergers
consummated.
Ozite subsequently repurchased the 3,750 shares of preferred stock in
February 1992, 1,523 of which shares were subsequently assigned to Peter Harvey
in consideration of his discharge of certain indebtedness of Ozite to him in
April 1992. Mr. Harvey pledged these 1,523 preferred shares to ARTRA. The
$4,750,000 price of the 772,000 shares of common stock and 3,750 shares of
preferred stock was equal to the fair market value thereof as of January 31,
1991 as determined by an independent investment banking firm engaged by PST to
make such determination.
- 58 -
<PAGE>
Peter R. Harvey and John Harvey are significant stockholders of PST's
parent, PureTec, as described in Note 1 to the table under "Principal
Shareholders." Peter R. Harvey is a Vice President and a director of PST and a
director of PureTec. John Harvey is a director of PST and PureTec.
In 1987, the predecessor of PST acquired a $5,000,000 subordinated note
bearing interest at a rate of 13.5% per annum and 50,000 shares of 13-1/2%
cumulative redeemable preferred stock of Bagcraft with a liquidation preference
of $5,000,000 with $10,000,000 of the net proceeds of the PST public offering in
May 1987. Interest accrued on the note at a rate of 13.5% per annum. No cash
payments of interest were made during the term of the note. However, during
1992, per agreement with PST, the interest payments for 1992 were remitted by
Bagcraft to ARTRA and the noteholder received Series A preferred stock of
Bagcraft's parent, BCA Holdings, Inc. ("BCA") having a liquidation value of
$675,000. In December 1993, the principal outstanding under this note was repaid
in full in cash from proceeds of Bagcraft's new credit facility with an
institutional lender and PST accepted additional BCA preferred stock having a
liquidation value of $3,000,000 in satisfaction of all unpaid accrued interest
thereon.
The BCA preferred stock provides a $1,000 per share liquidation
preference and annual cumulative cash dividends of $60.00 per share when and if
declared by BCA. The Bagcraft redeemable preferred stock remains outstanding as
of the date hereof. As of March 27, 1997, dividends in the amount of $743,000
had cumulated thereon.
Settlement of the Bank of America Illinois Debt
As of February 26, 1996, ARTRA was indebted to B of A in the sum of
$14,563,639.59 including accrued interest and fees (the "Prior Indebtedness").
As of February 26, 1996, Peter R. Harvey, an officer and director of ARTRA, was
indebted to B of A in the sum of $7,496,830 including accrued interest (the
"Prior Harvey Indebtedness"), (the Prior Indebtedness and the Prior Harvey
Indebtedness are collectively referred to as the "Debt", or "Prior Notes").
On February 26, 1996, for an aggregate purchase price of $5,150,000
(the "Purchase Price") Arabella, S.A. ("Arabella") purchased from B of A (the
"Debt Purchase") all of B of A's interest in the Debt except that B of A
retained the rights to $3 million of the Prior Harvey Indebtedness. B of A then
entered into a Participation Agreement with ARTRA pursuant to which B of A
transferred to ARTRA the right to receive $2.15 million of the retained $3
million indebtedness. The $3 million indebtedness was collateralized by a
mortgage on certain real estate owned by Mr. Harvey. B of A's rights to the
remaining $850,000 of the indebtedness had priority over ARTRA's rights to the
$2.15 million. In March 1997, the bank sold its interest in Mr. Harvey's note
and the related collateral to a private investor. ARTRA retained its $2,150,000
security interest the real estate, subordinated to the noteholder's $850,000
security interest in this real estate.
The Prior ARTRA Indebtedness and the Prior Harvey Indebtedness were
satisfied as follows.
1. ARTRA paid Arabella cash in the amount of $2,650,000, 100,000 shares
of ARTRA common stock (valued at $440,667 after a discount for restricted
marketability) and 25,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock held by ARTRA (with a
then fair market value of $200,000).
2. BCA executed a note in favor of Arabella in the principal amount of
$1,900,000 with a maturity date of May 26, 1996 (the "New ARTRA Note,") and
Peter R. Harvey executed a note in favor of Arabella in the principal amount of
$2,296,830 (the "New Harvey Note"). The amount of the Harvey Note was reduced to
$100,000 if payment was made by May 26, 1996. Arabella was entitled to up to an
additional 100,000 shares of ARTRA common stock and 25,000 shares of COMFORCE
stock depending on when ARTRA and Peter R. Harvey repaid the new debt. The New
ARTRA and Harvey Notes were repaid in April, 1996, principally from the proceeds
of a private placement completed in July (and commenced in April). Based on the
date of the repayment, Arabella received an additional 50,000 shares of ARTRA
stock, which had a value of $220,000 after a discount for restricted
marketability. Arabella also received an additional $125,000 in lieu of the
additional 12,500 shares of COMFORCE to which it was entitled based on the date
of repayment.
- 59 -
<PAGE>
3. ARTRA gave Arabella an option to purchase 40% of the common stock of
Bagcraft for nominal consideration. The option was valued at $500,000. Per the
terms of the agreement, ARTRA repurchased the option for $550,000 in April,
1996.
ARTRA recognized a gain on the discharge of indebtedness of $9,424,000
($1.23 per share) in the first quarter of 1996 and recorded a receivable for Mr.
Harvey's pro rata share ($1,089,000) of the debt discharge funded by the
Company. In addition, ARTRA forgave $2,150,000 debt previously owed to it by
Peter Harvey, which offset ARTRA's right to receive $2,150,000 from Mr. Harvey
pursuant to the Participation Agreement discussed above.
In order to obtain access to the $2,650,000 paid to Arabella, the
following transactions occurred.
1. Bagcraft purchased from BCA all of the authorized shares of a newly
created BCA Class B Redeemable Preferred stock (the "BCA B Pref") consisting of
8,135 shares, a $1,000 per share liquidation preference and annual cumulative
cash dividends of $135 per share for $4,135,000 which was borrowed under
Bagcraft's line of credit.
2. BCA distributed the $4,135,000 to ARTRA. ARTRA paid $2,650,000 to
Arabella and used the remaining $1,485,000 to pay down other debt obligations
and for working capital.
3. Bagcraft then exchanged the BCA B Pref for 82.7% of the outstanding
shares of Bagcraft preferred stock (the "Bagcraft Preferred") which were owned
by Ozite Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of PureTec. Following this
exchange, Ozite held all of the outstanding BCA B Pref. Bagcraft then held 82.7%
of the outstanding shares of its Preferred which was canceled. There are 8,650
shares of Bagcraft Preferred remaining outstanding held by PST.
Other Transactions
On March 9, 1990, Maynard K. Louis, a member of the Board of Directors,
made a loan to ARTRA in the principal amount of $500,000 bearing interest at the
rate of 10% per annum. This loan was repaid in 1992 through the issuance to Mr.
Louis of 68,198 shares of ARTRA's common stock. On April 2, 1992, Mr. Louis made
a loan to ARTRA in the principal amount of $100,000 bearing interest at the rate
of 9% per annum, which loan, due April 1, 1994, has been extended. On October 1,
1993, Mr. Louis made a short term loan in the principal amount of $75,000
bearing interest at the rate of 8% per annum to ARTRA's BCA Holdings Inc. and A
G Holding Corp. subsidiaries due October 22, 1993, which loan was repaid. As
consideration for making or agreeing to extend these loans, Mr. Louis received
the warrants to purchase ARTRA's common stock described in note 5 to the table
under "Principal Shareholders."
During 1993, The Research Center of Kabbalah ("RCK"), which holds
approximately 7% of ARTRA's outstanding Common Stock (including the stock
issuable upon the exercise of warrants) as of December 26, 1996, made certain
short-term loans to the Company of which $2,000,000, with interest at 10%, was
outstanding at December 31, 1993. As additional compensation, RCK received
warrants to purchase an aggregate of 86,250 ARTRA common shares at prices
ranging from $6.00 to $7.00 per share based upon the market of ARTRA's common
stock at the date of issuance. The warrants expire five years from the date of
issuance. In January 1994, Kabbalah made an additional $1,000,000 short-term
loan to the Company, also with interest at 10%. The proceeds of these loans were
used to pay down various ARTRA short-term loans and other debt obligations. In
December, 1995, RCK received 126,222 shares of ARTRA common in payment of past
due interest through October 31, 1995. Interest on the loans has been paid
through March, 1997. Payment on the loans was due March 31, 1994, however, the
lender has not demanded payment. In February 1997, the lender received a warrant
to purchase an additional 100,000 ARTRA common shares at $5.625 per share as
consideration for not demanding payment of this obligation. In April 1997, the
lender received a warrant to purchase an additional 100,000 ARTRA common shares
at $5.00 per share as consideration for not demanding payment of this
obligation.
In May, 1996, ARTRA borrowed $100,000 from Edward A. Celano, then a
private investor, evidenced by an unsecured short-term note, due August 7, 1996,
and renewed to February 6, 1997, bearing interest at 10%. The proceeds of the
loan were used for working capital. At the Company's annual meeting of
shareholders, held August 29, 1996, Mr. Celano was elected to the Company's
board of directors. Effective January 17, 1997, Mr. Celano exercised his
conversion rights and received 18,182 shares of ARTRA common stock as payment of
the principal balance of his note.
- 60 -
<PAGE>
In August, 1996, ARTRA borrowed $500,000 from Howard Conant, then a
private investor, evidenced by an short-term note, due December 23, 1996,
bearing interest at 10%. The loan was collateralized by 125,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock owned by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional
compensation for the loan, Mr. Conant received a warrant, expiring in 2001, to
purchase 25,000 ARTRA common shares at a price of $5.00 per share. The proceeds
of the loan were used for working capital. At the Company's annual meeting of
shareholders, held August 29, 1996, Mr. Conant was elected to the Company's
board of directors. In December, 1996, the loan was extended until April 23,
1997 and Mr. Conant received, as additional compensation, a warrant , expiring
in 2001, to purchase 25,000 ARTRA common shares at a price of $5.875 per share.
In January, 1997, ARTRA borrowed an additional $300,000 from Mr. Conant
evidenced by an short-term note, due December 23, 1997, bearing interest at 8%.
The loan was collateralized by 100,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by
the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional compensation for the loan, Mr.
Conant received a warrant, expiring in 2002, to purchase 25,000 ARTRA common
shares at a price of $5.75 per share.
In March 1997, ARTRA borrowed an additional $1,000,000 from Mr. Conant
evidenced by a short-term note, due May 26, 1997, bearing interest at 12%. The
loan was collateralized by 585,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the
Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional compensation, Mr. Conant received
an option to purchase 25,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the
Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary at a price of $4.00 per share, with the right to
put the option back to ARTRA on or before May 30, 1997 for a total put price of
$50,000. In May 1997, Mr. Conant exercised his rights and put the COMFORCE
option back to ARTRA for $50,000. The proceeds from this loan were used in part
to repay an ARTRA/Fill-Mor $2,500,000 bank term loan.
In April 1997, ARTRA borrowed $5,000,000 from Mr. Conant evidenced by a
note, due April 20, 1998, bearing interest at 10%. Mr. Conant is holding 810,000
shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary as
collateral for this loan. As additional compensation, the lender received a
warrant to purchase 333,333 ARTRA common shares at a price of $5.00 per share.
The warrantholder has the right to put this warrant back to ARTRA at any time
during the period April 21, 1998 to April 20, 2000, for a total purchase price
of $1,000,000. The cost of this obligation will be accrued in the Company's
financial statements as a charge to interest expense over the period April 21,
1997 (the date of the loan) through April 21, 1998 (the date the warrantholder
has the right to put the warrant back to ARTRA). The proceeds from this loan
were used to repay Mr. Conant's outstanding borrowings of $1,800,000 and to pay
down other ARTRA debt obligations. As of May 7, 1997, ARTRA had total
outstanding borrowings of $5,000,000 from Mr. Conant collateralized by 810,000
shares of COMFORCE common stock.
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information, as of May 28, 1997,
when 7,885,420 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding regarding the
shares of Common Stock held by the persons ("Selling Shareholders") offering
shares pursuant to this Prospectus. Included in certain of the shares owned and
offered by Selling Shareholders are shares issuable upon the exercise of
warrants, as described in the notes to the table.
In cases where the Selling Shareholder serves or has served within the past
three years as an officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, this relationship is noted. In most instances in which shares of
Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of Warrants are being registered, the
Selling Shareholder acquired the Warrant as additional consideration for
extending credit to the Company or in connection with another transaction. In
certain instances, shares of Common Stock of Selling Shareholders being
registered were acquired in exchange for debt securities (promissory notes) of
the Company previously held by the Selling Shareholders, or otherwise to pay,
compromise or discharge indebtedness (including interest) of the Company due to
the Selling Shareholder. Because the Selling Shareholders may offer all or some
part of the Common Stock that they hold pursuant to the offering contemplated by
this Prospectus, and because this offering is not being underwritten (on a firm
commitment or any other basis), no estimate can be given as to the amount of
Common Stock that will be held by Selling Shareholders upon termination of this
offering.
- 61 -
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Before the Offering
-------------------------------------------------
Number of Percent of Shares
Shares Total Shares Offered
Name of Beneficial Owner Beneficially Outstanding Hereby
Owned (1)(2) (1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Robert Abrams (22) 4,724 * 4,724
Alltech Associates (42) 10,000 * 10,000
Donald Arends (22) 2,847 * 2,847
Donald Arends Pension Plan (3) 2,200 * 2,200
Baytree Associates, Inc. (15) 15,000 * 15,000
James F. Beedie (4) 5,000 * 5,000
James A. Belushi (4) 5,000 * 5,000
Morris Belzberg (4) 25,000 * 25,000
William Belzberg (4) 25,000 * 25,000
K. Reed Berkey (4) 2,500 * 2,500
Nora Baker (4) 5,000 * 5,000
Julius Berman (24) 6,250 * 6,250
Evelyn Bishop, Trustee (5) 168,051 2.1% 168,051
Richard Blackmore (28) 17,500 * 17,500
Violet M. Blank Living Trust (15) 7,500 * 7,500
Blacksmith Books, Ltd. (22) 2,873 * 2,873
Barry W. Blank (15) 75,000 * 75,000
John Bramsen (4) 10,000 10,000
Fred Broling (22) 14,234 * 14,234
Robert A. Calabrese (27) 15,000 * 15,000
Thomas J. Carroll (34) 28,461 * 28,461
Edward A Celano (12) 18,182 * 18,182
Woodrow Chamberlain (4) 10,000 * 10,000
Cipka S.A. (6) 192,790 2.4% 192,790
Clinton Industries (7) 75,001 * 75,001
Marilyn Cohen (15) 3,750 * 3,750
Stanley Cohen (24) 6,250 * 6,250
Earle Combs (22) 4,724 * 4,724
Howard R. Conant (20) 538,333 6.5% 503,333
Leo Denslow (15) 9,000 * 9,000
Ronald Di Martino (15) 15,000 * 15,000
David J. Doerge Trust (34) 20,677 * 20,677
David J. Doerge Trust (4) 45,000 * 45,000
Richard A. Dolan (23) 33,263 * 33,263
Mark Dorian (4) 5,000 * 5,000
Stephen N. Engberg (4) 10,000 * 10,000
Kelly Erickson (15) 7,500 * 7,500
Paul Farmer IRA (4) 2,500 * 2,500
Leonard Feldman (4) 15,000 * 15,000
Barry M. Ferrigno & B. Allan P/S Plan (15) 7,500 * 7,500
Field Container Corp. (8) 150,943 1.9% 150,943
William F. Foster Jr. (32) 5,000 * 5,000
Rudolph Frank (22) 2,363 * 2,363
Paul H. Fricke (22) 2,873 * 2,873
William Gallagher (22) 4,724 * 4,724
Gibralt Holdings, Ltd. (4) 5,000 * 5,000
Howard Grafman (4) 5,000 * 5,000
Ilse W. Grafman (4) 5,000 * 5,000
James E. Grieger (22) 5,693 * 5,693
</TABLE>
- 62 -
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Before the Offering
-------------------------------------------------
Number of Percent of Shares
Shares Total Shares Offered
Name of Beneficial Owner Beneficially Outstanding Hereby
Owned (1)(2) (1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Robert S. Gruber (22) 141,104 1.8% 2,874
Robert Haney (38) 1,000 * 1,000
Morton J. Harris (22) 2,873 * 2,873
Bucky W.F. Fong (15) 3,750 * 3,750
Joseph Giamanco (15) 30,000 * 30,000
Myron and Donna Goldstein (15) 11,250 * 11,250
GHM, Inc. (15) 3,750 * 3,750
Clark Gunderson (30) 5,000 * 5,000
Ezra Hamway (46) 5,000 * 5,000
John Harvey (9) 523,796 6.4% 82,206
Peter R. Harvey (21) 440,243 5.6% 42,067
Kim Eliabeth Harvey (40) 25,000 * 25,000
Julie Harvey Valeriote (40) 25,000 * 25,000
Lori Ann Harvey (40) 25,000 * 25,000
Kim Eliabeth Harvey (40) 25,000 * 25,000
Norton Herrick (34) 41,333 * 41,333
Austin Iodice (10) 30,373 * 30,373
Dane Johnson, IRA (15) 3,750 * 3,750
Carol M. Jacobsohn (11) 8,250 * 8,250
Robert Johnson (22) 2,873 * 2,873
Robert Jones (31) 8,321 * 8,321
Catherine Joyce (22) 4,745 * 4,745
Karel Private Mangers Fund (24) 25,000 * 25,000
Karel Private Managers Fund - 25,000 * 25,000
Series TE (24)
Robert Kartheiser (22) 6,641 * 6,641
</TABLE>
- 63 -
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Before the Offering
-------------------------------------------------
Number of Percent of Shares
Shares Total Shares Offered
Name of Beneficial Owner Beneficially Outstanding Hereby
Owned (1)(2) (1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Stephen Kaufman (24) 6,250 * 6,250
Thomas Kigin (4) 2,500 * 2,500
Craig Kubacki (22) 4,724 * 4,724
David Kubacki (22) 4,724 * 4,724
Kenneth L. Kwiatt (22) 22,687 * 22,687
Kwiatt, Silverman & Ruben, Ltd. (45) 12,000 * 12,000
Kwiatt, Silverman & Ruben, Ltd.
Profit Sharing Plan (38) 15,000 * 15,000
Michael Laundrie (44) 9,773 * 9,773
R. D. Levy (22) 5,364 * 5,364
Steven M. Levy (29) 17,877 * 17,877
Levy S.D. (46) 10,000 * 10,000
Robert Lofblad (22) 16,154 * 16,154
Frank N. Magid (4) 2,500 * 2,500
Maynard K. Louis (13) 121,000 1.5% 121,000
MH Capital Partners, L.P. (15) 7,500 * 7,500
Richard McLean (22) 3,320 * 3,320
M. A. Berman Partners, L.P. (24) 25,000 * 25,000
M. A. Berman Trading (24) 12,500 * 12,500
David MacDonald (22) 4,726 * 4,726
Maser Sosinski & Assoc. P.A. (15) 7,500 * 7,500
Thomas L. Mason (22) 959 * 959
D. Michael Meyer (4) 10,000 * 10,000
John E. Mc Connnaughy (15) 75,000 * 75,000
James McHugh (4) 5,000 * 5,000
James B. McGill (4) 5,000 * 5,000
Johanna B. McGill (4) 5,000 * 5,000
</TABLE>
- 64 -
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Before the Offering
-------------------------------------------------
Number of Percent of Shares
Shares Total Shares Offered
Name of Beneficial Owner Beneficially Outstanding Hereby
Owned (1)(2) (1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
R & J Lucas Revocable Trust (43) 10,000 * 10,000
Alfred Mendelson (22) 9,513 * 9,513
Ira Mendelson (22) 4,724 * 4,724
Mesirow Financial Inc., Custodian for 5,000 * 5,000
Thomas Philipsborn IRA (4)
Richard Meyer (22) 2,873 * 2,873
Jerry Michelson IRA (4) 3,750 * 3,750
Jerry Michelson (4) 1,250 * 1,250
Mid America Hospital Group Inc. (24) 12,500 * 12,500
William J. Mirch (4) 5,000 * 5,000
Dr. John H. Muehlstein IRA (4) 5,000 * 5,000
Peer Pedersen (46) 25,000 * 25,000
Jerry Pillard (22) 385 * 385
Pollack Family L.L.C. (15) 3,750 * 3,750
Janet M. Portelly (15) 6,000 * 6,000
Ravinia Investors LLC (4) 2,500 * 2,500
Charles Reeder (4) 20,000 * 20,000
Research Center of Kabbalah (14) 647,250 7.9% 412,250
William G. Reynolds, Jr. (4) 1,250 * 1,250
J.E. Rich (22) 14,239 * 14,239
Richard Richter, IRA (15) 22,500 * 22,500
Evan D. Ritchie Living Trust (4) 2,500 * 2,500
Robert Rittmaster (22) 3,321 * 3,321
Philip E. Ruben (38) 20,687 * 20,687
Barry Rymer (35) 113,481 1.4% 113,481
</TABLE>
- 65 -
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Before the Offering
-------------------------------------------------
Number of Percent of Shares
Shares Total Shares Offered
Name of Beneficial Owner Beneficially Outstanding Hereby
Owned (1)(2) (1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
B. Rymer Insurance Trust (22) 48,715 * 48,715
Lenore M. Schnick dtd 12/30/70 (4) 15,000 * 15,000
Harvey Schuster (33) 25,000 * 25,000
Fred Schwartz (24) 6,250 * 6,250
James Scott (4) 5,000 * 5,000
Martha T. Seelbach (4) 3,750 * 3,750
William Seelbach (4) 5,000 * 5,000
William G. Reynolds, Jr. (4) 1,250 * 1,250
Marshall Rodin (41) 18,184 * 18,184
Sherwood Securities Corp. (15) 15,000 * 15,000
Sigma Pairs (24) 87,500 1.1% 87,500
Michael Silverman (38) 16,687 * 16,687
Lloyd Singer (22) 4,724 * 4,724
Alfred Slatin (22) 3,276 * 3,276
Paul Smeets (4) 10,000 * 10,000
Eva Staley Residential Trust (4) 5,000 * 5,000
Henry M. Staley Trust u/a/d 11/13/73 (4) 7,500 * 7,500
Staley Family Agency Account (4) 20,000 * 20,000
Avery J. StoneTrust (4) 20,000 * 20,000
Josef Strahammer (16) 136,355 1.7% 136,355
Shepard C. Swift Trust (4) 10,000 * 10,000
Dieter E.A. Tannenberg (39) 30,000 * 30,000
Michael Targoff (24) 125,000 1.6% 125,000
</TABLE>
- 66 -
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Before the Offering
-------------------------------------------------
Number of Percent of Shares
Shares Total Shares Offered
Name of Beneficial Owner Beneficially Outstanding Hereby
Owned (1)(2) (1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Emanuel Tarrson (36) 50,000 * 50,000
Ronald Tarrson (37) 40,000 * 40,000
Steven Tarrson (4) 10,000 * 10,000
Joann Timbanard (15) 3,750 * 3,750
John Tull (17) 13,122 * 13,122
James C. Tull (22) 2,873 * 2,873
Thomas Urich (22) 448 * 448
Kenneth D. Vander Weele (22) 2,873 * 2,873
Alexander Verde (18) 301,599 3.7% 301,599
Billy Walker Enterprises (15) 7,500 * 7,500
Martin Weinstein, IRA (15) 15,000 * 15,000
Ginette Weiss (22) 1,403 * 1,403
Roger Weissenberg (22) 1,406 * 1,406
Westminster Capital (34) 41,333 * 41,133
Thomas Whitney (4) 10,000 * 10,000
Roger D. and Gail L. Williams (15) 7,500 * 7,500
Diane Wilson (4) 1,250 * 1,250
D. R. Zaccone (19) 174,000 2.2% 174,000
Marc L. Werner (25) 90,000 1.1% 90,000
Manufacturers Indemnity and Insurance
Co. of America (26) 5,000 * 5,000
--------- ---- ---------
TOTAL 5,830,037 52.7% 4,581,841
========= ==== =========
<FN>
-------------------------------------
*Less than 1% of the total shares outstanding.
</FN>
</TABLE>
- 67 -
<PAGE>
(1) The ownership percentages are calculated based on the assumption
that all shares issuable to the Selling Shareholder upon the exercise of options
or warrants by such shareholder (but only such shareholder) have been issued.
(2) Unless otherwise indicated in the notes to this table, all shares
shown as beneficially owned by the named individual are owned of record by such
person.
(3) Consists of 2,200 shares of Common Stock issuable to the D.L.
Arends Pension Plan upon the exercise of a warrant at an exercise price of $8.00
per share, which expires May 5, 2001.
(4) Consists of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of a
warrant at an exercise price of $6.00 per share and expiring April 15, 1999.
These warrants were issued under the Company's 1996 Private Placement of 12%
Secured Promissory Notes.
(5) Consists of 111,657 shares of Common Stock owned of record by
Evelyn Bishop as trustee under the Bishop Living Trust dated 10/4/94 and 56,394
shares issuable to the trustee upon the exercise of the following warrants:
Number of Shares Exercise Price Per Share Expiration Date of Warrant
4,244 6.000 05-17-98
6,367 6.000 05-29-98
6,685 6.000 11-29-98
4,457 6.000 11-17-98
1,560 5.375 05-16-97
7,023 5.000 05-28-97
7,383 4.750 11-28-97
7,764 3.750 05-28-98
10,911 8.000 06-13-01
(6) Consists of 192,790 shares of Common Stock owned of record by Cipka
S.A.
(7) Consists of 75,001 shares of Common Stock issuable to Clinton
Industries upon the exercise of a warrant at an exercise price of $5.00 per
share, which warrant expires November 10, 1997. Clinton Industries is a
partnership, the general partners of which are the controlling shareholders of
Kenny Construction Company, also a holder of shares of the Common Stock.
