JACOBSON STORES INC
10-Q, 1997-12-08
DEPARTMENT STORES
Previous: INTERNATIONAL LEISURE HOSTS LTD /NEW/, 8-K, 1997-12-08
Next: KEANE INC, SC 13G/A, 1997-12-08






                                 FORM 10-Q


                                UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                            Washington, D.C. 20549


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


               For the quarterly period ended October 25, 1997

                        Commission file number 0-6319


                             JACOBSON STORES INC.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



           Michigan                                          38-0686330
(State or other jurisdiction                              (IRS Employer 
 of incorporation or organization)                   Identification Number)

             3333 Sargent Road, Jackson, Michigan 49201 (Address
             of principal executive offices, including zip code)

                                (517) 764-6400
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                                Not Applicable
             (Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
                        if changed since last report)


            Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has
been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

                                Yes [X] No [ ]

            Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

                         Common Stock ($1 Par Value):
           5,779,021-2/3 Shares outstanding as of October 25, 1997



<PAGE>



              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES


                                  FORM 10-Q

                      For Quarter Ended October 25, 1997


                                    INDEX


                                                                          Page

PART I:    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  Item 1.  Financial Statements

         . Consolidated Balance Sheets - October 25, 1997 and
           January 25, 1997                                                  1

         . Consolidated Statements of Earnings - Thirteen and Thirty-Nine
           Week Periods Ended October 25, 1997 and October 26, 1996          2

         . Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Thirty-Nine Week
           Periods Ended October 25, 1997 and October 26, 1996               3

         . Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                        4

         Review by Independent Public Accountants                            8

         Exhibit:

         . Report of Independent Public Accountants                          9

  Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
           Condition and Results of Operations                              10

  Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About 
           Market Risk                                                      14

PART II:   OTHER INFORMATION

  Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                 15

        All items except those set forth above are inapplicable and 
        have been omitted.


SIGNATURES                                                                  16

INDEX OF EXHIBITS



<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES


                         CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                (in thousands)
                                 (unaudited)

                                                    October 25,   January 25,
                                                        1997          1997
                                                    -----------   -----------
ASSETS 
<S>                                                <C>             <C>      
CURRENT ASSETS:
   Cash and cash equivalents                       $   3,704       $   4,871
   Receivables from customers, net                    30,797          41,710
   Merchandise inventories                            96,924          94,875
   Prepaid expenses and other assets                   1,448           2,923
   Deferred taxes                                      3,994           3,994
   Refundable income taxes                               101             855
                                                   ---------       ---------
           Total current assets                      136,968         149,228
                                                   ---------       ---------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET                           84,984          89,802
                                                   ---------       ---------
OTHER ASSETS                                          21,257          21,388
                                                   ---------       ---------
                                                   $ 243,209       $ 260,418
                                                   =========       =========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
   Current portion of long-term debt               $   2,321       $   4,350
   Accounts payable                                   35,402          31,320
   Accrued expenses                                   13,866          17,505
                                                   ---------       ---------
           Total current liabilities                  51,589          53,175
                                                   ---------       ---------
LONG-TERM DEBT                                       121,114         130,147
                                                   ---------       ---------
DEFERRED TAXES                                         2,858           5,297
                                                   ---------       ---------
OTHER LIABILITIES                                      4,242           3,812
                                                   ---------       ---------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
   Common stock                                        5,966           5,966
   Paid-in surplus                                     7,109           7,109
   Retained earnings                                  50,730          55,311
   Treasury stock                                       (399)           (399)
                                                   ---------       ---------
                                                      63,406          67,987
                                                   ---------       ---------
                                                   $ 243,209       $ 260,418
                                                   =========       =========
<FN>

       The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

</TABLE>

                                    - 1 -

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES


                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
              (in thousands except per share and dividend data)
                                 (unaudited)



                                                Thirteen Weeks Ended     Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
                                                --------------------     -----------------------
                                              October 25,  October 26,   October 25,  October 26,
                                                   1997         1996          1997         1996
                                              -----------  -----------   -----------  -----------

<S>                                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>      
NET SALES                                         $  94,715    $  90,778    $ 302,561    $ 291,293
                                                  ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------

COSTS AND EXPENSES:
   Cost of merchandise sold, buying and
       occupancy expenses                            59,587       59,410      204,282      196,928
   Selling, general and administrative expenses      34,421       33,355       98,782       99,377
   Interest expense, net                              2,148        2,262        6,885        6,806
   Store closing costs (credit)                        --           --           (340)        --
                                                  ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------

             Total costs and expenses                96,156       95,027      309,609      303,111
                                                  ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES                             (1,441)      (4,249)      (7,048)     (11,818)

CREDIT FOR INCOME TAXES                                (504)      (1,486)      (2,467)      (4,136)
                                                  ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------

NET LOSS                                          $    (937)   $  (2,763)   $  (4,581)   $  (7,682)
                                                  =========    =========    =========    =========



LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
   Primary and fully diluted                      $   (0.16)   $   (0.48)   $   (0.79)   $   (1.33)
                                                  =========    =========    =========    =========

CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE                          $    --      $ 0.12 1/2   $    --      $ 0.37 1/2
                                                  =========    =========    =========    =========

<FN>

       The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>

                                    - 2 -

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES


                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                (in thousands)
                                 (unaudited)

                                                                     Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
                                                                     -----------------------
                                                                    October 25,   October 26,
                                                                         1997          1996
                                                                    -----------   -----------
<S>                                                                 <C>         <C>      
 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
   Net loss                                                         $ (4,581)   $ (7,682)
   Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by
   (used in) operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization                                    7,020       7,732
      Deferred taxes                                                  (2,439)     (3,397)
      Other liabilities                                                  430         372

      Change in:
         Receivables from customers, net                              10,913       6,606
         Merchandise inventories                                      (2,049)    (17,545)
         Prepaid expenses and other assets                             1,475         872
         Accounts payable and accrued expenses                           443       6,509
         Refundable income taxes                                         754        (685)
                                                                    --------    --------

              Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     11,966      (7,218)
                                                                    --------    --------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Additions to property and equipment                                (2,202)     (4,029)
   Other non-current assets                                              131      (1,925)
                                                                    --------    --------

              Net cash used in investing activities                   (2,071)     (5,954)
                                                                    --------    --------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Additions to long-term debt                                        49,500      19,600
   Reduction of long-term debt                                       (60,562)     (3,403)
   Cash dividends paid                                                  --        (2,167)
                                                                    --------    --------

              Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities    (11,062)     14,030
                                                                    --------    --------

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                      (1,167)        858

   Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period                      4,871       3,068
                                                                    --------    --------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD                            $  3,704    $  3,926
                                                                    ========    ========
<FN>

       The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>

                                    - 3 -

<PAGE>


              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 (unaudited)


                      For Quarter Ended October 25, 1997




        The condensed financial statements included herein have been prepared
        by the Company without audit and reflect all adjustments which are,
        in the opinion of management, necessary to achieve a fair statement
        of results for the interim periods. Except as described under the
        caption "Store Closing Costs", all adjustments are of a normal and
        recurring nature.

        Because of the nature of the specialty department store business, the
        results for the thirty-nine week periods ended October 25, 1997 and
        October 26, 1996 (which do not include the Christmas holiday season)
        are not indicative of the results for the year as a whole.

        Certain information in footnote disclosures normally included in
        financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
        accounting principles has been condensed or amended, although the
        Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the
        information presented not misleading. It is suggested that these
        condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the
        financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements
        included in the Company's latest annual report on Form 10-K.

  (1)   STORE CLOSING COSTS

        In March 1997, the Company closed underperforming stores in Jackson,
        Kalamazoo and Dearborn, Michigan. The Company incurred a $4,200,000
        pre-tax charge in fiscal 1996 to effect the closings and to state
        property and equipment at estimated fair value. For the thirty-nine
        weeks ended October 25, 1997, store closing reserve activity was as
        follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                          Reserve at    Payments    Additional   Reserve at
                                          January 25,   Against      Charges/    October 25,
        (in thousands)                         1997     Reserve      (Credits)        1997
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>    
        Severance and related benefits      $  900      $  (700)     $ (200)      $    --
        Reserve to state property and
         equipment at estimated fair value   2,350           --        (140)        2,210
        Expense to hold closed facilities
           pending disposition                 950         (495)         --           455
                                            ------      -------      ------       -------

                                            $4,200      $(1,195)     $ (340)      $ 2,665
                                            ======      =======      ======       =======
</TABLE>

                                    - 4 -

<PAGE>


              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 (unaudited)


                      For Quarter Ended October 25, 1997




        Additional credits include the write-off of the severance/benefit
        reserve balance after all payments were made and the write-down of
        the reserve to state property and equipment at estimated fair value
        after the sale of a portion of the related property at greater than
        the original estimated value.


