TRISTAR CORPORATION
12500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 500
San Antonio, Texas 78216
January 14, 1999
Dear Stockholder:
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I cordially invite you to attend the
1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of TRISTAR CORPORATION. The Annual Meeting
will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 1999, at 10:00 a.m., C.S.T., at the
Company's corporate office at 12500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 500, San Antonio,
Texas. The formal Notice of the Annual Meeting is set forth in the enclosed
material.
The matters expected to be acted upon at the meeting are described in the
attached Proxy Statement. During the meeting, stockholders will have the
opportunity to ask questions and comment on TRISTAR CORPORATION's operation.
It is important that your views be represented whether or not you are able
to be present at the Annual Meeting. Please sign and return the enclosed proxy
card promptly.
We appreciate your investment in TRISTAR CORPORATION and urge you to
return your proxy card as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Richard R. Howard
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
<PAGE>
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TRISTAR CORPORATION
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of TRISTAR
CORPORATION (the "Company") will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 1999, at
10:00 a.m., C.S.T., at the Company's corporate office at 12500 San Pedro Avenue,
Suite 500, San Antonio, Texas for the following purposes:
1. to elect a Board of seven directors to serve for the ensuing year
and until their respective successors are duly elected and
qualified;
2. to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the
Company's independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending
August 28, 1999; and
3. to transact such other business as may lawfully come before the
Annual Meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
Information with respect to the above matters is set forth in the Proxy
Statement that accompanies this Notice.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on January 8, 1999
as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of and to
vote at the meeting. A complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the
meeting will be maintained at the Company's principal executive offices during
ordinary business hours for a period of ten days prior to the meeting. The list
will be open to the examination of any stockholder for any purpose germane to
the meeting during this time. The list will also be produced at the time and
place of the meeting and will be open during the whole time thereof.
So that we may be sure your shares will be voted at the Annual Meeting,
please date, sign and return the enclosed proxy promptly. For your convenience,
a postpaid return envelope is enclosed for your use in returning your proxy. If
you attend the meeting, you may revoke your proxy and vote in person.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
RICHARD R. HOWARD
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
San Antonio, Texas
January 14, 1999
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON. EVEN IF
YOU PLAN TO BE PRESENT, PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AT
YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE IN THE PROVIDED ENVELOPE, WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF
MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES. IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU MAY VOTE EITHER IN
PERSON OR BY YOUR PROXY.
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<PAGE>
TRISTAR CORPORATION
------------------------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
------------------------------------------
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held on February 10, 1999
GENERAL INFORMATION
The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of TRISTAR
CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), for use at the Annual
Meeting (the "Meeting" or "Annual Meeting") of Stockholders to be held on
Wednesday, February 10, 1999, at 10:00 a.m., C.S.T., at the Company's corporate
office at 12500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 500, San Antonio, Texas, and at any
adjournment or adjournments thereof.
The securities of the Company entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting
consist of shares of common stock, $0.01 par value ("Common Stock"), and Series
C Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.05 par value ("Series C Stock"), of the
Company. In addition, the Company has an additional 787,219 shares of preferred
stock outstanding and not entitled to vote. At the close of business on January
8, 1999 (the "Record Date"), there were outstanding and entitled to vote _____
shares of Common Stock and _____ shares of Series C Stock. The holders of record
of Common Stock on the Record Date will be entitled to one vote per share, and
the holders of record of Series C Stock on the Record Date will be entitled to
11.034483 votes per share. The Company's Certificate of Incorporation does not
permit cumulative voting in the election of directors.
The Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended August 29, 1998, has
been or is being furnished with this Proxy Statement, which is being mailed on
or about January 14, 1999, to the holders of record of Common Stock and
preferred stock, $0.05 par value ("Preferred Stock," which includes the Series C
Stock) on the Record Date. The Annual Report to Stockholders does not constitute
a part of the proxy materials.
VOTING AND PROXY PROCEDURES
Properly executed proxies received in time for the Meeting will be voted.
Stockholders are urged to specify their choices on the proxy, but if no choice
is specified, eligible shares will be voted for the election of the seven
nominees for director named herein and for ratification of the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PWC") as the Company's independent public
accountants for the fiscal year ending August 28, 1999. At the date of the Proxy
Statement, management of the Company knows of no other matters which are likely
to be brought before the Annual Meeting.
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<PAGE>
However, if any other matters should properly come before the Annual
Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will have discretionary
authority to vote such proxy in accordance with their best judgment on such
matters.
If the enclosed form of proxy is executed and returned, it may
nevertheless be revoked by a later-dated proxy or by written notice filed with
the Chief Financial Officer of the Company at the Company's corporate office at
any time before the enclosed proxy is exercised. Stockholders attending the
Annual Meeting may revoke their proxies and vote in person. The Company's
corporate office is located at 12500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 500, San Antonio,
Texas 78216.
The holders of a majority of the total shares of Common Stock and
Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at the close of business on the Record
Date, whether present in person or represented by proxy, will constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. The affirmative
vote of a plurality of the total shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock,
voting together as a class, present in person or represented by proxy and
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for the election of
directors, and the affirmative vote of a majority of the total shares of Common
Stock and Series C Stock, voting together as a class, present in person or
represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for
the ratification of the appointment of PWC as the Company's independent public
accountants for the fiscal year ending August 28, 1999, and for any other
matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment
thereof.
Abstentions are counted toward the calculation of a quorum but are not
treated as either a vote for or against a proposal. An abstention has the same
effect as a vote against the proposal. Any unvoted position in a brokerage
account will be considered as not voted and will not be counted toward
fulfillment of quorum requirements.
The cost of solicitation of proxies will be paid by the Company. In
addition to solicitation by mail, proxies may be solicited by the directors,
officers and employees of the Company, without additional compensation, by
personal interview, telephone, telegram or otherwise. Arrangements will also be
made with brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries who
hold the voting securities of record for the forwarding of solicitation
materials to the beneficial owners thereof. The Company will reimburse such
brokers, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by them in connection therewith. The Company has no present
plans to hire special employees or paid solicitors to assist in obtaining
proxies but reserves the option of doing so if it should appear that a quorum
otherwise might not be obtained.
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<PAGE>
OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth as of December 11, 1998, certain
information with respect to Common Stock beneficially owned by persons who are
known to the Company to be the beneficial owners of more than five percent of
the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock. For purposes of this Proxy
Statement, beneficial ownership is defined in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") to mean generally the
power to vote or dispose of shares, regardless of any economic interest therein.
The persons listed have sole voting power and sole dispositive power with
respect to all shares set forth in the table unless otherwise specified in the
footnotes to the table.
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP PERCENT OF CLASS(1)
------------------ ---------------------- -------------------
Sheth Group (2) 14,697,984 73.3%
Post Office Box 5551
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Transvit Manufacturing Corporation(3) 9,477,810 56.5%
1211 Geneva
25 Switzerland
Case Postale 69
Starion International Limited 5,220,174(4) 16.8%
Woodbourne Hall, P.O. Box 3162
Road Town, Tortola
British Virgin Islands
Ibrahim Ahmed Al-Musbahi 1,700,000 10.1%
c/o Al-Musbahi Establishment
P.O. Box 20002
Jeddah 21455
Saudi Arabia
Pioneer Ventures Associates, LP 989,364(5) 5.1%
651 Day Hill Road
P.O. Box 40
Windsor, Connecticut 06095
- - -------------------------
(1) Based on 16,761,493 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on
December 11, 1998.