(8) Consists of 150,943 shares of Common Stock issuable to Field
Container Corp. upon the exercise of a warrant at an exercise price of $5.375
per share, which warrant expires May 15, 1997.
(9) The shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Harvey consist
of 123,100 shares held directly by him, 1,705 shares held in his 401(k) plan,
5,746 shares held in his individual retirement account, 100,000 shares held by
Mr. Harvey's daughters, 75,000 shares issuable under an option which expires
December 19, 2000 at an exercise price of $3.65 per share, 1,000 shares issuable
- 68 -
<PAGE>
under an option which expires September 19, 2001 at an exercise price of $3.65
per share, 4,000 shares issuable under an option which expires January 8, 2003
at an exercise price of $3.75 per share and an aggregate of 72,245 shares
issuable under the following warrants issued as additional consideration for
short-term loans:
Number of Exercise Price Expiration Date
Shares per Share of Warrant
4,700 $5.500 02-01-99
1,500 5.625 03-30-99
6,000 4.750 01-20-00
11,667 3.750 04-28-00
7,800 4.750 04-28-00
8,426 4.250 07-27-00
4,019 4.625 09-30-00
4,019 4.875 10-31-00
4,019 4.375 11-30-00
8,038 6.125 12-31-00
4,019 6.125 02-29-01
4,019 6.250 03-31-01
4,019 6.000 04-30-01
(10) Consists of 2,873 owned of record by Mr. Iodice and 27,500 shares
of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Iodice upon the exercise of the following
warrants:
Number of Exercise Price Expiration Date
Shares per Share of Warrant
3,000 5.375 09-30-09
4,500 5.375 10-07-98
7,500 5.375 10-14-98
12,500 5.625 08-04-98
(11) Consists of 38,000 shares of Common Stock owned of record by Ms.
Jacobsohn and 8,250 shares of the Common Stock issuable to Ms. Jacobsohn upon
the exercise of the following warrants:
Number of Exercise Price Expiration Date
Shares per Share of Warrant
5,500 $9.875 01-28-97
2,750 5.000 12-02-97
- 69 -
<PAGE>
(12) Consists of 18,182 shares of Common Stock owned of record by Mr.
Celano, a director of the Company.
(13) Consists of 121,000 shares of the Common Stock issuable to Mr.
Louis upon the exercise of the following warrants:
Number of Exercise Price Expiration Date
Shares per Share of Warrant
3,000 $7.000 04-02-97
15,000 5.625 09-29-97
15,000 4.500 04-01-98
15,000 5.125 10-01-98
1,500 5.375 10-01-98
2,250 5.375 10-08-98
3,750 5.375 10-15-98
2,500 6.000 02-16-99
15,000 5.375 04-01-99
15,000 5.125 10-01-99
22,000 8.000 06-13-01
11,000 6.000 03-09-98
Mr. Louis is a director of the Company.
(14) Consists of 361,000 shares of Common Stock owned of record by
Research Center of Kabbalah and 21,250 shares of Common Stock issuable under a
warrant which expires October 29, 1998 at an exercise price of $6.00 per share,
65,000 shares of Common Stock issuable issuable under a warrant which expires
December 31, 1998 at an exercise price of $7.00 per share, 100,000 shares of
Common Stock issuable under a warrant which expires February 14, 2002 at an
exercise price of $5.625 per share and 100,000 shares of Common Stock issuable
under a warrant which expires April 13, 2002 at an exercise price of $5.625 per
share.
(15) Consists of shares of Common Stock of record issued under the
Company's December 1995, Private Placement of $2,500,000 of 12% convertible
subordinated promissory notes. As additional consideration the noteholders
received 15,000 ARTRA common shares per each $100,000 of notes issued, or an
aggregate of 375,000 ARTRA common shares.
(16) Consists of 136,355 shares of Common Stock owned of record by Mr.
Strahammer. These shares consist of 20,812 issued to Mr. Strahammer in lieu of
interest on certain borrowings and 115,543 shares issued to Mr. Strahammer in
payment of a $678,000 demand note.
-70-
<PAGE>
(17) Consists of 11,622 shares of Common Stock owned of record by Mr.
Tull and 1,500 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Tull upon the exercise of
a warrant at an exercise price of $6.375 per share, which warrant expires
September 9, 1997.
(18) Consists of 65,284 shares of Common Stock owned of record by Mr.
Verde and 236,315 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Verde upon the exercise
of the following warrants:
Number of Exercise Price Expiration Date
Shares per Share of Warrant
76,480 5.000 08-09-97
37,258 3.750 02-09-98
36,651 4.125 08-09-98
35,555 5.000 02-09-99
10,464 5.000 08-09-99
39,907 5.000 02-09-98
(19) Consists of 174,000 shares of the Common Stock issuable to Mr.
Zaccone upon the exercise of the following warrants:
Number of Exercise Price Expiration Date
Shares per Share of Warrant
10,000 $6.250 07-05-02
600 6.250 09-03-02
10,600 6.250 09-03-02
17,000 5.375 10-31-02
16,800 7.750 12-17-02
17,000 3.750 01-30-03
17,000 7.000 03-31-03
17,000 4.000 05-01-03
5,667 3.500 07-31-03
11,333 5.125 09-01-03
25,667 3.500 09-16-03
25,333 5.875 10-26-03
(20) Consists of 140,000 shares of Common Stock owned of record by Mr.
Conant, 5,000 shares held by Mrs. Conant and 393,333 shares of Common Stock
issuable to Mr. Conant upon the exercise of the following warrants:
Number of Exercise Price Expiration Date
Shares per Share of Warrant
333,333 5.000 04-20-00
25,000 5.000 08-26-01
25,000 5.875 12-22-01
10,000 5.750 01-15-02
(21) The shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Harvey
consist of 375,138 shares held directly by him (of which 373,615 are Common
Stock and 1,523 are shares of Series A Preferred Stock), 23001 shares held as
trustee for the benefit of his nieces, 800 shares owned by his wife and
children, 634 shares held in his 401(k) plan, 7,193 shares held in his
individual retirement account, 20,000 shares issuable under an option which
expires September 19, 2001 at an exercise price of $3.65 per share and 15,000
shares issuable under an option which expires January 8, 2003 at an exercise
price of $3.75 per share.
- 71 -
<PAGE>
(22) As part of the consideration for ARTRA's March 1990 acquisition of
Bagcraft, a subsidiary of Ozite Corporation ("Ozite") received 772,000 shares of
ARTRA common stock. In 1995, Ozite distributed certain of these shares of ARTRA
common stock to the listed owner of record in connection with a settlement of
certain Ozite liabilities.
(23) Consists of 33,263 shares of record owned by Mr. Dolan, of which
7,500 were in payment of the principal amount of a short-term loan, of which
7,246 were in payment of an ARTRA loan guarantee fee and which 18,517 were
distributed to Mr. Dolan by Ozite in connection with a settlement of certain
Ozite liabilities.
(24) Consists of shares of Common Stock of record sold to the owner in
a private placement, the proceeds of which were used to fund working capital
obligations.
(25) Consists of 45,000 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Werner
upon the exercise of a warrant at an exercise price of $4.88 per share, which
warrant expires December 24, 1999 and 45,000 shares of Common Stock issuable to
Mr. Werner upon the exercise of a warrant at an exercise price of $4.125 per
share, which warrant expires August 16, 2000. These warrants were issued as
additional compensation for short-term loans.
(26) Consists of 5,000 shares of Common Stock issuable to Manufacturers
Indemnity and Insurance Co. of America upon the exercise of a warrant at an
exercise price of $6.00 per share, which warrant expires April 15, 1999. The
warrant was issued as additional compensation for a short-term loan.
(27) Consists of 15,000 shares of Common Stock owned of record by
Mr.Calabrese.
(28) Consists of:
(a) 10,000 shares of Common Stock owned of record by Mr. Blackmore.
(b) 7,500 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Blackmore upon
the exercise of a warrant at an exercise price of $6.00 per share, which warrant
expires September 18, 2001. The warrant was issued as additional compensation
for a short-term loan.
(29) Consists of 17,877 shares of Common Stock owned of record by Mr.
Levy.
(30) Consists of 5,000 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Gunderson
upon the exercise of a warrant at an exercise price of $6.00 per share, which
warrant expires May 28, 2001. The warrant was issued as additional compensation
for a short-term loan.
(31) Consists of 3,321 shares of Common Stock owned of record by Mr.
Jones and 5,000 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Jones upon the exercise
of a warrant at an exercise price of $6.75 per share, which warrant expires May
28, 2001.
(32) Consists of 5,000 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Foster
upon the exercise of a warrant at an exercise price of $6.00 per share, which
warrant expires May 28, 2001. The warrant was issued as additional compensation
for a short-term loan.
(33) Consists of 25,000 shares of Common Stock owned of record by Mr.
Schuster.
(34) Consists of shares of record issued in payment of notes and
accrued interest thereon.
(35) Consists of shares of Common Stock of record issued as
consideration for guarantees of ARTRA bank borrowings.
- 72 -
<PAGE>
(36) Consists of:
(a) 12,500 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr.Tarrson upon the
exercise of a warrant at an exercise price of $5.00 per share, which warrant
expires September 12, 2001 and 12,500 shares of Common Stock issuable to
Mr.Tarrson upon the exercise of a warrant at an exercise price of $6.125 per
share, which warrant expires December 22, 2001 . The warrants were issued as
additional compensation for a short-term loan.
(b) 25,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of a
warrant at an exercise price of $6.00 per share and expiring April 15, 1999.
These warrants were issued under the Company's 1996 Private Placement of 12%
Secured Promissory Notes.
(37) Consists of:
(a) 12,500 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr.Tarrson upon the
exercise of a warrant at an exercise price of $5.00 per share, which warrant
expires September 12, 2001 and 12,500 shares of Common Stock issuable to
Mr.Tarrson upon the exercise of a warrant at an exercise price of $6.125 per
share, which warrant expires December 22, 2001 . The warrants were issued as
additional compensation for a short-term loan.
(b) 15,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of a
warrant at an exercise price of $6.00 per share and expiring April 15, 1999.
These warrants were issued under the Company's 1996 Private Placement of 12%
Secured Promissory Notes.
(38) Consists of shares of Common Stock originally issued to Kwiatt,
Silverman & Ruben, Ltd. in payment of professional fees and shares of Common
Stock issued to Ozite as consideration for the March 1990 acquisition of
Bagcraft. See note (22) to this listing of Selling Shareholders.
(39) Consists of 30,000 shares of Common Stock owned of record by Mr.
Tannenberg.
(40) Consists of shares of Common Stock owned of record by the selling
shareholder. These 100,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock were loaned to
the Company by its president, Peter R. Harvey, in June 1996. In September 1996,
after the Company's shareholders approved an increase in the number of
authorized common shares, the Company repaid this loan. At Mr. Harvey's
direction, the 100,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock were issued to the
following individuals:
Kim Eliabeth Harvey 25,000 shares
Julie Harvey Valeriote 25,000 shares
Lori Ann Harvey 25,000 shares
Kim Eliabeth Harvey 25,000 shares
Kim Eliabeth Harvey, Julie Harvey Valeriote, Lori Ann Harvey and Kim Eliabeth
Harvey are the daughters of the Company's Chairman of the Board, John Harvey.
John Harvey and Peter Harvey are brothers.
(41) Consists of 6,084 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the
exercise of a warrant at an exercise price of $4.00 per share and 12,100 shares
of Common Stock issuable upon the warrant at an excercise price of $5.75 per
share. These warrants expire September 20, 2001.
(42) Consists of 10,000 shares of Common Stock issuable to Alltech
Associates upon the exercise of a warrant at an exercise price of $6.00 per
share, which warrant expires July 1, 1998.
(43) Consists of 10,000 shares of Common Stock issuable to R&M Lucas
upon the exercise of a warrant at an exercise price of $6.00 per share, which
warrant expires January 15, 2002.
(44) Consists of 9,773 shares of record owned by Mr. Laundrie.
(45) Consists of shares of Common Stock issued to Kwiatt, Silverman &
Ruben, Ltd. in payment of professional fees.
(46) Consists of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
warrants. These warrants were issued as consideration for short-term loans or
services provided for the benefit of the Company.
- 73 -
<PAGE>
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The manner in which the Common Stock covered by this Prospectus are to
be distributed is set forth on the cover page hereof. Any sales effected through
securities brokers or dealers will be on an "agency" basis, unless as a result
of a privately negotiated transaction a broker or dealer enters into an
agreement with a Selling Shareholder to purchase shares for its own account. At
the date of this Prospectus, none of the Selling Shareholders contemplate
entering into such a contractual relationship with a broker or dealer, although
one or more of them may decide to do so in the future.
To comply with certain states' securities laws, if applicable, the
Common Stock will be sold in such states only through brokers or dealers. In
addition, in certain states the Common Stock may not be sold unless they have
been registered or qualify for sale in such states or an exemption from
registration or qualification is available and is complied with. From time to
time, to the extent required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, the Company will distribute Prospectus Supplements.
The Selling Shareholders and any broker-dealers who participate in a
sale of their shares of Common Stock may be deemed to be "underwriters" within
the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act, and any commissions received
by them, and proceeds of any such sales as principal, may be deemed to be
underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.
All expenses of the registration of Common Stock offered hereby,
estimated to be approximately $225,000 will be borne by the Company. As and when
the Company is required to update this Prospectus, it may incur additional
expenses in excess of this estimated amount. Normal commission expenses and
brokerage fees, as well as any applicable transfer taxes, are payable
individually by the Selling Shareholders.
Since the Selling Shareholders will be subject to the anti-manipulation
rules promulgated under the Exchange Act, including Rule 10b-2, 10b-6 and 10b-7,
in connection with transactions in the Common Stock during the effectiveness of
the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, the Company
advised the Selling Shareholders to consult competent securities counsel prior
to initiating any such transaction. The Company will notify each Selling
Shareholder of the Commission's rules and, as a condition to agreeing the
register the shares of a Selling Shareholder, will require that such Selling
Shareholder agree to comply with such rules.
The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Common
Shares offered hereby by the Selling Shareholders. However, insofar as the
holders of options or warrants to purchase shares of the Common Stock are
expected to exercise their warrants or options in order to sell the underlying
shares (which are registered hereby), the Company will receive the amount of the
exercise prices of any warrants or options so exercised. The Company cannot
predict when or if it will receive proceeds from the exercise of warrants or
options, or the amount of any such proceeds. The Company intends to use the
proceeds, if any, received from the exercise of warrants or options to retire or
reduce indebtedness, to pay certain expenses of the offering and for working
capital purposes. The offering is being conducted to satisfy certain contractual
obligations to holders of options, as well as to provide a vehicle for certain
of its officers, directors and advisors to exercise their options to purchase
the Company's stock (at exercise prices which are currently lower than the
market price of the Company's stock) and sell the stock acquired upon such
exercise. See "Selling Shareholders."
INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The Company's By-laws provide that the Company will indemnify an
officer or director, and may indemnify any other employee or agent, in
connection with any pending or threatened suit or administrative proceeding
against
- 74 -
<PAGE>
any such person by reason of such person serving as a director, officer,
employee or agent of the Company, or, at the request of the Company, in such
capacity for another entity. However, no indemnification will be made if the act
giving rise to the claim for indemnification is determined by a court to have
constituted willful misconduct or recklessness. In addition, the By-laws provide
that the above indemnification provisions are not exclusive of any other rights
to indemnification any such person may have under any contract or vote of
shareholders or disinterested shareholders or as determined by a court. The
By-laws expressly provide that it is the Company's policy to permit
indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by law. The By-laws further
provide that the indemnification provisions will be deemed to be amended upon
any amendment of the BCL, which expands or enlarges the powers of corporations
to indemnify.
The BCL provides that a corporation will have the power to indemnify
any representative of a corporation, or of any other entity at the request of
the corporation, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the
corporation and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable
cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
The BCL further provides that indemnification is mandatory where the
representative is "successful on the merits or otherwise" in defense of an
action or proceeding, and in addition, the BCL provides that the method of
indemnification provided by the act is not exclusive of rights under any by-law,
vote of shareholders or disinterested shareholders or otherwise, unless the act
giving rise to the claim for indemnification is determined by a court to have
constituted willful misconduct or recklessness.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Company
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Company has been informed that in the
opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore
unenforceable.
EXPERTS
The consolidated balance sheets of ARTRA GROUP Incorporated and
Subsidiaries as of December 26, 1996 and December 28, 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity (deficit) and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 26, 1996 included
in this Prospectus have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent
accountants, as stated in their report appearing herein which includes an
explanatory paragraph referring to an uncertainty concerning the Company's
abilitiy to continue as a going concern.
The above-referenced financial statements of ARTRA GROUP Incorporated
have been included in reliance upon the report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. given
upon the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
- 75 -
<PAGE>
No dealer, salesman or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations other than those contained in this
Prospectus, and, if given or made, such information or representations must not
be relied upon as having been authorized by the Company. This Prospectus does
not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any
securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation would be
unlawful. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder
shall under any circumstances create any implication that there has been no
change in the affairs of the Company since the date hereof.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the shares of Common Stock offered by the Company hereby will be
passed upon for the Company by Kwiatt, Silverman & Ruben, Ltd., Northfield,
Illinois. The law firm of Kwiatt, Silverman & Ruben, Ltd. through certain
members of the firm and its Profit Sharing Plan own 88,061 shares of Common
Stock of the Company this represents approximately one (1%) percent of the total
shares outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Heading Page
Additional Information 2
Prospectus Summary 3
Risk Factors 6
Capitalization 14
Management's Discussion and Analysis 16
of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Business and Properties 33
Legal Proceedings 38
Market Price of the Company's 42
Common Stock
Description of the Company's 43
Securities
Management 47
Executive Compensation 49 ARTRA GROUP Incorporated
Principal Shareholders 53
Transactions with Management and 55 PROSPECTUS
Others
Selling Shareholders 61 June 4, 1997
Plan of Distribution 74
Indemnification of Officers 74
and Directors
Experts 75
Index to Financial Statements F-1
<PAGE>
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
March 27, 1997 (Unaudited) F-2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three Months Ended March 27, 1997
and March 28, 1996 (Unaudited) F-4
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes
in Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)
Three Months Ended March 27, 1997 (Unaudited) F-5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 27, 1997
and March 28, 1996 (Unaudited) F-6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements F-7
Report of Independent Accountants F-24
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 26, 1996
and December 28, 1995 F-25
Consolidated Statements of Operations
for each of the three fiscal years
in the period ended December 26, 1996 F-27
Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)
for each of the three fiscal years
in the period ended December 26, 1996 F-28
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for each of the three fiscal years
in the period ended December 26, 1996 F-30
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-32
Financial Statement Schedules:
I. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant F-63
II. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts F-67
Schedules other than those listed are omitted as they are not applicable or
required or equivalent information has been included in the financial statements
or notes thereto.
F-1
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
March 27, 1997
(Unaudited in thousands)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents $48
Receivables, less allowance for
doubtful accounts and markdowns of $497 9,224
Inventories 19,356
Available-for-sale securities 14,612
Other 985
-----------
Total current assets 44,225
-----------
Property, plant and equipment 47,678
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 21,464
-----------
26,214
-----------
Other assets:
Excess of cost over net assets acquired,
net of accumulated amortization of $2,159 2,979
Other 1,215
-----------
4,194
-----------
$74,633
===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
financial statements.
F-2
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
March 27, 1997
(Unaudited in thousands)
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
Notes payable, including amounts
due to related parties of $4,800 $18,158
Current maturities of long-term debt 2,712
Accounts payable 7,296
Accrued expenses 10,386
Income taxes 316
Redeemable preferred stock 11,403
Liabilities of discontinued operations 321
-----------
Total current liabilities 50,592
-----------
Long-term debt 39,934
Other noncurrent liabilities 2,551
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable common stock,
issued 72,984 shares 3,073
Redeemable preferred stock 8,895
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Common stock, no par value;
authorized 20,000,000 shares;
issued 7,820,064 shares 5,920
Additional paid-in capital 41,155
Unrealized appreciation of investments 17,722
Receivable from related party,
including accrued interest (6,754)
Accumulated deficit (88,403)
-----------
(30,360)
Less treasury stock, 7,628 shares, at cost 52
-----------
(30,412)
-----------
$74,633
===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
-----------------------
March 27, March 28,
1997 1996
---------- ----------
Net sales $28,461 $28,402
---------- ----------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold,
exclusive of depreciation and amortization 22,394 23,141
Selling, general and administrative 3,949 3,800
Depreciation and amortization 1,061 976
---------- ----------
27,404 27,917
---------- ----------
Operating earnings 1,057 485
---------- ----------
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (1,828) (1,737)
Amortization of debt discount (675) (10)
Realized gain on disposal
of available-for-sale securities 213 1,043
Other income (expense), net 37 (131)
---------- ----------
(2,253) (835)
---------- ----------
Loss before income taxes,
minority interest and extraordinary credit (1,196) (350)
Credit for income taxes 201 -
Minority interest (358) 553
---------- ----------
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary credit (1,353) 203
Extraordinary credit,
net discharge of indebtedness - 9,424
---------- ----------
Net earnings (loss) (1,353) 9,627
Dividends applicable to
redeemable preferred stock (162) (148)
Reduction of retained earnings
applicable to redeemable common stock (95) (86)
---------- ----------
Earnings (loss) applicable to common shares ($1,610) $9,393
========== ==========
Earnings (loss) per share:
Loss before extraordinary credit ($0.21) ($0.01)
Extraordinary credit - 1.23
---------- ----------
Net earnings ($0.21) $1.22
========== ==========
Weighted average number of shares
of common stock and common stock
equivalents outstanding 7,840 7,673
========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(Unaudited in thousands, except share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unrealized Receivable Total
Common Stock Additional Appreciation From Treasury Stock Shareholders'
------------------ Paid-in of Related Accumulated -------------- Equity
Shares Dollars Capital Investments Party (Deficit) Shares Dollars (Deficit)
---------- ------- ------- ---------- -------- ----------- ------ ------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 26, 1996 7,624,766 $5,793 $40,211 $25,719 ($6,468) ($86,793) 7,628 ($52) ($21,590)
Net earnings - - - - - (1,353) - - (1,353)
Common stock issued
to pay liabilities 39,955 30 184 - - - - - 214
Increase in receivable
from related party,
including accrued interest - - - - (286) - - - (286)
Decrease in unrealized
appreciation of investments - - - (7,997) - - - - (7,997)
Exercise of stock options
and warrants 39,800 30 148 - - - - - 178
Redeemable common stock
obligation paid by the issuance
of additional common shares 115,543 67 612 - - - - - 679
Redeemable common
stock accretion - - - - - (95) - - (95)
Redeemable preferred
stock dividends - - - - - (162) - - (162)
---------- ------- ------- --------- -------- -------- ------ ----- ----------
Balance at March 27, 1997 7,820,064 $5,920 $41,155 $17,722 ($6,754) ($88,403) 7,628 ($52) ($30,412)
========== ======= ======= ========= ======== ======== ====== ===== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited in thousands)
Three Months Ended
-----------------------
March 27, March 28,
1997 1996
---------- ----------
Net cash flows used by operating activities ($1,631) ($648)
---------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment (1,008) (719)
Acquisition of AB Specialty, net of deposit (1,131) -
Proceeds from sale of COMFORCE common stock - 633
Decrease in unexpended plant construction funds - 552
Other - 37
---------- ----------
Net cash flows from (used by) investing activities (2,139) 503
---------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net decrease in short-term debt (320) (5,571)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings 34,325 35,914
Reduction of long-term debt (29,036) (32,557)
Redeem detachable put warrant (1,500) -
Exercise stock options and warrants 178 83
---------- ----------
Net cash flows from (used by) financing activities 3,647 (2,131)
---------- ----------
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (123) (2,276)
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period 171 2,347
---------- ----------
Cash and equivalents, end of period $48 $71
========== ==========
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $1,203 $1,755
Income taxes paid, net 24 8
Supplemental schedule of noncash
investing and financing activities:
BCA Holdings redeemable preferred stock
issued in exchange for
Bagcraft redeemable preferred stock - 8,135
Issue common stock
to pay down liabilities 214 280
Issue common stock to
pay redeemable common stock put obligation 679 -
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
ARTRA GROUP Incorporated ("ARTRA" or the "Company"), through its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Bagcraft Corporation of America ("Bagcraft"), currently operates in
one industry segment as a manufacturer of packaging products principally serving
the food industry.
The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on a
going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the
satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. In the opinion of
the Company, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements
reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the
financial position as of March 27, 1997, and the results of operations and
changes in cash flows for the three month periods ended March 27, 1997 and March
28, 1996. In recent years, the Company has suffered recurring losses from
operations and has a net capital deficiency. As a result of these factors, the
Company has experienced difficulty in obtaining adequate financing to replace
certain credit arrangements, certain of which are in default, and to fund its
debt service and liquidity requirements in 1997. These factors raise substantial
doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of
this uncertainty. See Note 6, Notes Payable, and Note 7, Long-Term Debt, for
further discussion of the status of credit arrangements and restrictions on the
ability of operating subsidiaries to fund ARTRA corporate obligations. Due to
its limited ability to receive operating funds from its subsidiaries, ARTRA has
historically met its operating expenditures with funds generated by alternative
sources, such as private placements of ARTRA common stock and notes, sales of
ARTRA common stock with put options, loans from officers/directors and private
investors, as well as through sales of assets and/or other equity infusions.
ARTRA plans to continue to seek such alternative sources of funds to meet its
future operating expenditures.
ARTRA intends to continue to negotiate with its creditors to extend due dates to
allow ARTRA to maximize value from possible sale of assets and to explore
various other sources of funding to meet its future operating expenditures. If
ARTRA is unable to negotiate extensions with its creditors and complete certain
transactions, ARTRA could suffer severe adverse consequences, and as a result,
ARTRA may be forced to liquidate its assets or file for protection under the
Bankruptcy Code.