  (2)   EARNINGS PER SHARE

        Primary earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings by
        the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common
        stock equivalents outstanding during the periods. Weighted average
        shares outstanding were 5,844,000 and 5,781,000 for the quarters
        ended October 25, 1997 and October 26, 1996, respectively, and
        5,795,000 and 5,788,000 for the thirty-nine week periods ended
        October 25, 1997 and October 26, 1996, respectively.

        Fully diluted earnings per share are computed based on the additional
        assumption that the Company's 6-3/4% Convertible Subordinated
        Debentures due 2011 were converted to common stock at the date of
        issuance with a corresponding increase in net earnings to reflect a
        reduction in related interest expense, net of income taxes. Weighted
        average shares outstanding used in the computation of fully diluted
        earnings per share were 6,756,000 and 6,837,000 for the quarters
        ended October 25, 1997 and October 26, 1996, respectively, and
        6,834,000 and 6,837,000 for the thirty-nine week periods ended
        October 25, 1997 and October 26, 1996, respectively.

        Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, Earnings
        per Share, becomes effective for the Company in the fourth quarter of
        fiscal year 1997. SFAS No. 128 will require primary earnings per
        share (EPS) to be replaced by basic EPS, which is computed by
        dividing reported earnings available to common stockholders by
        weighted average common shares outstanding. No dilution for any
        potentially dilutive securities is included. Fully diluted EPS, to be
        called diluted EPS, is still required. This statement is not expected
        to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial
        statements.

                                    - 5 -

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 (unaudited)


                      For Quarter Ended October 25, 1997




  (3)   CUSTOMER CREDIT AND RECEIVABLES

        Receivables from customers were as follows:
                                                       October 25,    January 25,
                 (in thousands)                              1997           1997
                 ----------------------------------   -----------    -----------

<S>                                                     <C>           <C>      
                Receivables from customers              $  31,214     $  42,460
                Less reserve for doubtful accounts            417           750
                                                        ---------     ---------
                                                        $  30,797     $  41,710
                                                        =========     =========
<CAPTION>

  (4)   MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES

        Merchandise inventories were as follows:
                                                       October 25,    January 25,
                (in thousands)                              1997          1997
                -----------------------------------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                        <C>           <C>   
                Inventories at first-in, first out
                    (FIFO) cost                         $ 114,893     $ 111,955
                Less LIFO reserves                         17,969        17,080
                                                        ---------     ---------
                                                        $  96,924     $  94,875
                                                        =========     =========
<CAPTION>

  (5)   PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

        Property and equipment are set forth below:
                                                       October 25,    January 25,
                (in thousands)                              1997          1997
                -----------------------------------    -----------    -----------

<S>                                                        <C>           <C>   
              Property and equipment                    $ 172,661     $ 173,080
              Less accumulated depreciation
                  and amortization                         87,677        83,278
                                                        ---------     ---------
                                                        $  84,984     $  89,802
                                                        =========     =========

</TABLE>

                                    - 6 -

<PAGE>


              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 (unaudited)


                      For Quarter Ended October 25, 1997





  (6)   STOCK OPTIONS

        At their Annual Meeting on May 22, 1997, the Company's shareholders
        approved an amendment to the 1994 stock option plan which increased
        the available shares under the plan to 900,000 shares. Options to
        purchase 200,000 shares at $8.38 per share were granted in 1996
        contingent on shareholder approval of the option plan amendment and
        have been subsequently issued.


  (7)   SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION

        The Company considers all short-term investments with a maturity at
        date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

        Interest paid (net of interest capitalized) totalled $6,524,000 and
        $6,323,000 in the thirty-nine week periods ended October 25, 1997 and
        October 26, 1996, respectively. The Company received income tax
        refunds of $781,000 and $44,000 in the thirty-nine week periods ended
        October 25, 1997 and October 26, 1996, respectively.

                                    - 7 -

<PAGE>


              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES


                        PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                      For Quarter Ended October 25, 1997






        REVIEW BY INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

        Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, have performed a
        limited review of the condensed consolidated financial statements for
        the thirty-nine week period ended October 25, 1997. Since they did
        not perform an audit, they express no opinion on the financial
        statements referred to above.

                                    - 8 -

<PAGE>


                                                                      EXHIBIT




                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


                   Report of Independent Public Accountants




To Jacobson Stores Inc.:

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of
JACOBSON STORES INC. (a Michigan corporation) and subsidiaries as of October
25, 1997 and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings and
cash flows for the thirty-nine week period then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.

We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim
financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures
to financial data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial
and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit
conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial
statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that
should be made to the consolidated financial statements referred to above for
them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, the consolidated balance sheet of Jacobson Stores Inc. and
subsidiaries as of January 25, 1997, and the related consolidated statements
of earnings, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended (not
presented herein), and, in our report dated March 24, 1997, we expressed an
unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our
opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated
balance sheet as of October 25, 1997, is fairly stated, in all material
respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has
been derived.



                                                      /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Detroit, Michigan
November 7, 1997

                                    - 9 -

<PAGE>

              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES


                        PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                      For Quarter Ended October 25, 1997





ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
           RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The registrant, Jacobson Stores Inc., a Michigan corporation and successor to
a business founded in 1868, operates fashion specialty stores catering to
discerning customers with preferences for quality merchandise. The Company
emphasizes quality merchandise, fully staffed stores, personalized customer
service and attractive, comfortable shopping surroundings. Each store
features fashion apparel and accessories for the family, and most offer
decorative accents for the home.

The Company owns a substantial portion of the real property used in its
business, primarily through its consolidated, wholly-owned real estate
subsidiary, Jacobson Stores Realty Company ("Jacobson Realty"). The Company
also has a consolidated wholly-owned finance subsidiary, Jacobson Credit
Corp. ("Jacobson Credit"). As used in this report, the terms "registrant",
"Company" and "Jacobson's" refer to Jacobson Stores Inc. and its subsidiaries
unless the context indicates otherwise.

Jacobson's operates in two regions and maintains separate staffs of buyers
for each region in order to better respond to customers' lifestyles and
merchandise preferences. The Company has stores in twenty-four cities in
Michigan, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio and Florida. The principal
merchandising and distribution functions are performed through regional
facilities. Functions common to all stores, such as management coordination,
sales promotion, data processing and accounting, are centralized at the
corporate headquarters in Jackson, Michigan.

a.   OPERATING RESULTS: THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 25, 1997 COMPARED TO
     THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 26, 1996

     Sales for the quarter ended October 25, 1997, totalled $94,715,000, an
     increase of 4.3% from 1996. The overall increase in sales is primarily
     due to the opening of a new store in Boca Raton, Florida, in November
     1996 and an increase in comparable store sales, partially offset by the
     impact of closed stores. Comparable store sales increased 10.9% for the
     thirteen weeks, including an 11.6% increase in the Midwest region, and
     an 8.9% increase in Florida.

     For fiscal 1997, the Company expects the sales volume of the three
     stores closed in March 1997 and the Troy, Michigan, clearance center
     closed in May 1997, to be largely offset by sales increases in the
     remaining stores, including the first full year's impact of sales in the
     Company's Leawood, Kansas, and Boca Raton, Florida, stores.

                                    - 10 -

<PAGE>


              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES


                        PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                      For Quarter Ended October 25, 1997




     The Company's gross profit percentage increased to 37.1% for the
     thirteen weeks this year from 34.6% in 1996, due principally to reduced
     inventory shortage, elimination of incentive discounts offered to
     customers in 1996 and leverage on buying and occupancy expenses,
     partially offset by higher markdowns.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses, expressed as a percentage
     of sales, decreased to 36.3% in the quarter from 36.7% one year ago. The
     decrease in rate is due primarily to expense leverage resulting from
     increased sales, partially offset by higher sales promotion expense.

     Interest expense, expressed as a percentage of sales, decreased to 2.3%
     in 1997 from 2.5% in 1996, primarily due to reduced long-term borrowings
     and to expense leverage provided by sales growth.

     The Company established a $4,200,000 reserve in fiscal 1996 in
     connection with the closing of three underperforming stores in March
     1997. In the thirteen weeks ended October 25, 1997, no adjustments to
     the reserve were required.

     1997 net loss for the thirteen weeks totalled $937,000, or $0.16 per
     common share, compared to a net loss of $2,763,000, or $0.48 per common
     share, last year. As a percent of sales, net loss was 1.0% in 1997
     compared to 3.0% in 1996.

b.   OPERATING RESULTS: THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 25, 1997 COMPARED TO
     THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 26, 1996

     Sales for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 25, 1997, totalled
     $302,561,000, an increase of 3.9% from 1996. The overall increase in
     sales is primarily due to the opening of new stores in Leawood, Kansas,
     and Boca Raton, Florida, in March 1996 and November 1996, respectively,
     and an increase in comparable store sales, partially offset by the
     impact of closed stores. Comparable store sales increased 5.6% for the
     thirty-nine weeks, including a 5.4% increase in the Midwest region, and
     a 5.8% increase in Florida.