(2) Shashikant S. Sheth, Jammadas Sheth, Kirit Sheth and Mahendra Sheth
comprise the Sheth Group. The Sheth Group owns and controls Transvit
Manufacturing Corporation ("Transvit"), Starion International Limited
("Starion B.V.I.") and Nevell Investments S.A. ("Nevell"). Includes
9,477,810 shares beneficially owned by Transvit; 5,220,174 shares
beneficially owned by Starion B.V.I. (which includes 2,400,000 shares
issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable Common Stock warrants
held by Starion B.V.I.); and
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107,000 shares otherwise owned or controlled by the Sheth Group. The
members of the Sheth Group share voting and investment power with respect
to all of these shares
(3) Transvit shares voting and investment power with the members of the Sheth
Group with respect to their cumulative shares.
(4) Includes 2,400,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of currently
exercisable Common Stock warrants held by Starion B.V.I. Starion B.V.I.
shares voting and investment power with the members of the Sheth Group
with respect to all of these shares.
(5) Includes 864,364 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares
of Series C Senior Convertible Preferred Stock and 125,000 shares of
Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable
warrants.
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<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth as of December 11, 1998, certain
information with respect to the Company's Common Stock beneficially owned by
each of its directors and nominees for director, each executive officer named in
the Summary Compensation Table and by all of its directors and officers as a
group. Such persons have sole voting power and sole dispositive power with
respect to all shares set forth in the table unless otherwise specified in the
footnotes to the table.
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP PERCENT OF CLASS(1)
---------------- -------------------- -------------------
Viren S. Sheth(2) 320,000(3) 1.88%
12500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 500
San Antonio, Texas 78216
Richard R. Howard 90,000(4) *
12500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 500
San Antonio, Texas 78216
Richard P. Rifenburgh 75,000(5) *
133 N. Pompano Beach Boulevard
Pompano Beach, Florida 33062
Robert R. Sparacino 50,000(6) *
175 Blackberry Drive
Stamford, Connecticut 06903
Aaron Zutler 40,000(7) *
80 Skyline Drive
Plainview, New York 11803
Jay J. Sheth(8) -0- *
319 Pinner Road
North Harrow, Middlesex
HA1 4HF England
B.J. Harid -0- *
P.O. Box 5551
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Robert A. Lerman(9) -0- *
651 Day Hill Road, P.O. Box 40
Windsor, Connecticut 06095
Robert M. Viola 50,000(10) *
12500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 500
San Antonio, Texas 78216
Peter C. Liman 80,000(11) *
12500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 500
San Antonio, Texas 78216
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<PAGE>
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP PERCENT OF CLASS(1)
------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
Stephen Naar 20,000(12) *
12500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 500
San Antonio, Texas 78216
All officers and directors
as a group, fifteen (15) persons 809,000(13) 4.61%
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Based on 16,761,493 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of
December 11, 1998.
(2) Viren S. Sheth, a director of the Company and its Chief Executive Officer,
although not a member of the Sheth Group, is the brother of three members
of the Sheth Group. Viren S. Sheth disclaims beneficial ownership of
shares beneficially owned by the Sheth Group.
(3) Represents 320,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
options held by Viren S. Sheth.
(4) Represents 90,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
held by Richard R. Howard.
(5) Represents 75,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
held by Richard P. Rifenburgh.
(6) Represents 50,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
held by Robert R. Sparacino.
(7) Includes 30,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
held by Aaron Zutler.
(8) Jay J. Sheth, a director of the Company, although not a member of the
Sheth Group, is the son of a member of the Sheth Group. Jay J. Sheth
disclaims beneficial ownership of shares beneficially owned by the Sheth
Group.
(9) Robert A. Lerman is the president of the managing member of the general
partner of Pioneer Ventures Associates, LP ("PVA"). Robert A. Lerman
disclaims beneficial ownership of (i) Preferred Stock held by PVA and (ii)
warrants to purchase Common Stock and the underlying shares of Common
Stock thereto, except as to his pecuniary interest therein, which is
currently less than 1%.
(10) Represents 50,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
held by Robert M. Viola.
(11) Includes 75,000 Shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
held by Peter C. Liman.
(12) Represents 20,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
held by Stephan Naar.
(13) Includes 794,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
held by officers and directors.
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<PAGE>
OWNERSHIP OF PREFERRED STOCK
The following table sets forth as of December 11, 1998, certain
information with respect to the Company's Preferred Stock beneficially owned by
persons who are known to the Company to be owners of more than five percent of
the issued and outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of the Company, each of its
directors and nominees for director, each executive officer named in the Summary
Compensation Table and by all its directors and officers as a group. Such
persons have sole voting power and sole dispositive power with respect to all
shares set forth in the table unless otherwise specified in the footnotes to the
table.
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP PERCENT OF CLASS (1)
---------------- -------------------- --------------------
Sheth Group 787,219(2) 90.9%
Post Office Box 5551
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Transvit Manufacturing Corporation 666,529 77.0%
1211 Geneva, 25 Switzerland
Case Postale 69
Nevell Investments, S.A. 120,690 13.9%
P.O. Box 7707
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Pioneer Ventures Associates LP 78,333(3) 9.1%
651 Day Hill Road, P.O. Box 40
Windsor, Connecticut 06095
Viren S. Sheth (4) -0- 0%
12500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 500
San Antonio, Texas 78216
Richard R. Howard -0- 0%
12500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 500
San Antonio, Texas 78216
Richard P. Rifenburgh -0- 0%
133 N. Pompano Beach Boulevard
Pompano Beach, Florida 33062
Robert R. Sparacino -0- 0%
175 Blackberry Drive
Stamford, Connecticut 06903
Aaron Zutler -0- 0%
80 Skyline Drive
Plainview, New York 11803
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<PAGE>
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP PERCENT OF CLASS (1)
---------------- -------------------- --------------------
Jay J. Sheth(5) -0- 0%
319 Pinner Road
North Harrow, Middlesex
HA1 4HF England
B.J. Harid -0- 0%
P.O. Box 5551
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Robert M. Viola -0- 0%
12500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 500
San Antonio, Texas 78216
Peter C. Liman -0- 0%
12500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 500
San Antonio, Texas 78216
Robert A. Lerman(6) -0- 0%
651 Day Hill Road, P.O. Box 40
Windsor, Connecticut 06095
Stephen Naar -0- 0%
12500 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 500
San Antonio, Texas 78216
All officers and directors -0- 0%
as a group (fifteen (15) persons)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Based on 865,552 shares of Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of
December 11, 1998.
(2) Includes 666,529 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock held by
Transvit and 120,690 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock held
by Nevell. The Sheth Group owns and controls each of Transvit and Nevell.
Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into one
share of Common Stock. Each share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
is convertible into four shares of Common Stock.