Reported interim results of operations are based in part on estimates which may
be subject to year-end adjustments. In addition, these quarterly results of
operations are not necessarily indicative of those expected for the year.
The Company has adopted a 52/53 week fiscal year ending the last Thursday of
December.
2. CONCENTRATION OF RISK
The accounts receivable of the Company's Bagcraft subsidiary at March 27, 1997
consist primarily of amounts due from companies in the food industry. As a
result, the collectibility of these receivables is dependent, to an extent, upon
the economic condition and financial stability of the food industry. Credit risk
is minimized as a result of the large number and diverse nature of Bagcraft's
customer base. Bagcraft's major customers include some of the largest companies
in the food industry. At March 27, 1997, Bagcraft had 10 customers with accounts
receivable balances that aggregated approximately 35% of the Company's total
trade accounts receivable. In fiscal year 1996 no single customer accounted for
10% or more of Bagcraft's sales.
F-7
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
3. INVENTORIES
Inventories at March 27, 1997 (in thousands) consist of:
Raw materials and supplies $ 5,822
Work in process 341
Finished goods 13,193
-------
$ 19,356
=======
4. INVESTMENT IN COMFORCE CORPORATION
At March 27, 1997 ARTRA's investment in COMFORCE Corporation ("COMFORCE",
formerly the Lori Corporation, "Lori"), 1,744,703 shares held by the Company and
its Fill-Mor Holding, Inc. ("Fill-Mor") subsidiary, represented approximately
14% of COMFORCE's outstanding common shares. The investment in COMFORCE common
stock is accounted for under the provisions of SFAS No. 115 "Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." Under this statement ARTRA's
investment in COMFORCE is classified as available for sale securities and is
stated at fair value. The Company's operating plan for fiscal year 1997
anticipates the sale of these marketable securities, with proceeds to be used
principally to pay down Corporate debt obligations and fund working capital
requirements. Accordingly, ARTRA's investment in COMFORCE common stock is
classified in the Company's condensed consolidated balance as a current asset.
At March 27, 1997 the gross unrealized gain relating to ARTRA's investment in
COMFORCE, reflected as a separate component of shareholders' equity, was
$17,722,000.
As discussed in Note 6, at March 27, 1997, 1,690,000 shares of COMFORCE common
stock owned by the Company and its Fill-Mor subsidiary have been pledged as
collateral for various short-term borrowings and 54,703 shares of COMFORCE
common stock owned by the Company and its Fill-Mor subsidiary remain
unencumbered.
In conjunction with COMFORCE's 1995 acquisition of its COMFORCE Telecom
acquisition, ARTRA entered into an Assumption Agreement whereby it agreed to
assume substantially all pre-existing Lori liabilities and indemnify COMFORCE in
the event any future liabilities arise concerning pre-existing environmental
matters and business related litigation. Accordingly, at March 27, 1997 and
December 26, 1996, $321,000 and $348,000, respectively, of such pre-existing
Lori liabilities were classified in ARTRA's consolidated balance as current
liabilities of discontinued operations.
Effective December 19, 1996, ARTRA and COMFORCE agreed to settle various
differences in the interpretation of certain agreements relating to the COMFORCE
Telecom acquisition pursuant to which COMFORCE agreed to include in a proposed
underwritten public offering 380,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock held by
ARTRA and its Fill-Mor subsidiary and ARTRA agreed to a Lock-up agreement which
limits its ability to sell its remaining COMFORCE common shares for a period of
360 days after the effective date of COMFORCE's proposed underwritten public
offering. COMFORCE did not retain an underwriter for the proposed underwritten
public offering and, accordingly, effective April 30, 1997 ARTRA was released
from the provisions of the Lock-up Agreement.
F-8
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
In March 1997, a lender received 25,000 COMFORCE common shares held by ARTRA as
additional consideration for a short-term loan. The disposition of these 25,000
COMFORCE common shares resulted in a realized gain of $213,000, with cost
determined by average cost.
In January 1996, the Company's Board of Directors approved the sale of 200,000
of ARTRA's COMFORCE common shares to certain officers, directors and key
employees of ARTRA for non-interest bearing notes totaling $400,000. The notes,
collateralized by the 200,000 COMFORCE common shares sold, are not payable until
the earlier of the registration of these shares under the Securities Act of 1993
or the expiration of the applicable resale waiting period under Securities Act
Rule 144. Additionally, the noteholders have the right to put their COMFORCE
shares back to ARTRA in full payment of the balance of their notes. Based upon
the preceding factors, the Company has concluded that, for reporting purposes,
it has effectively sold options to certain officers, directors and key employees
to acquire 200,000 of ARTRA's COMFORCE common shares. Accordingly, these 200,000
COMFORCE common shares have been removed from the Company's portfolio of
"Available-for-sale securities" and are classified in the Company's consolidated
balance sheet at December 26, 1996 as other receivables with an aggregate value
of $400,000, based upon the value of proceeds to be received upon future
exercise of the options. The disposition of these 200,000 COMFORCE common shares
resulted in a gain which has been deferred and will not be recognized in the
Company's financial statements until the options to purchase these 200,000
COMFORCE common shares are exercised. As of March 27, 1997, no options to
acquire any of the 200,000 COMFORCE common shares had been exercised.
As additional consideration for a February 1996 short-term loan, the lender
received 25,000 COMFORCE common shares held by ARTRA. In March 1996, ARTRA sold
93,000 COMFORCE shares in the market, with the proceeds of approximately
$630,000 used for working capital. The disposition of these 118,000 COMFORCE
common shares during the quarter ended March 28, 1996 resulted in realized gains
of $1,043,000, with cost determined by average cost.
5. EXTRAORDINARY GAINS
ARTRA Debt Restructuring
In February 1996, a bank agreed to discharge all amounts under its ARTRA notes
($12,063,000 plus accrued interest and fees) and certain obligations of ARTRA's
president, Peter R. Harvey for consideration consisting of ARTRA's cash payment
of $5,050,000, Mr. Harvey's cash payment of $100,000 and Mr. Harvey's $3,000,000
note payable to the bank (the "Harvey Note"). The bank assigned ARTRA a
$2,150,000 interest in the Harvey Note, subordinated to the bank's $850,000
interest in the Harvey Note. ARTRA then discharged $2,150,000 of Mr. Harvey's
prior advances in exchange for its $2,150,000 interest in Mr. Harvey's
$3,000,000 note payable to the bank. The amount of the $5,050,000 cash payment
to the bank applicable to Peter R. Harvey ($1,089,000) was charged to amounts
due from Peter R. Harvey. ARTRA recognized a gain on the discharge of this
indebtedness of $9,424,000 ($1.23 per share) in the first quarter of 1996. The
cash payment due the bank was funded principally with proceeds received from the
Bagcraft subsidiary in conjunction with the issuance of BCA (the parent of
Bagcraft) preferred stock (see Note 9) along with proceeds received from a
short-term loan agreement with an unaffiliated company that was subsequently
repaid in April 1996. As additional compensation for its loan and for
participating in the above discharge of indebtedness the unaffiliated company
received 150,000 shares of ARTRA common stock (with a then fair market value of
$661,000 after a discount for restricted marketability) and 25,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock held by ARTRA (with a then fair market value of $200,000).
F-9
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
The extraordinary gain resulting from the discharge of bank debt is
calculated (in thousands) as follows:
Amounts due the bank:
ARTRA notes $ 12,063
Accrued interest 2,656
--------
14,719
Cash payment to the bank $ 5,050
Less amount applicable to
Peter R. Harvey indebtedness (1,089)
--------
(3,961)
--------
Bank debt discharged 10,758
Less fair market value of ARTRA
common stock issued as consideration
for a loan used in par to fund
the discharge of bank debt (661)
Less fair market value of COMFORCE
common stock issued as consideration
for a loan used in par to fund
the discharge of bank debt (200)
Other fees and expenses (473)
--------
Net extraordinary gain $ 9,424
========
6. NOTES PAYABLE
Notes payable at March 27, 1997 (in thousands) consist of:
ARTRA 12% secured promissory notes $ 7,675
Amounts due to related parties,
interest principally at 10% 4,800
Other, interest from 10% to 20%
5,683
-------
$ 18,158
=======
Bank Notes Payable
On August 15, 1996, ARTRA and its 100% owned Fill-Mor subsidiary entered into a
$2,500,000 term loan agreement with a bank. The loan, which provided for
interest payable monthly at the bank's reference rate, was guaranteed by ARTRA
and was collateralized by 1,265,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock. Proceeds of
the loan were used for working capital. In March 1997, the loan was repaid with
proceeds from other short-term borrowings as discussed below.
F-10
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Secured Promissory Notes
In April 1996, ARTRA commenced a private placement of $7,675,000 of 12% secured
promissory notes due April 15, 1997. As additional consideration the noteholders
received warrants to purchase an aggregate of 418,750 ARTRA common shares at a
price of $6.00 per share. The warrants expire April 15, 1999. The warrantholders
have the right to put these warrants back to ARTRA at any time during the period
April 15, 1997 to October 15, 1998, at a price of $2.00 per share. The cost of
this obligation ($837,500 if all warrants are put back to the Company) is being
accrued in the Company's financial statements as a charge to interest expense
over the period April 15, 1996 (the commencement date of the private placement)
through April 15, 1997 (the maturity date of the notes as well as the date the
warrantholders have the right to put their warrants back to ARTRA). These
promissory notes are collateralized by ARTRA's interest in all of the common
stock of BCA (the parent of Bagcraft). The proceeds from the private placement,
completed in July 1996, were used principally to pay down other debt
obligations. Through May 6, 1997, the Company has repaid promissory notes with
an aggregate principal balance of $4,175,000. The note payments were funded with
the proceeds of additional short-term borrowings and with funds received from
the Company's Bagcraft subsidiary in accordance with a May 1997 amendment to its
credit agreement (see Note 7). The maturity date of the remaining unpaid
promissory notes, with an aggregate principal balance of $3,500,000, has been
extended by the noteholders until May 15, 1997. The Company is currently
negotiating with several potential lenders to refinance these notes and other
ARTRA debt obligations.
Amounts Due To Related Parties
At March 27, 1997 and December 26, 1996, ARTRA had outstanding borrowings of
$3,000,000 from an unaffiliated company currently holding approximately 7% of
ARTRA's outstanding common stock. The loans are evidenced by unsecured
short-term notes bearing interest at 10%. As additional compensation for the
above loans, the lender received five year warrants expiring in 1998 to purchase
an aggregate of 86,250 ARTRA common shares at prices ranging from $6.00 to $7.00
per share. The proceeds of this loan were used to pay down various ARTRA
short-term loans and other debt obligations. In December 1995 the unaffiliated
company received 126,222 shares of ARTRA common in payment of past due interest
through October 31, 1995. Interest on the loans has been paid through March,
1997. Payment on the loans was due March 31, 1994, however, the lender has not
demanded payment. In February 1997, the lender received a warrant to purchase an
additional 100,000 ARTRA common shares at $5.625 per share as consideration for
not demanding payment of this obligation. In April 1997, the lender received a
warrant to purchase an additional 100,000 ARTRA common shares at $5.00 per share
as consideration for not demanding payment of this obligation.
In August, 1996, ARTRA borrowed $500,000 from a private investor, evidenced by a
short-term note, due December 23, 1996, bearing interest at 10%. The loan was
collateralized by 125,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the Company's
Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional compensation for the loan, the private
investor received a warrant, expiring in 2001, to purchase 25,000 ARTRA common
shares at a price of $5.00 per share. The proceeds of the loan were used for
working capital. At the Company's annual meeting of shareholders, held August
29, 1996, the private investor was elected to the Company's board of directors.
In December 1996, the loan was extended until April 23, 1997 and the lender
received, as additional compensation, a warrant, expiring in 2001, to purchase
25,000 ARTRA common shares at a price of $5.875 per share. In January, 1997,
ARTRA borrowed an additional $300,000 from this lender evidenced by an
short-term note, due December 23, 1997, bearing interest at 8%. The loan was
collateralized by 100,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the Company's
Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional compensation for the loan, the lender
received a warrant, expiring in 2002, to purchase 25,000 ARTRA common shares at
a price of $5.75 per share. In March 1997, ARTRA borrowed an additional
$1,000,000 from this lender evidenced by a short-term note, due May 26, 1997,
bearing interest at 12%. The loan was collateralized by 585,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock owned by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional
compensation, the lender received an option to purchase 25,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock, owned by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary, at a price of
$4.00 per share, with the right to put the option back to ARTRA on or before May
30, 1997 for a total put price of $50,000. In May 1997, the lender exercised his
rights and put the COMFORCE option back to ARTRA for $50,000. The proceeds from
F-11
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
this loan were used in part to repay the ARTRA/Fill-Mor $2,500,000 bank term
loan described above. As of March 27, 1997, ARTRA had total outstanding
borrowings of $1,800,000 from this lender collateralized by 810,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock.
In April 1997, ARTRA borrowed $5,000,000 from the above director evidenced by a
note, due April 20, 1998, bearing interest at 10%. The lender is holding 810,000
shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary as
collateral for this loan. As additional compensation, the lender received a
warrant to purchase 333,333 ARTRA common shares at a price of $5.00 per share.
The warrantholder has the right to put this warrant back to ARTRA at any time
during the period April 21, 1998 to April 20, 2000, for a total purchase price
of $1,000,000. The cost of this obligation will be accrued in the Company's
financial statements as a charge to interest expense over the period April 21,
1997 (the date of the loan) through April 21, 1998 (the date the warrantholder
has the right to put the warrant back to ARTRA). The proceeds from this loan
were used to repay $1,800,000 of borrowings from this lender outstanding at
March 27, 1997 and pay down other ARTRA debt obligations.
In May, 1996, ARTRA borrowed $100,000 from a private investor, evidenced by an
unsecured short-term note, due August 7, 1996, and renewed to February 6, 1997,
bearing interest at 10%. The proceeds of the loan were used for working capital.
At the Company's annual meeting of shareholders, held August 29, 1996, private
investor was elected to the Company's board of directors. Effective January 17,
1997, private investor exercised his conversion rights and received 18,182
shares of ARTRA common stock as payment of the principal balance of his note.
Other
In March 1997, ARTRA borrowed $1,000,000 from an unaffiliated corporation
evidenced by an short-term note, due May 26, 1997, bearing interest at 12%. The
loan is collateralized by 630,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the
Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional compensation, the lender received
an option to purchase 25,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the
Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary at a price of $4.00 per share, with the right to
put the option back to ARTRA on or before May 30, 1997 for a put price of
$50,000. Under certain circumstances, ARTRA has the right to repurchase the
option for $50,000. If the note is not paid at maturity, the option price is
reduced to $2.00 per share and, for every 30 days the note is outstanding past
June 26, 1997, the lender will receive an option to purchase an additional 5,000
COMFORCE common shares at a price of $2.00 per share. The proceeds from this
loan were used in part to repay the ARTRA/Fill-Mor $2,500,000 bank term loan
described above.
At March 27, 1997 and December 26, 1996, ARTRA was the obligor under two demand
notes issued to an unaffiliated company, in the amount of $2,266,000, including
accrued interest. The notes were issued in October, 1990 with interest at 15
percent. ARTRA is currently negotiating with the noteholder to extend or
refinance this obligation.
At March 27, 1997 and December 26, 1996, ARTRA also had outstanding short-term
borrowings from other unrelated parties aggregating approximately $2,400,000 and
$2,000,000, respectively, of which $500,000 and $650,000, respectively were past
due. The remaining amounts come due at various times in 1997 and 1998. The notes
were issued at various times during the period October 1990 to March 1997, with
interest rates varying between 8 % and 15%. At March 27, 1997 short-term loans
aggregating $800,000 included above were collateralized by 225,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock.
In October 1996 the Company and its Fill-Mor subsidiary entered into a margin
loan agreement with a financial institution which provided for borrowings of
$600,000, with interest approximating the prime rate. Borrowings under the loan
agreement were collateralized by 215,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned
by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. The proceeds of the loan were used for
working capital. In January 1997, the loan was repaid with proceeds from other
short-term borrowings.
F-12
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
7. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt at March 27, 1997 (in thousands) consists of:
Bagcraft:
Credit Agreement:
Term loan, interest at
the lender's index rate plus .25% $ 20,000
Revolving credit loan,
interest at the lender's index 13,282
Unamortized discount (1,314)
City of Baxter Springs,
Kansas loan agreements,
interest at varying rates 10,678
-------
42,646
Current scheduled maturities (2,712)
-------
$ 39,934
=======
Bagcraft entered into a credit agreement, dated as of December 17, 1993 (the
"Credit Agreement") that initially provided for a revolving credit loan with
interest at the lender's index rate plus 1.5% and two separate term loans. The
term loans were separate facilities initially totaling $12,000,000 (Term Loan A)
and $8,000,000 (Term Loan B), bearing interest at the lender's index rate plus
1.75% and 3%, respectively. The Credit Agreement, as amended, had been extended
to mature on September 30, 1997.
In December 1996, the Credit Agreement was amended and restated whereby, among
other things, the maturity date of the Credit Agreement was extended to
September 30, 2002 and certain loan covenants were amended. Term Loan A and Term
Loan B, as previously defined in the Credit Agreement were consolidated into a
new $20,000,000 term loan with interest at the lender's index rate plus .25%
(8.5% at March 27, 1997 and December 26, 1996). Principal payments under the
term loan were modified to provide for annual principal payments (payable in
quarterly installments) in the amount of $2,000,000 in 1997 through 1999;
$3,000,000 in 2000 and 2001; and $8,000,000 in 2002. The amended and restated
Credit Agreement reduced the interest on the revolving credit loan to the
lender's index rate and also provided for a $3,00,000 capital expenditures line
of credit with interest at the lender's index rate plus .25%.
The amount available to Bagcraft under the revolving credit loan is subject to a
borrowing base, as defined in the Credit Agreement, up to a maximum of
$18,000,000. At March 27, 1997 and December 26, 1996, approximately $4,700,000
and $6,200,000, respectively, was available and unused by Bagcraft under the
revolving credit loan. Borrowings under the revolving credit loan are payable
upon maturity of the Credit Agreement, unless accelerated under terms of the
Credit Agreement. At March 27, 1997 and December 26, 1996, the interest rate on
the revolving credit loan was 8.25%.
F-13
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are collateralized by the common stock and
substantially all of the assets of Bagcraft. The Credit Agreement, as amended,
contains various restrictive covenants, that among other restrictions, require
Bagcraft to maintain minimum levels of tangible net worth and liquidity levels,
and limit future capital expenditures and restricts additional loans, dividend
payments and payments to related parties. In addition, the Credit Agreement
prohibits changes in ownership of Bagcraft. At March 27, 1997 Bagcraft was in
compliance with the provisions of its Credit Agreement.
Effective May 5, 1997, the Credit Agreement was amended to provide for a
$3,000,000 term loan (Term Loan B) with interest at the lender's index rate plus
.75%. Term Loan B is payable on May 8, 1998, unless accelerated under terms of
the Credit Agreement. The proceeds of Term Loan B were advanced to ARTRA under
terms of an intercompany note payable to Bagcraft on May 8, 1998. ARTRA used the
proceeds of this loan to repay certain ARTRA debt obligations.
As additional compensation for borrowings under the Credit Agreement, in
December 1993, the lender received a detachable warrant ("Warrant"), expiring in
December 1998, allowing the holder to purchase up to 10% of the fully diluted
common equity of Bagcraft at a nominal value. Under certain conditions Bagcraft
is required to repurchase the Warrant from the lender. The determination of the
repurchase price of the Warrant is to be based on the Warrant's pro rata share
of the highest of book value, appraised value or market value of Bagcraft. In
connection with the February 1, 1996 amendment to the Credit Agreement, the
warrant agreement was amended to permit the holder to purchase 13% of the fully
diluted common equity of Bagcraft at the original nominal purchase price and to
extend the expiration date to December 17, 1999. In January 1997, in accordance
with the December 1996 amendment to the Credit Agreement, Bagcraft repurchased
50% of the Warrant (6.5% of the fully diluted common equity of Bagcraft) for
$1,500,000. Bagcraft can repurchase the remaining 50% of the Warrant on or after
December 17, 1997 for an amount based upon the Warrant's pro rata share of the
highest of book value, appraised value or market value of Bagcraft as noted
above. In accordance with the May 5, 1997 amendment to the Credit Agreement the
Warrant was amended. In the event there is a change in Bagcraft's ownership
through May 30, 1998, the lender is entitled to receive an amount equal to 6.5%
of the fully diluted common equity of Bagcraft, based upon the fair value of
Bagcraft at the date of a change of ownership, less the $1,500,000 the lender
received in January 1997 when Bagcraft repurchased 50% of the Warrant.
In March, 1994 Bagcraft and the City of Baxter Springs, Kansas completed a
$12,500,000 financing package associated with the construction of a new 265,000
sq. ft. production facility in Baxter Springs, Kansas. The financing package,
funded by a combination of Federal, state and local funds, consists of the
following loan agreements payable by Bagcraft directly to the City of Baxter
Springs:
A $7,000,000 promissory note payable in ten installments of $700,000
due annually on July 21 of each year beginning in 1995 through
maturity on July 21, 2004. Interest, at varying rates from 4.6% to
6.6%, is payable semi-annually. At March 27, 1997, Bagcraft had
outstanding borrowings of $5,600,000 under this loan agreement.
A $5,000,000 subordinated promissory note payable as follows:
$2,425,000 due in 1998; and $2,425,000 due in 1999. The subordinated
promissory note is non-interest bearing, subject to certain repayment
provisions as defined in the agreement (as amended). At March 27,
1997, Bagcraft had outstanding borrowings of $4,850,000 under this
loan agreement.
Two separate $250,000 subordinated promissory notes payable in varying
installments through January 20, 2025. The subordinated promissory
notes are non-interest bearing, subject to certain repayment
provisions as defined in the agreement. At March 27, 1997, Bagcraft
had outstanding borrowings of $228,000, respectively, under this loan
agreement.
F-14
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Borrowings under the above loan agreements are collateralized by a first lien on
the land and building at the Baxter Springs, Kansas production facility and by a
second lien on certain machinery and equipment. Under certain circumstances,
repayment of the borrowings under the above loan agreements is subordinated to
the repayment of obligations under Bagcraft's Credit Agreement.
The common stock and virtually all the assets of the Company and its Bagcraft
subsidiary have been pledged as collateral for borrowings under various loan
agreements. Under certain debt agreements the Company is limited in the amounts
it can withdraw from its operating subsidiaries.
8. REDEEMABLE COMMON STOCK
In recent years ARTRA has entered into various agreements under which it has
sold its common shares along with options that require ARTRA to repurchase these
shares at the option of the holder, principally one year after the date of each
agreement. The difference between the option price and the net proceeds received
is amortized over the life of the options by a charge to retained earnings. At
March 27, 1997 options were outstanding that, if exercised, would require ARTRA
to repurchase 72,984 shares of its common stock for an aggregate amount of
$3,073,000.
During 1987, ARTRA entered into an agreement with a private corporation under
which it sold its common shares along with a put option that required ARTRA to
repurchase these shares at the option of the holder. A major shareholder and
executive officer of the private corporation is an ARTRA director. The put
option agreement has been extended from time to time, most recently in November
1992. The private corporation received the right to sell to ARTRA 23,004 shares
of ARTRA common stock at an initial put price of $56.76 per share. The option
price increases by an amount equal to 15% per annum for each day from March 1,
1991 to the date of payment by ARTRA, which option expires December 31, 1997. At
March 27, 1997, the option price was $86.34 per share.
As additional consideration for its guaranty of $2,500,000 of ARTRA bank notes
during the period March 1989 through March 1994, the private corporation noted
above received 49,980 ARTRA common shares. On March 31, 1994, ARTRA entered into
a series of agreements with its bank lender and with the above private
corporation. Per terms of the agreements, the private corporation purchased
$2,500,000 of ARTRA notes from ARTRA's bank and the bank released the private
corporation from its $2,500,000 loan guaranty. As consideration for purchasing
$2,500,000 of ARTRA bank notes, the private corporation received a $2,500,000
ARTRA note payable and an option to put back to ARTRA its 49,980 shares of ARTRA
common stock at a price of $15.00 per share. The option price increases by $2.25
per share annually ($21.75 per share at March 27, 1997). During the first
quarter of 1996 the ARTRA bank notes were discharged (see Note 5 ) and the
$2,500,000 note payable to the private corporation and related accrued interest
was paid in full principally with proceeds from additional short-term
borrowings.
In January 1997, the Company settled an obligation that would have required
ARTRA to repurchase 25,750 common shares for a total of $679,000. The option
holder retained the 25,750 ARTRA common shares subject to the option agreement
and received an additional 89,793 ARTRA common shares in settlement of all
obligations due under the option agreement. Accordingly, the 25,750 shares of
ARTRA common stock subject to the option agreement were removed from redeemable
common stock and reclassified to shareholders' equity.