     For fiscal 1997, the Company expects the sales volume of the three
     stores closed in March 1997 and the Troy, Michigan, clearance center
     closed in May 1997, to be largely offset by the remaining stores,
     including the first full year's impact of sales in the Company's
     Leawood, Kansas, and Boca Raton, Florida, stores.

                                    - 11 -

<PAGE>


              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES


                        PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                      For Quarter Ended October 25, 1997



     The Company's gross profit percentage increased to 32.5% this year from
     32.4% in 1996, due primarily to reduced inventory shortage and
     elimination of incentive discounts offered to customers in 1996,
     substantially offset by higher markdowns.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses, expressed as a percentage
     of sales, decreased to 32.6% in the thirty-nine weeks from 34.1% one
     year ago. The decrease is primarily due to Company-wide expense
     reduction initiatives and to expense leverage resulting from increased
     sales, partially offset by higher sales promotion expense.

     Interest expense, expressed as a percentage of sales, totalled 2.3% in
     both years.

     The Company established a $4,200,000 reserve in fiscal 1996 in
     connection with the closing of three underperforming stores in March
     1997. In the thirty-nine weeks ended October 25, 1997, the Company
     recognized a $340,000 pre-tax credit based on the write-off of remaining
     severance/benefit reserves after all payments were made and the
     write-down of the reserve to state property and equipment at estimated
     fair value after the sale of a portion of the related property at
     greater than the original estimated value.

     1997 net loss for the thirty-nine weeks totalled $4,581,000, or 79 cents
     per common share, compared to $7,682,000, or $1.33 per common share, one
     year ago. As a percent of sales, net loss was 1.5% in 1997 and 2.6% in
     1996.

c.   LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     At October 25, 1997, the Company's current ratio was 2.65 to 1 and
     working capital totalled $85,379,000, including $3,704,000 of cash and
     cash equivalents. At January 25, 1997, the current ratio was 2.81 to 1
     and working capital totalled $96,053,000, including $4,871,000 of cash
     and cash equivalents.

     The Company utilizes cash flows from operations and revolving credit
     line borrowings to fund its seasonal working capital needs. To support
     its present and planned working capital requirements, the Company has a
     $100,000,000 revolving credit facility under a Revolving Credit
     Agreement with a commercial lender. The revolving credit facility
     currently provides for borrowings of up to $80,000,000, subject to a
     borrowing base limitation and lender reserves. The Company may, at its
     option, increase the maximum available borrowings under

                                    - 12 -

<PAGE>


              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES


                        PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                      For Quarter Ended October 25, 1997




     the revolving credit facility to up to $100,000,000 in the aggregate,
     subject to the borrowing base limitation and lender reserves. As of
     October 25, 1997, the Company had borrowed $49,592,000 under this
     facility and had $30,408,000 of borrowing availability under the
     borrowing base calculated as of that date. Year-to-date through October
     25, 1997, the daily weighted average interest rate on borrowings under
     the Revolving Credit Agreement was 8.30%.

 d.  CASH FLOWS

     Cash and cash equivalents decreased $1,167,000 in the thirty-nine weeks
     ended October 25, 1997, compared to an increase of $858,000 in the
     thirty-nine weeks ended October 26, 1996. Cash flows are impacted by
     operating, investing and financing activities. In the thirty-nine weeks
     this year, operating activities provided $11,966,000 of cash, compared
     to $7,218,000 of cash used in 1996. The improvement in 1997 versus 1996
     reflects primarily cash generated from store closings and a lower net
     loss in 1997, and cash used in 1996 for the start-up inventory required
     for new stores in Leawood, Kansas, and Boca Raton, Florida. These
     changes were partially offset by reduced merchandise payables.

     Investing activities used cash of $2,070,000 in the thirty-nine weeks
     this year compared to $5,954,000 used in 1996. Capital expenditures for
     new stores or modernization and refixturing of existing stores and
     support facilities totalled $2,202,000 in the first thirty-nine weeks of
     1997 compared to $4,029,000 last year.

     Financing activities used cash of $11,062,000 in the thirty-nine weeks
     this year compared to $14,030,000 provided last year. In March 1997, the
     Company borrowed $49,500,000 under its current Revolving Credit
     Agreement to repay the then outstanding principal balance under its
     former Credit Agreement. Also in the thirty-nine weeks this year, the
     Company repaid $1,908,000 under its current Revolving Credit Agreement,
     prepaid $5,642,000 of principal on its Jackson, Michigan, Central Office
     mortgage, purchased and retired $1,755,000 of 6-3/4% Convertible
     Subordinated Debentures, satisfying its annual sinking fund payment due
     in December, and used $1,757,000 to service current maturities of
     long-term debt. In the thirty-nine weeks last year, the Company borrowed
     $19,600,000 under its former Credit Agreement and used $3,403,000 to
     service current maturities of long-term debt, including $1,725,000 of
     6-3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures to satisfy the annual sinking
     fund payment. The Company paid cash dividends of $2,167,000 in the
     thirty-nine week period in 1996. The Company discontinued its cash
     dividend, effective in the fourth quarter of 1996.

                                    - 13 -

<PAGE>


              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES


                        PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                      For Quarter Ended October 25, 1997



     The Company believes its cash flows from operations, along with its
     borrowing capacity and access to financial markets are adequate to fund
     its operations and debt maturities.

e.   CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT

     The Company opened two new stores in 1996, but has no commitments for
     any new store locations at the present time. The Company reviews the
     performance of its less profitable existing stores from time to time to
     determine whether it would be in the Company's best interest to close
     any of these stores. Store closings could have a significant impact on
     the Company's sales, expenses and capital requirements and would likely
     entail additional significant one-time charges to effect the closing and
     to recognize any impairment of assets resulting from the closing
     decision. In March 1997, the Company closed under-performing stores in
     Jackson, Kalamazoo and Dearborn, Michigan. The Company incurred a
     $4,200,000 pre-tax charge in fiscal 1996 to effect the closings and to
     state property and equipment at estimated fair value. For the
     thirty-nine weeks ended October 25, 1997, the Company paid $1,195,000 in
     severance benefits and expenses to hold closed facilities. In the second
     quarter, the Company recognized a $340,000 pre-tax credit based on the
     write-off of the severance/benefit reserve balance and the write-down of
     the reserve to state property and equipment at estimated fair value
     after the sale of a portion of the related property at greater than the
     original estimated value.

     The Company closed its Troy, Michigan clearance center in late May.

     Each of the above statements regarding future revenues, expenses or
     business plans (including statements regarding the sufficiency of the
     Company's capital resources to fund future operations) may be a "forward
     looking statement" within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of
     1934. Such statements are subject to important factors and uncertainties
     that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the
     forward-looking statement, including the continued support of the
     Company's trade creditors and factors, the risks inherent in the level
     of the Company's long-term debt compared to its equity, the Company's
     ability to reduce its operating expenses, general trends in retail
     clothing apparel purchasing, especially during the Christmas season, and
     the factors set forth in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of
     Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     Not applicable.

                                    - 14 -

<PAGE>

              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES


                          PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

                      For Quarter Ended October 25, 1997






ITEM 6.     EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

      (a)   Exhibits

            3(ii) By-Laws, Jacobson Stores Inc., as amended November 20, 1997

            10(a) Release and Waiver Agreement dated October 7, 1997, between
                  Jacobson Stores Inc. and Robert L. Moles

            11    Computation of Earnings Per Share

            15    Letter from Independent Public Accountants

            27    Financial Data Schedule

      (b)   Reports on Form 8-K

            The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during its
            fiscal quarter ended October 25, 1997.

All exhibits except as set forth above have been omitted as not applicable or
not required.


                                    - 15 -

<PAGE>

              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES


                      For Quarter Ended October 25, 1997


                                  SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.




                                                      JACOBSON STORES INC.
                                                              (Registrant)



Date:    December 5, 1997              BY:   /s/  P. Gerald Mills
        ---------------------------        -----------------------
                                           P. GERALD MILLS
                                           Chairman of the Board, President and
                                           Chief Executive Officer



Date:   December 5, 1997               BY:   /s/  Paul W. Gilbert
        ---------------------------        -----------------------
                                           PAUL W. GILBERT
                                           Vice Chairman of the Board
                                           (Principal Financial Officer)

                                    - 16 -

<PAGE>


              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES


                              INDEX OF EXHIBITS



            3(ii) By-Laws, Jacobson Stores Inc., as amended November 20, 1997

            10(a) Release and Waiver Agreement dated October 7, 1997, between
                  Jacobson Stores Inc. and Robert L. Moles

            11    Computation of Earnings Per Share

            15    Letter from Independent Public Accountants

            27    Financial Data Schedule



   All exhibits except as set forth above have been omitted as not applicable
or not required.