(3) PVA holds 78,333 shares of Series C Stock which are currently convertible
into an aggregate of 864,364 shares of Common Stock. Each share of Series
C Stock is convertible into 11.034483 shares of Common Stock.
(4) Viren S. Sheth, a Director of the Company and its Chief Executive Officer,
although not a member of the Sheth Group, is the brother of three members
of the Sheth Group. Viren S. Sheth disclaims beneficial ownership of
shares beneficially owned by the Sheth Group.
(5) Jay J. Sheth, a Director of the Company, although not a member of the
Sheth Group, is the son of a member of the Sheth Group. Jay J. Sheth
disclaims beneficial ownership of shares beneficially owned by the Sheth
Group.
(6) Robert A. Lerman is the president of the managing member of the general
partner of PVA. Mr. Lerman disclaims beneficial ownership of the Preferred
Stock held by PVA and the underlying shares of Common Stock thereto,
except as to his pecuniary interest therein which is currently less
than 1%.
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MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that the
Board of Directors will consist of not less than three persons, nor more than
nine persons with the exact number to be fixed from time to time by the Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors has fixed the authorized number of directors
at seven.
Seven directors (constituting the entire Board) are to be elected at the
Annual Meeting, each to hold office until the next annual meeting of
stockholders and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified. It is
the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy that proxies will
be voted for the election of the seven nominees named in the following table
unless otherwise indicated thereon. Each of the nominees is now a Director of
the Company and is standing for reelection. The Board has no reason to believe
that any of the nominees will be unable to serve if elected to office and, to
the knowledge of the Board, the nominees intend to serve the entire term for
which election is sought. Should any nominee for the office of director named
herein become unable or unwilling to accept nomination or election, the persons
named in the proxy will vote for such other person as the Board may recommend.
The following table contains certain information as of December 11, 1998
with respect to the persons who have been nominated to serve as directors:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION AND OFFICES SERVED AS A
NAME AGE WITH THE COMPANY DIRECTOR SINCE
------ ----- --------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Richard P. Rifenburgh(1)(2)(3)(4)(5) 66 Chairman of the Board of Directors 1992
Robert R. Sparacino(3)(5)(6) 71 Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors 1992
Viren S. Sheth(2)(4) 49 Chief Executive Officer and Director 1992
Aaron Zutler(4) 64 Director 1995
Jay J. Sheth(2) 42 Director 1996
B.J. Harid 42 Director 1997
Robert A. Lerman(7) 63 Director 1998
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</TABLE>
(1) Mr. Rifenburgh became Chairman of the Board in August 1992. The Chairman
of the Board is not an officer of the Company.
(2) Member of Executive Committee.
(3) Member of Audit Committee.
(4) Member of Compensation Committee.
(5) Member of Option Committee.
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(6) Dr. Sparacino became Vice Chairman of the Board in August 1992. The Vice
Chairman of the Board is not an officer of the Company.
(7) Mr. Lerman was elected to the Board on September 28, 1998.
Biographical information on these continuing directors is set forth below
under "Further Information-Board of Directors and Executive Officers."
Each of the persons set forth in the table above was not selected as a
director pursuant to any arrangement or understanding between him and any other
person (other than directors or officers of the Company acting solely in their
capacities as such) except for: Robert A. Lerman, who became a director pursuant
to an Investment Agreement dated September 3, 1998, between PVA and the Company,
and Jay J. Sheth and B. J. Harid, who agreed to serve as directors of the
Company pursuant to a consensus among the Sheth Group. The Sheth Group is a
group which is the beneficial owner of 73.3% of the Company's Common Stock as
more particularly set forth below and in the Sheth Group Schedule 13D and
amendments thereto. Viren S. Sheth regularly consults with the Sheth Group with
respect to the operations of the Company.
The enclosed form of proxy provides a means for the holders of Common
Stock to vote for all of the nominees listed therein, to withhold authority to
vote for one or more of such nominees or to withhold authority to vote for all
such nominees. Each properly executed proxy received in time for the meeting
will be voted as specified therein, or if a stockholder does not specify in his
or her executed proxy how the shares represented by his or her proxy are to be
voted, such shares shall be voted for the nominees listed therein or for other
nominees as provided above. The nominees receiving a plurality of the votes cast
at the Annual Meeting will be elected as directors. Abstentions and broker
non-votes will not be treated as a vote for or against any particular director
nominee and will not affect the outcome of the election. Two affiliates of the
Sheth Group, Transvit Manufacturing Corporation ("Transvit") and Starion
International Limited ("Starion B.V.I."), the record holders of 56.5% and 16.8%
of the Company's outstanding shares of Common Stock, respectively, have
indicated to the Company that they intend to vote in favor of all of the
nominees set forth above.
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides that nominations for
the election of directors may be made by the Board, a committee of the Board or
any stockholder entitled to vote for the election of directors. Nominations by
stockholders shall be made by notice, in writing, delivered or mailed by first
class mail, postage prepaid to the Secretary of the Company not less than 14
days nor more than 50 days prior to any meeting of the stockholders called for
the election of directors; provided, that if less than 21 days notice of the
meeting is given to stockholders, such written notice shall be delivered or
mailed, as prescribed, to the Secretary of the Company not later than the close
of the seventh day following the day on which notice of the meeting was mailed
to stockholders. Each such notice shall set forth the name, age and business
address of each proposed nominee, the principal occupation or employment of each
such nominee and the number of shares of Common Stock owned by such nominee.
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COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The business of the Company is managed under the direction of its Board of
Directors. The Company's Board of Directors has established four standing
committees: Audit, Option, Compensation and Executive. The Audit Committee is
comprised of directors who are not employees of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries. Dr. Sparacino and Mr. Rifenburgh are the current members of the
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee meets with the independent public
accountants, management representatives and internal auditors; recommends to the
Company's Board of Directors for the independent public accountants appointment,
approves the scope of audits and other services to be performed by the
independent public accountants and internal auditors; considers whether the
performance of any professional services by the independent public accountants
other than services provided in connection with the audit function could impair
the independence of the independent public accountants; and reviews the results
of internal and external audits and the accounting principles applied in
financial reporting and financial and operational controls. The independent
public accountants and internal auditors have unrestricted access to the Audit
Committee and vice versa.
The Executive Committee performs the functions of the Nominating
Committee. Richard P. Rifenburgh, Jay J. Sheth and Viren S. Sheth are the
current members of the Executive Committee. When performing Nominating Committee
functions, the Executive Committee's duties include developing a policy on the
size and composition of the Board and criteria relating to candidate selection,
identifying candidates for Board membership and establishing procedures whereby
individuals may be recommended by stockholders for consideration by the
Executive Committee as possible candidates for election to the Board.
The Compensation Committee's functions include reviewing the Company's
compensation philosophy and programs, including the payment of direct salaries
and incentive compensation to directors and officers, and reviewing loans to, or
guarantees of obligations of, officers, directors and employees of the Company.
The Compensation Committee is comprised of Mr. Rifenburgh, Mr. Zutler and Mr.
Viren S. Sheth.
The Option Committee's function includes administering the Company's stock
option plans and making recommendations concerning the granting of options to
employees and directors of the Company. The Option Committee is comprised of Mr.