F-15
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
9. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
Redeemable preferred stock at March 27, 1997(in thousands) consists of:
Currently payable:
Bagcraft redeemable preferred stock
payable to a related party,
cumulative $.01 par value,
13.5%; including accumulated dividends;
redeemable in 1997 with a liquidation
preference equal to $100 per share;
issued 8,650 shares $ 2,036
BCA Holdings preferred stock, Series B,
$1.00 par value, 6% cumulative,
including accumulated dividends;
redeemable in 1997 with a liquidation
preference of $1,000 per share;
8,135 shares authorized and issued 9,367
-------
$ 11,403
=======
Noncurrent:
ARTRA redeemable preferred stock,
Series A, $1,000 par value,
6% cumulative payment-in-kind,
including accumulated dividends,
net of unamortized discount
of $1,190; redeemable March 1, 2000
at $1,000 per share plus accrued dividends;
authorized 2,000,000 shares all series;
issued 3,750 shares $ 4,477
BCA Holdings preferred stock, Series A,
$1.00 par value, 6% cumulative,
including accumulated dividends;
redeemable in 1997 with a liquidation
preference of $1,000 per share;
10,000 shares authorized; issued 3,675 shares 4,418
-------
$ 8,895
=======
On September 27, 1989, ARTRA received a proposal to purchase BCA, the parent of
Bagcraft, from Sage Group, Inc. ("Sage"), a privately-owned corporation that
owned 100% of the outstanding common stock of BCA. Sage was merged with and into
Ozite Corporation ("Ozite") on August 24, 1990. Peter R. Harvey, ARTRA's
President, and John Harvey, ARTRA's Chairman of the Board of Directors, were the
principal shareholders of Sage and are the principal shareholders of Ozite.
Effective March 3, 1990, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARTRA acquired 100% of
BCA's issued and outstanding common shares for consideration of $5,451,000,
which included 772,000 shares of ARTRA common stock and 3,750 shares of $1,000
par value junior non-convertible payment-in-kind redeemable Series A Preferred
Stock with an estimated fair
F-16
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
value of $1,012,000, net of unamortized discount of $2,738,000. The Series A
Preferred Stock accrues dividends at the rate of 6% per annum and is redeemable
by ARTRA on March 1, 2000 at a price of $1,000 per share plus accrued dividends.
Accumulated dividends of $1,917,000 were accrued at March 27, 1997.
Bagcraft/BCA Holdings
In 1987, Bagcraft obtained financing from a subsidiary of Ozite through the
issuance of a $5,000,000 unsecured subordinated note, due June 1, 1997. During
1992, per agreement with the noteholder, the interest payments were remitted to
ARTRA and the noteholder received 675 shares of BCA Series A preferred stock
($1.00 par value, 6% cumulative with a liquidation preference equal to $1,000
per share) with a liquidation value of $675,000. In December, 1993, the
unsecured subordinated note and accrued interest thereon were paid in full from
proceeds of Bagcraft's Credit Agreement. Per agreement with the noteholder, the
accrued interest outstanding on the note of $3,000,000 was remitted to ARTRA and
the noteholder received an additional 3,000 shares BCA Series A preferred stock
having a liquidation value of $3,000,000. Accumulated dividends of $743,000 were
accrued at March 27, 1997.
In 1987, Bagcraft issued to a subsidiary of Ozite $5,000,000 of preferred stock
(50,000 shares of 13.5% cumulative, redeemable preferred stock with a
liquidation preference equal to $100 per share) redeemable by Bagcraft in 1997
at a price of $100 per share plus accrued dividends. Dividends, which accrue and
are payable semiannually on June 1 and December 1 of each year, are reflected in
the Company's consolidated statement of operations as minority interest. The
holder has agreed to forego dividend payments as long as such payments are
prohibited by Bagcraft's lenders. Accumulated dividends of $1,171,000 were
accrued at March 27, 1997.
Effective February 15, 1996, BCA, Bagcraft and Ozite entered into an agreement
to exchange certain preferred stock between the Companies. Per terms of the
exchange agreement BCA issued 8,135 shares of BCA Series B preferred stock
(13.5% cumulative, redeemable preferred stock with a liquidation preference
equal to $1,000 per share, or a total carrying value of $8,135,000) to Ozite in
exchange for 41,350 shares of Bagcraft redeemable preferred stock (with a
liquidation preference equal to $100 per share plus accumulated dividends of
$4,838,000, or a total carrying value of $8,973,000). The preferred stock
exchange resulted in a gain of $838,000 which was reflected in the Company's
consolidated statement of operations as minority interest.
The BCA Series B preferred stock is redeemable on June 1, 1997. Accumulated
dividends of $1,232,000 were accrued at March 27, 1997.
In conjunction with the preferred stock exchange agreement, Bagcraft's lender
consented to an advance of $4,135,000 under Bagcraft's revolving credit loan to
be transferred to ARTRA as a dividend. ARTRA used the funds from this dividend
plus funds from a short-term loan agreement to fund a payment to its bank lender
in accordance with provisions of its debt discharge agreement as discussed in
Note 5.
10. INCOME TAXES
No income tax benefit was recognized in connection with the Company's 1997
pre-tax loss due to the Company's tax loss carryforwards and the uncertainty of
future taxable income. The 1996 extraordinary credit represents a net gain from
discharge of indebtedness. No income tax expense is reflected in the Company's
financial statements resulting from the 1996 extraordinary due to the
utilization of tax loss carryforwards.
F-17
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
At March 27, 1997, the Company and its subsidiaries had Federal income tax loss
carryforwards of approximately $36,000,000, expiring principally in 2002 - 2010,
available to be applied against future taxable income, if any. In recent years,
the Company has issued shares of its common stock to repay various debt
obligations, as consideration for acquisitions, to fund working capital
obligations and as consideration for various other transactions. Section 382 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 limits a corporation's utilization of its
Federal income tax loss carryforwards when certain changes in the ownership of a
corporation's common stock occurs. In the opinion of management, the Company is
not currently subject to such limitations regarding the utilization of its
Federal income tax loss carryforwards. Should the Company continue to issue a
significant number of shares of its common stock, it could trigger a limitation
that would prevent it from utilizing a substantial portion of its Federal income
tax loss carryforwards.
11. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss), less
dividends applicable to redeemable preferred stock and redeemable common stock
accretion by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common
stock equivalents (redeemable common stock, stock options and warrants), unless
anti-dilutive, outstanding during each period. Fully diluted earnings per share
are not presented since the result is equivalent to primary earnings per share.
12. LITIGATION
The Company and its subsidiaries are the defendants in various business-related
litigation and environmental matters. At March 27, 1997, the Company had accrued
current liabilities of $2,000,000 for potential business-related litigation and
environmental liabilities. While these litigation and environmental matters
involve wide ranges of potential liability, management does not believe the
outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial statements. However, ARTRA may not have available funds to pay
liabilities arising out of these business-related litigation and environmental
matters or, in certain instances, to provide for its legal defense.
In November, 1993, ARTRA filed suit in the Circuit Court of the Eighteenth
Judicial Circuit for the state of Illinois (the "State Court Action") against
Salomon Brothers, Inc., Salomon Brothers Holding Company, Inc., Charles K.
Bobrinskoy, Michael J. Zimmerman (collectively, "Salomon Defendants"), D.P.
Kelly & Associates, L.P. ("DPK"), Donald P. Kelly ("Kelly Defendants" along with
DPK), James F. Massey and William Rifkind relating to the acquisition of
Envirodyne in 1989 by Emerald Acquisition Corp. ("Emerald"). Envirodyne had
filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 7, 1993 which provided ARTRA with no
value in the Emerald stock and junior debentures received in connection with the
acquisition. On November 22, 1993, ARTRA filed a First Amended Complaint. The
defendants removed the case to the Bankruptcy Court in which the Emerald Chapter
11 case is pending. On July 15, 1994, all but two of ARTRA's causes of action
were remanded to the state court. The Bankruptcy Court retained jurisdiction of
ARTRA's claims against the defendants for breaching their fiduciary duty as
directors of Emerald to Emerald's creditors and interference with ARTRA's
contractual relations with Emerald. On April 7, 1995, the Company's appeal of
the Bankruptcy Court's order retaining jurisdiction over two claims was denied.
On July 26, 1995, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order dismissing these claims.
On August 4, 1995, ARTRA appealed from the Bankruptcy Court's dismissal order.
That appeal was denied on October 31, 1996 by the United States District Court.
ARTRA has a right to appeal the District Court's decision. This appeal has been
filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
On July 18, 1995, ARTRA filed a Fourth Amended Complaint in the State Court
Action for breach of fiduciary duty, fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent
misrepresentation, breach of contract and promissory estoppel. In the State
Court Action, ARTRA seeks compensatory damages of $136.2 million, punitive
damages of $408.6 million and the
F-18
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
repayment of approximately $33 million in fees paid to Salomon. The causes of
action for breach of the fiduciary duty of due care were repleaded to reserve
ARTRA's right to appeal the State Court's dismissal of the causes of action in
the Third Amended Complaint. The cause of action against defendant Kelly was
dismissed with prejudice pursuant to a stipulation between ARTRA and the Kelly
Defendants.
On or about March 1, 1996, DPK brought a motion for summary judgment as to
ARTRA's claims for breach of contract and promissory estoppel. DPK's motion was
granted on June 4, 1996. The Company has appealed this decision.
Effective December 31, 1989, ARTRA completed the disposal of its former
scientific products segment with the sale of its Welch subsidiary, formerly
Sargent-Welch Scientific Company, to a privately held corporation whose
president and sole shareholder was a vice president of Welch prior to the sale.
The consideration received by ARTRA consisted of cash at closing, $2,625,000
payable June 30, 1997, with interest at 10% beginning June 30, 1990, under terms
of a noncompetition agreement and the buyer's subordinated note in the principal
amount of $2,500,000.
In December, 1991 Welch filed a lawsuit against ARTRA alleging that certain
representations, warranties and covenants made by ARTRA, which were contained in
the parties' Stock Purchase Agreement, were false. Welch was seeking
compensatory damages in the amount of $3,800,000. Subsequently, ARTRA had filed
a counterclaim predicated upon Welch's breach of the payment terms of the
parties' Non-Competition Agreement and the Subordinated Note executed by Welch.
ARTRA was seeking damages in the amount of approximately $5,300,000 plus accrued
interest. On November 23, 1994, the Circuit Court of Cook County Law Division in
Chicago granted a judgment in favor of ARTRA affirming the validity of the
amounts due under the Non-Competition Agreement and the Subordinated Note of
$2,625,000 and $2,500,000, respectively.
In June 1995 ARTRA entered into an agreement to settle amounts due ARTRA by
Welch under terms of the noncompetition agreement and the subordinated security.
Per terms of the settlement agreement, ARTRA received cash of $3,000,000 and a
subordinated note in the principal amount of $640,000 payable June 30, 2001. In
June 1996 the note was paid in accordance with terms of the settlement agreement
at its present value and ARTRA received proceeds of $342,000.
In January, 1985 the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA")
notified the Company's Bagcraft subsidiary that it was a potentially responsible
party ("PRP") under the Comprehensive Environmental Responsibility Compensation
and Liability Act ("CERCLA") for alleged release of hazardous substances at the
Cross Brothers site near Kankakee, Illinois. Although Bagcraft has denied
liability for the site, it has entered into a settlement agreement with the EPA,
along with the other third party defendants, to resolve all claims associated
with the site except for state claims. In May, 1994 Bagcraft paid $850,000 to
formally extinguish the EPA claim. In September 1989, Bagcraft was served with a
complaint filed by the State of Illinois against seventeen parties for alleged
involvement with the Cross Brothers site. The complaint alleges Bagcraft is
responsible for the costs of cleanup incurred and to be incurred. Bagcraft
denies the material allegations an is participating in settlement discussions
with the State and thirteen other potential responsible parties to resolve all
claims associated with the State. An agreement has been reached in principal to
settle the State claim, pending resolution of the terms of an appropriate
consent order. Bagcraft's share of the proposed settlement is approximately
$150,000.
Bagcraft has been notified by the EPA that it is a potentially responsible party
for the disposal of hazardous substances at the Ninth Avenue site in Gary,
Indiana. This site is listed on the EPA's National Priorities list. A group of
defendant PRPs, known as the Ninth Avenue Remedial Group, settled with the USEPA
and agreed to remediate the site. This Group subsequently sued numerous third
party defendants, including Bagcraft, alleged also to be responsible parties at
the site. The plaintiffs have produced only limited testamentary evidence, and
no documentary evidence, linking Bagcraft to this site, and the Company has
neither discovered any records which indicate, nor located any current or former
employees who have advised, that Bagcraft deposited hazardous substances at the
site. Based on the foregoing, management of the Company does not believe that it
is probable that the Company will have any liability for the costs of the
clean-up of this site. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in this
case.
F-19
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Bagcraft's Chicago facility has also been the subject of allegations that it
violated laws and regulations associated with the Clean Air Act. The facility
has numerous sources of air emissions of volatile organic materials ("VOMs")
associated with its printing operations and is required to maintain and comply
with permits and emissions regulations with regard to each of these emission
sources.
In November of 1995, the EPA issued a Notice of Violation ("NOV") against
Bagcraft's Chicago facility alleging numerous violations of the Clean Air Act
and related regulations. The NOV alleges that the facility installed and
operated emission sources without permits, that it failed to operate air
pollution control equipment at required efficiencies and that there were
releases of VOMs above permitted limits. In April 1997, the EPA filed an
administrative complaint and has proposed a $250,000 civil penalty. Bagcraft has
filed a response to the complaint and is attempting to negotiate a settlement.
Bagcraft reported a release associated with solvent tanks located in a vault at
its Chicago manufacturing facility. After seeking approval from the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency ("IEPA"), Bagcraft installed and is currently
operating a soil vapor gas extraction system designed to achieve remedial
objectives which the IEPA has determined to be appropriate to the site. Bagcraft
has since received a No Further Recommendation Letter from the IEPA.
Bagcraft has been notified that it may have responsibility with respect to a
clean-up site on Basket Creek Road, Georgia. Bagcraft presently has no
indication of its liability, if any or whether it is a responsible party.
In April 1994, the EPA notified the Company that it was a potentially
responsible party for the disposal of hazardous substances (principally waste
oil) at a disposal site in Palmer, Massachusetts generated by a manufacturing
facility formerly operated by the Clearshield Plastics Division ("Clearshield")
of Harvel Industries, Inc. ("Harvel"), a majority owned subsidiary of ARTRA. In
1985, Harvel was merged into ARTRA's Fill-Mor subsidiary. This site has been
included on the EPA's National Priorities List. In February 1983, Harvel sold
the assets of Clearshield to Envirodyne. The alleged waste disposal occurred in
1977 and 1978, at which time Harvel was a majority-owned subsidiary of ARTRA. In
May 1994, Envirodyne and its Clearshield National, Inc. subsidiary sued ARTRA
for indemnification in connection with this proceeding. The cost of clean-up at
the Palmer, Massachusetts site has been estimated to be approximately $7 million
according to proofs of claim filed in the adversary proceeding. A committee
formed by the named potentially responsible parties has estimated the liability
respecting the activities of Clearshield to be $400,000. ARTRA has not made any
independent investigation of the amount of its potential liability and no
assurances can be given that it will not substantially exceed $400,000.
In a case titled Sherwin-Williams Company v. ARTRA GROUP Incorporated, filed in
1991 in the United States District Court for Maryland, Sherwin-Williams Company
("Sherwin-Williams") brought suit against ARTRA and other former owners of a
paint manufacturing facility in Baltimore, Maryland for recovery of costs of
investigation and clean-up of hazardous substances which were stored, disposed
of or otherwise released at this manufacturing facility. This facility was owned
by Baltimore Paint and Chemical Company, formerly a subsidiary of ARTRA from
1968 to 1980. Sherwin-William's current projection of the cost of clean-up is
approximately $5 to $6 million. The Company has filed counterclaims against
Sherwin-Williams and cross claims against other former owners of the property.
The Company also is vigorously defending this action and has raised numerous
defenses. Currently, the case is in its early stages of discovery and the
Company cannot determine what, if any, its liability may be in this matter.
ARTRA was named as a defendant in United States v. Chevron Chemical Company
brought in the United States District Court for the Central District of
California respecting Operating Industries, Inc. site in Monterey Park,
California. This site is included on the EPA's National Priorities List. ARTRA's
involvement stemmed from the alleged disposal of hazardous substances by The
Synkoloid Company ("Synkoloid") subsidiary of Baltimore Paint and Chemical
Company, which was formerly owned by ARTRA. Synkoloid manufactured spackling
paste, wall coatings and related products, certain of which generated hazardous
substances as a by-product of the manufacturing process.
F-20
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
ARTRA entered into a consent decree with the EPA in which it agreed to pay
$85,000 for one phase of the clean-up costs for this site; however, ARTRA
defaulted on its payment obligation. ARTRA is presently unable to estimate the
total potential liability for clean-up costs at this site, which clean-up is
expected to continue for a number of years. The consent decree, even if it had
been honored by ARTRA, was not intended to release ARTRA from liability for
costs associated with other phases of the clean-up at this site. The Company is
presently unable determine what, if any, additional liability it may incur in
this matter.
Several cases have arisen from ARTRA's purchase of Dutch Boy Paints which owned
a facility in Chicago which it purchased from NL Industries. In a case titled
City of Chicago v. NL Industries, Inc. and ARTRA GROUP Incorporated, filed in
the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, the City of Chicago brought a
nuisance action and alleged that ARTRA (and NL Industries, Inc.) had improperly
stored, discarded and disposed of hazardous substances at the Dutch Boy site,
and that ARTRA had conveyed the site to Goodwill Industries to avoid clean-up
costs. At the time the suit was filed, the City of Chicago claimed that it would
cost $1,000,000 to remediate the site.
ARTRA and NL Industries, Inc. have counter sued each other and have filed third
party actions against the subsequent owners of the property. The Company is
presently unable to determine its liability, if any, in connection with this
case. The parties were conducting discovery but the case was stayed pending the
resolution of the EPA action described below.
In 1986, in a case titled People of the State of Illinois v. NL Industries,
Inc., ARTRA GROUP Incorporated, et al., the Cook County State's attorney filed
suit seeking response costs in excess of $2,000,000 and treble punitive damages
for costs expended by IEPA in remediating contamination at the Dutch Boy site,
alleging that all former owners contributed to the contamination. In 1989, the
Circuit Court dismissed the action, holding that the state had failed to exhaust
its administrative procedures. In 1992, this holding was reversed by the
Illinois Supreme Court. In 1996, the Illinois Appellate Court affirmed the
District Court's decision to dismiss the case based on lack of due diligence on
the part of the State of Illinois. The State of Illinois has filed a Petition
for Rehearing which was granted. The Company is presently unable to determine
ARTRA's liability, if any, in connection with this case.
On November 17, 1995, the EPA issued letters to ARTRA, NL Industries and others
alleging that they were potentially responsible parties with respect to releases
at the Dutch Boy facility in Chicago and demanding that they remediate the site.
NL Industries entered into a consent decree with EPA in which it agreed to
remediate the site. The Company is presently unable to determine its liability,
if any, in connection with this case.
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Advances to Peter R. Harvey, ARTRA's president, classified in the condensed
consolidated balance sheet as a reduction of common shareholders' equity,
at March 27, 1997 (in thousands) consist of:
Total advances, including accrued interest $ 8,449
Less interest for the period January 1, 1993
to date, accrued and fully reserved (1,695)
--------
Net advances $ 6,754
========
F-21
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
ARTRA has total advances due from its president, Peter R. Harvey, of which
$8,449,000, including accrued interest, remained outstanding at March 27, 1997.
The advances bear interest at the prime rate plus 2% (10.25% at March 27, 1997).
This receivable from Peter R. Harvey has been classified as a reduction of
common shareholders' equity.
In May 1991, ARTRA's Fill-Mor subsidiary made advances to Peter R. Harvey. The
advances, made out of a portion of the proceeds of a short-term bank loan,
provided for interest at the prime rate plus 2%. In April 1995 advances from
ARTRA's Fill-Mor subsidiary to Peter R. Harvey totaling $1,540,000 (including
$398,000 of accrued interest) were transferred to ARTRA as a dividend.
Commencing January 1, 1993 to date, interest on the advances to Peter R. Harvey
has been accrued and fully reserved. Interest accrued and fully reserved on the
advances to Peter R. Harvey for the three months ended March 27, 1997 and March
28, 1996 totaled $165,000 and $106,000, respectively.
Peter R. Harvey has not received other than nominal compensation for his
services as an officer or director of ARTRA or any of its subsidiaries since
October of 1990. Additionally, Mr. Harvey has agreed not to accept any
compensation for his services as an officer or director of ARTRA or any of its
subsidiaries until his obligations to ARTRA, described above, are fully
satisfied.
Under Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, ARTRA (a Pennsylvania
corporation) is permitted to make loans to officers and directors. Further,
under the Delaware General Corporation Law, Fill-Mor (a Delaware corporation) is
permitted to make loans to an officer (including any officer who is also a
director, as in the case of Peter R. Harvey), whenever, in the judgment of the
directors, the loan can reasonably be expected to benefit Fill-Mor.
At the September 19, 1991 meeting, ARTRA's Board of Directors discussed, but did
not act on a proposal to ratify the advances made by ARTRA to Peter R. Harvey.
The 1992 advances made by ARTRA to Mr. Harvey were ratified by ARTRA's Board of
Directors. In the case of the loan made by Fill-Mor to Mr. Harvey, the Board of
Directors of Fill-Mor approved the borrowing of funds from Fill-Mor's bank loan
agreement, a condition of which was the application of a portion of the proceeds
thereof to the payment of certain of Mr. Harvey's loan obligations to the bank.
However, the resolutions did not acknowledge the use of such proceeds for this
purpose and the formal loan documents with the bank did not set forth this
condition (though in fact, the proceeds were so applied by the bank).
As collateral for amounts due from Peter R. Harvey, the Company has received the
pledge of 1,523 shares of ARTRA redeemable preferred stock (with a liquidation
value of $1,523,000, plus accrued dividends) which are owned by Mr. Harvey. In
addition, Mr. Harvey has pledged a 25% interest in Industrial Communication
Company (a private company). Such interest is valued by Mr. Harvey at $800,000
to $1,000,000. During 1995, Peter R. Harvey entered into a pledge agreement with
ARTRA whereby Mr. Harvey pledged additional collateral consisting of 42,067
shares of ARTRA common stock and 707,281 shares of Pure Tech International,
Inc., a publicly traded corporation. Per terms of a February 1996 discharge of
bank indebtedness (see Note 5), ARTRA received additional collateral from Mr.
Harvey consisting of a $2,150,000 security interest in certain real estate,
subordinated to the bank's $850,000 security interest in this real estate. In
March 1997, the bank sold its interest in Mr. Harvey's note and the related
collateral to a private investor. ARTRA retained its $2,150,000 security
interest the real estate, subordinated to the noteholder's $850,000 security
interest in this real estate.
In conjunction with COMFORCE's October 1995 acquisition of COMFORCE Telecom,
ARTRA agreed to assume substantially all pre-existing COMFORCE liabilities and
indemnify COMFORCE in the event any future liabilities arise concerning
pre-existing environmental matters and business related litigation. Accordingly,
at March 27, 1997, $321,000 of such pre-existing Lori liabilities were
classified in ARTRA's consolidated balance sheet at as current liabilities of
discontinued operations.
For a discussion of certain other related party debt obligations see Note 6.
F-22
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
14. OTHER INFORMATION
Effective January 2, 1997, Bagcraft purchased the business assets, subject to
buyer's assumption of certain liabilities, of AB Specialty Holding Company, Inc.
("AB") for consideration consisting of cash of approximately $2.4 million. The
purchased assets consisted principally of plant and equipment of approximately
$1.3 million and inventory of approximately $1.1 million. The acquisition of AB,
funded through borrowings under Bagcraft's Credit Agreement, has been accounted
for by the purchase method and, accordingly, the assets and liabilities of AB
were included in the Company's financial statements at their estimated fair
market value at the date of acquisition. The results of operations of AB are not
considered material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. The
acquisition of AB is expected to enhance Bagcraft's specialty bag business. At
December 26, 1996, other noncurrent assets included a deposit of approximately
$1.2 million related to the acquisition of AB.