<PAGE>




                                                                EXHIBIT 3(ii)


                             JACOBSON STORES INC.
                           (A Michigan Corporation)

                                    BYLAWS
                        (As amended November 20, 1997)


                              TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                                                        Page

ARTICLE I   -  OFFICES.................................................   1

ARTICLE II  -  MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS................................   1

   Section 1.  Time and Places of Meetings.............................   1
   Section 2.  Annual Meetings.........................................   1
   Section 3.  Notice of Annual Meeting................................   1
   Section 4.  Shareholder List........................................   1
   Section 5.  Adjournment of Annual Meeting...........................   2
   Section 6.  Delayed Annual Meeting..................................   2
   Section 7.  Special Meetings........................................   2
   Section 8.  Notice of Special Meetings..............................   2
   Section 9.  Quorum..................................................   2
   Section 10. Vote Required...........................................   3
   Section 11. Voting Rights...........................................   3
   Section 12. Conduct of Meetings.....................................   3
   Section 13. Inspectors of Election..................................   4

ARTICLE III -  DIRECTORS...............................................   4

   Section 1.  Number and Term of Directors............................   4
   Section 2.  Powers..................................................   4
   Section 3.  Vacancies...............................................   4
   Section 4.  Resignation and Removal.................................   4
   Section 5.  Nominations.............................................   5
   Section 6.  Compensation of Directors...............................   5
   Section 7.  Place of Meetings.......................................   5
   Section 8.  Annual Organizational Meeting...........................   5
   Section 9.  Regular Meetings........................................   5
   Section 10. Special Meetings........................................   5
   Section 11. Purpose Need Not be Stated..............................   5
   Section 12. Quorum..................................................   6
   Section 13. Action Without a Meeting................................   6
   Section 14. Meeting by Telephone or Similar Equipment...............   6
   Section 15. Written Notice..........................................   6
   Section 16. Waiver of Notice........................................   6




                               - i -


<PAGE>




ARTICLE IV  -  COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS.................................   7

   Section 1.  Executive Committee.....................................   7
   Section 2.  Audit, Compensation and Directors Committees............   7
   Section 3.  Other Committees........................................   8
   Section 4.  Membership and Vacancies on Committees..................   8
   Section 5.  Reporting on Committee Actions..........................   8

ARTICLE V   -  OFFICERS................................................   8

   Section 1.  Election of Officers....................................   8
   Section 2.  Chairman of the Board...................................   8
   Section 3.  Vice Chairman of the Board..............................   8
   Section 4.  President...............................................   8
   Section 5.  Chief Executive Officer.................................   9
   Section 6.  Chief Operating Officer.................................   9
   Section 7.  Vice Presidents.........................................   9
   Section 8.  Secretary...............................................   9
   Section 9.  Treasurer...............................................  10
   Section 10. Controller..............................................  10
   Section 11. Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.............  10
   Section 12. Delegation of Powers....................................  10

ARTICLE VI  -  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS,
                  EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS.................................  11

   Section 1.  Obligation to Indemnify and Right of Indemnification....  11
   Section 2.  Third Party Actions.....................................  11
   Section 3.  Actions by or in the Right of the Corporation...........  11
   Section 4.  Successful Defense......................................  12
   Section 5.  Determination of Conduct................................  12
   Section 6.  Partial Indemnification.................................  13
   Section 7.  Payment of Expenses in Advance..........................  13
   Section 8.  Indemnification Not Exclusive...........................  13
   Section 9.  Contract Right..........................................  13
   Section 10. Insurance...............................................  13
   Section 11. Continuation............................................  14
   Section 12. Definitions.............................................  14
   Section 13. Savings Clause..........................................  14
   Section 14. Other Employees and Agents..............................  14

ARTICLE VII  - SUBSIDIARIES............................................  15

   Section 1.  Subsidiaries............................................  15
   Section 2.  Subsidiary Officers Not Executive Officers..............  15





                                    - ii -


<PAGE>




ARTICLE VIII - CERTIFICATES OF STOCK...................................  15

   Section 1.  Form....................................................  15
   Section 2.  Facsimile Signature.....................................  16
   Section 3.  Lost Certificates.......................................  16
   Section 4.  Transfers of Stock......................................  16
   Section 5.  Fixing of Record Date by Board..........................  16
   Section 6.  Provision for Record Date in the Absence
                  of Board Action......................................  17
   Section 7.  Adjournments............................................  17
   Section 8.  Registered Shareholders.................................  17

ARTICLE IX  -  GENERAL PROVISIONS......................................  17

   Section 1.  Dividends...............................................  17
   Section 2.  Checks..................................................  17
   Section 3.  Fiscal Year.............................................  18
   Section 4.  Seal....................................................  18

ARTICLE X   -  CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITIONS..............................  18

ARTICLE XI  -  AMENDMENTS..............................................  18




                                   - iii -

<PAGE>

                                    BYLAWS

                                      OF

                             JACOBSON STORES INC.
                        (As amended November 20, 1997)


                                  ARTICLE I

                                   OFFICES

        The corporation may have offices at such places, both within and
without the State of Michigan, as the Board of Directors may from time to
time determine or the business of the corporation may require.


                                  ARTICLE II

                           MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

        Section 1. Time and Places of Meetings. All meetings of the
shareholders shall be held, except as otherwise provided by statute or these
Bylaws, at such time and place as may be fixed from time to time by the Board
of Directors. Meetings of shareholders may be held within or without the
State of Michigan as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting or in a
duly executed waiver of notice thereof.

        Section 2. Annual Meetings. Annual meetings of the shareholders
shall be held on a date, not later than 180 days after the end of the
immediately preceding fiscal year, to be determined by the Board of
Directors, at such hour as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting, at
which they shall elect by a plurality vote the successors of the class of
directors whose term expires at the meeting, together with directors to fill
vacancies or newly created directorships, and transact such other business as
may properly be brought before the meeting.

        Section 3. Notice of Annual Meeting. Written notice of the annual
meeting shall be given personally or by mail to each shareholder entitled to
vote thereat at least ten (10) and not more than sixty (60) days before the
date of the meeting. Attendance of a shareholder at a meeting shall
constitute a waiver of notice, except when the shareholder attends a meeting
for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to
transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or
convened.

        Section 4. Shareholder List. The officer or agent who has charge of
the stock ledger of the corporation shall prepare and make before every
meeting of shareholders, a complete list of the shareholders entitled to vote
at the meeting, arranged by class or series in alphabetical order, showing
the address of and the number of shares registered in the name of each
shareholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any shareholder,
for any purpose germane to the meeting, during the whole time thereof, and
may be inspected by any shareholder who is present.


<PAGE>


        Section 5. Adjournment of Annual Meeting. If a quorum be not present
at the annual meeting, the shareholders present in person or by proxy may
adjourn to such future time as shall be agreed upon by them, and notice of
such adjournment shall be mailed, postage prepaid, to each shareholder at
least five (5) days before such adjourned meeting; but if a quorum be
present, they may adjourn from day to day as they see fit and no notice of
such adjournment need be given.

        Section 6. Delayed Annual Meeting. If for any reason other than those
enumerated in Section 5 of this Article, the annual meeting of the
shareholders shall not be held on the day hereinbefore designated, such
meeting may be called and held as a special meeting and the same proceedings
may be had thereat as at an annual meeting, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the
notice of such meeting shall be mailed to the shareholders at least fifteen
(15) days prior to the date fixed for such delayed annual meeting.

        Section 7. Special Meetings. Except as otherwise required by law and
subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock, special meetings of
shareholders of the corporation may be called only by (i) the Board of
Directors pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the entire Board
of Directors, (ii) any committee of the Board of Directors designated by a
resolution approved by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, (iii) the
Chief Executive Officer of the corporation, or (iv) any other officer or
officers designated by the Board of Directors by resolution approved by a
majority of the entire Board of Directors.

        Section 8. Notice of Special Meetings. Written notice of a special
meeting of shareholders, stating the time, place and object thereof, shall be
given personally or by mail to each shareholder entitled to vote thereat, at
least ten (10) and not more than sixty (60) days before the date fixed for
the meeting.