Rifenburgh and Dr. Sparacino.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
During the fiscal year ended August 29, 1998, the Board of Directors met
seven (7) times, the Audit Committee met two (2) times, the Compensation
Committee met one (1) time, the Executive Committee met one (1) time and the
Option Committee did not meet. All directors attended at least 75% of the
aggregate number of meetings of the Board of Directors and committees of which
they are members.
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<PAGE>
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
The Company provides reimbursement for travel and other expenses incurred
by all directors in connection with their service as directors of the Company.
In fiscal 1998, the Company also provided compensation to Messrs. Rifenburgh and
Zutler and Dr. Sparacino for their services as directors and members of various
committees of the Board. Dr. Sparacino and Messrs. Rifenburgh and Zutler each
received $2,500 per day per Board or Committee meeting attended. In addition,
each received a quarterly fee of $10,000 as compensation for services outside of
Board and Committee meetings. During fiscal 1998 Messrs. Rifenburgh and Zutler
and Dr. Sparacino (through his Company, Sparacino Associates, Inc.) received
$104,332, $79,999 and $94,669, respectively, in connection with their service as
directors and members of committees of the Board.
The seven nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes of
the shares of Common Stock and Series C Stock, voting together as a class,
present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote shall be elected
as directors. All shares to be voted by proxy will be voted, or not voted, as
specified on each proxy.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THE STOCKHOLDERS
VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES PROPOSED.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
On July 22, 1997, the Company advised KPMG Peat Marwick LP ("Peat
Marwick") that the Company intended to retain a different independent accounting
firm for the audit of its financial statements for the year ending August 30,
1997. Peat Marwick had been engaged as the principal accountant to audit the
Company's consolidated financial statements.
Peat Marwick's reports on the Company's consolidated financial statements
for the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996 and 1995 contained no adverse opinion
or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty,
audit scope or accounting principles.
The Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors recommended the
action taken with respect to Peat Marwick.
There have been no disagreements with Peat Marwick on any matter of
accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing
scope or procedure during the Company's fiscal years ended August 31, 1996 and
1995 or in the subsequent interim period through July 22, 1997 (the date of
termination), which disagreements, if not resolved to Peat Marwick's
satisfaction, would have caused Peat Marwick to make reference to the subject
matter of the disagreement(s) in connection with its report.
Coopers & Lybrand, LLP ("Coopers") was engaged by the Company as its
independent principal accountant to audit the Company's consolidated financial
statements. This engagement was
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<PAGE>
effective as of July 22, 1997. Coopers was the principal accountant for Tristar
prior to the merger of Eurostar with and into Tristar on August 31, 1995.
Prior to engaging Coopers on July 22, 1997, and except as disclosed above,
Tristar had not consulted with Coopers during the Company's two most recent
fiscal years or in the period since the end of the most recent fiscal year.
During the Company's fiscal 1998 year, Coopers merged with Price
Waterhouse LLP and subsequently changed its name to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
("PWC").
PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors, upon recommendation of its Audit Committee, has
appointed the firm of PWC to serve as independent public accountants of the
Company for the fiscal year ending August 28, 1999. Although stockholder
approval is not required, the Board of Directors has directed that such
appointment be submitted to the stockholders of the Company for ratification at
the Annual Meeting. PWC has served as independent public accountants of the
Company with respect to the Company's consolidated financial statements for the
fiscal year ending August 29, 1998 and is considered by management of the
Company to be well qualified. If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment
of PWC, the Board of Directors may reconsider the appointment.
Representatives of PWC will be present at the Annual Meeting. They will
have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will be
available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.
Ratification of the appointment of PWC requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares of Common Stock and Series C Stock, voting together as a
class, present by proxy or in person and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be considered as a vote for or against
the proposal and therefore will have no effect on the outcome of the proposal.
Proxies will be voted for or against such approval in accordance with
specifications marked thereon, and if no specification is made, the proxies will
be voted for such approval.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THE STOCKHOLDERS
VOTE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THIS PROPOSAL.
-13-
<PAGE>
FURTHER INFORMATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Set forth below is information with respect to the nominees for director.
RICHARD P. RIFENBURGH has served as Chairman of the Board of Moval
Management Corporation since 1968. Moval Management Corporation is a management
consulting firm which specializes in restoring companies in financial distress.
From February 1989 until May 1991 Mr. Rifenburgh served as Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer of MiniScribe Corporation, a publicly-held holding
company and manufacturer of computer disc drives. From 1987 to 1990 he was a
General Partner at Hambrecht and Quist Venture Partners, a venture capital
organization. From 1988 to 1990 he was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of Ironstone Group, Inc., a publicly-held company. Mr. Rifenburgh
currently serves as a director of Concurrent Computer Corporation, which files
reports with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"). Mr. Rifenburgh is also a member of the Board of
Directors of St. George Crystal Ltd., a major manufacturer of fine quality
crystal products, and CyberGuard Corporation, a provider of security software, a
publicly-held company which files reports with the Commission pursuant to the
Exchange Act. In June 1998, Mr. Rifenburgh was elected to the Board of Directors
of ARIS TECHNOLOGIES Inc. A private company located in Cambridge, Massachusetts,
ARIS is an industry leader in proprietary digital audio watermarking systems and
solutions. None of the companies set forth above with which Mr. Rifenburgh has
been affiliated are, or have been, affiliates of the Company.
ROBERT R. SPARACINO has served as president and director of Sparacino
Associates, Inc. a management consulting firm, since 1981. Prior to forming
Sparacino Associates, Inc., Dr. Sparacino was a senior officer of Xerox
Corporation. Dr. Sparacino has also served, and currently serves, as a director
of several privately-held companies, principally in connection with services
rendered by Sparacino Associates, Inc. Dr. Sparacino currently serves as a
director of Power Designs, Inc., which files reports with the Commission
pursuant to the Exchange Act. Dr. Sparacino is also a member of the Board of
Directors of St. George Crystal Ltd., a major manufacturer of fine quality
crystal products. None of the companies with which Dr. Sparacino has been
affiliated are, or have been, affiliates of the Company.
JAY J. SHETH was elected to the Board of Directors in January 1996. Mr.
Sheth became the Managing Director of Starion International Limited ("Starion
U.K.") in 1984. Starion U.K. is a manufacturer and distributor of fragrances and
cosmetics based in the United Kingdom and is owned by the Sheth Group. From 1979
to March 1993 Mr. Sheth was Managing Director of S&J Perfume Company, Ltd., a
supplier of fragrance products based in the United Kingdom which sold
principally to distributors in the Middle East and to the Company. Mr. Sheth has
been a Managing Director of Starion Cosmetics Limited since 1991 and a Director
of Star Group Services Limited, a services company, since 1995. Since 1994 Mr.
Sheth has been a Director of Plus One Design Limited. S&J Perfume Company, Ltd.,
Starion Cosmetics Limited, Star Group Services Limited and Plus One Design
Limited are entities owned and controlled by the Sheth Group. Mr. Sheth is also
a director of Unistar International Limited.