F-23
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
ARTRA GROUP Incorporated
Northfield, Illinois
We have audited the consolidated financial statements and the financial
statement schedules of ARTRA GROUP Incorporated and Subsidiaries as listed in
the index on page F-1 of this Form 10-K. These financial statements and
financial statement schedules are the responsibility of ARTRA GROUP
Incorporated's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and financial statement schedules 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of ARTRA
GROUP Incorporated and Subsidiaries as of December 26, 1996 and December 28,
1995, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 26, 1996 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, in our
opinion, the financial statement schedules referred to above, when considered in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in
all material respects, the information required to be included therein.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming
the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the
consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses
from operations and has a net capital deficiency. As a result of these factors,
the Company has experienced difficulty in obtaining adequate financing to
replace its current credit arrangements, certain of which are in default, to
fund its debt service and to satisfy liquidity requirements for 1997. These
factors raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a
going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described
in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might
result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
Chicago, Illinois
April 2, 1997
F-24
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 26, December 28,
1996 1995
------------ ------------
ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents $171 $2,347
Restricted cash and equivalents - 552
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts
and markdowns of $512 in 1996 and $250 in 1995 8,267 10,897
Inventories 14,967 16,634
Available-for-sale securities 22,564 1,427
Other 931 324
------------ ------------
Total current assets 46,900 32,181
------------ ------------
Property, plant and equipment
Land 417 930
Buildings 11,672 11,679
Machinery and equipment 32,346 30,547
Construction in in progress 979 1,117
------------ ------------
45,414 44,273
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 20,480 17,335
------------ ------------
24,934 26,938
------------ ------------
Other assets:
Available-for-sale securities - 15,519
Excess of cost over net assets acquired,
net of accumulated amortization of
$2,083 in 1996 and $1,778 in 1995 2,995 3,258
Other 2,550 53
------------ ------------
28,109 18,830
------------ ------------
$77,379 $77,949
============ ============
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
F-25
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 26, December 28,
1996 1995
------------ ------------
LIABILITIES
<S> <C> <C>
Current liabilities:
Notes payable, including amounts
due to related parties of
$3,600 in 1996 and $5,675 in 1995 $18,631 $25,300
Current maturities of long-term debt 2,712 3,512
Accounts payable, including amounts due
to a related party of $399 in 1995 5,129 10,925
Accrued expenses 10,394 14,106
Income taxes 478 203
Bagcraft detachable put warrant 1,500 -
Redeemable preferred stock 11,100 -
Liabilities of discontinued operations 348 4,500
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 50,292 58,546
------------ ------------
Long-term debt 34,207 34,113
Other noncurrent liabilities 2,135 650
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable common stock,
issued 98,734 shares in 1996
and 283,965 shares in 1995 3,657 4,774
Redeemable preferred stock 8,678 18,631
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Common stock, no par value;
authorized 20,000,000 shares in 1996
and 7,500,000 shares in 1995;
issued 7,624,766 shares in 1996
and 7,102,979 shares in 1995 5,793 5,540
Additional paid-in capital 40,211 38,526
Unrealized appreciation of investments 25,719 21,047
Receivable from related party,
including accrued interest (6,468) (4,318)
Accumulated deficit (86,793) (98,755)
------------ ------------
(21,538) (37,960)
Less treasury stock (7,628 shares in 1996
and 57,038 shares in 1995), at cost 52 805
------------ ------------
(21,590) (38,765)
------------ ------------
$77,379 $77,949
============ ============
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
F-26
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year
-----------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
--------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $120,699 $121,879 $111,837
--------- ---------- ----------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold,
exclusive of depreciation and amortization 94,613 102,508 94,766
Selling, general and administrative 15,638 19,131 16,760
Depreciation and amortization 3,927 4,330 4,337
Write-down of idle machinery and equipment - 1,503 -
--------- ---------- ----------
114,178 127,472 115,863
--------- ---------- ----------
Operating earnings (loss) 6,521 (5,593) (4,026)
--------- ---------- ----------
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (8,005) (9,782) (8,618)
Realized gain on disposal of
available-for-sale securities 5,818 - -
Other income (expense), net (107) (88) 13
Equity in loss of COMFORCE - (533) -
--------- ---------- ----------
(2,294) (10,403) (8,605)
--------- ---------- ----------
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
before income taxes and minority interest 4,227 (15,996) (12,631)
Provision for income taxes (152) (51) (9)
Minority interest (526) (896) (889)
--------- ---------- ----------
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations 3,549 (16,943) (13,529)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations - 10 (15,906)
--------- ---------- ----------
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary credit 3,549 (16,933) (29,435)
Extraordinary credit, net discharge of indebtedness 9,424 14,030 8,965
--------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings (loss) 12,973 (2,903) (20,470)
Dividends applicable to
redeemable preferred stock (621) (565) (516)
Reduction of retained earnings
applicable to redeemable common stock (390) (767) (309)
--------- ---------- ----------
Earnings (loss) applicable to common shares $11,962 ($4,235) ($21,295)
========= ========== ==========
Earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations $0.28 ($2.69) ($2.56)
Discontinued operations - - (2.74)
--------- ---------- ----------
Loss before extraordinary credit 0.28 (2.69) (5.30)
Extraordinary credit 1.23 2.06 1.57
--------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings (loss) $1.51 ($0.63) ($3.73)
========= ========== ==========
Weighted average number of shares of common stock
and common stock equivalents outstanding 7,939 6,776 5,702
========= ========== ==========
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
F-27
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(In thousands, except share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unrealized Receivable Total
Common Stock Additional Appreciation From Treasury Stock Shareholders'
------------------ Paid-in of Related Accumulated ---------------- Equity
Shares Dollars Capital Investments Party (Deficit) Shares Dollars (Deficit)
---------- ------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -------- -------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 30, 1993 4,983,608 $3,922 $31,042 ($3,843) ($73,225) 57,038 ($805) ($42,909)
Net loss - - - - (20,470) - - (20,470)
Redeemable common
stock accretion - - - - (309) - - (309)
Common stock sold through
private placements 855,000 641 2,484 - - - - 3,125
Common stock issued for Lori
debt settlement agreement 400,000 300 2,200 - - - - 2,500
Common stock issued
to pay liabilities 142,635 107 684 - - - - 791
Sale and reclassification of
redeemable common stock (34,266) - (282) - - - - (282)
Common stock
contributed to ESOP 65,000 49 292 - - - - 341
Exercise of stock options 25,300 19 116 - - - - 135
Net increase in receivable
from related party - - - (257) - - - (257)
Redeemable preferred
stock dividends - - - - (516) - - (516)
Common stock issued
as compensation 18,325 14 77 - - - - 91
---------- ------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -------- -------- ------------
Balance at December 29, 1994 6,455,602 5,052 36,613 (4,100) (94,520) 57,038 (805) (57,760)
Net loss - - - - (2,903) - - (2,903)
Reclassification of
redeemable common stock (100,000) - (500) - - - - (500)
Common stock issued
to pay liabilities 243,915 183 857 - - - - 1,040
Common stock as additional
consideration for private
placement of ARTRA notes 375,000 281 985 - - - - 1,266
Net increase in receivable
from related party,
including accrued interest - - - (218) - - - (218)
Redeemable common stock
put option exercised - (8 8 - - - - -
Sale and reclassification of
redeemable common stock 85,714 399 399
Unrealized appreciation
of investments - - - $21,047 - - - - 21,047
Common stock
contributed to ESOP 23,750 18 95 - - - - - 113
Exercise of stock options 12,100 9 39 - - - - - 48
Redeemable common
stock accretion - - - - - (767) - - (767)
Redeemable preferred
stock dividends - - - - - (565) - - (565)
Common stock issued
as compensation 6,898 5 30 - - - - - 35
---------- ------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -------- -------- ------------
Balance at December 28, 1995 7,102,979 5,540 38,526 21,047 (4,318) (98,755) 57,038 (805) (38,765)
F-28
<PAGE>
Net earnings - - - - - 12,973 - - 12,973
Common stock issued
to pay liabilities 125,012 94 362 - - - (120,554) 818 1,274
Common stock issued as
additional consideration
for short-term borrowings 50,544 38 (398) - - - (99,456) 1,021 661
Increase in receivable
from related party,
including accrued interest - - - - (2,150) - - - (2,150)
Common stock loaned
by related party - - - - 587 - 100,000 (587) -
Repay common stock
loaned by related party 100,000 75 512 - (587) - - - -
Increase in unrealized
appreciation of investments - - - 4,672 - - - - 4,672
Exercise of stock options
and warrants 61,000 46 213 - - - (16,900) 109 368
Common stock received as
consideration for
short-term note - - - - - - 87,500 (608) (608)
Reclassification of
redeemable common stock 185,231 - 996 - - - - - 996
Redeemable common
stock accretion - - - - - (390) - - (390)
Redeemable preferred
stock dividends - - - - - (621) - - (621)
---------- ------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -------- -------- ------------
Balance at December 26, 1996 7,624,766 $5,793 $40,211 $25,719 ($6,468) ($86,793) 7,628 ($52) ($21,590)
========== ======= ========== ============ ========== =========== ======== ======== ============
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
F-29
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands of dollars)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year
--------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss) $ 12,973 ($ 2,903) ($20,470)
-------- -------- --------
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss)
to cash flows from operating activities:
Extraordinary gain from net discharge of indebtedness (9,424) (14,030) (8,965)
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations -- (8,183) --
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 3,622 4,120 4,252
Amortization of excess of cost over net assets acquired 305 837 1,693
Impairment of goodwill -- 6,430 10,800
Amortization of other assets 548 689 963
Inventory valuation reserve 191 290 --
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 78 -- (59)
Write-down of idle equipment and machinery -- 1,503 --
Gain on sale of COMFORCE common stock (5,818) -- --
Equity in loss of COMFORCE -- 533 --
Minority interest 526 896 889
Contribution to ARTRA ESOP -- 42 77
Other, principally common stock issued as compensation 220 1,300 485
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of
businesses acquired and discontinued:
(Increase) decrease in receivables 2,630 (184) (1,923)
(Increase) decrease in inventories 1,476 453 (727)
(Increase) decrease in other current and noncurrent assets (169) 1,421 1,068
Increase (decrease) in payables and accrued expenses (5,980) 611 4,675
Increase (decrease) in other current and noncurrent liabilities (4,497) 450 (763)
Decrease in receivable from related party,
including accrued interest (1,061) (218) (257)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash flows used by operating activities (4,380) (5,943) (8,262)
-------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of COMFORCE common stock 3,717 -- --
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 132 -- 2,251
Additions to property, plant and equipment (2,645) (2,820) (11,881)
Proceeds from collection of Welch notes 342 3,000 --
Decrease in restricted cash 552 772 --
AB Specialty acquisition deposit (1,183) -- --
Acquisition of Arcar -- -- (2,264)
Proceeds from sale of Arcar -- 20,318 --
Retail fixtures -- (631) (665)
Other -- -- 101
-------- -------- --------
Net cash flows from (used by) investing activities 915 20,639 (12,458)
-------- -------- --------
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
F-30
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands of dollars)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year
-----------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in short-term debt 286 5,488 1,920
Proceeds from long-term borrowings 141,896 136,756 116,775
Reduction of long-term debt (140,850) (156,641) (100,131)
Proceeds from private placements of ARTRA common stock -- -- 3,230
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants 369 48 30
Exercise of redeemable common stock put options (510) -- (50)
Other 98 (70) (44)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash flows from (used by) financing activities 1,289 (14,419) 21,730
-------- -------- --------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (2,176) 277 1,010
Cash and equivalents, beginning of year 2,347 2,070 1,060
-------- -------- --------
Cash and equivalents, end of year $ 171 $ 2,347 $ 2,070
======== ======== ========
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest $ 5,320 $ 5,847 $ 8,811
Income taxes paid (refunded), net 157 (22) 59
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:
Issue common stock and redeemable common stock
to pay down current liabilities $ 1,274 $ 1,040 $ 791
Issue common stock as additional consideration
for short-term borrowings 661 1,266 --
BCA Holdings redeemable preferred stock issued in exchange for
Bagcraft redeemable preferred stock 8,135 -- --
ARTRA common stock issued to Lori's bank lender as partial
consideration for discharge of indebtedness -- -- 2,500
Transfer New Dimensions assets, net of cash of $674,
to Lori's bank lender under terms of the debt settlement agreement -- -- 6,475
Notes issued to sellers as consideration for Arcar acquisition -- -- 8,000
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
F-31
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of Presentation and Financial Restructuring
ARTRA Group Incorporated's ("ARTRA" or the "Company") consolidated financial
statements are presented on a going concern basis, which contemplates the
realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course
of business. The consolidated financial statements do not include any
adjustments relating to recoverability and classification of recorded asset
amounts or the amount and classification of liabilities or other adjustments
that might be necessary should ARTRA be unable to continue as a going concern.
In recent years, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and
has a net capital deficiency. As a result of these factors, the Company has
experienced difficulty in obtaining adequate financing to replace certain
current credit arrangements, certain of which are in default, and to fund its
debt service and liquidity requirements in 1997. These factors raise substantial
doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of
this uncertainty. See Note 8, Notes Payable, and Note 9, Long-Term Debt, for
further discussion of the status of credit arrangements and restrictions on the
ability of operating subsidiaries to fund ARTRA corporate obligations. Due to
its limited ability to receive operating funds from its subsidiaries, ARTRA has
historically met its operating expenditures with funds generated by alternative
sources, such as private placements of ARTRA common stock and notes, sales of
ARTRA common stock with put options, loans from officers/directors and private
investors, as well as through sales of assets and/or other equity infusions.
ARTRA plans to continue to seek such alternative sources of funds to meet its
future operating expenditures.
ARTRA, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bagcraft Corporation of America
("Bagcraft"), currently operates in one industry segment as a manufacturer of
packaging products principally serving the food industry. Prior to September 28,
1995, ARTRA's then majority owned subsidiary, COMFORCE Corporation ("COMFORCE",
formerly The Lori Corporation "Lori"), operated as a designer and distributor of
popular-priced fashion costume jewelry and accessories. In September 1995
COMFORCE adopted a plan to discontinue its jewelry business as discussed in Note
3.
As discussed in Note 3, on October 17, 1995, COMFORCE acquired all of the
capital stock of COMFORCE Telecom Inc. ("COMFORCE Telecom"), formerly Spectrum
Global Services, Inc. d/b/a YIELD Global. COMFORCE Telecom provides
telecommunications and computer technical staffing services worldwide to Fortune
500 companies and maintains an extensive, global database of technical
specialists with an emphasis on wireless communications capability.
Effective July 4, 1995, COMFORCE and ARTRA entered into employment or consulting
services agreements with certain individuals to manage COMFORCE's entry into and
development of the telecommunications and computer technical staffing services
business. As additional compensation, the agreements provided for the issuance
in aggregate of a 35% common stock interest in COMFORCE. After the issuance of
the COMFORCE common shares, plus the effects of the issuance of COMFORCE common
shares sold by private placements and other COMFORCE common shares issued in
conjunction with the COMFORCE Telecom acquisition, ARTRA's ownership interest in
COMFORCE common stock was reduced to approximately 25% at December 28, 1995.
Accordingly, in October 1995, the accounts of COMFORCE and its majority-owned
subsidiaries were deconsolidated from ARTRA's consolidated financial statements
and ARTRA's investment in COMFORCE was accounted for under the equity method
during the fourth quarter of 1995. At December 28, 1995, the investment in
COMFORCE was recognized as a marketable security available for sale and stated
at fair value. At December 26, 1996, ARTRA's ownership interest in COMFORCE
common stock was reduced to approximately 14%. See Note 6 for a further
discussion of ARTRA's investment in COMFORCE.
Effective October 26, 1995, Bagcraft completed the sale of the business assets,
subject to the buyer's assumption of certain liabilities, of its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Arcar Graphics, Inc. ("Arcar"), for cash of approximately
$20,300,000. The net proceeds, after extinguishment of certain Arcar debt
obligations, of approximately $10,400,000, were used to reduce Bagcraft debt
obligations.
F-32
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
In February 1996, a bank agreed to discharge all amounts under its ARTRA notes
($12,063,000 plus accrued interest and fees) and certain obligations of ARTRA's
president, Peter R. Harvey, resulting in a gain to ARTRA on the discharge of
this indebtedness of $9,424,000 in the first quarter of 1996. The cash payment
due the bank was funded principally with proceeds received from a short-term
loan agreement along with proceeds received from the Bagcraft subsidiary in
conjunction with the issuance of BCA Holdings, Inc. ("BCA" the parent of
Bagcraft) preferred stock. See Notes 7, 8 and 11 for further discussions of
these transactions.
ARTRA intends to continue to negotiate with its creditors to extend due dates to
allow ARTRA to maximize value from possible sale of assets and to explore
various other sources of funding to meet its future operating expenditures. If
ARTRA is unable to negotiate extensions with its creditors and complete certain
transactions, ARTRA could suffer severe adverse consequences, and as a result,
ARTRA may be forced to liquidate its assets or file for protection under the
Bankruptcy Code.
The Company has adopted a 52/53 week fiscal year ending the last Thursday of
December.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A. Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its majority-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are
eliminated.
B. Cash Equivalents
Short-term investments with an initial maturity of less than ninety days are
considered cash equivalents.
C. Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the
first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
D. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for maintenance
and repairs are charged to operations as incurred and expenditures for major
renovations are capitalized. Depreciation is computed on the basis of estimated
useful lives principally by the straight line method for financial statement
purposes and principally by accelerated methods for tax purposes. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the
asset or the period covered by the lease.
The costs of property retired or otherwise disposed of are applied against the
related accumulated depreciation to the extent thereof, and any profit or loss
on the disposition is recognized in earnings.
F-33
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
E. Investments in Equity Securities
In 1995, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 115 "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities." Under this statement, at December 28, 1995, the Company's
investment in COMFORCE (see Note 6) is classified as available for sale and is
stated at fair value. The adoption of SFAS No. 115 resulted in an increase to
shareholders' equity in the fourth quarter of 1995 of $21,047,000. In prior
years and, until October 1995, COMFORCE was a majority-owned subsidiary included
in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
F. Intangible Assets
The net assets of a purchased business are recorded at their fair value at the
date of acquisition. The excess of purchase price over the fair value of net
assets acquired (goodwill) is reflected as intangible assets and amortized on a
straight-line basis principally over 40 years.
Effective for the fiscal year ending December 26, 1996 the Company adopted SFAS
No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to be Disposed Of ". The pronouncement requires that long-lived assets
and certain identifiable intangibles to be held and used by an entity be
reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Impairment is
evaluated by comparing future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest
charges) expected to result from the use or sale of the asset and its eventual
disposition, to the carrying amount of the asset. The adoption of SFAS No. 121
did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
G. Revenue Recognition
Sales to customers are recorded at the time of shipment.
H. Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for as prescribed in SFAS No. 109 - Accounting for
Income Taxes. Under the asset and liability method of Statement No. 109, the
Company recognizes the amount of income taxes payable. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to
differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets
and liabilities, and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years those temporary differences are expected to recovered or
settled.
I. Use of Estimates In Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-34
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
J. Stock-Based Compensation
Effective for the fiscal year ending December 26, 1996 the Company adopted SFAS
No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". The pronouncement
encourages, but does not require, companies to recognize compensation expense
for grants of stock, stock options, and other equity instruments to employees
based on new fair value accounting rules. The Company did not adopt the new fair
value accounting, but instead chose to comply with the disclosure requirements
of SFAS No. 123. Accordingly, the adoption of SFAS No. 123 did not have a
material impact on the Company's financial statements.
K. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Earnings Per Share
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share ("SFAS 128"). SFAS
128 specifies the computation, presentation, and disclosure requirements for
earnings per share. This new accounting principle is effective for the Company's
fiscal year ending December 25, 1997. The Company believes that adoption will
not have a material impact on its financial statements.
3. CHANGE OF BUSINESS
Arcar Graphics, Inc.
Effective April 8, 1994, Bagcraft purchased the business assets, subject to
buyer's assumption of certain liabilities, of Arcar, a manufacturer and
distributor of waterbase inks, for consideration of $10,264,000 consisting of
cash of $2,264,000 and subordinated promissory notes totaling $8,000,000. The
acquisition of Arcar was accounted for by the purchase method and, accordingly,
the assets and liabilities of Arcar were included in ARTRA's financial
statements at their estimated fair market value at the date of acquisition.
Effective October 26, 1995, Bagcraft sold the business assets, subject to the
buyer's assumption of certain liabilities, of Arcar for cash of approximately
$20,300,000, resulting in a net gain of $8,483,000. The net proceeds, after
extinguishment of certain Arcar debt obligations, of approximately $10,400,000,
were used to reduce Bagcraft debt obligations.
COMFORCE
In September, 1995, COMFORCE adopted a plan to discontinue its jewelry business
and recorded a provision of $1,000,000 for the estimated costs to complete the
disposal of the jewelry business.
Effective October 17, 1995, COMFORCE acquired all of the capital stock of
COMFORCE Telecom Inc. ("COMFORCE Telecom"), Spectrum Global Services, Inc. d/b/a
YIELD Global, for consideration of approximately $6.4 million, net of cash
acquired. This consideration consisted of cash to the seller of approximately
$5.1 million, fees of approximately $700,000, including a fee of $500,000 to a
related party, and 500,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock valued at $843,000
(at a price per share of $1.68) issued as consideration for various fees and
guarantees associated with the transaction. The 500,000 shares of COMFORCE
common stock consisted of (I) 100,000 shares issued to an unrelated party for
guaranteeing the purchase price to the seller, (ii) 100,000 shares issued to
ARTRA, then the majority stockholder of the Company, in consideration of its
guaranteeing the purchase price to the seller and agreeing to enter into the
Assumption Agreement, as discussed below, (iii) 150,000 issued to two unrelated
parties for advisory services in connection with the acquisition, and (iv)
150,000 shares issued to Peter R. Harvey, then a Vice President and director of
F-35
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
COMFORCE for guaranteeing the payment of the $6.4 million purchase price to the
seller. Additionally, in conjunction with the COMFORCE Telecom acquisition,
ARTRA entered into an Assumption Agreement whereby it agreed to assume
substantially all pre-existing Lori liabilities and indemnify COMFORCE in the
event any future liabilities arise concerning pre-existing environmental matters
and business related litigation. Accordingly, at December 26, 1996 and December
28, 1995, $348,000 and $4,500,000, respectively, of such pre-existing Lori
liabilities were classified in ARTRA's consolidated balance as current
liabilities of discontinued operations. These Lori liabilities consist
principally of notes and accounts payable incurred by Lori's discontinued
jewelry operations. The Assumption Agreement also provided for ARTRA to exchange
its interest in 100% of Lori's Series C cumulative preferred stock for 100,000
newly issued shares of COMFORCE common stock.
COMFORCE Telecom provides telecommunications and computer technical staffing
services worldwide to Fortune 500 companies and maintains an extensive, global
database of technical specialists, with an emphasis on wireless communications
capability. The acquisition of COMFORCE Telecom was funded principally by
private placements of approximately 1,950,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock at
$3.00 per share (total proceeds of approximately $5,800,000) plus five-year
detachable warrants to purchase approximately 970,000 shares of COMFORCE common
stock at $3.375 per share.
Effective July 4, 1995, COMFORCE's management agreed to issue up to a 35% common
stock interest in COMFORCE to certain individuals to manage COMFORCE's entry
into the telecommunications and computer technical staffing business. COMFORCE
recognized a non-recurring charge of $3,425,000 related to this stock since
these stock awards were 100% vested when issued, and were neither conditioned
upon these individuals' service to the Company as employees nor the consummation
of the COMFORCE Telecom acquisition. Accordingly, this compensation charge was
fully recognized in 1995. The shares of COMFORCE common stock issued in
accordance with the above agreements were valued at $.93 per share. COMFORCE's
management valued COMFORCE based on its discussions with market makers and other
advisors, taking into account (i) that the jewelry business, which was
discontinued in the third quarter of 1995, had a negligible value, and (ii) the
value of COMFORCE was principally related to the potential effect that a
purchase of COMFORCE Telecom, if successfully concluded, would have market value
of COMFORCE common stock. COMFORCE's management believes this value of $.93 per
share to be a fair and appropriate value based upon COMFORCE's financial
condition as of the date COMFORCE became obligated to issue these shares. After
the issuance of the COMFORCE common shares, plus the effects of other
transactions, ARTRA's ownership interest in COMFORCE common stock was reduced to
approximately 14% and 25% at December 26, 1996 and December 28, 1995,
respectively. Accordingly, in October 1995, the accounts of COMFORCE and its
majority-owned subsidiaries were deconsolidated from ARTRA's consolidated
financial statements. See Note 6 for a further discussion of the accounting
treatment of ARTRA's investment in COMFORCE.
Effective December 19, 1996, ARTRA and COMFORCE agreed to settle various
differences in the interpretation of certain agreements relating to the COMFORCE
Telecom acquisition, whereby, among other things:
(a) COMFORCE delivered to ARTRA 100,000 shares of COMFORCE common
stock in consideration of ARTRA's guarantee of the COMFORCE
Telecom purchase price to the seller and 100,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock for the cancellation of the Series C
Preferred Stock. ARTRA's financial statements have reflected
the issuance of these 200,000 COMFORCE common shares to ARTRA
since the fourth quarter of 1995.
(b) ARTRA delivered to COMFORCE certificates evidencing its
ownership of 100% of the Lori Series C Preferred Stock.
(c) COMFORCE agreed to include in a proposed underwritten public
offering 380,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock held by ARTRA
and its Fill-Mor subsidiary. Sales proceeds will be used
principally to discharge certain ARTRA and Fill-Mor debt
obligations.
F-36
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(d) ARTRA agreed to a Lock-up Agreement which limits its ability
to sell its remaining COMFORCE common shares for a period of
360 days after the effective date of COMFORCE's proposed
underwritten public offering.
(e) ARTRA agreed to deposit 125,000 shares of its COMFORCE common
stock into an escrow account to collateralize its remaining
obligations under the Assumption Agreement.
The proposed underwritten public offering referred to in paragraph (c) above has
not occurred as of the date of this Form 10-K. If COMFORCE does not retain an
underwriter by April 30, 1997, ARTRA will released from the provisions of the
Lock-up Agreement.
Other
During 1995 the Company was dismissed as party to certain litigation relating to
the former Welch subsidiary. Accordingly, the Company reversed $700,000 of
excess liability accruals originally provided in 1989 to complete the disposal
of Welch.
The Company's consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to report
separately the results of operations of Arcar and COMFORCE's discontinued
fashion costume jewelry business prior to the deconsolidation of COMFORCE and
its majority-owned subsidiaries effective October 1995. The 1995 and 1994
operating results (in thousands) of Bagcraft's discontinued Arcar subsidiary and
COMFORCE's discontinued jewelry business and net gain on disposal of
discontinued operations consist of:
1995 1994
-------- --------
Net sales $ 16,932 $ 40,278
======== ========
Loss from operations
before income taxes $ (8,156) $(15,832)
Provision for income taxes (17) (74)
-------- --------
Loss from operations (8,173) (15,906)
-------- --------
Gain on sale of Arcar subsidiary 8,483 --
Provision for disposal of business (300) --
Provision for income taxes -- --
-------- --------
Gain on disposal of businesses 8,183 --
-------- --------
Earnings (loss) from
discontinued operations $ 10 $(15,906)
======== ========
F-37
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
4. CONCENTRATION OF RISK
The accounts receivable of the Company's Bagcraft subsidiary at December 26,
1996 consist primarily of amounts due from companies in the food industry. As a
result, the collectibility of these receivables is dependent, to an extent, upon
the
economic condition and financial stability of the food industry. Credit risk is
minimized as a result of the large number and diverse nature of Bagcraft's
customer base. Bagcraft's major customers include some of the largest companies
in the food industry. At December 26 1996, Bagcraft had 10 customers with
accounts receivable balances that aggregated approximately 40% of the Company's
total trade accounts receivable. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of
Bagcraft's 1996 sales.