        Section 9. Quorum. The holders of a majority of the stock issued and
outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by
proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all
meetings of the shareholders, except as otherwise provided by statute or by
the Articles of Incorporation. The shareholders present in person or by proxy
at such meeting may continue to do business until adjournment,
notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough shareholders to leave less than a
quorum. Whether or not a quorum is present, the meeting may be adjourned by a
vote of the shares present.

        Except when the holders of a class or series of shares are entitled
to vote separately on an item of business, shares of all classes and series
entitled to vote shall be combined as a single class and series for the
purpose of determining a quorum. When the holders of a class or series of
shares are entitled to vote separately on an item of business, shares of that
class or series entitled to cast a majority of the votes of that class or
series at a meeting constitute a quorum of that class or series at that
meeting, unless a greater or lesser quorum is provided by statute or the
Articles of Incorporation.

        Section 10. Vote Required. When an action, other than the election of
directors, is to be taken by a vote of the shareholders, it shall be
authorized by a majority of the votes cast by the holders of shares entitled
to vote thereon, unless a greater vote is required by the Articles of
Incorporation of this corporation or by the laws of the State of Michigan.
Except as otherwise provided by the Articles of Incorporation, directors
shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at any election.


                                      2



<PAGE>


        Section 11. Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided by the
Articles of Incorporation or the resolution or resolutions of the Board of
Directors creating any class of stock, each shareholder shall at every
meeting of shareholders be entitled to one (1) vote in person or by proxy for
each share of the capital stock having voting power held by such shareholder.
A proxy shall be valid only with respect to the particular meeting, or any
adjournment or adjournments thereof, to which it specifically pertains.

        Section 12. Conduct of Meetings. Meetings of shareholders generally
shall be governed by the following rules:

                (a) The chairman of the meeting shall have absolute authority
        over matters of procedure, and there shall be no appeal from the
        ruling of the chairman.

                (b) If disorder should arise which prevents the continuation
        of the legitimate business of the meeting, the chairman may quit the
        chair and announce the adjournment of the meeting; and upon his so
        doing, the meeting is immediately adjourned.

                (c) The chairman may ask or require that anyone not a bona
        fide shareholder or proxy leave the meeting.

                (d) A resolution or motion shall be considered for vote only
        if proposed by a shareholder or a duly authorized proxy and seconded
        by an individual who is a shareholder or a duly authorized proxy
        other than the individual who proposed the resolution or motion.

        Section 13. Inspectors of Election. The Board of Directors or, if
they shall not have so acted, the Chief Executive Officer may appoint, at or
prior to any meeting of shareholders, one or more persons (who may be
employees of the corporation) to serve as inspectors of election. The
inspectors so appointed shall determine the number of shares outstanding and
the voting power of each, the shares represented at the meeting, the
existence of a quorum, the validity and effect of proxies, and shall receive
votes or ballots, hear and determine challenges and questions arising in
connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate votes or ballots,
determine the result, and do such other acts as are proper to conduct the
election or vote with fairness to all shareholders.


                                 ARTICLE III

                                  DIRECTORS

        Section 1. Number and Term of Directors. The number of directors
which shall constitute the whole Board shall be not less than three and shall
be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors as
set forth in the Articles of Incorporation, as the same may be amended. The
directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any class or
series of stock having a preference over Common Stock as to dividends or upon
liquidation, shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number
as possible, with the term of office of one class expiring each year. At each
annual meeting of the shareholders, the successors of the class of directors
whose term expires at that meeting shall be elected and hold office for a
term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders held in the third year
following the year of their election. Directors need not be shareholders.


                                      3



<PAGE>


        Section 2. Powers. The business of the corporation shall be managed
by its Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of the
corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not, by statute or
by the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, directed or required to be
exercised or done by the shareholders.

        Section 3. Vacancies. Vacancies and newly created directorships
resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be
filled as provided in the Articles of Incorporation.

        Section 4. Resignation and Removal. Any director may resign at any
time and such resignation shall take effect upon receipt of written notice
thereof by the corporation, or at such subsequent time as set forth in the
notice of resignation. Any or all of the directors may be removed, but only
for cause, as provided in the Articles of Incorporation.

        Section 5. Nominations. Nominations of candidates for election as
directors of the corporation at any meeting of shareholders called for
election of directors may be made by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of
the Board, or a nominating committee appointed by the Board of Directors, or
by any shareholder entitled to vote in the election of directors generally as
set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

        Section 6. Compensation of Directors. Each director who is not a
salaried officer of or legal counsel to the corporation may receive as
compensation for his or her services in that capacity such sums and such
benefits as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors,
plus traveling expenses and other expenses necessary for attendance at
regular or special meetings of the Board of Directors and committees of the
Board. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like
compensation for attending committee meetings. Nothing herein shall be
construed to preclude any director from serving the corporation in any other
capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

        Section 7. Place of Meetings. The Board of Directors of the
corporation may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or
without the State of Michigan.

        Section 8. Annual Organizational Meeting. The annual organizational
meeting of the Board of Directors may be held before or after the annual
meeting of shareholders, for the purpose of electing officers and such other
purposes as may come before the meeting. No notice of such meeting shall be
necessary in order legally to constitute the meeting, provided a quorum of
directors then in office shall be present. If such meeting is not held on the
same date and in the same place as the annual meeting of shareholders, the
meeting may be held at such time and place as shall be specified in a notice
given as hereinafter provided for special meetings of the Board of Directors,
or as shall be specified in a written waiver signed by all of the directors.

        Section 9. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of
Directors may be held without notice at such time and at such place as shall
from time to time be determined by the Board.





                                      4



<PAGE>


        Section 10. Special Meetings. Subject to the provisions of Section 15
of this Article III, special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called
by the Chairman of the Board, President, or Secretary or by any two (2)
Continuing Directors (as defined in the Articles of Incorporation) on two (2)
days' notice to each director.

        Section 11. Purpose Need Not be Stated. Neither the business to be
transacted at nor the purpose of any regular or special meeting of the Board
of Directors need be specified in the notice of such meeting.

        Section 12. Quorum. At all meetings of the Board of Directors a
majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business, and the acts of a majority of the directors present at any meeting
at which there is a quorum shall be acts of the Board of Directors except as
may be otherwise specifically provided by statute or by the Articles of
Incorporation. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board
of Directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time
to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a
quorum shall be present.

        Section 13. Action Without a Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by
the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or
permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any
committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if, before or after the
action, all members of the Board or of such committee, as the case may be,
consent thereto in writing and such written consent is filed with the minutes
or proceedings of the Board or committee.

        Section 14. Meeting by Telephone or Similar Equipment. The Board of
Directors or any committee designated by the Board of Directors may
participate in a meeting of such Board or committee, by means of conference
telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons
participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a
meeting pursuant to this section shall constitute presence in person at such
meeting.

        Section 15. Written Notice. Notices to directors shall be in writing
and delivered personally or mailed to the directors at their addresses
appearing on the books of the corporation. Notice by mail shall be deemed to
be given at the time when the same shall be mailed. Notice to directors may
also be given by telegram. Notwithstanding the foregoing, notice shall be
given by telegram if the date of the meeting to which such notice relates is
within three (3) days of the date that such notice is given.

        Section 16. Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice is required to be
given under the provision of the statutes or of the Articles of Incorporation
or of these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or
persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated
therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto. The attendance of a director at
a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a
director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the
transaction of any business because the meeting has not been lawfully called
or convened.







                                      5



<PAGE>


                                  ARTICLE IV

                           COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS

        Section 1. Executive Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint an
Executive Committee composed of six or more Directors a majority of whom
shall not be part of the management of this corporation. The Executive
Committee shall have and may exercise the following authority of the Board of
Directors:

                (a) The Executive Committee shall have the authority of the
        Board of Directors, between meetings of the Board, to take such
        actions and adopt such resolutions as may be necessary, appropriate
        or convenient in the ordinary course of business of the corporation;
        including (without limitation) the authorization of leases of real or
        personal property, seasonal borrowings, bank depository resolutions,
        and regular quarterly dividends on Preferred Stock of the
        corporation.

                (b) Whenever and as often as the Board of Directors
        designates, the Executive Committee shall have such further authority
        as the Board of Directors designates, subject to prohibitions set
        forth in the Business Corporation Act of Michigan; including the full
        powers and authorities of the Board of Directors, between meetings of
        the Board, to take any and all actions and adopt any and all
        resolutions that may be necessary, appropriate or convenient with
        respect to any matters designated by the Board of Directors.

        The Executive Committee may meet with or without prior notice on call
of any member; provided, that a quorum shall not exist unless a majority of
those present at the meeting are not part of the management of this
corporation.