-14-
<PAGE>
VIREN S. SHETH currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
He became a director as well as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company on December 3, 1992. Mr. Sheth served as President, Chief Executive
Officer and a director of Eurostar Perfumes, Inc. ("Eurostar") from August 1992
until the merger of Eurostar with and into the Company (the "Merger") in August
1995. From 1983 to August 1992 Mr. Sheth was a director of S&J Perfume Company,
Ltd., a supplier of fragrance products based in the United Kingdom which sold
principally to distributors in the Middle East and to the Company. Mr. Sheth is
also a director of Unistar International Limited.
AARON ZUTLER was elected to the Board of Directors in August 1995. Mr.
Zutler is president and founder of Marketing Congress, Inc., an international
marketing consulting and new product development firm. Mr. Zutler is also a
member of the Board of Directors of St. George Crystal Ltd., a major
manufacturer of fine quality crystal products. He is also president of MCI
Advertising, which creates advertising promotional campaigns for a diverse group
of marketers in the consumer products field. On July 1, 1995, Mr. Zutler was
appointed to the Board of Directors of Eurostar where he served until the Merger
on August 31, 1995.
B.J. HARID was elected to the Board of Directors in April 1997. Mr. Harid
holds a masters degree in Business Management from the Asian Institute of
Management, Philippines. From 1990 to 1991 he held the post of Regional Director
- - - East Europe for Jumbo Electronics, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (sole
distributor for SONY in the Middle East). Mr. Harid held the position of
Executive Officer for Vinelec Group of Companies, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
from July 1991 to October 1996. He is currently a director with Unistar
International LLC, a Sheth Group-controlled company.
ROBERT A. LERMAN was elected to the Board of Directors in September 1998.
Since 1997, Mr. Lerman has been President and a Director of Pioneer Ventures
Corp., the managing member of the general partner of various related investment
company partnerships. Since 1993, Mr. Lerman has been President and a Director
of Pioneer Partners Corp., a privately-held corporation and the general partner
of an investment partnership. In 1988, he founded Pioneer Capital Corp., a
privately-held venture capital corporation, and has served as a Director,
Secretary and Treasurer since its inception. Mr. Lerman has served since 1978 as
Director and President of Thermodynetics, Inc., a publicly-held company engaged
in manufacturing and marketing heat exchanger components and energy saving
devices.
-15-
<PAGE>
INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following is a list of the executive officers of the Company as of December
11, 1998, their ages, positions and offices with the Company, and periods during
which they have served in such positions and offices:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION WITH THE COMPANY OFFICER SINCE
------ ----- --------------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Viren S. Sheth 49 Director and Chief Executive Officer December 1992
Richard R. Howard 57 President and Chief Operating Officer December 1997
Robert M. Viola 52 Executive Vice President, December 1997
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
and Assistant Secretary
Peter C. Liman 59 Vice President, Marketing August 1995
Stephen Naar 48 Vice President, Latin American Division December 1998
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Viren S. Sheth's business background is set forth above under "Information
with Respect to Nominees for Director."
RICHARD R. HOWARD joined the Company in December 1997 as Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer. In July 1998, he was named President and
Chief Operating Officer. From August 1995 to December 1997 Mr. Howard served as
Director, Strategic Services Consulting for KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, and held a
consultancy position as Chief Operating Officer with JABRA Corporation, a
high-technology startup company. Mr. Howard served as a Senior Vice President of
Operations for Chesebrough Ponds USA Co., and also as Executive Vice President
of World-Wide Operations for Elizabeth Arden, Inc. from March 1992 to May 1995,
both being divisions of Unilever PLC. From September 1989 to March 1992, Mr.
Howard was Senior Vice President, Operations for Somerset Knitting Mills Inc., a
division of the Phillips-Van Heusen Corp.
ROBERT M. VIOLA joined the Company in December 1997 as Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer. In September 1998, he was named Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer. From June 1995 to January 1997, Mr. Viola
served in the dual capacity of President and Chief Financial Officer of Zotos
Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of professional hair and skin care
products and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shisiedo Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan).
From May 1990 to June 1995 Mr. Viola served as Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of Zotos Corporation. From May 1983 to February 1990, Mr.
Viola served in the capacity of Corporate Controller of Faberge USA, Inc. and
Elizabeth Arden USA, Inc.
PETER C. LIMAN has served as Vice President, Marketing since August 1995.
From December 1982 to July 1995 Mr. Liman served as Vice President, Marketing
for Del Pharmaceuticals Inc., a division of Del Laboratories, Inc., a
publicly-held company located in Farmingdale, New York.
-16-
<PAGE>
STEPHEN NAAR joined the Company in January 1995 and has served as Vice
President, Latin American Division since September 1996. From 1991 to 1994, Mr.
Naar was Vice President of Yale de Mexico, a privately owned apparel
manufacturing company.
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS AMONG DIRECTORS, NOMINEES AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Viren S. Sheth, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company and
Jay J. Sheth, director, are unrelated. Viren S. Sheth is the brother of three
members of the Sheth Group. Jay J. Sheth is the son of a member of the Sheth
Group.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee has furnished the following report on the
Company's executive compensation policies. This report describes the
Compensation Committee's compensation policies applicable to the Company's
executive officers and provides specific information regarding the compensation
of the Company's Chief Executive Officer. (The information contained in this
"Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation" shall not be deemed to
be "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the Commission, nor shall such
information be incorporated by reference into any future filings under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the Exchange Act,
except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference
into such filing.)
The Compensation Committee is comprised of Richard P. Rifenburgh, Aaron
Zutler and Viren S. Sheth, and administers and oversees all aspects of the
Company's executive compensation policy and reports its determinations to the
Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee's overall goal is to develop
executive compensation policies that are consistent with, and linked to,
strategic business objectives and Company values.
In fiscal 1998, the total compensation program for the Company's top
executives, approved by the Company's Board of Directors, consisted of a base
salary and bonus for each of such executives.
BASE SALARY PROGRAM
It is the Company's policy to establish salaries at a level approximating
the average of the competitive levels in comparable organizations and to provide
annual salary increases reflective of the executive's performance, level of
responsibility and position with the Company. Subsequent to the Company's merger
with Eurostar in 1995, Viren S. Sheth's annual base salary was increased from
$150,000 to $385,000 in recognition of his increased responsibilities as a
result of such merger. In 1998, Viren S. Sheth received a base salary of
$385,000.
-17-
<PAGE>
ANNUAL INCENTIVE
Each year, the Compensation Committee evaluates the performance of the
Company as a whole, as well as the performance of each individual executive.
Factors considered include revenue growth and cost control. The Compensation
Committee does not utilize formalized mathematical formulae, nor does it assign
weightings to these factors. The Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion,
determines the amount, if any, of incentive payments to each executive. The
Compensation Committee believes that the Company's growth in revenue and cost
control require subjectivity on the part of the Committee when determining
incentive payments. The Compensation Committee believes that specific formulae
restrict flexibility. Viren S. Sheth did not receive a bonus from the Company
for fiscal 1998.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Richard P. Rifenburgh
Aaron Zutler
Viren S. Sheth
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Sheth Group is the beneficial owner of approximately 73.3% of the
Company's Common Stock. Viren S. Sheth, although not a member of the Sheth
Group, is the brother of three members of the Sheth Group. Viren S. Sheth
disclaims beneficial ownership of shares beneficially owned by the Sheth Group.
On April 24, 1997, the Board of Directors elected Mr. Rifenburgh, Aaron Zutler
and Viren S. Sheth to the Compensation Committee. Viren S. Sheth is the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company.
-18-
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth certain information
concerning compensation for fiscal years ended August 31, 1996, August 30, 1997
and August 29, 1998 of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and four other most
highly compensated executive officers (the "named executive officers").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION AWARDS
-------------------------
NAME AND PRINCIPAL FISCAL OTHER ANNUAL ALL OTHER
POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) COMPENSATION(1) OPTIONS(#) COMPENSATION ($)
-------- ---- --------- -------- ------------- --------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Viren S. Sheth ............................ 1998 $385,000 -- -- -- $16,110 (2)
Chief Executive 1997 $385,000 -- -- -- $16,784 (2)
Officer................................. 1996 $389,519 -- -- 480,000 $15,499 (2)
Richard R. Howard (3) ..................... 1998 $146,154 $ 60,000 $ 40,500 200,000 $ 3,935 (4)
1997 -- -- -- -- --
President & Chief Operating Officer..... 1996 -- -- -- -- --
Robert M. Viola (3) ....................... 1998 $116,250 $ 35,000 $ 33,000 125,000 $ 3,935 (4)
1997 -- -- -- -- --
Executive Vice ......................... 1996 -- -- -- -- --
President & Chief Financial Officer
Peter C. Liman ............................ 1998 $120,000 $ 15,000 -- 125,000 $ 6,234 (5)
Vice President 1997 $105,769 -- -- -- $ 9,476 (5)
Marketing .............................. 1996 $100,000 -- -- -- $ 1,820 (5)
Stephen Naar .............................. 1998 $132,693 $ 15,000 -- -- $ 8,675 (6)
Vice President 1997 $122,492 $ 36,312 -- 50,000 $ 6,631 (6)
Latin America .......................... 1996 $107,231 $ 10,200 -- -- $ 6,636 (6)
--------
</TABLE>
(1) Excludes perquisites and other benefits if the aggregate amount of such
compensation is less than the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the annual
salary and bonus reported for the named executive officer.
(2) The amounts are comprised of (i) contributions to the Company's 401(k)
Plan in the amounts of $5,553 in 1998, $9,500 in 1997 and $7,500 in 1996
and (ii) premiums paid by the Company for insurance not generally
available to all Company employees in the amounts of $10,557 in 1998,
$7,284 in 1997 and $7,999 in 1996.
(3) Mr. Howard and Mr. Viola each joined the Company in December 1997.
(4) The amounts are comprised of premiums paid by the Company for insurance
not generally available to all Company employees in the amounts of $3,935
in 1998.
(5) The amounts are comprised of (i) contributions to the Company's 401(k)
Plan in the amounts of $3,333 in 1998
and $7,656 in 1997 and (ii) premiums paid by the Company for insurance not
generally available to all Company employees in the amounts of $2,901 in
1998, $1,820 in 1997, and $1,820 in 1996.
(6) The amounts are comprised of (i) contributions to the Company's 401(k)
Plan in the amounts of $3,429 in 1998, $1,285 in 1997, and $1,168 in 1996
and (ii) premiums paid by the Company for insurance not generally
available to all Company employees in the amounts of $5,246 in 1998,
$5,246 in 1997, and $5,218 in 1996.
-19-
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS IN 1998 FISCAL YEAR
The following table provides information concerning grants of stock
options by the Company to the named executive officers in fiscal 1998. The
Company has not granted any stock appreciation rights.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
VALUE
AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES
OF STOCK PRICE
INDIVIDUAL APPRECIATION
GRANTS THE OPTION TERM
------ ---------------
PERCENTAGE OF
TOTAL
OPTIONS
GRANTED
TO EXERCISE
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN PRICE EXPIRATION
NAME GRANTED (# FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARE) DATE 5%($) 10%($)
------ ----------- ----- ---------- ---------- ------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Viren S. Sheth -- -- -- -- -- --
Richard R Howard 200,000 61.5 10.375 12/08/07 1,473,954 3,845,217
Robert M. Viola 125,000 38.5 10.500 12/01/07 932,320 2,432,215
Peter C. Liman -- -- -- -- -- --
Stephen Naar -- -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
OPTION EXERCISES IN 1998 FISCAL YEAR AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUE
The following table provides information concerning options exercised in
fiscal 1998 by the named executive officers and the value of such officer's
unexercised options at August 29, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS AT IN THE MONEY OPTIONS AT
FISCAL YEAR END (#) FISCAL YEAR END ($)(1)
---------------------------- ---------------------------
SHARES
ACQUIRED
ON VALUE
EXERCISE REALIZED
NAME (#) ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
------------ ----------- ----- ---------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Viren S. Sheth - - 320,000 160,000 539,840 269,920
Richard R. - - - 200,000 - -
Howard
Robert M. Viola - - - 125,000 - -
Peter C. Liman - - 50,000 75,000 118,750 53,125
Stephen Naar - - 20,000 30,000 - -
</TABLE>
(1) The "value" of any option set forth in the table above is determined by
subtracting the amount which must be paid upon exercise of the options
from the market value of the underlying Common Stock as of August 29, 1998
(based on the closing sales price as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market).
-20-
<PAGE>
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Richard R. Howard, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company,
and the Company are parties to a two-year employment agreement, dated effective
September 1, 1998, pursuant to which Mr. Howard will receive an initial base
salary of $250,000 per annum, and an annual bonus opportunity of up to 40% of
his base salary. In connection with this employment agreement, Mr. Howard
received an option to purchase up to 50,000 shares of Common Stock, which vested
immediately.
Robert M. Viola, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
the Company, and the Company are parties to a two year employment agreement,
dated effective September 1, 1998, pursuant to which Mr. Viola will receive an
initial base salary of $190,000 per annum, and annual bonus opportunity of up to
25% of his base salary. In connection with this employment agreement, Mr. Viola
received an option to purchase up to 25,000 shares of Common Stock, which vested
immediately.
Other than as set forth above, there are no compensatory plans or
arrangements with respect to any individual named in the Summary Compensation
Table above or otherwise which would result from the resignation, retirement or
any other termination of such individual's employment with the Company or a
change in the individual's responsibilities following a change in control.
-21-
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The Company has utilized the Center for Research in Security Prices
("CRSP") Total Return Index for the NASDAQ Stock Market. The following
performance graph compares the performance of the Company's Common Stock to CRSP
Total Return Index for the NASDAQ Stock Market and to a Cosmetics/Sundries Index
for the five-year period from August 30, 1993 through August 29, 1998. The
Cosmetics/Sundries Index is comprised of all NASDAQ listed companies having the
three digit standard industry classification code 284, which relates to
perfumes, cosmetics and toilet preparations products. The graph assumes that the
value of the investment in the Company's Common Stock and each Index was 100 at
August 30, 1993 and that all dividends were reinvested.
[INSERT GRAPH]
LEGEND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SYMBOL CRSP TOTAL RETURNS INDEX FOR: 08/31/93 08/31/94 08/31/95 08/31/96 08/31/97 08/31/98
- - ------ ----------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- - --------- [] TRISTAR CORPORATION 100.0 71.6 100.0 131.8 188.6 113.6
o o o----o * Nasdaq Stock Market (US Companies) 100.0 104.1 140.2 158.1 220.5 209.7
- - - - - - - ^ NASDAQ Stocks (SIC 2840-2849 US + Foreign) 100.0 112.5 150.4 222.0 185.6 124.2
Soap, Detergents, and Cleaning Preparations; Perfumes, Cosmetics
</TABLE>
NOTES:
A. The lines represent monthly index levels derived from compound daily
returns that include all dividends.
B. The indexes are reweighted daily, using the market capitalization on the
previous trading day.
C. If the monthly interval, based on the fiscal year-end, is not a trading
day, the preceding trading day is used.
D. The index level for all series was set to $100.0 on 08/31/93.
The foregoing graph is based on historical data and is not necessarily
indicative of future performance. This graph shall not be deemed to be
"soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the Commission or subject to
Regulations 14A and 14C under the Exchange Act, as amended, or to the
liabilities of Section 18 under the Exchange Act.
-22-
<PAGE>
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's directors,
executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of the Company's Common
Stock to file with the Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of
changes in ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company.
Based solely upon a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 and amendments thereto furnished
to the Company with respect to fiscal 1998, the Company believes that its
officers, directors and holders of more than 10% of the Company's Common Stock
complied with Section 16(a) filing requirements, except: B.J. Harid, Richard R.
Howard, Robert M. Viola and Jay J. Sheth each filed a Form 3 late; and Richard
P. Rifenburgh and Robert Sparacino each filed a Form 4 late, each reporting a
single option grant.
INVOLVEMENT IN CERTAIN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As previously disclosed, a federal grand jury in Greenville, South Carolina
examined the events relating to the previously undisclosed ownership interest of
the Sheth Group and other issues. In March 1994, the Company entered into an
agreement with federal authorities pursuant to which the Company was not
prosecuted in connection with the matters under investigation by the grand jury.
The Company and the Sheth Group, which holds beneficial ownership of 73.3% of
the Company's Common Stock, principally through its ownership of Transvit and
Starion B.V.I., actively cooperated with the federal inquiry. The Company's
agreement with the federal authorities is contingent upon continued cooperation
by the Company and companies affiliated with the Sheth Group.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Company's then President and current
Chief Executive Officer, Viren S. Sheth, pled guilty to a technical infraction
in connection with causing the disclosure violation. Jay J. Sheth, a Director of
the Company and the Managing Director of Starion U.K., which is owned by the
Sheth Group, pled guilty to a technical infraction in connection with causing
the disclosure violation. The agreement with federal authorities acknowledges
that these individuals were unaware of the legal requirement that was violated.
These infractions were the lowest possible level of federal charge, and did not
subject them to any term of incarceration.
Starion B.V.I., an entity owned by the Sheth Group that holds beneficial
ownership of 16.8% of the Company's Common Stock, pled guilty to a felony in
connection with the failure to disclose its ownership interest.
In November 1994, Starion B.V.I., was sentenced to five years of probation
and required to pay to the U.S Government $5.5 million in lieu of a forfeiture
of 2,013,174 of its holdings of shares of Common Stock of the Company. In
connection therewith, Starion B.V.I. has made payments of $2.2 million on a
promissory note with an original principal amount of $3.5 million, with the
balance to be paid in full by May 17, 2000. The promissory note also required
Starion B.V.I. to place in escrow 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock to secure the
payments, 400,000 shares of which presently remain in escrow. Starion B.V.I.
retains all rights to vote and dispose of the shares placed in escrow and the
right to receive dividends on those Shares.
-23-
<PAGE>
In November 1994, Viren S. Sheth was sentenced to one year of probation. The
sentence imposed was based on an infraction for violating (without knowledge
thereof) 17 C.F.R. ss. 240.13d-1 and 15 U.S.C. ss. 78ff by aiding, abetting and
causing the Sheth Group's failure to disclose, prior to September 1992, its
ownership of more than 5 % of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company.
In November 1994, Jay J. Sheth was sentenced to one year of probation. The
sentence imposed was based on an infraction for violating (without knowledge
thereof) 17 C.F.R. ss. 240.13d-1 and 15 U.S.C. ss. 78ff by aiding, abetting and
causing the Sheth Group's failure to disclose, prior to September 1992, its
ownership of more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company.
The United States Attorney's information charging Viren S. Sheth and Jay J.
Sheth with these violations expressly provided that they did not have knowledge
of either of these regulations. The court imposed the following conditions of
probation: (1) complying with all federal and state securities laws; and (2)
directing and insuring that Starion B.V.I. make all required forfeiture payments
under the promissory note and plea agreement. The sentencing concluded all
outstanding criminal proceedings with respect to the above named persons.
In June 1992, the Company, Jay J. Sheth, Viren S. Sheth, Starion B.V.I. and
other Sheth Group affiliates were advised that they were the subject of an
investigation by the staff of the Commission regarding the non-disclosure of the
share holdings of the Sheth Group, as well as potential accounting
irregularities and other matters. In September 1995, the Company, Jay J. Sheth,
Viren S. Sheth and other Sheth Group affiliates, without admitting or denying
the allegations of the Commission, consented to the entry of an administrative
order agreeing to cease and desist from future violations of the federal
securities laws.
Except for the matters discussed above, none of the Company's directors,
nominees, officers or affiliates, nor any beneficial owner of more than 5% of
the Company's Common or Preferred Stock, nor any associate of any such
directors, nominees, officers, affiliates or 5% stockholders, is a party adverse
to the Company or has a material interest adverse to the Company in any material
legal proceeding.
FREITAS AND KENNER
In October 1994, a suit was filed in Florida state court against the Company
and two of its directors by Ross Freitas, Carolyn Kenner, Rose Freitas and
Melissa Freitas. The complaint alleged causes of action by two plaintiffs for
libel and sought indemnification of legal costs allegedly incurred by those
plaintiffs in suits and proceedings arising from the facts which were the
subject of the investigation conducted by the Special Committee of the Board of
Directors in 1992. The complaint also alleged, on behalf of all four plaintiffs,
that the Company's disclosures relating to the Sheth Group's holding of Company
stock and other matters were fraudulent or negligently misrepresented. In April
1995, the court dismissed the complaint without prejudice, in part due to the
plaintiffs' failure to state a claim for relief. In May 1995 the plaintiffs
refiled the complaint, asserting many of the same claims and in June 1996,
amended their complaint yet again, naming only the Company and one of its
directors as defendants. In October 1998, the court dismissed the claims against
the Company's director. The Company intends to dispute these allegations
vigorously and believes that ultimate disposition of the case will not have a
material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of
operations.
-24-
<PAGE>
SHETH GROUP
At August 29, 1998, a majority of the Company's Common Stock (73.3 %),
continued to be controlled by the Sheth Group, principally through its ownership
and control of Transvit, Nevell and Starion B.V.I.
TRANSACTIONS WITH SHETH GROUP AFFILIATES
During fiscal 1998 the Company purchased approximately $4,227,000 of
finished goods and fragrance product components from the Sheth Group affiliates.
At August 29, 1998, the Company had outstanding payables to the Sheth Group
affiliates in the amount of $5,185,000.
During fiscal 1998 the Company sold products to the Sheth Group affiliates
in the amount of $6,557,000. At August 29, 1998, the Company had receivables
outstanding from the Sheth Group affiliates
of $3,607,000.
DIRECTOR FEES
For fiscal 1998 the Company incurred approximately $279,000 in fees to
current directors, Richard P. Rifenburgh, Robert R. Sparacino and Aaron Zutler.
These fees were paid directly to the directors, with the exception of $94,669
which was paid to Dr. Sparacino through his company, Sparacino Associates, Inc.
These fees relate to the participation of Messrs. Rifenburgh and Zutler and Dr.
Sparacino in meetings of the Company's Board and committees. As of August 29,
1998, approximately $27,000 of these fees had not yet been paid.
FINANCING OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
The Company is currently indebted to the Sheth Group in the amount of $1.7
million in the form of subordinated long-term debt. The proceeds of such debt
was utilized by the Company in the settlement of the previously disclosed
(December 1993) stockholder class action litigation.
The loans from the Sheth Group mature in ten years, with interest payable
annually and principal payable 20% at the end of year eight, 20% at the end of
year nine and the remaining 60% at the end of year ten. These loans bear
interest at 6.36% to 8.23% per annum and are subordinated to indebtedness of the
Company owed to its senior lenders. In March 1998, the Company and the Sheth
Group reached an agreement to eliminate the future accrual of any interest on
the remaining indebtedness.
Pursuant to an agreement entered into in connection with the settlement
agreement, the Sheth Group was granted warrants for the right to purchase up to
2,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock within ten years of the date of
issuance. The initial per share price of the Common Stock under the warrants is
$5.34 and it increases by 10% per year after year seven.
The Company also extended until August 31, 2003, the exercise date of
previously issued Common Stock warrants held by an affiliate of the Sheth Group
to purchase 400,000 shares of the Company's Common
Stock.
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<PAGE>
In 1993, Transvit, a Sheth Group affiliate, entered into a lending
arrangement with Eurostar (now merged into the Company), whereby Eurostar could
borrow up to $9 million at an interest rate of 4.5% per annum. Effective
December 11, 1996, the outstanding debt of $4.7 million was exchanged for
666,529 shares of the Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. Such stock
carries a preferred distribution in the event of liquidation of $7.00 per share
with a cumulative dividend of $0.315 per share, convertible at $7.00 per share
into the Company's Common Stock. The conversion price approximated the closing
bid price of the Company's Common Stock as reported by NASDAQ on the date of
this transaction. The Company can redeem the shares of Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock at any time for S7.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid
dividends. At August 29, 1998, cumulative dividends in arrears on the Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock approximated $343,000.
In a subsequent transaction effective February 21, 1997, Nevell, a Sheth
Group affiliate and the holder of a subordinated long-term promissory note in
the principal amount of $4,000,000, converted $3,500,000 of such note into
120,690 shares of the Company's Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. The Series
B Convertible Preferred Stock has cumulative preferred dividends of $2.03 per
share and a preferred liquidation distribution of $29.00 per share plus accrued
and unpaid dividends. Each share of the Series B Preferred Stock is convertible,
at the option of Nevell, into four shares of the Company's Common Stock. The
Company can redeem the shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock at any
time for $29.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. At August 29,
1998, cumulative dividends in arrears on the Series B Convertible Preferred
Stock approximated $366,000.
On February 21, 1997, the closing bid of the Company's Common Stock as
reported by NASDAQ was $9 11/32. At that date, the Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock carried a beneficial conversion feature of $2 3/32, the
difference between the conversion price and the closing bid price. The value of
the beneficial conversion feature has been reflected in the financial statements
of the Company in a manner similar to that for a dividend to the preferred
shareholder. Accordingly, the Company has recorded a charge to retained earnings
and an increase in the value of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock in the
amount of $ 1,011,000. Additionally, as a result of the conversion, the Company
wrote off $270,000 of warrant valuation costs attributable to the converted
debt. This charge has also been recorded to retained earnings in a manner
consistent with that for the beneficial conversion feature described above.
PROPOSALS FOR NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
The deadline for submission of stockholder proposals pursuant to Rule 14a-8
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Rule 14a-8"), for
inclusion in the Company's proxy statement for its 2000 annual meeting of
stockholders is September 16, 1999. After December 1, 1999, notice to the
Company of a stockholder proposal submitted otherwise than pursuant to Rule
14a-8 will be considered untimely, and the person named in proxies solicited by
the Board of Directors of the Company for its 2000 Annual meeting of
Stockholders may exercise discretionary authority voting power with respect to
any such proposal as to which the Company does not receive timely notice.
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<PAGE>
OTHER MATTERS
Management of the Company does not know of any matters to be brought before
the Annual Meeting other than the matters set forth in the Notice of Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and described herein. However, if any other matters
should properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the
enclosed form of proxy will have discretionary authority to vote all proxies
with respect thereto in accordance with their best judgment.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RICHARD R. HOWARD
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
DATED: JANUARY 14, 1999
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<PAGE>
TRISTAR CORPORATION
PROXY -- ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS -- February 10, 1999
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Please mark, sign, date and return in the enclosed envelope.
The undersigned stockholder of Tristar Corporation (the "Company") hereby
appoints Viren S. Sheth, Richard R. Howard and Robert M. Viola, or each of them,
P proxies of the undersigned with full power of substitution to vote at the
Annual Meeting R of Stockholders of the Company to be held on Wednesday,
February 10, 1999, at O 10:00 a.m., Central Standard Time, at the Company's
corporate office, 12500 X San Pedro Avenue, Suite 500, San Antonio, Texas, and
at any adjournment thereof, the Y number of votes which the undersigned would be
entitled to cast if personally present:
(1) ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
FOR [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY [ ]
all nominees listed below to vote for all nominees
(except as marked below) listed below
Viren S. Sheth Richard P. Rifenburgh
Aaron Zutler Jay J. Sheth
Robert R. Sparacino B.J. Harid
Robert R. Lerman
INSTRUCTIONS: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE,
DRAW A LINE THROUGH OR STRIKE OUT THAT NOMINEE'S NAME AS
SET FORTH ABOVE.
(2) Proposal to ratify the appointment of PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP
as the Company's Independent Public Accountants for the fiscal
year ending August 28, 1999
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
<PAGE>
(3) To consider and act upon any other matter which may properly come
before the meeting or any adjournment thereof;
all as more particularly described in the Proxy Statement dated
January 14, 1999, relating to such meeting, receipt of which is
hereby acknowledged.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner
directed herein by the undersigned stockholder. If no direction is made,
this proxy will be voted FOR the nominees listed in Proposal 1 and FOR
Proposal 2.
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Signature of Stockholder(s)
Please sign your name exactly as it appears
hereon. Joint owners must each sign. When
signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please
give your full title as it appears hereon.
Dated __________________________, 1999.