5. INVENTORIES
Inventories (in thousands) consist of:
December 26, December 28,
1996 1995
------- -------
Raw materials and supplies $ 5,582 $ 5,645
Work in process 287 40
Finished goods 9,098 10,949
------- -------
$14,967 $16,634
======= =======
6. INVESTMENT IN COMFORCE CORPORATION
In prior years and until October 1995, COMFORCE was a majority-owned subsidiary
of ARTRA and, accordingly, the accounts of COMFORCE and its majority-owned
subsidiaries were included in the consolidated financial statements of ARTRA. As
discussed in Note 3, due to the issuances of COMFORCE common shares in
conjunction with the acquisition of COMFORCE Telecom, ARTRA's ownership interest
in COMFORCE common stock was reduced to approximately 25%. Accordingly, in
October 1995, the accounts of COMFORCE and its majority-owned subsidiaries were
deconsolidated from ARTRA's consolidated financial statements and ARTRA's
investment in COMFORCE was accounted for under the requirements of APB Opinion
No. 18 "The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock" during
the fourth quarter of 1995.
Effective December 28, 1995, John Harvey and Peter R. Harvey, ARTRA's chairman
and president, respectively, resigned as directors of COMFORCE. Due to such
factors as a lack of board of directors representation and participation in
policy formulation by ARTRA, as well as a lack of interchange of managerial
personnel, ARTRA is not able to exercise significant influence over the
operating and financial policies of COMFORCE. Additionally, assuming
contemplated additional issuances of COMFORCE common shares, on a fully diluted
basis ARTRA's ownership interest in COMFORCE common stock was reduced to less
than 20%. In the opinion of the Company, effective December 28, 1995, the
investment in COMFORCE ceased to conform to the requirements of APB Opinion No.
18. Accordingly, the Company adopted SFAS No. 115 "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." Under this statement, at December
28, 1995, the Company's investment in COMFORCE was classified as available for
sale and was stated at fair value. At December 28, 1995, COMFORCE common shares
with a fair value of $1,427,000, disposed of in the first quarter of 1996, were
classified in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as a current asset and
the remaining COMFORCE common shares with a fair value of $15,519,000 were
classified in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as a noncurrent asset.
The adoption of SFAS No. 115 resulted in an increase to shareholders' equity in
the fourth quarter of 1995 of $21,047,000.
F-38
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
In January 1996, the Company's Board of Directors approved the sale of 200,000
of ARTRA's COMFORCE common shares to certain officers, directors and key
employees of ARTRA for non-interest bearing notes totaling $400,000. The notes,
collateralized by the 200,000 COMFORCE common shares sold, are not payable until
the earlier of the registration of these shares under the Securities Act of 1993
or the expiration of the applicable resale waiting period under Securities Act
Rule 144. Additionally, the noteholders have the right to put their COMFORCE
shares back to ARTRA in full payment of the balance of their notes. Based upon
the preceding factors, the Company has concluded that, for reporting purposes,
it has effectively sold options to certain officers, directors and key employees
to acquire 200,000 of ARTRA's COMFORCE common shares. Accordingly, these 200,000
COMFORCE common shares have been removed from the Company's portfolio of
"Available-for-sale securities" and are classified in the Company's consolidated
balance sheet at December 26, 1996 as other receivables with an aggregate value
of $400,000, based upon the value of proceeds to be received upon future
exercise of the options. The disposition of these 200,000 COMFORCE common shares
resulted in a gain which has been deferred and will not be recognized in the
Company's financial statements until the options to purchase these 200,000
COMFORCE common shares are exercised. As of December 26, 1996, no options to
acquire any of the 200,000 COMFORCE common shares had been exercised.
During 1996 ARTRA sold 193,000 COMFORCE common shares in the market, with the
net proceeds of approximately $3,7000,000 used for working capital. During 1996
certain lenders received 105,000 COMFORCE common shares held by the Company as
additional consideration for short-term loans. In October 1996, a lender
exercised the conversion rights of a short-term loan and received 33,333
COMFORCE common shares in settlement of the Company's obligation. The
disposition of these 331,333 COMFORCE common shares resulted in realized gains
of $5,818,000 during the year ended December 26, 1996, with cost determined by
average cost.
At December 26, 1996 ARTRA's remaining investment in COMFORCE (1,744,703 shares,
currently a common stock ownership interest of approximately 14%) were
classified in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as a current asset as
"Available-for-sale securities." At December 26, 1996 the gross unrealized gain
relating to ARTRA's investment in COMFORCE, reflected as a separate component of
shareholders' equity, was $25,719,000.
As discussed in Note 8, at December 26, 1996, 1,715,000 shares of COMFORCE
common stock owned by the Company and its Fill-Mor subsidiary have been pledged
as collateral for various short-term borrowings and 54,703 shares of COMFORCE
common stock owned by the Company and its Fill-Mor subsidiary remain
unencumbered.
7. EXTRAORDINARY GAINS
ARTRA Debt Restructuring
In February 1996, a bank agreed to discharge all amounts under its ARTRA notes
($12,063,000 plus accrued interest and fees) and certain obligations of ARTRA's
president, Peter R. Harvey for consideration consisting of ARTRA's cash payment
of $5,050,000, Mr. Harvey's cash payment of $100,000 and Mr. Harvey's $3,000,000
note payable to the bank (the "Harvey Note"). The bank assigned ARTRA a
$2,150,000 interest in the Harvey Note, subordinated to the bank's $850,000
interest in the Harvey Note. ARTRA then discharged $2,150,000 of Mr. Harvey's
prior advances in exchange for its $2,150,000 interest in Mr. Harvey's
$3,000,000 note payable to the bank. The amount of the $5,050,000 cash payment
to the bank applicable to Peter R. Harvey ($1,089,000) was charged to amounts
due from Peter R. Harvey. ARTRA recognized a gain on the discharge of this
indebtedness of $9,424,000 ($1.23 per share) in the first quarter of 1996. The
cash payment due the bank was funded principally with proceeds received from the
Bagcraft subsidiary in conjunction with the issuance of BCA (the parent of
Bagcraft) preferred stock along with proceeds received from a short-term loan
agreement with an unaffiliated company that was subsequently repaid. See Notes 8
and 11 for further discussions of these transactions. As additional compensation
for its loan and for participating in the above discharge of indebtedness the
unaffiliated company received 150,000 shares of ARTRA common stock (with a then
fair market value of $661,000 after a discount for restricted marketability) and
25,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock held by ARTRA (with a then fair market
value of $200,000).
F-39
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The extraordinary gain resulting from the discharge of bank debt is calculated
(in thousands) as follows:
Amounts due the bank:
ARTRA notes $ 12,063
Accrued interest 2,656
--------
14,719
Cash payment to the bank $ 5,050
Less amount applicable to
Peter R. Harvey indebtedness (1,089)
--------
(3,961)
--------
Bank debt discharged 10,758
Less fair market value of ARTRA
common stock issued as consideration
for a loan used in par to fund
the discharge of bank debt (661)
Less fair market value of COMFORCE
common stock issued as consideration
for a loan used in par to fund
the discharge of bank debt (200)
Other fees and expenses (473)
--------
Net extraordinary gain $ 9,424
========
In October, 1995 the Company recognized an extraordinary gain of $4,917,000
($.71 per share) as a result of a settlement agreement with a bank whereby a
$3,600,000 note payable due December 31, 1990 plus accrued interest of
$1,467,000 were discharged for a cash payment of $150,000.
COMFORCE Debt Restructuring
Per terms of a debt settlement agreement, borrowings due a bank under the loan
agreements of COMFORCE and its discontinued jewelry operations and Fill-Mor
(approximately $25,000,000 as of December 23, 1994), plus amounts due the bank
for accrued interest and fees were reduced to $10,500,000 (of which $7,855,000
pertained to COMFORCE's obligation to the bank and $2,645,000 pertained to
Fill-Mor's obligation to the bank) as of December 23, 1994. Upon the
satisfaction of certain conditions of the debt settlement agreement in 1995, the
balance of this indebtedness was discharged.
The Company recognized an extraordinary gain of $8,965,000 ($1.57 per share) in
December 1994, calculated (in thousands) as follows:
Amounts due the bank under loan agreements
of Lori and its operating subsidiaries and Fill-Mor $ 25,394
Less amounts due the bank at December 29, 1994 (10,500)
---------
Bank debt discharged 14,894
Accrued interest and fees discharged 3,635
Other liabilities discharged 1,985
Less consideration to the bank per terms of the
amended settlement agreement
Cash (1,900)
ARTRA common stock (2,500)
New Dimensions assets assigned to the bank
at estimated fair market value (7,149)
---------
Net extraordinary gain $ 8,965
=========
F-40
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
On March 31, 1995, the remaining indebtedness of COMFORCE and Fill-Mor was
discharged, resulting in an additional extraordinary gain to the Company of
$9,113,000 ($1.35 per share) in the first quarter of 1995 calculated (in
thousands) as follows:
Amounts due the bank under loan agreements
of Lori and its operating subsidiaries and Fill-mor $ 10,500
Less amounts due the bank (750)
---------
Bank debt discharged 9,750
Less fair market value of Lori common stock
issued as consideration for the debt restructuring (337)
Other fees and expenses (300)
---------
Net extraordinary gain $ 9,113
=========
8. NOTES PAYABLE
Notes payable (in thousands) consist of:
December 26, December 28,
1996 1995
------- -------
ARTRA bank notes payable,
at various interest rates $ 2,500 $12,063
ARTRA 12% secured promissory notes 7,675 --
ARTRA 12% convertible subordinated
promissory notes -- 2,500
Amounts due to related parties,
interest principally at 10% 3,600 5,675
Other, interest from 10% to 20%
4,856 5,062
------- -------
$18,631 $25,300
======= =======
Bank Notes Payable
On August 15, 1996, ARTRA and its 100% owned Fill-Mor subsidiary entered into a
$2,500,000 term loan agreement with a bank. The loan, which provided for
interest payable monthly at the bank's reference rate (8.25% at December 26,
1996) was guaranteed by ARTRA and was collateralized by 1,265,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock. Proceeds of the loan were used for working capital. In
March 1997, the loan was repaid with proceeds from other short-term borrowings
as discussed below.
F-41
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
At December 28, 1995, $12,063,000 of ARTRA notes, plus accrued interest and
fees, were payable to a bank. The notes provided for interest at the prime rate.
These bank notes were collateralized by, among other things, 100% of the common
stock of ARTRA's BCA subsidiary, the parent of Bagcraft, a secondary position on
the assets of BCA and any and all net proceeds arising from a lawsuit in
connection with the acquisition and subsequent reorganization of Envirodyne
Industries, Inc. as discussed in Note 18. Additionally, the bank notes were
collateralized by a $5,500,000 personal guaranty of a private investor. As
additional compensation, the private investor received 1,833 shares of ARTRA
common stock for each month the guaranty was outstanding. Among other things,
the bank notes prohibited the payment of cash dividends by ARTRA.
In February 1996, a bank agreed to discharge all amounts under its ARTRA notes
($12,063,000 plus accrued interest and fees) and certain obligations of ARTRA's
president, Peter R. Harvey for consideration consisting of ARTRA's cash payment
of $5,050,000, Mr. Harvey's cash payment of $100,000 and Mr. Harvey's $3,000,000
note payable to the bank (the "Harvey Note"). The bank assigned ARTRA a
$2,150,000 interest in the Harvey Note, subordinated to the bank's $850,000
interest in the Harvey Note, and ARTRA discharged $2,150,000 of Mr. Harvey's
prior advances. ARTRA recognized a gain on the discharge of this indebtedness of
$9,424,000 ($1.23 per share) in the first quarter of 1996 and recorded a
receivable for Mr. Harvey's prorata share ($1,089,000) of the debt discharge
funded by the Company. The cash payment due the bank was funded principally with
proceeds received from the Bagcraft subsidiary in conjunction with the issuance
of BCA (the parent of Bagcraft) preferred stock (see Note 11) along with
proceeds received from a short-term loan agreement with an unaffiliated company.
As collateral for this advance and other previous advances (see Note 19), Mr.
Harvey provided ARTRA a $2,150,000 security interest in certain real estate,
subordinated to the bank's $850,000 security interest in this real estate.
Secured Promissory Notes
In April 1996, ARTRA commenced a private placement of $7,675,000 of 12% secured
promissory notes due April 15, 1997. As additional consideration the noteholders
received warrants to purchase an aggregate of 418,750 ARTRA common shares at a
price of $6.00 per share. The warrants expire April 15, 1999. The warrantholders
have the right to put these warrants back to ARTRA at any time during the period
April 15, 1997 to October 15, 1998, at a price of $2.00 per share. The cost of
this obligation ($837,500 if all warrants are put back to the Company) is being
accrued in the Company's financial statements as a charge to interest expense
over the period April 15, 1996 (the commencement date of the private placement)
through April 15, 1997 (the maturity date of the notes as well as the date the
warrantholders have the right to put their warrants back to ARTRA). These
promissory notes are collateralized by ARTRA's interest in all of the common
stock of BCA (the parent of Bagcraft). The proceeds from the private placement,
completed in July 1996, were used principally to pay down other debt
obligations.
Convertible Subordinated Promissory Notes
In December 1995, ARTRA completed a private placement of $2,500,000 of 12%
convertible subordinated promissory notes due March 21, 1996. As additional
consideration the noteholders received 15,000 ARTRA common shares per each
$100,000 of notes issued, or an aggregate of 375,000 ARTRA common shares. The
ARTRA common shares were valued at $1,266,000 ($3.375 per share) based upon the
closing market value of ARTRA common stock on the date of issue, discounted for
restricted marketability. The proceeds from the private placement, held in
escrow at December 28, 1995, were used to pay down other debt obligations in
January, 1996. In March and April 1996 the notes were repaid, principally with
proceeds from the private placement of the secured promissory notes discussed
above.
F-42
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Amounts Due To Related Parties
At December 26, 1996 and December 28, 1995, ARTRA had outstanding borrowings of
$3,000,000 from an unaffiliated company currently holding approximately 7% of
ARTRA's outstanding common stock. The loans are evidenced by unsecured
short-term notes bearing interest at 10%. As additional compensation for the
above loans, the lender received five year warrants expiring in 1998 to purchase
an aggregate of 86,250 ARTRA common shares at prices ranging from $6.00 to $7.00
per share. The proceeds of this loan were used to pay down various ARTRA
short-term loans and other debt obligations. In December 1995 the unaffiliated
company received 126,222 shares of ARTRA common in payment of past due interest
through October 31, 1995. In 1996 and 1997 the unaffiliated company received
cash payments of approximately $390,000 representing interest due through
December, 1996. Payment on the loans was due March 31, 1994, however, the lender
has not demanded payment. In February 1997, the lender received a warrant to
purchase an additional 100,000 ARTRA common shares at $5.625 per share as
consideration for not demanding payment of this obligation.
In August, 1996, ARTRA borrowed $500,000 from a private investor,
evidenced by a short-term note, due December 23, 1996, bearing interest at 10%.
The loan is collateralized by 125,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by
the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional compensation for the loan, the
private investor received a warrant, expiring in 2001, to purchase 25,000 ARTRA
common shares at a price of $5.00 per share. The proceeds of the loan were used
for working capital. At the Company's annual meeting of shareholders, held
August 29, 1996, the private investor was elected to the Company's board of
directors. In December 1996, the loan was extended until April 23, 1997 and the
lender received, as additional compensation, a warrant , expiring in 2001, to
purchase 25,000 ARTRA common shares at a price of $5.875 per share. In January,
1997, ARTRA borrowed an additional $300,000 from this lender evidenced by an
short-term note, due December 23, 1997, bearing interest at 8%. The loan is
collateralized by 100,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the Company's
Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional compensation for the loan, the lender
received a warrant, expiring in 2002, to purchase 25,000 ARTRA common shares at
a price of $5.75 per share. In March 1997, ARTRA borrowed an additional
$1,000,000 from this lender evidenced by a short-term note, due May 26, 1997,
bearing interest at 12%. The loan is collateralized by 585,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock owned by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional
compensation, the lender received an option to purchase 25,000 shares of
COMFORCE common stock, owned by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary, at a price of
$4.00 per share, with the right to put the option back to ARTRA on or before May
30, 1997 for a total put price of $50,000. If the note is not paid at maturity,
the option price is reduced to $2.00 per share and, for every 30 days the note
is outstanding past June 26, 1997, the lender will receive an option to purchase
an additional 5,000 COMFORCE common shares at a price of $2.00 per share. The
proceeds from this loan were used in part to repay the ARTRA/Fill-Mor $2,500,000
bank term loan described above. As of March 31, 1997, ARTRA had total
outstanding borrowings of $1,800,000 from this lender collateralized by 810,000
shares of COMFORCE common stock.
In May, 1996, ARTRA borrowed $100,000 from a private investor, evidenced by an
unsecured short-term note, due August 7, 1996, and renewed to February 6, 1997,
bearing interest at 10%. The proceeds of the loan were used for working capital.
At the Company's annual meeting of shareholders, held August 29, 1996, private
investor was elected to the Company's board of directors. Effective January 17,
1997, private investor exercised his conversion rights and received 18,182
shares of ARTRA common stock as payment of the principal balance of his note.
At December 28, 1995, the Company had outstanding borrowings from its Chairman,
John Harvey, of $175,000. John Harvey's borrowings were evidenced by unsecured
short-term notes bearing interest at 12%. As additional compensation the loans
provided for the issuance of warrants to purchase ARTRA common shares, the
number of which was determined by the number of days the loans were outstanding.
The warrants expire five years from the date of issuance. John Harvey received
warrants to purchase an aggregate of 66,045 shares of ARTRA common stock at
prices ranging from $3.75 to $6.125 per share as additional compensation for his
loans to ARTRA. In May 1996, ARTRA repaid all borrowings from John Harvey.
F-43
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
On March 31, 1994, ARTRA entered into a series of agreements with its bank
lender and with a private corporation that had guaranteed $2,500,000 of the
ARTRA bank notes discharged in February 1996 as noted above. A major shareholder
and executive officer of the private corporation is an ARTRA director. Per terms
of the agreements, the private corporation purchased $2,500,000 of ARTRA notes
from ARTRA's bank and the bank released the private corporation from its
$2,500,000 loan guaranty. As consideration for purchasing $2,500,000 of ARTRA
bank notes, the private corporation received a $2,500,000 note payable from
ARTRA bearing interest at the prime rate.
As additional consideration, the private corporation received an option to put
back to ARTRA the 49,980 shares of ARTRA common stock received as compensation
for its former $2,500,000 ARTRA loan guaranty at a price of $15.00 per share.
The put option is exercisable on the later of the day that the $2,500,000 note
payable to the private corporation becomes due or the date the ARTRA bank notes
have been paid in full. The option price increases by $2.25 per share annually
($21.188 per share at December 26, 1996). The $2,500,000 note payable to the
private corporation was reflected in the above table at December 28, 1995 as
amounts due to related parties. During the first quarter of 1996, the $2,500,000
note and related accrued interest was paid in full principally with proceeds
from additional short-term borrowings.
Other
At December 26, 1996, ARTRA was the obligor under two demand notes issued to an
unaffiliated company, in the amount of $2,322,000, including accrued interest.
The notes were issued in October, 1990 with interest at 15 percent. ARTRA is
currently negotiating with the noteholder to extend or refinance this
obligation.
In October 1996 the Company and its Fill-Mor subsidiary entered into a margin
loan agreement with a financial institution which provided for borrowings of
$600,000, with interest approximating the prime rate. Borrowings under the loan
agreement were collateralized by 215,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned
by the Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. The proceeds of the loan were used for
working capital. In January 1997, the loan was repaid with proceeds from other
short-term borrowings.
At December 26, 1996, ARTRA also has outstanding short-term borrowings from
other unrelated parties aggregating approximately $1,900,000, of which $150,000
is past due. The remaining amounts come due at various times in 1997. The notes
were issued at various times during the period May 1991 to December 1996, with
interest rates varying between 8 % 15%.
In March 1997, ARTRA borrowed $1,000,000 from an unaffiliated corporation
evidenced by an short-term note, due May 26, 1997, bearing interest at 12%. The
loan is collateralized by 630,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the
Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary. As additional compensation, the lender received
an option to purchase 25,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock owned by the
Company's Fill-Mor subsidiary at a price of $4.00 per share, with the right to
put the option back to ARTRA on or before May 30, 1997 for a put price of
$50,000. Under certain circumstances, ARTRA has the right to repurchase the
option for $50,000. If the note is not paid at maturity, the option price is
reduced to $2.00 per share and, for every 30 days the note is outstanding past
June 26, 1997, the lender will receive an option to purchase an additional 5,000
COMFORCE common shares at a price of $2.00 per share. The proceeds from this
loan were used in part to repay the ARTRA/Fill-Mor $2,500,000 bank term loan
described above.
The weighted average interest rate on all short-term borrowings at December 26,
1996 and December 28, 1995 was 11.3% and 9.8%, respectively.
In conjunction with the February 1996 discharge of bank debt, the Company
entered into a $1,900,000 short-term loan agreement, due May 26, 1996, with an
unaffiliated company. The loan, with interest at 12%, was collateralized by,
among other things, the common stock of ARTRA's BCA subsidiary. As additional
compensation for its loan and for participating in the above discharge of
indebtedness the unaffiliated company received 150,000 shares of ARTRA common
stock (with a then fair market value of $661,000 after a discount for restricted
marketability) and 25,000 shares of COMFORCE
F-44
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
common stock held by ARTRA (with a then fair market value of $200,000).
Additionally, for consideration of $500,000, the lender purchased an option to
acquire up to 40% of the common stock of Bagcraft for nominal consideration. The
borrowings under this short-term loan agreement were repaid in April, 1996 and,
per terms of the loan agreement, ARTRA repurchased the option for a cash payment
of $550,000.
In conjunction with the discharge of bank debt discussed above, the Company
entered into a $1,900,000 short-term loan agreement, due May 26, 1996, with an
unaffiliated company. The loan, with interest at 12%, was collateralized by,
among other things, the common stock of ARTRA's BCA subsidiary. As additional
compensation for its loan and for participating in the above discharge of
indebtedness the unaffiliated company received 150,000 shares of ARTRA common
stock (with a then fair market value of $661,000 after a discount for restricted
marketability) and 25,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock held by ARTRA (with a
then fair market value of $200,000). Additionally, for consideration of
$500,000, the lender purchased an option to acquire up to 40% of the common
stock of Bagcraft for nominal consideration. The borrowings under this
short-term loan agreement were repaid in April, 1996 and, per terms of the loan
agreement, ARTRA repurchased the option for a cash payment of $550,000.
In conjunction with the COMFORCE debt settlement agreement discussed in Note 7,
ARTRA entered into a $1,850,000 short-term loan agreement with a non-affiliated
corporation, the proceeds of which were used to fund amounts due the bank as
discussed below. The loan, due June 30, 1995, with interest payable monthly at
10%, was collateralized by 100,000 shares of COMFORCE common stock. In August,
1995 the loan was extended until September 15, 1995 and the lender received the
above mentioned 100,000 COMFORCE common shares as consideration for the loan
extension. The loan was repaid by ARTRA in February, 1996.
9. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt (in thousands) consists of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 26, December 28,
1996 1995
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Bagcraft Credit Agreement:
Term loan, interest at the lender's index rate plus .25% $ 20,000
Term loan A, interest at the lender's index rate plus 1.75% -- $ 12,000
Term loan B, interest at the lender's index rate plus 3% -- 4,600
Revolving credit loan, interest at the lender's index rate
in 1996 and the lender's index rate plus 1.5% in 1995 7,990 9,231
Unamortized discount (1,752) --
Bagcraft:
City of Baxter Springs, Kansas loan agreements,
interest at varying rates 10,681 11,794
-------- --------
36,919 37,625
Current scheduled maturities (2,712) (3,512)
-------- --------
$ 34,207 $ 34,113
======== ========
</TABLE>
F-45
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Bagcraft entered into a Credit Agreement, dated as of December 17, 1993 (the
"Credit Agreement") that initially provided for a revolving credit loan with
interest at the lender's index rate plus 1.5% and two separate term loans. The
term loans were separate facilities initially totaling $12,000,000 (Term Loan A)
and $8,000,000 (Term Loan B), bearing interest at the lender's index rate plus
1.75% and 3%, respectively.
Effective February 1, 1996, the Credit Agreement was amended whereby, among
other things, the maturity date of the Credit Agreement was extended until
September 30, 1997, certain loan covenants were amended. The principal payments
under Term Loan B were modified to include twenty-three monthly installments of
$200,000 from November 15, 1995 to September 30, 1997, with the remaining
balance payable at maturity (September 30, 1997). Additionally, in conjunction
with a preferred stock exchange agreement between BCA (the parent of Bagcraft),
Bagcraft and the holder of Bagcraft's 13.5% cumulative redeemable preferred
stock, the lender consented to an advance to Bagcraft of $4,135,000 under the
revolving credit loan to be transferred to ARTRA as a dividend (see Note 11).
In December 1996, the Credit Agreement was amended and restated whereby, among
other things, the maturity date of the Credit Agreement was extended to
September 30, 2002 and certain loan covenants were amended. Term Loan A and Term
Loan B, as previously defined in the Credit Agreement were consolidated into a
new $20,000,000 term loan with interest at the lender's index rate plus .25%
(8.5% at December 26, 1996). Principal payments under the term loan were
modified to provide for annual principal payments (payable in quarterly
installments) in the amount of $2,000,000 in 1997 through 1999; $3,000,000 in
2000 and 2001; and $8,000,000 in 2002. The amended and restated Credit Agreement
also provided for a $3,00,000 capital expenditures line of credit with interest
at the lender's index rate plus .25%.