        Section 2. Audit, Compensation and Directors Committees. The Board of
Directors shall appoint an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a
Directors Committee, each of which shall be composed of three or more outside
directors, who are independent of the management of this corporation, not
employed by the corporation, and free of any relationship that would
interfere with their exercise of independent judgment as a committee member,
except that the Directors Committee shall include the Chairman of the Board
as a member. Each such committee shall have such responsibilities as shall be
set forth in the committee's charter, which shall be reviewed and approved
annually by the Board of Directors.

        Section 3. Other Committees. The Board of Directors may establish and
appoint such other committees of the Board of Directors, consisting of such
directors and having such powers and duties, as the Board determines.

        Section 4. Membership and Vacancies on Committees. The Board of
Directors may remove members from or add members to any committee of the
Board, and fill vacancies on such committee.

        Section 5. Reporting on Committee Actions. All actions taken by any
committee of the Board shall be reported to the Board of Directors at the
next meeting of the Board. However, no delay in reporting any action of any
committee shall affect the validity of such action, or of any actions taken
in the name and on behalf of the corporation pursuant thereto.


                                      6



<PAGE>


                                  ARTICLE V

                                   OFFICERS

        Section 1. Election of Officers. All officers of the corporation
shall be elected by the Board of Directors.

        Section 2. Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board shall
preside at all meetings of the shareholders, and at all meetings of the Board
of Directors, and shall have such other duties and powers as may be imposed
or given by the Board of Directors. He shall not be a member of the Audit
Committee or the Compensation Committee, but shall be a voting member of all
other standing committees of the Board of Directors. In case of the absence
or inability to act of the President or Chief Executive Officer, the Chairman
of the Board shall exercise all of the duties and responsibilities of such
officer until the Board of Directors shall otherwise direct.

        Section 3. Vice Chairman of the Board. The Vice Chairman of the
Board, if any, shall be elected from the membership of the Board of
Directors; and in the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board,
shall have such other duties and powers as may be imposed or given by the
Board of Directors. In case of the absence or inability to act of the
Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the Board shall exercise all of
the duties and responsibilities of such officer until the Board of Directors
shall otherwise direct. In such event, he shall not be a member of the Audit
Committee or the Compensation Committee, but shall be a voting member of all
other standing committees of the Board of Directors.

        Section 4. President. The President shall, subject to the direction
of the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, if any, see that
all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect,
and shall perform all other duties necessary or appropriate to the office,
subject, however, to the right of the Chief Executive Officer and of the
directors to delegate any specific powers to any other officer or officers of
the corporation. In case of the absence or inability to act of both the
Chairman of the Board and the Vice Chairman of the Board, or the Chief
Executive Officer, the President shall exercise all of the duties and
responsibilities of such officer until the Board of Directors shall otherwise
direct. In the absence or disability of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the
Board, the President shall not be a member of the Audit Committee or the
Compensation Committee, but shall be a voting member of all other standing
committees of the Board of Directors.

        Section 5. Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer, in
addition to the duties as Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board or
President, as the case may be, shall have final authority, subject to the
control of the Board of Directors, over the general policy and business of
the corporation and shall have the general control and management of the
business and affairs of the corporation. The Chief Executive Officer shall
have the power, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, to appoint,
suspend, or discharge and to prescribe the duties and to fix the compensation
of such agents and employees of the corporation, other than the officers
appointed by the Board, as the Chief Executive officer may deem necessary.






                                      7



<PAGE>


        Section 6. Chief Operating Officer. There may be elected a Chief
Operating Officer who shall, if elected, have general charge, control and
supervision over the administration and operations of the corporation and
shall have such other duties and powers as may be imposed or given by the
Board of Directors. If no Chief Operating Officer is elected, the duties and
powers of the Chief Operating Officer shall be performed by the Chief
Executive Officer.

        Section 7. Vice Presidents. Any Executive Vice President, any Senior
Vice President, and each Vice President shall have such authority and
responsibilities as designated by the Board of Directors, the Executive
Committee, the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board, or the President.

        Section 8. Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the
shareholders and of the Board of Directors, and of the Executive Committee,
and shall preserve in books of the corporation true minutes of the
proceedings of all such meetings; shall keep the seal of the corporation and
shall have authority to affix the same to all instruments where its use is
required; shall give all notices required by statute, bylaw or resolution;
and shall perform such other duties as may be delegated by the Board of
Directors, the Executive Committee, the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the
Board, or the President.

        Section 9. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have custody of all
corporate funds and securities and shall keep in books belonging to the
corporation full and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements;
shall deposit all monies, securities and other valuable effects in the name
of the corporation in such depositaries as may be designated for that purpose
by the Board of Directors; shall disburse the funds of the corporation as may
be ordered by the Board, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and
shall render to the Board of Directors, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the
Board, and President, at the regular meetings of the Board, and whenever
requested by them, an account of all transactions as Treasurer and of the
financial condition of the corporation; shall deliver to the Chairman and
Vice Chairman of the Board and the President, and shall keep in force, a bond
in form, amount and with a surety or sureties satisfactory to the Board,
conditioned for faithful performance of the duties of office, by the
Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurers and for restoration to the corporation
in case of death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all
books, papers, vouchers, money and property of whatever kind belonging to the
corporation; and shall in addition perform such other duties as may be
delegated by the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, the Chairman or
Vice Chairman of the Board, or the President.

        Section 10. Controller. The Controller shall be responsible for
establishment and maintenance of internal accounting and other control
systems for this corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries; liaison with
independent auditors; and such other duties as may be designated by the Board
of Directors, the Executive Committee, the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the
Board, or the President.

        Section 11. Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer. Any
Assistant Secretary, in the absence of the Secretary, shall perform the
duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary. Any Assistant Treasurer, in
the absence of or disability of the Treasurer, shall perform the duties and
exercise the power of the Treasurer. If there is more than one Assistant
Secretary and/or Assistant Treasurer, their respective duties and
responsibilities shall be as designated by the Board of Directors, the
Executive Committee, the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board, or the
President.




                                      8



<PAGE>


        Section 12. Delegation of Powers. For any reason deemed sufficient by
the Board of Directors, whether occasioned by absence or otherwise, the Board
may delegate all or any of the powers and duties of any officer to any other
officer or Director, but no officer or Director shall execute, acknowledge or
verify any instrument in more than one capacity.


                                  ARTICLE VI

                   INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS,
                             EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS

        Section 1. Obligation to Indemnify and Right to Indemnification. This
corporation shall indemnify each of its directors and officers, and each
person who hereafter becomes a director and/or officer of the corporation,
and each such person shall be entitled to such indemnification without
further action on his or her part, against all expense, liability and loss,
arising in any manner by reason of the fact that such person is or was a
director and/or officer of the corporation, or by reason of any acts of such
person, or omissions of such person to act, as a director and/or officer of
the corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by any present or future
provision of law, including without limitation the indemnification and
advancement of expenses provided for in Section 2-12, inclusive, of this
Article VI.

        Section 2. Third Party Actions. The corporation shall indemnify any
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to a
threatened, pending or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative, or investigative and whether formal or informal,
other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the
fact that he or she is or was a director and/or officer of the corporation,
or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director,
officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, whether
for profit or not, against expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments,
penalties, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit, or proceeding, if
the person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed
to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its
shareholders, and with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, if the
person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
The termination of an action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order,
settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent,
does not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good
faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interest of the corporation or its shareholders, and,
with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to
believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

        Section 3. Actions by or in the Right of the Corporation. The
corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party to or is
threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action or
suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor
by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director and/or officer of
the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or
domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
whether for profit or not, against expenses, including actual and reasonable
attorneys' fees, and amounts paid in settlement incurred by the person in
connection with the action or suit, if the person



                                      9



<PAGE>


acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in
or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and its shareholders.
However, indemnification shall not be made for a claim, issue, or matter in
which the person has been found liable to the corporation unless and only to
the extent that the court in which the action or suit was brought has
determinated upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but
in view of all circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably
entitled to indemnification for the expenses which the court considers
proper.

        Section 4. Successful Defense. To the extent that a director or
officer of the corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in
defense of an action, suit, or proceeding referred to in Section 2 or 3 of
this Article VI, or in defense of a claim, issue, or matter in the action,
suit, or proceeding, he or she shall be indemnified against expenses,
including actual and reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by him or her in
connection with the action, suit, or proceeding brought to enforce the
mandatory indemnification provided for in this section.

        Section 5. Determination of Conduct. Subject to any rights under any
contract between the corporation and any director or officer, any
indemnification under Section 2 or 3 of this Article VI, unless ordered by a
court, shall be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific
case upon a determination that indemnification of the director or officer is
proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard
of conduct set forth in Sections 2 and 3. This determination shall be made in
any of the following ways:

                (a) By a majority vote of a quorum of the Board consisting of
        directors who were not parties to the action, suit or proceeding.

                (b) If the quorum described in subdivision (a) is not
        obtainable, then by a majority vote of a committee of directors who
        are not parties to the action. The committee shall consist of not
        less than two (2) disinterested directors.

                (c) By independent legal counsel in a written opinion.

                (d)  By the shareholders.

        Section 6. Partial Indemnification. If a person is entitled to
indemnification under Section 2 or 3 of this Article VI for a portion of the
expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgment, penalties, fines, and amounts
paid in settlement, but not for the total amount thereof, the corporation
shall indemnify the person for the portion of the expenses, judgments,
penalties, fines, or amounts paid in settlement for which the person is
entitled to be indemnified.

        Section 7. Payment of Expenses in Advance. Expenses incurred in
defending a civil or criminal action, suit, or proceeding described in
Section 2 of 3 of this Article VI shall be paid by the corporation in advance
of the final disposition of the action, suit, or proceeding upon receipt of
an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the
expenses if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to be
indemnified by the corporation. The undertaking shall be by unlimited general
obligation of the person on whose behalf advances are made but need not be
secured.




                                      10



<PAGE>


        Section 8. Indemnification Not Exclusive. The indemnification and
advancement of expenses provided for in Sections 2-7, inclusive, of this
Article VI are not exclusive of other rights to which a person seeking
indemnification and advancement of expenses may be entitled under the
Restated Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or a contractual agreement.
However, the total amount of expenses advanced and indemnified from all
sources combined shall not exceed the amount of actual expenses incurred by
the person seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses.

        Section 9. Contract Right. The right to indemnification conferred in
this Article VI shall be a contract right between the corporation and each
director and officer of the corporation, or individual who is or was serving
at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent
of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, who serves in such capacity at any time while this Article VI is
in effect. No amendment or repeal of all or any part of this Article VI, nor
the adoption of any provision inconsistent with this Article VI, shall apply
to any acts or omissions occurring prior to such amendment or repeal, or give
rise to or increase any liability of any director or officer with respect to
any acts or omissions occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.

        Section 10. Insurance. The corporation may maintain insurance, at its
expense, to protect itself and any directors, officers, employees or agents
of the corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust
or other enterprise against any such expense, liability or loss, whether or
not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such persons against
such expense, liability or loss under any applicable provision of law.

        Section 11. Continuation. The indemnification and advancement of
expenses provided for in this Article VI shall continue as to a person who
ceases to be a director or officer, and shall inure to the benefit of the
heirs, executors, and administrators of the person.

        Section 12.  Definitions.  For purposes of this Article VI:

                (a) References to the "corporation" include all constituent
        corporations absorbed in a consolidation or merger and the resulting
        or surviving corporation, so that a person who is or was a director,
        officer, employee or agent of the constituent corporation or is or
        was serving at the request of the constituent corporation as a
        director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another
        foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust,
        or other enterprise whether for profit or not shall stand in the same
        position under the provisions of this Article VI with respect to the
        resulting or surviving corporation as the person would if he or she
        had served the resulting or surviving corporation in the same
        capacity.

                (b) References to "other enterprises" include employee
        benefit plans; references to "fines" include excise taxes assessed
        with respect to any employee benefit plan; and references to "serving
        at the request of the corporation" include any service which imposes
        duties on, or involves services by, such director or officer with
        respect to any employee benefit plan, its participants or
        beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner
        he or she reasonably believed to be in the interest of the
        participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be
        deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests
        of the corporation" as referred to in this Article VI.



                                               11



<PAGE>


        Section 13. Savings Clause. If any provision of this Article VI shall
be invalidated on any ground by any court, the corporation shall nevertheless
indemnify each of its directors and offices against expenses, including
attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement with respect
to any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative,
or investigative, including third party actions and actions by or in the
right of the corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable
law.

        Section 14. Other Employees and Agents. The corporation may, pursuant
to authorization of the Board of Directors, provide indemnification and
advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the corporation other than
directors and officers, to the same extent as provided for directors and
officers, or otherwise as the Board of Directors determines.


                                 ARTICLE VII

                                 SUBSIDIARIES

        Section 1. Subsidiaries. The Board of Directors, the Chairman of the
Board, President, or any other executive officer designated by the Board of
Directors may vote the shares of stock owned by this corporation in any
subsidiary, whether wholly or partly owned by this corporation, in such
manner as they may deem in the best interests of this corporation, including,
without limitation, for the election of directors of any subsidiary
corporation, or for any amendments to the charter or bylaws of any such
subsidiary corporation, or for the liquidation, merger, or sale of assets of
any such subsidiary corporation. The Board of Directors, the Chairman of the
Board, President, or any other executive officer designated by the Board of
Directors may cause to be elected to the Board of Directors of any such
subsidiary corporation such persons as they shall designate, any of whom may,
but need not be, directors, executive officers, or other employees or agents
of this corporation. The Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board,
President, or any other executive officer designated by the Board of
Directors may instruct the directors of any such subsidiary corporation as to
the manner in which they are to vote upon any issue properly coming before
them as the directors of such subsidiary corporation, and such directors
shall have no liability to this corporation as the result of any action taken
in accordance with such instructions.

        Section 2. Subsidiary Officers Not Executive Officers. The officers
of any subsidiary corporation shall not, by virtue of holding such title and
position, be deemed to be executive officers of this corporation, nor shall
any such officer of a subsidiary corporation, unless he or she shall also be
a director or executive officer of this corporation, be entitled to have
access to any files, records or other information relating or pertaining to
this corporation, its business and finances, or to attend or receive the
minutes of any meetings of the Board of Directors or any committee of this
corporation, except as and to the extent expressly authorized and permitted
by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, or President of this
corporation.









                                      12



<PAGE>


                                 ARTICLE VIII

                            CERTIFICATES OF STOCK

        Section 1. Form. Every holder of stock in the corporation shall be
entitled to have a certificate in the name of the corporation, signed by the
Chairman of the Board or the President or a Vice President and the Treasurer
or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the
corporation, certifying the number of shares of stock in the corporation
owned by such person.

        Section 2. Facsimile Signature. When a certificate is signed (1) by a
transfer agent or an assistant transfer agent, or (2) by a transfer clerk
acting on behalf of the corporation, and/or by a registrar, the signature of
any such Chairman, President, Vice President, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer,
Secretary or Assistant Secretary may be a facsimile. In case any officer,
transfer agent, or registrar who has signed, or whose facsimile signature has
been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer
agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the
corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer,
transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

        Section 3. Lost Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct a new
certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or
certificates theretofore issued by the corporation alleged to have been lost
or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person
claiming the certificate of stock to be lost or destroyed. When authorizing
such issue of a new certificate or certificates, the Board of Directors may,
in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof,
require the owner of such lost or destroyed certificate or certificates, or
the owner's legal representative, to give the corporation a bond in such sum
as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the
corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost or
destroyed.

        Section 4. Transfers of Stock. Upon surrender to the corporation or
the transfer agent of the corporation of a certificate for shares duly
endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or
authority to transfer, it shall be the duty of the corporation to issue a new
certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and
record the transaction upon its books.

        Section 5. Fixing of Record Date by Board. For the purpose of
determining the shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting
of shareholders, or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to or
dissent from any corporate action in writing without a meeting, or for the
purpose of determining shareholders entitled to receive payment of any
dividend or the distribution or allotment of any rights or evidences of
interest arising out of any change, conversion or exchange of capital stock,
or for the purpose of any other action, the Board of Directors may fix, in
advance, a date as the record date for any such determination of
shareholders. Such date shall be at least ten (10) and not more than sixty
(60) days before the date of any such meeting, and not more than sixty (60)
days before any other action. Only shareholders of record on a record date so
fixed shall be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, such meeting or to
receive payment of any dividend or the distribution or allotment of any
rights or evidences of interest arising out of any change, conversion or
exchange of capital stock.



                                      13



<PAGE>


        Section 6. Provision for Record Date in the Absence of Board Action.
If a record date is not fixed by the Board of Directors: (a) the record date
for determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a
meeting of shareholders shall be the close of business on the day next
preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if no notice is given, the
day next preceding the date on which the meeting is held; and (b) the record
date for determining shareholders entitled to express consent to corporate
action in writing, without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board of
Directors is necessary, shall be the day on which the first written consent
is expressed; and (c) the record date for determining shareholders for any
other purpose shall be the close of business on the day on which the
resolution of the Board relating thereto is adopted.

        Section 7. Adjournments. When a determination of shareholders of
record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders has been
made as provided in this Article, the determination applies to any
adjournment of the meeting, unless the Board fixes a new record date for the
adjourned meeting.