The amount available to Bagcraft under the revolving credit loan is subject to a
borrowing base, as defined in the Credit Agreement, up to a maximum of
$18,000,000. At December 26, 1996 and December 28, 1995, approximately
$6,200,000 and $6,600,000, respectively, was available and unused by Bagcraft
under the revolving credit loan. Borrowings under the revolving credit loan are
payable upon maturity of the Credit Agreement, unless accelerated under terms of
the Credit Agreement. At December 26, 1996, the interest rate on the revolving
credit loan was 8.25%.
As additional compensation for borrowings under the Credit Agreement, in
December 1993, the lender received a detachable warrant ("Warrant"), expiring in
December 1998, allowing the holder to purchase up to 10% of the fully diluted
common equity of Bagcraft at a nominal value. Under certain conditions Bagcraft
was required to repurchase the Warrant from the lender. The determination of the
repurchase price of the Warrant was to be based on the Warrant's pro rata share
of the highest of book value, appraised value or market value of Bagcraft. In
connection with the February 1, 1996 amendment to the Credit Agreement, the
warrant agreement was amended to permit the holder to purchase 13% of the fully
diluted common equity of Bagcraft at the original nominal purchase price and to
extend the expiration date to December 17, 1999. In January 1997, in accordance
with the December 1996 amendment to the Credit Agreement, Bagcraft repurchased
50% of the Warrant (6.5% of the fully diluted common equity of Bagcraft) for
$1,500,000. Bagcraft can repurchase the remaining 50% of the Warrant on or after
December 17, 1997 for an amount based upon the Warrant's pro rata share of the
highest of book value, appraised value or market value of Bagcraft as noted
above.
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are collateralized by the common stock and
substantially all of the assets of Bagcraft. The Credit Agreement, as amended,
contains various restrictive covenants, that among other restrictions, require
Bagcraft to maintain minimum levels of tangible net worth and liquidity levels,
and limit future capital expenditures and restricts additional loans, dividend
payments and payments to related parties. In addition, the Credit Agreement
prohibits changes in ownership of Bagcraft. At December 26, 1996 Bagcraft was in
compliance with the provisions of its Credit Agreement.
F-46
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
In March, 1994 Bagcraft and the City of Baxter Springs, Kansas completed a
$12,500,000 financing package associated with the construction of a new 265,000
sq. ft. production facility in Baxter Springs, Kansas. The financing package,
funded by a combination of Federal, state and local funds, consists of the
following loan agreements payable by Bagcraft directly to the City of Baxter
Springs:
A $7,000,000 promissory note payable in ten installments of $700,000
due annually on July 21 of each year beginning in 1995 through maturity
on July 21, 2004. Interest, at varying rates from 4.6% to 6.6%, is
payable semi-annually. At December 26, 1996 and December 28, 1995,
Bagcraft had outstanding borrowings of $5,600,000 and $6,300,000,
respectively, under this loan agreement.
A $5,000,000 subordinated promissory note payable as follows: $150,000
due in 1996; $2,425,000 due in 1998; and $2,425,000 due in 1999. The
subordinated promissory note is non-interest bearing, subject to
certain repayment provisions as defined in the agreement (as amended).
At December 26, 1996 and December 28, 1995, Bagcraft had outstanding
borrowings of $4,850,000 and $5,000,000, respectively, under this loan
agreement.
Two separate $250,000 subordinated promissory notes payable in varying
installments through January 20, 2025. The subordinated promissory
notes are non-interest bearing, subject to certain repayment provisions
as defined in the agreement. At December 26, 1996 and December 28,
1995, Bagcraft had outstanding borrowings of $231,000 and $494,000,
respectively, under this loan agreement.
Borrowings under the above loan agreements are collateralized by a first lien on
the land and building at the Baxter Springs, Kansas production facility and by a
second lien on certain machinery and equipment. Under certain circumstances,
repayment of the borrowings under the above loan agreements is subordinated to
the repayment of obligations under Bagcraft's Credit Agreement. At December 28,
1995, $552,000 of borrowings from the above loan agreements was reflected in the
consolidated balance sheet in current assets as restricted cash and equivalents.
These funds, invested in interest bearing cash equivalents and restricted for
expenditures associated with the Baxter Springs, Kansas project were expended
during the first quarter of 1996.
The common stock and virtually all the assets of the Company and its Bagcraft
subsidiary have been pledged as collateral for borrowings under various loan
agreements. Under certain debt agreements the Company is limited in the amounts
it can withdraw from its operating subsidiaries.
At December 26, 1996 the aggregate amount of yearly maturities of long-term
debt, exclusive of debt discharged, is: 1997, $2,712,000; 1998, $5,137,000;
1999, $5,137,000; 2000, $3,712,000; 2001, $3,712,000; thereafter, $16,509,000.
10. REDEEMABLE COMMON STOCK
ARTRA has entered into various agreements under which it has sold its common
shares along with options that require ARTRA to repurchase these shares at the
option of the holder, principally one year after the date of each agreement. The
difference between the option price and the net proceeds received is amortized
over the life of the options by a charge to retained earnings.
At December 26, 1996 and December 28, 1995 options were outstanding that, if
exercised, would require ARTRA to repurchase 98,734 and 283,965 shares of its
common stock for an aggregate amount of $3,657,000 and $4,774,000, respectively.
In September 1996, the Company settled an obligation that would have required
ARTRA to repurchase 66,113 common shares for a total of $897,000. The option
holder received cash payments of $510,000 and retained the 66,113
F-47
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
ARTRA common shares in settlement of all obligations due under the option
agreement. Additionally, during 1996, the holder of 100,000 ARTRA common shares
with an option that would have required the Company to repurchase these shares
for $500,000 sold these shares in a private transaction and options that would
have required the Company to repurchase 19,118 shares of ARTRA common stock for
an aggregate of expired unexercised. Accordingly, these 185,231 shares of ARTRA
common stock were removed from redeemable common stock and reclassified to
shareholders' equity.
11. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
Redeemable preferred stock in (thousands) consists of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 26, December 28,
1996 1995
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Currently payable:
Bagcraft redeemable preferred stock
payable to a related party,
cumulative $.01 par value,
13.5%; including accumulated dividends;
redeemable in 1997 with a liquidation
preference equal to $100 per share;
issued 8,650 shares in 1996 $ 2,007
BCA Holdings preferred stock, Series B,
$1.00 par value, 6% cumulative,
including accumulated dividends;
redeemable in 1997 with a liquidation
preference of $1,000 per share;
8,135 shares authorized and issued 9,093
-------
$ 11,100
Noncurrent:
ARTRA redeemable preferred stock,
Series A, $1,000 par value,
6% cumulative payment-in-kind,
including accumulated dividends,
net of unamortized discount
of $1,271 in 1996 and $1,575 in 1995;
redeemable March 1, 2000
at $1,000 per share plus accrued dividends;
authorized 2,000,000 shares all series;
issued 3,750 shares $ 4,315 $ 3,694
Bagcraft redeemable preferred stock
payable to a related party,
cumulative $.01 par value, 13.5%;
including accumulated dividends;
redeemable in 1997 with a liquidation 10,794
preference equal to $100 per share;
issued 50,000 shares in 1995 --
BCA Holdings preferred stock, Series A,
$1.00 par value, 6% cumulative,
including accumulated dividends;
liquidation preference of $1,000 per share;
10,000 shares authorized; issued 3,675 shares 4,363 4,143
------- -------
$ 8,678 $ 18,631
======= =======
</TABLE>
F-48
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
ARTRA
On September 27, 1989, ARTRA received a proposal to purchase BCA, the parent of
Bagcraft, from Sage Group, Inc. ("Sage"), a privately-owned corporation that
owned 100% of the outstanding common stock of BCA. Sage was merged with and into
Ozite Corporation ("Ozite") on August 24, 1990. Peter R. Harvey, ARTRA's
President, and John Harvey, ARTRA's Chairman of the Board of Directors, were the
principal shareholders of Sage and are the principal shareholders of Ozite.
Effective March 3, 1990, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARTRA acquired 100% of
BCA's issued and outstanding common shares for consideration of $5,451,000,
which included 772,000 shares of ARTRA common stock and 3,750 shares of $1,000
par value junior non-convertible payment-in-kind redeemable Series A Preferred
Stock with an estimated fair value of $1,012,000, net of unamortized discount of
$2,738,000. The Series A Preferred Stock accrues dividends at the rate of 6% per
annum and is redeemable by ARTRA on March 1, 2000 at a price of $1,000 per share
plus accrued dividends. Accumulated dividends of $1,836,000 and $1,519,000 were
accrued at December 26, 1996 and December 28, 1995, respectively.
Bagcraft/BCA Holdings
In 1987, Bagcraft obtained financing from a subsidiary of Ozite through the
issuance of a $5,000,000 unsecured subordinated note, due June 1, 1997. During
1992, per agreement with the noteholder, the interest payments were remitted to
ARTRA and the noteholder received 675 shares of BCA Series A preferred stock
($1.00 par value, 6% cumulative with a liquidation preference equal to $1,000
per share) with a liquidation value of $675,000. In December, 1993, the
unsecured subordinated note and accrued interest thereon were paid in full from
proceeds of Bagcraft's Credit Agreement. Per agreement with the noteholder, the
accrued interest outstanding on the note of $3,000,000 was remitted to ARTRA and
the noteholder received an additional 3,000 shares BCA preferred stock having a
liquidation value of $3,000,000.
Accumulated dividends of $688,000 were accrued at December 26, 1996.
In 1987, Bagcraft issued to a subsidiary of Ozite $5,000,000 of preferred stock
(50,000 shares of 13.5% cumulative, redeemable preferred stock with a
liquidation preference equal to $100 per share) redeemable by Bagcraft in 1997
at a price of $100 per share plus accrued dividends. Dividends, which accrue and
are payable semiannually on June 1 and December 1 of each year, are reflected in
the Company's consolidated statement of operations as minority interest. The
holder has agreed to forego dividend payments as long as such payments are
prohibited by Bagcraft's lenders. Accumulated dividends of $5,794000 were
accrued at December 28, 1995. After giving effect to the preferred stock
exchange discussed below, 8,650 shares of Bagcraft redeemable preferred stock
with accumulated dividends of $1,142,000 were outstanding at December 26, 1996.
Effective February 15, 1996, BCA, Bagcraft and Ozite entered into an agreement
to exchange certain preferred stock between the Companies. Per terms of the
exchange agreement BCA issued 8,135 shares of BCA Series B preferred stock
(13.5% cumulative, redeemable preferred stock with a liquidation preference
equal to $1,000 per share, or a total carrying value of $8,135,000) to Ozite in
exchange for 41,350 shares of Bagcraft redeemable preferred stock (with a
liquidation preference equal to $100 per share plus accumulated dividends of
$4,838,000, or a total carrying value of $8,973,000). The preferred stock
exchange resulted in a gain of $838,000 which was reflected in the Company's
consolidated statement of operations as minority interest.
The BCA Series B preferred stock is redeemable on June 1, 1997. Accumulated
dividends of $958,000 were accrued at December 26, 1996.
In conjunction with the preferred stock exchange agreement, Bagcraft's lender
consented to advance of $4,135,000 under Bagcraft's revolving credit to be
transferred to ARTRA as a dividend. ARTRA used the funds from this dividend plus
funds from a short-term loan agreement to fund a payment to its bank lender in
accordance with provisions of its debt discharge agreement as discussed in Notes
7 and 8.
F-49
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
12. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
Stock Option Plans
In August, 1996, ARTRA's shareholders approved a stock option plan (the "1996
Plan") for certain officers, key employees and others who render services to the
Company or its subsidiaries. The 1996 Plan reserves 2,000,000 shares of the
Company's common stock for the granting of options on or before August 29, 2006.
Options granted under the Plan shall be in the form of incentive stock options
("ISOs"), as defined under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code") or non-statutory options which do not qualify under such the Code
("NSOs"), or both, at the discretion of the Company. The purchase price of
options granted under the 1996 Plan shall be not less than fair market value at
the date of grant for ISOs, not less than 110% of fair market value on the date
of grant for an ISO granted to a shareholder possessing 10% more of the voting
stock of the Company and the fair market value per share on the date of grant in
the case of NSOs. Effective October 4, 1996, the Company issued certain officers
and key employees of ARTRA options to purchase 532,750 shares of ARTRA common
stock at $5.25 per share, the fair market value on the date of grant.
The options vested immediately and expire ten years from the date of grant.
In August, 1996, ARTRA's shareholders also approved a 1996 Disinterested
Directors Stock Option Plan (the "1996 Director Plan") for directors of the
Company who are not employees or officers. The 1996 Director Plan reserves
200,000 shares of the Company's common stock for the granting of NSOs on or
before August 29, 2006 at a price equal to fair market value per share on the
date of grant. No options were granted under the Director Plan during the year
ended December 26, 1996.
In July, 1985, ARTRA's shareholders approved a stock option plan (the "1985
Plan") for certain officers and key employees of the Company and its
subsidiaries. The 1985 Plan, as amended, reserved 1,000,000 shares of the
Company's common stock and authorized the granting of options on or before
February 1, 1995. The purchase price of such options granted under the 1985 Plan
was not less than the market value at the date of grant for ISOs and not less
than 110% of the market value on the date of grant for an ISO granted to a
shareholder possessing 10% more of the voting stock of the Company.
Effective for the fiscal year ending December 26, 1996, the Company has adopted
the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation". In 1996 all stock options were granted at an exercise price equal
to fair market value at the date of grant and, accordingly, no compensation
expense has been recognized in connection with the Company's stock option plans.
Had compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan been determined based
on the fair value on the date of grant for awards in 1996 consistent with the
provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company's earnings applicable to common
shares would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
As Reported Pro forma
----------- ---------
Earnings applicable to
common shares (in thousands) $11,962 $10,512
======= =======
Earnings per share $1.51 $1.33
===== =====
The fair value of stock options granted in 1996 was estimated using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions:
Expected life (years) 5
Interest rate 6.5%
Volatility 50.0%
Dividend yield --
F-50
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Information regarding stock option plans for the three years in the period ended
December 26, 1996 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
---------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Options outstanding at beginning of year 431,500 445,460 450,760
Options granted 532,750 -- 20,000
Options exercised (40,400) (12,100) (25,300)
Options canceled (6,000) (1,860) --
---------- ----------- ----------
Options outstanding at end of year 917,850 431,500 445,460
========== =========== ==========
Options exercisable at end of year 917,850 431,500 445,460
========== =========== ==========
Options available for grant at end of year 1,467,250 -- 390,814
========== =========== ==========
Weighted average option prices:
Outstanding at beginning of year $ 3.89 $5.80 $ 5.86
Options granted $ 5.25 -- $ 5.25
Options exercised $ 5.01 $ 4.00 $ 5.25
Options canceled $10.00 $20.50 --
Outstanding at end of year $ 4.61 $ 3.89 $ 5.80
Exercisable at end of year $ 4.61 $ 3.89 $ 5.80
</TABLE>
Significant option groups outstanding at December 26, 1996 and related weighted
average price and remaining life information are as follows:
Remaining
Options Options Exercise Life
Grant Date Outstanding Exercisable Price (Years)
---------- ----------- ----------- -------- -------
10-04-96 532,750 532,750 $ 5.25 9
01-08-93 148,100 148,100 $ 3.75 6
06-22-92 6,000 6,000 $ 5.25 5
09-19-91 52,967 52,967 $ 3.65 4
12-19-90 178,033 178,033 $ 3.65 3
Warrants
At December 26, 1996, warrants were outstanding to purchase a total of 1,711,032
common shares at prices ranging from $3.50 per share to $9.875 per share. The
warrants, exercisable from the date of issue, expire at various dates through
2003. These warrants were issued principally as additional compensation for
various short-terms loans.
During 1996 ARTRA issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 632,583 shares of
its common stock at prices ranging from $4.00 per share to $8.00 per share,
principally to certain lenders as additional compensation for short-term loans.
The warrants expire at various dates from 1999 to 2001. Warrants to purchase
37,500 shares of ARTRA common stock at prices
F-51
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
ranging from $3.75 per share to $5.00 per share were exercised during 1996 and
warrants to purchase 32,600 shares of ARTRA common stock at prices ranging from
$5.375 per share to $10.50 per share expired unexercised during 1996.
During 1995, ARTRA issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 140,507 shares of
its common stock at prices ranging from $3.75 per share to $6.125 per share,
principally to certain lenders as additional compensation for short-term loans.
The warrants expire at various dates in 2000. Warrants to purchase 48,331 shares
of ARTRA common stock at prices ranging from $6.75 per share to $11.375 per
share expired unexercised during 1995.
During 1994, ARTRA issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 154,719 shares of
its common stock at prices ranging from $4.50 per share to $6.625 per share,
principally to certain lenders as additional compensation for short-term loans.
The warrants expire at various dates from 1996 to 1999. Warrants to purchase
9,166 shares of ARTRA common stock at prices ranging from $10.00 per share to
$11.25 per share expired unexercised during 1994.
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company and its subsidiaries lease certain buildings and equipment which are
used in its manufacturing and distribution operations. At December 26, 1996,
future minimum lease payments under operating leases that have an initial or
remaining noncancellable term of more than one year (in thousands) are:
Year
1997 $ 928
1998 532
1999 361
2000 182
2001 191
After 2001 784
------
$ 2,978
======
Rental expense was $975,000, $861,000 and $1,116,000 in fiscal years 1996, 1995
and 1994, respectively. Effective December 1995, the building in which the
Company leases office space for its corporate headquarters was purchased by a
trust owned by John Harvey, the Company's Chairman of the board of directors.
The lease expires in December 1997, with an option to renew for one year. Rental
expense for this lease was $126,000 for the year ended December 26, 1996.
In October 1995, Bagcraft entered into an agreement for the purchase of various
ink products for a period of five years. Under terms of the agreement, Bagcraft
is required to purchase a minimum supply of ink based on market prices in effect
at the time of each purchase. For the contract year ended September 30, 1996,
Bagcraft had a short-fall of approximately $126,000. In January 1997 the
agreement was amended to revise the original minimum purchase requirements and
the annual contract period. Beginning in November 1996, the minimum dollar
amounts required for each of the remaining years ending October 31 are
$4,426,000 in 1997; $4,500,000 in 1998; $3,375,000 in 1999; and $2,250,000 in
2000. The shortfall incurred during contract year one was incorporated into the
purchase requirement for contract year two. Bagcraft has issued a letter of
credit of $1,000,000 in conjunction with this agreement.
In conjunction with a prior self-insurance plan, Bagcraft maintained a $875,000
letter of credit at December 26, 1996.
F-52
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
The Company and its subsidiaries are the defendants in various business-related
litigation and environmental matters. At December 26, 1996 and December 28,
1995, the Company had accrued current liabilities of $1,900,000 and $1,800,000,
respectively, for potential business-related litigation and environmental
liabilities. While these litigation and environmental matters involve wide
ranges of potential liability, management does not believe the outcome of these
matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
statements. However, ARTRA may not have available funds to pay liabilities
arising out of these business-related litigation and environmental matters or,
in certain instances, to provide for its legal defense.
In January, 1985 the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA")
notified the Company's Bagcraft subsidiary that it was a potentially responsible
party ("PRP") under the Comprehensive Environmental Responsibility Compensation
and Liability Act ("CERCLA") for alleged release of hazardous substances at the
Cross Brothers site near Kankakee, Illinois. Although Bagcraft has denied
liability for the site, it has entered into a settlement agreement with the EPA,
along with the other third party defendants, to resolve all claims associated
with the site except for state claims. In May, 1994 Bagcraft paid $850,000 to
formally extinguish the EPA claim. In September 1989, Bagcraft was served with a
complaint filed by the State of Illinois against seventeen parties for alleged
involvement with the Cross Brothers site. The complaint alleges Bagcraft is
responsible for the costs of cleanup incurred and to be incurred. Bagcraft
denies the material allegations an is participating in settlement discussions
with the State and thirteen other potential responsible parties to resolve all
claims associated with the State. An agreement has been reached in principal to
settle the State claim, pending resolution of the terms of an appropriate
consent order. Bagcraft's share of the proposed settlement is approximately
$150,000.
Bagcraft has been notified by the EPA that it is a potentially responsible party
for the disposal of hazardous substances at the Ninth Avenue site in Gary,
Indiana. This site is listed on the EPA's National Priorities list. A group of
defendant PRPs, known as the Ninth Avenue Remedial Group, settled with the USEPA
and agreed to remediate the site. This Group subsequently sued numerous third
party defendants, including Bagcraft, alleged also to be responsible parties at
the site. The plaintiffs have produced only limited testamentary evidence, and
no documentary evidence, linking Bagcraft to this site, and the Company has
neither discovered any records which indicate, nor located any current or former
employees who have advised, that Bagcraft deposited hazardous substances at the
site. Based on the foregoing, management of the Company does not believe that it
is probable that the Company will have any liability for the costs of the
clean-up of this site. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in this
case.
Bagcraft's Chicago facility has also been the subject of allegations that it
violated laws and regulations associated with the Clean Air Act. The facility
has numerous sources of air emissions of volatile organic materials ("VOMs")
associated with its printing operations and is required to maintain and comply
with permits and emissions regulations with regard to each of these emission
sources.
In November of 1995, the EPA issued a Notice of Violation ("NOV") against
Bagcraft's Chicago facility alleging numerous violations of the Clean Air Act
and related regulations. The NOV alleges that the facility installed and
operated emission sources without permits, that it failed to operate air
pollution control equipment at required efficiencies and that there were
releases of VOMs above permitted limits. In April 1997, the EPA filed an
administrative complaint and has proposed a $250,000 civil penalty. Bagcraft has
filed a response to the complaint and is attempting to negotiate a settlement.
Bagcraft reported a release associated with solvent tanks located in a vault at
its Chicago manufacturing facility. After seeking approval from the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency ("IEPA"), Bagcraft installed and is currently
operating a soil vapor gas extraction system designed to achieve remedial
objectives which the IEPA has determined to be appropriate to the site. Bagcraft
has since received a No Further Recommendation Letter from the IEPA.
F-53
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Bagcraft has been notified that it may have responsibility with respect to a
clean-up site on Basket Creek Road, Georgia. Bagcraft presently has no
indication of its liability, if any or whether it is a responsible party.
In April 1994, the EPA notified the Company that it was a potentially
responsible party for the disposal of hazardous substances (principally waste
oil) at a disposal site in Palmer, Massachusetts generated by a manufacturing
facility formerly operated by the Clearshield Plastics Division ("Clearshield")
of Harvel Industries, Inc. ("Harvel"), a majority owned subsidiary of ARTRA. In
1985, Harvel was merged into ARTRA's Fill-Mor subsidiary. This site has been
included on the EPA's National Priorities List. In February 1983, Harvel sold
the assets of Clearshield to Envirodyne. The alleged waste disposal occurred in
1977 and 1978, at which time Harvel was a majority-owned subsidiary of ARTRA. In
May 1994, Envirodyne and its Clearshield National, Inc. subsidiary sued ARTRA
for indemnification in connection with this proceeding. The cost of clean-up at
the Palmer, Massachusetts site has been estimated to be approximately $7 million
according to proofs of claim filed in the adversary proceeding. A committee
formed by the named potentially responsible parties has estimated the liability
respecting the activities of Clearshield to be $400,000. ARTRA has not made any
independent investigation of the amount of its potential liability and no
assurances can be given that it will not substantially exceed $400,000.
In a case titled Sherwin-Williams Company v. ARTRA GROUP Incorporated, filed in
1991 in the United States District Court for Maryland, Sherwin-Williams Company
("Sherwin-Williams") brought suit against ARTRA and other former owners of a
paint manufacturing facility in Baltimore, Maryland for recovery of costs of
investigation and clean-up of hazardous substances which were stored, disposed
of or otherwise released at this manufacturing facility. This facility was owned
by Baltimore Paint and Chemical Company, formerly a subsidiary of ARTRA from
1968 to 1980. Sherwin-William's current projection of the cost of clean-up is
approximately $5 to $6 million. The Company has filed counterclaims against
Sherwin-Williams and cross claims against other former owners of the property.
The Company also is vigorously defending this action and has raised numerous
defenses. Currently, the case is in its early stages of discovery and the
Company cannot determine what, if any, its liability may be in this matter.
ARTRA was named as a defendant in United States v. Chevron Chemical Company
brought in the United States District Court for the Central District of
California respecting Operating Industries, Inc. site in Monterey Park,
California. This site is included on the EPA's National Priorities List. ARTRA's
involvement stemmed from the alleged disposal of hazardous substances by The
Synkoloid Company ("Synkoloid") subsidiary of Baltimore Paint and Chemical
Company, which was formerly owned by ARTRA. Synkoloid manufactured spackling
paste, wall coatings and related products, certain of which generated hazardous
substances as a by-product of the manufacturing process.
ARTRA entered into a consent decree with the EPA in which it agreed to pay
$85,000 for one phase of the clean-up costs for this site; however, ARTRA
defaulted on its payment obligation. ARTRA is presently unable to estimate the
total potential liability for clean-up costs at this site, which clean-up is
expected to continue for a number of years. The consent decree, even if it had
been honored by ARTRA, was not intended to release ARTRA from liability for
costs associated with other phases of the clean-up at this site. The Company is
presently unable determine what, if any, additional liability it may incur in
this matter.
Several cases have arisen from ARTRA's purchase of Dutch Boy Paints which owned
a facility in Chicago which it purchased from NL Industries. In a case titled
City of Chicago v. NL Industries, Inc. and ARTRA GROUP Incorporated, filed in
the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, the City of Chicago brought a
nuisance action and alleged that ARTRA (and NL Industries, Inc.) had improperly
stored, discarded and disposed of hazardous substances at the Dutch Boy site,
and that ARTRA had conveyed the site to Goodwill Industries to avoid clean-up
costs. At the time the suit was filed, the City of Chicago claimed that it would
cost $1,000,000 to remediate the site.
F-54
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
ARTRA and NL Industries, Inc. have counter sued each other and have filed third
party actions against the subsequent owners of the property. The Company is
presently unable to determine its liability, if any, in connection with this
case. The parties were conducting discovery but the case was stayed pending the
resolution of the EPA action described below.
In 1986, in a case titled People of the State of Illinois v. NL Industries,
Inc., ARTRA GROUP Incorporated, et al., the Cook County State's attorney filed
suit seeking response costs in excess of $2,000,000 and treble punitive damages
for costs expended by IEPA in remediating contamination at the Dutch Boy site,
alleging that all former owners contributed to the contamination. In 1989, the
Circuit Court dismissed the action, holding that the state had failed to exhaust
its administrative procedures. In 1992, this holding was reversed by the
Illinois Supreme Court. In 1996, the Illinois Appellate Court affirmed the
District Court's decision to dismiss the case based on lack of due diligence on
the part of the State of Illinois. The State of Illinois has filed a Petition
for Rehearing which was granted. The Company is presently unable to determine
ARTRA's liability, if any, in connection with this case.
On November 17, 1995, the EPA issued letters to ARTRA, NL Industries and others
alleging that they were potentially responsible parties with respect to releases
at the Dutch Boy facility in Chicago and demanding that they remediate the site.
NL Industries entered into a consent decree with EPA in which it agreed to
remediate the site. The Company is presently unable to determine its liability,
if any, in connection with this case.
14. INCOME TAXES
The provision (credit) for income taxes (in thousands) is included in the
statements of operations as follows:
1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ------
Continuing operations $ 152 $ 51 $ 9
Extraordinary credit 200 -- --
Discontinued operations -- 17 74
------ ------ ------
$ 352 $ 68 $ 83
====== ====== ======
A summary of the provision (credit) for income taxes (in thousands) is as
follows:
1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ------
Current:
Federal $ 200 $ -- $ --
State 152 68 83
------ ------ ------
$ 352 $ 68 $ 83
====== ====== ======
The 1996, 1995 and 1994 extraordinary credits represent net gains from discharge
of indebtedness. No income tax expense is reflected in the Company's financial
statements resulting from the extraordinary credits in due to the utilization of
tax loss carryforwards, except for Federal alternative minimum tax incurred in
1996.
F-55
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
14. INCOME TAXES, continued
In 1996, 1995 and 1994, the effective tax rates from operations, including
discontinued operations were 2.5%, (3.9)% and (.4)% respectively, as compared to
the statutory Federal rate, which are reconciled (in thousands) as follows:
1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ------
Provision (credit) for income taxes
using statutory rate $ 4,709 $ (600) $(6,629)
State and local taxes,
net of Federal benefit 152 68 73
Current year tax loss not utilized -- -- 3,151
Deferred finance fee 127 -- --
Amortization of goodwill 104 155 206
Previously unrecognized benefit
from utilizing tax loss carryforwards (4,767) (2,136) --
Effect of not including all subsidiaries
in the consolidated tax return -- 2,546 3,249
Other 27 35 33
------- ------- -------
$ 352 $ 68 $ 83
======= ======= =======
F-56
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
14. INCOME TAXES, continued
The types of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and
liabilities and their financial reporting amounts that give rise to the deferred
tax liabilities and deferred tax assets at December 26, 1996 and December 28,
1995 and their approximate tax effects (in thousands) are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
-------------------- --------------------
Temporary Tax Temporary Tax
Difference Difference Difference Difference
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Trade accounts receivable $ -- $ 100 $ 200 $ 100
Investment in Emerald Acquisition Corporation 10,600 4,100 -- --
Investment in COMFORCE Corporation 39,500 15,400 -- --
Accrued personnel costs 1,600 600 1,800 700
Restructuring reserve 100 -- 200 100
Environmental reserve 500 200 400 200
Other 600 200 2,900 1,100
Capital loss carryforward 2,100 800 11,000 4,300
Net operating loss 35,900 14,000 44,000 17,200
-------- --------
Total deferred tax assets 35,300 23,700
-------- --------
Inventories (4,500) (1,700) (6,700) (2,600)
Accumulated depreciation (6,400) (2,500) (7,900) (3,100)
Other (1,000) (300) (800) (300)
-------- --------
Total deferred tax liabilities (4,500) (6,000)
-------- --------
Valuation allowance (30,800) (17,700)
-------- --------
Net deferred tax asset $ -- $ --
======== ========
</TABLE>
The Company has recorded a valuation allowance with respect to the future tax
benefits and the net operating loss reflected in deferred tax assets as a result
of the uncertainty of their ultimate realization.
At December 26, 1996, the Company and its subsidiaries had Federal income tax
loss carryforwards of approximately $36,000,000, expiring principally in 2002 -
2010, available to be applied against future taxable income, if any. In recent
years, the Company has issued shares of its common stock to repay various debt
obligations, as consideration for acquisitions, to fund working capital
obligations and as consideration for various other transactions. Section 382 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 limits a corporation's utilization of its
Federal income tax loss carryforwards when certain changes in the ownership of a
corporation's common stock occurs. In the opinion of management, the Company is
not currently subject to such limitations regarding the utilization of its
Federal income tax loss carryforwards. Should the Company continue to issue a
significant number of shares of its common stock, it could trigger a limitation
that would prevent it from utilizing a substantial portion of its Federal income
tax loss carryforwards.
F-57
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
15. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company maintains a defined contribution 401 (k) plan covering substantially
all employees. Both employee and employer contributions are generally determined
as a percentage of the covered employee's annual compensation. The total expense
charged to operations relating to this plan amounted to $513,000, $477,000 and
$333,000 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Effective January 1, 1996, Bagcraft established an unfunded deferred
compensation plan for certain key executives providing for payments upon
retirement, death or permanent disability. Under the plan, retirement payments
are determined as a percentage of the value of Bagcraft and the extent of
participation in the plan. Participants vest on a pro-rata basis over four years
from the plan's origination date. At December 26, 1996, Bagcraft recorded other
noncurrent assets and other liabilities of $515,000 and $685,000, respectively
related to the deferred compensation plan. Deferred compensation expense
relating to this plan amounted to $170,000 for the year ended December 26, 1996.
Effective June 1, 1990, the Company adopted an Employee Stock Ownership Plan
("ESOP") which covered eligible employees of ARTRA and certain of its
subsidiaries. Employer contributions to the Plan were at the discretion of
ARTRA's Board of Directors. Employee contributions were not permitted. Effective
August 1, 1995, the Company terminated the ESOP and subsequently distributed the
related Employee accounts to participants. The Company contributed 8,750 ARTRA
common shares to the Plan with a fair market value of $42,000 ($4.75 per share)
for the plan year ending December 28, 1995 and 15,000 ARTRA common shares to the
Plan with a fair market value of $71,250 ($4.75 per share) for the plan year
ending December 29, 1994.
The Company typically does not offer the types of benefit programs that fall
under the guidelines of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106 -
Employers Accounting for Post Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions.
16. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss), less
redeemable preferred stock dividends and redeemable common stock accretion, by
the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock
equivalents (redeemable common stock, stock options and warrants), unless
anti-dilutive, outstanding during each period. Fully diluted earnings per share
is not presented since the result is equivalent to primary earnings per share.
17. INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION
At December 26, 1996, the Company, through its Bagcraft subsidiary operates in
one industry segment as a manufacturer of packaging products principally serving
the food industry.
Prior to September 28, 1995, ARTRA's then majority owned subsidiary, COMFORCE,
operated as a designer and distributor of popular-priced fashion costume jewelry
and accessories. In September, 1995, COMFORCE adopted a plan to discontinue its
jewelry business.
As discussed in Note 3, on September 11, 1995, COMFORCE signed a stock purchase
agreement to participate in the acquisition of one hundred percent of the
capital stock of COMFORCE Telecom. COMFORCE Telecom provides telecommunications
and computer technical staffing services worldwide to Fortune 500 companies and
maintains an extensive, global database of technical specialists, with an
emphasis on wireless communications capability. On October 17, 1995, COMFORCE
completed the acquisition of one hundred percent of the capital stock of
COMFORCE Telecom.
F-58
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Due to the issuances of COMFORCE common shares in conjunction with the
acquisition of COMFORCE Telecom, ARTRA's common stock ownership in COMFORCE was
reduced to approximately 25%. Accordingly, in October 1995, the accounts of
COMFORCE and its majority-owned subsidiaries were deconsolidated from ARTRA's
consolidated financial statements and ARTRA's investment in COMFORCE was
accounted for under the equity method during the fourth quarter of 1995. As
discussed in Note 5, effective December 28, 1995, the Company adopted SFAS No.
115 "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." Under
this statement, at December 28, 1995, the Company's investment in COMFORCE is
classified as available for sale and is stated at fair value.
No single customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated net sales in
1996, 1995 and 1994.
18. LITIGATION
In November, 1993, ARTRA filed suit in the Circuit Court of the Eighteenth
Judicial Circuit for the state of Illinois (the "State Court Action") against
Salomon Brothers, Inc., Salomon Brothers Holding Company, Inc., Charles K.
Bobrinskoy, Michael J. Zimmerman (collectively, "Salomon Defendants"), D.P.
Kelly & Associates, L.P. ("DPK"), Donald P. Kelly ("Kelly Defendants" along with
DPK), James F. Massey and William Rifkind relating to the acquisition of
Envirodyne in 1989 by Emerald Acquisition Corp. ("Emerald"). Envirodyne had
filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 7, 1993 which provided ARTRA with no
value in the Emerald stock and junior debentures received in connection with the
acquisition. On November 22, 1993, ARTRA filed a First Amended Complaint. The
defendants removed the case to the Bankruptcy Court in which the Emerald Chapter
11 case is pending. On July 15, 1994, all but two of ARTRA's causes of action
were remanded to the state court. The Bankruptcy Court retained jurisdiction of
ARTRA's claims against the defendants for breaching their fiduciary duty as
directors of Emerald to Emerald's creditors and interference with ARTRA's
contractual relations with Emerald. On April 7, 1995, the Company's appeal of
the Bankruptcy Court's order retaining jurisdiction over two claims was denied.
On July 26, 1995, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order dismissing these claims.
On August 4, 1995, ARTRA appealed from the Bankruptcy Court's dismissal order.
That appeal was denied on October 31, 1996 by the United States District Court.
ARTRA has a right to appeal the District Court's decision. This appeal has been
filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
On July 18, 1995, ARTRA filed a Fourth Amended Complaint in the State Court
Action for breach of fiduciary duty, fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent
misrepresentation, breach of contract and promissory estoppel. In the State
Court Action, ARTRA seeks compensatory damages of $136.2 million, punitive
damages of $408.6 million and the repayment of approximately $33 million in fees
paid to Salomon. The causes of action for breach of the fiduciary duty of due
care were repleaded to reserve ARTRA's right to appeal the State Court's
dismissal of the causes of action in the Third Amended Complaint. The cause of
action against defendant Kelly was dismissed with prejudice pursuant to a
stipulation between ARTRA and the Kelly Defendants.
On or about March 1, 1996, DPK brought a motion for summary judgment as to
ARTRA's claims for breach of contract and promissory estoppel. DPK's motion was
granted on June 4, 1996. The Company has appealed this decision.
Effective December 31, 1989, ARTRA completed the disposal of its former
scientific products segment with the sale of its Welch subsidiary, formerly
Sargent-Welch Scientific Company, to a privately held corporation whose
president and sole shareholder was a vice president of Welch prior to the sale.
The consideration received by ARTRA consisted of cash at closing, $2,625,000
payable June 30, 1997, with interest at 10% beginning June 30, 1990, under terms
of a noncompetition agreement and the buyer's subordinated note in the principal
amount of $2,500,000.
In December, 1991 Welch filed a lawsuit against ARTRA alleging that certain
representations, warranties and covenants made by ARTRA, which were contained in
the parties' Stock Purchase Agreement, were false. Welch was seeking
compensatory damages in the amount of $3,800,000. Subsequently, ARTRA had filed
a counterclaim predicated upon
F-59
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Welch's breach of the payment terms of the parties' Non-Competition Agreement
and the Subordinated Note executed by Welch. ARTRA was seeking damages in the
amount of approximately $5,300,000 plus accrued interest. On November 23, 1994,
the Circuit Court of Cook County Law Division in Chicago granted a judgment in
favor of ARTRA affirming the validity of the amounts due under the
Non-Competition Agreement and the Subordinated Note of $2,625,000 and
$2,500,000, respectively.
In June 1995 ARTRA entered into an agreement to settle amounts due ARTRA by
Welch under terms of the noncompetition agreement and the subordinated security.
Per terms of the settlement agreement, ARTRA received cash of $3,000,000 and a
subordinated note in the principal amount of $640,000 payable June 30, 2001. In
June 1996 the note was paid in accordance with terms of the settlement agreement
at its present value and ARTRA received proceeds of $342,000.
The Company and its subsidiaries are the defendants in various other
business-related litigation and environmental matters (see Note 13). Management
does not believe the outcome of these matters will have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial statements.
19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Advances to Peter R. Harvey, ARTRA's president, classified in the Company's
consolidated balance sheet as a reduction of common shareholders' equity, (in
thousands) consist of:
December 26, December 28,
1996 1995
------- -------
Total advances, including accrued interest $ 7,998 $ 5,369
Less interest for the period January 1, 1993
to date, accrued and fully reserved (1,530) (1,051)
------- -------
Net advances $ 6,468 $ 4,318
======= =======
ARTRA has total advances due from its president, Peter R. Harvey, of which
$7,998,000 and $5,369,000, including accrued interest, remained outstanding at
December 26, 1996 and December 28, 1995, respectively. The advances bear
interest at the prime rate plus 2% (10.25% at December 26, 1996 and 10.5% at
December 28, 1995, respectively). This receivable from Peter R. Harvey has been
classified as a reduction of common shareholders' equity. See Note 8 for an
additional 1996 advance for Mr. Harvey's prorata share of debt discharged by a
bank funded by ARTRA. Per terms of the debt discharge agreement, as partial
consideration, the bank also received Mr. Harvey's $3,000,000 note payable to
the bank. The bank assigned ARTRA a $2,150,000 interest in the Mr. Harvey's
note, subordinated to the bank's $850,000 interest in Mr. Harvey's note, and
ARTRA discharged $2,150,000 of Mr. Harvey's prior advances.
In June 1996, Peter R. Harvey loaned the Company 100,000 shares of ARTRA common
stock with (with a then fair market value of $587,000). The Company principally
issued these common shares to certain lenders as additional consideration for
short-term loans. In September 1996, after the Company's shareholders approved
an increase in the number of authorized common shares, the Company repaid this
loan. At Peter R. Harvey's direction, the 100,000 shares of the Company's common
stock were issued in blocks of 25,000 shares to the four daughters of the
Company's Chairman of the Board, John Harvey. John Harvey and Peter R. Harvey
are brothers.
F-60
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
In May 1991, ARTRA's Fill-Mor subsidiary made advances to Peter R. Harvey. The
advances, made out of a portion of the proceeds of a short-term bank loan,
provided for interest at the prime rate plus 2%. The amount of these advances at
March 30, 1995 was $1,540,000 (including $398,000 of accrued interest). In
April, 1995, these advances from ARTRA's Fill-Mor subsidiary to Peter R. Harvey
were transferred to ARTRA as a dividend.
Commencing January 1, 1993 to date, interest on the advances to Peter R. Harvey
has been accrued and fully reserved. Interest accrued and fully reserved on the
advances to Peter R. Harvey for the years ended December 26, 1996 and December
28, 1995 totaled $479,000 and $436,000, respectively.
Peter R. Harvey has not received other than nominal compensation for his
services as an officer or director of ARTRA or any of its subsidiaries since
October of 1990. Additionally, Mr. Harvey has agreed not to accept any
compensation for his services as an officer or director of ARTRA or any of its
subsidiaries until his obligations to ARTRA, described above, are fully
satisfied.
Under Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, ARTRA (a Pennsylvania
corporation) is permitted to make loans to officers and directors. Further,
under the Delaware General Corporation Law, Fill-Mor (a Delaware corporation) is
permitted to make loans to an officer (including any officer who is also a
director, as in the case of Peter R. Harvey), whenever, in the judgment of the
directors, the loan can reasonably be expected to benefit Fill-Mor.
At the September 19, 1991 meeting, ARTRA's Board of Directors discussed, but did
not act on a proposal to ratify the advances made by ARTRA to Peter R. Harvey.
The 1992 advances made by ARTRA to Mr. Harvey were ratified by ARTRA's Board of
Directors. In the case of the loan made by Fill-Mor to Mr. Harvey, the Board of
Directors of Fill-Mor approved the borrowing of funds from Fill-Mor's bank loan
agreement, a condition of which was the application of a portion of the proceeds
thereof to the payment of certain of Mr. Harvey's loan obligations to the bank.
However, the resolutions did not acknowledge the use of such proceeds for this
purpose and the formal loan documents with the bank did not set forth this
condition (though in fact, the proceeds were so applied by the bank).
As collateral for amounts due from Peter R. Harvey, the Company has received the
pledge of 1,523 shares of ARTRA redeemable preferred stock (with a liquidation
value of $1,523,000, plus accrued dividends) which are owned by Mr. Harvey. In
addition, Mr. Harvey has pledged a 25% interest in Industrial Communication
Company (a private company). Such interest is valued by Mr. Harvey at $800,000
to $1,000,000. During 1995, Peter R. Harvey entered into a pledge agreement with
ARTRA whereby Mr. Harvey pledged additional collateral consisting of 42,067
shares of ARTRA common stock and 707,281 shares of Pure Tech International,
Inc., a publicly traded corporation. Per terms of a February discharge of bank
indebtedness (see Note 6), ARTRA received additional collateral from Mr. Harvey
consisting of a $2,150,000 security interest in certain real estate,
subordinated to the bank's $850,000 security interest in this real estate.
In conjunction with COMFORCE's October 1995 acquisition of COMFORCE Telecom (see
Note 3), ARTRA agreed to assume substantially all pre-existing Lori liabilities
and indemnify COMFORCE in the event any future liabilities arise concerning
pre-existing environmental matters and business related litigation. Accordingly,
at December 26, 1996 and December 28, 1995, respectively, $348,000 and
$4,500,000 of such pre-existing Lori liabilities were classified in ARTRA's
consolidated balance at as current liabilities of discontinued operations.
For a discussion of certain other related party debt obligations see Note 8.
F-61
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
20. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Effective January 2, 1997, Bagcraft purchased the business assets, subject to
buyer's assumption of certain liabilities, of AB Specialty Holding Company, Inc.
("AB") for consideration consisting of cash of approximately $2.4 million. The
acquisition of AB, funded through borrowings under Bagcraft's Credit Agreement,
will accounted for by the purchase method and, accordingly, the assets and
liabilities of AB will be included in the Company's financial statements at
their estimated fair market value at the date of acquisition. At December 26,
1996, other noncurrent assets includes a deposit of approximately $1.2 million
related to the acquisition of AB.
F-62
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE I . CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED
BALANCE SHEETS
(Registrant Only In Thousands)
December 26, December 28,
1996 1995
------------ ------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash $162 $2,347
Receivables 30 25
Other current assets 853 85
------------ ------------
1,045 2,457
------------ ------------
Property, plant and equipment 33 25
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 33 14
------------ ------------
11
------------ ------------
Investments in and advances to affiliates 8,266 2,567
------------ ------------
$9,311 $5,035
============ ============
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
Notes payable $16,131 $25,300
Accounts payable 25 509
Accrued expenses 6,508 9,323
Income taxes 265 200
------------ ------------
22,929 35,332
------------ ------------
Redeemable common stock 3,657 4,774
------------ ------------
Redeemable preferred stock 4,315 3,694
------------ ------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Common stock 5,793 5,540
Additional paid-in capital 40,211 38,526
Unrealized appreciation of investments 25,719 21,047
Receivable from related party,
including accrued interest (6,468) (4,318)
Accumulated deficit (86,793) (98,755)
------------ ------------
(21,538) (37,960)
Less treasury stock, at cost 52 805
------------ ------------
(21,590) (38,765)
------------ ------------
$9,311 $5,035
============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial
information.
F-63
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE I . CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Registrant Only In Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year
------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Selling, general and administrative expenses $1,998 $1,760 $2,158
Depreciation and amortization 19 27 4
Interest expense 3,997 4,953 3,139
Equity in (earnings) loss of affiliates (7,745) 7,817 6,129
Other expense, net 1 424 308
-------- -------- ---------
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes 1,730 (14,981) (11,738)
Benefit (charge) equivalent to income taxes 1,819 (1,962) (1,791)
-------- -------- ---------
Loss from continuing operations 3,549 (16,943) (13,529)
Equity in earnings (loss) of discontinued affiliate - 10 (15,906)
-------- -------- ---------
Loss before extraordinary credit 3,549 (16,933) (29,435)
Extraordinary credit, net discharge of indebtedness 9,424 14,030 8,965
-------- -------- ---------
Net earnings (loss) $12,973 ($2,903) ($20,470)
======== ======== =========
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial information.
</FN>
</TABLE>
F-64
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE I . CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Registrant Only In Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year
-----------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
---------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss) $12,973 ($2,903) ($20,470)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss
to cash flows from operating activities:
Extraordinary gain from
net discharge of indebtedness (9,424) (14,030) (8,965)
Equity in loss of affiliates (7,745) 7,817 6,129
Equity in (earnings) loss of discontinued operations - (10) 15,906
Equity in (earnings) loss of discontinued operations
Other, principally common stock issued as compensation 239 1,370 489
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase (decrease) in other current and noncurrent assets (1,315) 32 56
Increase in other current and noncurrent liabilities 1,696 1,738 2,152
(Increase) decrease in receivable from related party (1,061) (218) (257)
---------- --------- ---------
Net cash flows used by operating activities (4,637) (6,204) (4,960)
---------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from collection of Welch notes 342 3,000 -
Dividends and advances from (to) subsidiaries 4,473 - (772)
Additions to property, plant and equipment (8) (6) (9)
---------- --------- ---------
Net cash flows from (used by) investing activities 4,807 2,994 (781)
---------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from private placements of ARTRA common stock - - 3,230
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants 369 48 30
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings (2,214) 5,488 1,226
Exercise of redeemable common stock options (510) (70) (50)
---------- --------- ---------
Net cash flows from (used by) financing activities (2,355) 5,466 4,436
---------- --------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash (2,185) 2,256 (1,305)
Cash balance beginning of year 2,347 91 1,396
---------- --------- ---------
Cash balance end of year $162 $2,347 $91
========== ========= =========
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:
Issue common stock and redeemable common stock
to pay down current liabilities $1,274 $1,040 $791
Issue common stock as additional consideration
for short-term borrowings 661 1,266 -
ARTRA common stock issued to Lori's bank lender as partial
consideration for discharge of indebtedness - - 2,500
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial information.
</FN>
</TABLE>
F-65
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUB AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE I. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT-(Cont.)
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(Registrant Only)
1. Presentation
The condensed financial information of the Registrant has been prepared in
accordance with the instructions for Schedule I to Form 10-K. The Registrant's
investments in subsidiaries and affiliates are presented on the equity method.
2. Commitments and Contingencies
See Note 13 of the consolidated financial statements.
3. Restricted Assets
The terms of several agreements place certain restrictions on the net assets of
certain operating subsidiaries. See Notes 8 and 10 of the consolidated financial
statements for additional information.
4. Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt
See Notes 8 and 9 of the consolidated financial statements.
5. Redeemable Common and Preferred Stock and Stock Options
See Notes 10, 11 and 12 of the consolidated financial statements.
6. Income Taxes
The Registrant files a consolidated income tax return with its 80% or more owned
subsidiaries. Separate returns are filed by the Company's majority-owned, but
less than 80% owned subsidiaries. For financial reporting purposes, the
Registrant's charge or benefit equivalent to income tax represents the
difference between the aggregate of income taxes computed on a separate return
basis for each of the subsidiaries and affiliates and the income taxes computed
on a consolidated basis.
7. Related Party Transactions
See Notes 8 and 19 of the consolidated financial statements.
F-66
<PAGE>
ARTRA GROUP INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 26, 1996
(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Additions
----------------------
(1) (2)
Balance at Charged to Charged to
Beginning of Costs and Other Deductions Balance at
Description Period Expenses Accounts (Describe) End of Period
------------------- --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
For the fiscal year ended December 28, 1995:
Deducted from assets to which they apply:
Allowance for inventory valuation $ 290 $ 191 $ (232)(D) $ 249
======== ========== ======== =========
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 250 $ 365 $ (103)(E) $ 512
======== ========== ======== =========
For the fiscal year ended December 28, 1995:
Deducted from assets to which they apply:
Allowance for inventory valuation $ 207 $ 315 $ (232)(A) $ 290
========= ========== ======== =========
Allowance for markdowns $ 835 $ 291 $ (1,126)(A) $ -
Allowance for doubtful accounts 819 487 (1,056)(A) 250
-------- ---------- -------- ---------
$ 1,654 $ 778 $ (2,182) $ 250
======== ========== ======== =========
For the fiscal year ended December 29, 1994:
Deducted from assets to which they apply:
Allowance for inventory valuation $ 4,315 $ 218 $ (4,326)(D) $ 207
======== ========= ======== =========
Allowance for markdowns $ 2,499 $ 4,799 $ (6,463)(B) $ 835
Allowance for doubtful accounts 595 445 (221)(C) 819
-------- -------- -------- ---------
$ 3,094 $ 5,244 $ (6,684) $ 1,654
======== ======== ======== =========
</TABLE>
(A) Principally amounts of discontinued operations.
(B) Principally markdowns taken.
(C) Principally uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
(D) Principally inventory written off, net of recoveries.
F-67