        Section 8. Registered Shareholders. The corporation shall be entitled
to recognize the exclusive rights of a person registered on its books as the
owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and shall
not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such
share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have
express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of
Michigan.


                                  ARTICLE IX

                              GENERAL PROVISIONS

        Section 1. Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the
corporation, subject to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, if
any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special
meeting pursuant to law. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in
shares of capital stock, subject to the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation.

        Section 2. Checks. All checks or demands for money and notes of the
corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person
or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

        Section 3. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the corporation shall be
fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

        Section 4. Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the
name of the corporation. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile
thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.









                                      14



<PAGE>


                                  ARTICLE X

                          CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITIONS

        The provisions of Chapter 7B of the Michigan Business Corporation Act
(Sections 450.790- 450.799, inclusive, Michigan Compiled Laws, being Sections
21.200(790) - 21.200(799), inclusive, Michigan Statutes Annotated), as the
same exist or may hereafter be amended, shall not apply to control share
acquisitions of shares of stock of this corporation.


                                  ARTICLE XI

                                  AMENDMENTS

        These Bylaws may be altered or repealed at any regular meeting of the
shareholders or of the Board of Directors or at any special meeting of the
shareholders or of the Board of Directors.

                                      15



                                                                EXHIBIT 10(a)


                         RELEASE AND WAIVER AGREEMENT



     This Release and Waiver Agreement ("Agreement") is between Robert L.
Moles and Jacobson Stores Inc. and all past, present and future subsidiaries
and affiliates of Jacobson Stores Inc.(individually and collectively referred
to as ("the Company").


     1. Complete Release. In consideration for $67,500.00 in severance pay,
$5,192.31 in unused vacation and continued health and dental coverage through
March 16, 1998 (at my normal contribution rate), which I agree is sufficient
consideration and is in excess of anything of value to which I am otherwise
entitled, including any earned wages or benefits due and owing me, I release,
waive, and fully discharge the Company and all present and former employees,
officers, directors, shareholders, and agents of the Company, from any and
all charges, causes of action, damages, claims or demands, whether known or
unknown at this time, arising out of, connected with, or based on my
employment and separation from employment with the Company, including, but
not limited to, those based on contract, personal injury, tort, common law,
employment discrimination, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
(as amended)("ADEA") and any and all other federal, state or local laws or
ordinances.


     2. Other Consideration. I agree that upon execution of this Agreement I
will use all reasonable efforts to find similar employment comparable in
wages to that which I had immediately prior to my termination from the
Company. In the event that, within twenty-six (26) weeks from September 16,
1997, I am not employed nor have I been employed during that period in a
position (1) comparable in wages to that which I had immediately prior to my
termination from the Company; or (2) which compensates me for at least 75% of
the wages that I received from the Company immediately prior to my
termination, then the Company will pay me within two (2) weeks of the
expiration of the 26 week period an additional $33,750 less all applicable
payroll deductions; and will extend my medical and dental coverage (at my
normal contribution rate) for an additional three (3) months.

I further agree that prior to this additional payment I will, upon request of
the Company, provide a full and detailed oral and/or written report
concerning (1) my efforts to find comparable employment; and/or (2) the wages
I then receive, or received at anytime during the 26 week period.


     3. Non-Release of Future Claims. This Agreement does not waive or
release any rights or claims that I may have under the ADEA which arise after
the date I sign this Agreement.


     4. 21 Day Period for Review and Consideration of Agreement. I understand
that I have been given a period of at least 21 days to review and consider
this Agreement before signing it.


     5. Encouragement to Consult with Attorney. I acknowledge that I have
been advised in writing to consult with an attorney before signing this
Agreement.










<PAGE>


     6. Employee's Right to Revoke Agreement. I may revoke this Agreement for
a period of seven (7) calendar days after signing it. This Agreement is not
effective or enforceable until this revocation period has expired. I
understand that any revocation to be effective must be in writing and either:
(1) post-marked within seven (7) days of execution of this Agreement and
addressed to the Vice President, Personnel, Jacobson Stores Inc., 3333
Sargent Road, Jackson, Michigan 49201; or (2) hand delivered within seven (7)
days of execution of this Agreement to the Vice President, Personnel,
Jacobson Stores Inc,. 3333 Sargent Road, Jackson, Michigan 49201. I
understand that if revocation is made by mail, mailing by certified mail,
return receipt requested, is recommended to show proof of mailing. If I
revoke this Agreement it shall not be effective or enforceable and I will not
receive the consideration set forth in Paragraph 1 above.


     7. Entire Agreement. I agree no oral or written statements have been
made by the Company which vary the terms of this Agreement and that this
constitutes the entire agreement between myself and the Company.


     8. Voluntary Agreement. I acknowledge that I have read this Agreement,
understand its term and its binding effect, and am acting voluntarily and of
my own free will in signing it.


                                                        Robert L. Moles
                                                      --------------------
WITNESS                                               Employee(Print Name)


 /s/ Yvonne M. Harrington                               /s/ Robert L. Moles
- -------------------------                             ---------------------
                                                      Employee (Signature)



THE COMPANY                                             October 7, 1997
                                                      ---------------------
    By:   James K. Delaney                            Dated
         --------------------------------             
                                                      
  Its:    Vice President, Personnel                                09/16/97
                                                  




                                                                    EXHIBIT 11


              JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

                      COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
                                (in thousands)
                                 (unaudited)




Primary earnings per common share, as set forth in the consolidated
statements of earnings, are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted
average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents
outstanding during the period. Fully diluted earnings per share are computed
based on the additional assumption that the Company's 6-3/4% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures due 2011 were converted to common stock at the date
of issuance with a corresponding increase in net earnings to reflect
reduction in related interest expense, net of income taxes, except if
anti-dilutive.

These computations are set forth below (in thousands except per share data):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          Thirteen Weeks Ended     Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
                                                        ------------------------   ------------------------
                                                        October 25,  October 26,   October 25,  October 26,
                                                           1997         1996          1997         1996
                                                        ----------   -----------   ----------   -----------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>  
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE AND
COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE:
    Weighted average number of shares of common
    stock and common stock equivalents outstanding--
        Primary .....................................      5,844        5,781          5,795        5,788
        Fully diluted ...............................      6,756        6,837          6,834        6,837
                                                         =======      =======        =======      =======
NET LOSS ............................................    $  (937)     $(2,763)       $(4,581)     $(7,682)
                                                         =======      =======        =======      =======
                                                                                                
NET LOSS, adjusted to reflect reduction in interest                                             
    expense attributable to convertible debentures,                                             
    net of income tax ...............................    $  (598)     $(2,379)       $(3,520)     $(6,530)
                                                         =======      =======        =======      =======
                                                                                                
NET LOSS PER SHARE:                                                                             
    Primary and Fully diluted .......................    $ (0.16)     $ (0.48)       $ (0.79)     $ (1.33)
                                                         =======      =======        =======      =======
                                                                                            

</TABLE>




                                                                   EXHIBIT 15
                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP





To Jacobson Stores Inc.:

We are aware that Jacobson Stores Inc. has incorporated by reference in its
Form S-8 Registration Statements File Nos. 2-88295, 033-53469 and 333-31989
and Form S-2 File No. 33-10532 its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October
25, 1997, which includes our report dated November 7, 1997, covering the
unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial information contained
therein. Pursuant to Regulation C of the Securities Act of 1933, that report
is not considered a part of the registration statement prepared or certified
by our firm or a report prepared or certified by our firm within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.


                              Very truly yours,



                                               /s/  Arthur Andersen LLP
                                               ------------------------
                                                  ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Detroit, Michigan
December 5, 1997



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF JACOBSON STORES INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES AS
OF, AND FOR THE TWENTY-SIX WEEK PERIOD ENDED, JULY 26, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ACCOMPANYING
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                                              <C>
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                JAN-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                     OCT-25-1997
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                    9-MOS
<CASH>                                                  3,704
<SECURITIES>                                                0
<RECEIVABLES>                                          31,214
<ALLOWANCES>                                              417
<INVENTORY>                                            96,924
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                      136,968
<PP&E>                                                172,661
<DEPRECIATION>                                         87,677
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                        243,209
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                  51,589
<BONDS>                                               121,114
<COMMON>                                                5,966
                                       0
                                                 0
<OTHER-SE>                                             57,440
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                          243,209
<SALES>                                               302,561
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                      302,561
<CGS>                                                 204,282
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                         204,282
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                            0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                            0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                      6,885
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                        (7,048)
<INCOME-TAX>                                           (2,467)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                    (4,581)
<DISCONTINUED>                                              0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                             0
<CHANGES>                                                   0
<NET-INCOME>                                           (4,581)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                           (0.79)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                           (0.79)
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission