As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 7, 1999
Registration Statement No. 333-67703
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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AMENDMENT No. 1
TO
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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BE Aerospace, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DELAWARE 3728 06-1209796
<S> <C> <C>
(State or other jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Classification Code Number) Identification Number)
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</TABLE>
1400 Corporate Center Way
Wellington, Florida 33414
(561) 791-5000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of registrant's principal executive offices)
Thomas P. McCaffrey
Chief Financial Officer
BE Aerospace, Inc.
1400 Corporate Center Way
Wellington, Florida 33414
(561) 791-5000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of registrant's principal executive offices)
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with copies to:
Rohan S. Weerasinghe
Shearman & Sterling
599 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10022
(212) 848-4000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As
soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If the securities registered on this form are to be offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. |_|
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an
offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. |_|
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule
462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities
Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration
statement for the same offering. |_|
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date
or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 9(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933, or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a).
================================================================================
<PAGE>
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED JANUARY 7, 1999
The information in the prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not
sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell
these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in
any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
[LOGO]
Offer to Exchange
all outstanding 9 1/2% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2008
($200,000,000 aggregate principal
amount outstanding)
for
9 1/2% Series B Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2008 of
BE Aerospace, Inc.
TERMS OF EXCHANGE OFFER
o Expires 5:00 p.m., New York City time, , 1999, unless
extended
o Not subject to any condition other than that the Exchange Offer not
violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the
Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission
o All outstanding notes that are validly tendered and not validly
withdrawn will be exchanged
o Tenders of outstanding notes may be withdrawn any time period to
5:00 p.m. on the business day prior to expiration of the Exchange
Offer
o The exchange of notes will not be a taxable exchange for the U.S.
federal income tax purposes
o We will not receive any proceeds from the Exchange Offer
o The terms of the notes to be issued are substantially identical to
the outstanding notes, except for certain transfer restrictions and
registration rights relating to the outstanding notes
-------------------
See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 23 for a discussion of certain
matters that should be considered by prospective investors.
-------------------
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of the notes to be distributed in the
exchange offer, nor have any of these organizations determined that this
Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
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The date of this Prospectus is , 1999
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
Forward-Looking Statements. ...................................................2
Where You Can Find More Information............................................3
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference................................3
Summary........................................................................5
Risk Factors..................................................................23
Use of Proceeds...............................................................29
The Exchange Offer............................................................29
Capitalization................................................................36
Selected Financial Data.......................................................37
Pro Forma Combined Financial Data.............................................40
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations..............................................47
Business......................................................................56
Management....................................................................71
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management................75
Description of Certain Indebtedness...........................................77
Description of the New Notes..................................................79
Plan of Distribution.........................................................102
Legal Matters................................................................102
Experts......................................................................102
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Prospectus includes forward-looking statements. We have based these
forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about
future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks,
uncertainties, and assumptions about us, including, among other things:
o Our anticipated growth strategies,
o Our expected internal growth,
o Our intention to introduce new products,
o Technological advances in our industry,
o Anticipated trends and conditions in our industry, including
regulatory reform,
o Our ability to integrate acquired businesses,
o Our ability to implement a Year 2000 readiness program,
o Our future capital needs and
o Our ability to compete, including internationally.
We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions,
the forward-looking events discussed in this Prospectus might not occur.
--------------------
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<PAGE>
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). As a result, we file
periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). You may read and copy reports, proxy
statements and other information we file at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary
Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the regional offices of the Commission
located at 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and Suite
1400, Northwestern Atrium Center, 14th Floor, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago,
Illinois 60661. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further
information on the public reference facilities. Copies of documents we file can
also be obtained at prescribed rates by writing to the Commission, Public
Reference Section, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also
access this information electronically through the Commission's web page on the
Internet at http://www.sec.gov. This web cite contains reports, proxy statements
and other information regarding registrants such as ourselves that have filed
electronically with the Commission. Our Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq
National Market. As a result, you can also read and copy information we file at
the offices of Nasdaq Operations, 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
This Prospectus constitutes a part of a registration statement (the
"Registration Statement") filed by us with the Commission under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). As permitted by the rules and
regulations of the Commission, this Prospectus does not contain all of the
information contained in the Registration Statement and the exhibits and
schedules thereto. Therefore, we make in this Prospectus reference to the
Registration Statement and to the exhibits and schedules thereto. For further
information about us and about the securities we hereby offer, you should
consult the Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto. You
should be aware that statements contained in this Prospectus concerning the
provisions of any documents filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or
otherwise filed with the Commission are not necessarily complete, and in each
instance reference is made to the copy of such document so filed. Each such
statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference.
The indenture governing the outstanding notes provides that we will
furnish to the holders of the notes copies of the periodic reports required to
be filed with the Commission under the Exchange Act. Even if we are not subject
to the periodic reporting and informational requirements of the Exchange Act, we
will make such filings to the extent that such filings are accepted by the
Commission. We will make these filings regardless of whether we have a class of
securities registered under the Exchange Act. Furthermore, we will provide the
Trustee for the notes and the holders of the notes within 15 days after such
filings with annual reports containing the information required to be contained
in Form 10-K, and quarterly reports containing the information required to be
contained in Form 10-Q promulgated by the Exchange Act. From time to time, we
will also provide such other information as is required to be contained in Form
8-K promulgated by the Exchange Act. If the filing of such information is not
accepted by the Commission or is prohibited by the Exchange Act, we will then
provide promptly upon written request, and at our cost, copies of such reports
to prospective purchasers of the notes.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Commission allows us to incorporate by reference the information
we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you
by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference
is considered to be part of this Prospectus, and information that we file later
with the Commission will automatically update and supersede this information. We
incorporate by reference into this Prospectus the following documents or
information filed with the Commission (File No. 000-18348):
(a) the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended February 28, 1998 (the "1998 10-K"), filed with the
Commission on May 29, 1998, as amended by the amendment to the 1998
10-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 1998, and as further
amended by the amendment to the 1998 10-K filed with the Commission
on December 21, 1998.
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(b) the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended May 30, 1998 (the "1st Quarter 10-Q"), filed
with the Commission on July 14, 1998, as amended by the amendment to
the 1st Quarter 10-Q filed with the Commission on December 18, 1998
and the quarter ended August 29, 1998 (the "2nd Quarter 10-Q"),
filed with the Commission on September 25, 1998, as amended by the
amendment to the 2nd Quarter 10-Q filed with the Commission on
December 18, 1998.
(c) the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on April
13, 1998, April 27, 1998, May 8, 1998, August 24, 1998 and November
18, 1998, respectively.
(d) all documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13
(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date
of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is part and
prior to the effectiveness thereof or subsequent to the date of this
Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering made hereby.
As noted above, any statement contained in this Prospectus, or in
any documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purpose of this
Prospectus to the extent that a subsequent statement contained in this
Prospectus or in any subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to
be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus modifies or supersedes such
statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed,
except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
This Prospectus incorporates documents by reference which are not
presented herein or delivered herewith. These documents are available without
charge upon written or oral request from Thomas P. McCaffrey, Chief Financial
Officer of the Company at the Company's principal executive offices located at
1400 Corporate Center Way, Wellington, Florida 33414, telephone number (561)
791-5000.
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This Exchange Offer is not being made to, nor will we accept
surrenders for exchange from, holders of outstanding notes in any jurisdiction
in which this Exchange Offer or the acceptance thereof would not be in
compliance with the Securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdiction.
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<PAGE>
SUMMARY
This Summary may not contain all the information that may be
important to you. You should read the entire Prospectus, including the financial
data and related notes, before making an investment decision. The terms "B/E,"
the "Company," "our company" and "we" as used in this Prospectus refer to "BE
Aerospace, Inc." and its subsidiaries as a combined entity, except where it is
made clear that such term means only the parent company. References to a fiscal
year end relate to a year ending on the last Saturday in February (for example,
fiscal 1998 refers to our fiscal year ended February 28, 1998). Market share
information in this Prospectus is based upon industry sources or knowledge of
the industry and on our dollar sales for the twelve months ended August 29,
1998, except for market shares for commercial aircraft seats and in-flight
entertainment systems, which are determined on the basis of installed base as of
August 29, 1998. The market share information does not include markets in the
former Soviet Union and will vary, sometimes significantly, from year to year.
Investors should carefully consider the information set forth under the heading
"Risk Factors." In addition, certain statements include forward-looking
statements which involve risks and uncertainties. See "Forward-Looking
Statements."
The Exchange Offer
We completed on November 2, 1998 the private offering of $200
million of 9 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008. We entered into a
registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers in the private
offering in which we agreed, among other things, to deliver to you this
Prospectus and to complete the Exchange Offer within 150 days of the issuance of
the 9 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008. You are entitled to exchange in
the Exchange Offer your outstanding notes for registered notes with
substantially identical terms. If the Exchange Offer is not completed within 150
days of the issuance of the 9 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008, then the
interest rates on the notes will be increased to 10% per year. You should read
the discussion under the heading "Summary Description of the New Notes" and
"Description of the New Notes" for further information regarding the registered
notes.
We believe that the notes issued in the Exchange Offer may be resold
by you without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery
provisions of the Securities Act, subject to certain conditions. You should read
the discussion under the headings "Summary of the Terms of Exchange Offer" and
"The Exchange Offer" for further information regarding the Exchange Offer and
resale of the notes.
The Company
Our company is the world's largest manufacturer of commercial and
general aviation aircraft cabin interior products. We serve virtually all major
airlines and a wide variety of general aviation customers and airframe
manufacturers. Our management believes that our company has achieved leading
global market positions and significant market shares in each of its major
product categories, which include:
o commercial aircraft seats, including an extensive line of
first class, business class, tourist class and commuter
aircraft seats, with a market share of 50%;
o food and beverage preparation and storage equipment, with
market shares of:
-- 90% in coffee makers,
-- 90% in refrigeration equipment and
-- 50% in ovens;
o aircraft interior structures, such as galleys and crew rests,
with a market share of 15%;
o oxygen delivery systems, with a market share of 50%;
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o general aviation interior products, with market shares of
-- 60% in executive aircraft seats,
-- 85% in indirect overhead lighting systems and
-- 90% in air valves; and
o in-flight entertainment systems, with a market share of
-- 35% in individual-passenger in-flight entertainment
systems.
In addition, we offer our customers in-house capabilities to design,
project manage, integrate, install, test and certify reconfigurations and
modifications to commercial aircraft passenger cabin interiors and to
manufacture related products, including engineering kits and interface
components. We also provide upgrade, maintenance and repair services for our
airline customers around the world.
Our company has substantially expanded the size, scope and nature of
its business as a result of a number of acquisitions. Since 1989, we have
completed 15 acquisitions, including six in fiscal 1999, for an aggregate
purchase price of approximately $680 million in order to:
o increase our cabin interior product and service offerings;
o expand our activities from the commercial to the general
aviation market; and
o position our company as the preferred global supplier to our
customers.
The acquisitions we have consummated to date have allowed us to
reduce costs, principally by integrating manufacturing facilities, or to
leverage our established customer relationships by selling more products through
our integrated sales force, or both. The largest of the six transactions we have
completed to date in fiscal 1999 was the acquisition of SMR Aerospace, Inc. and
its affiliates ("SMR") for a total aggregate purchase price of approximately
$141.5 million. SMR is a leader in providing design, integration, installation
and certification services associated with the reconfiguration of commercial
aircraft passenger cabin interiors. We believe that the acquisition of SMR
complements our cabin interior product manufacturing capabilities. In addition,
our management believes such acquisition positions our company as the only
company in the industry able to offer its customers the complete range of
products and services required for major cabin interior reconfigurations and
modifications. This range extends from the conceptualization and engineering
design of new cabin interiors, to the supply of cabin interior products, through
the management of the integration, final installation and certification
processes.
As of August 29, 1998, our backlog was approximately $700 million,
compared with a backlog of $560 million on February 28, 1998 and $420 million on
February 22, 1997. Of our backlog at August 29, 1998, approximately 43% is
deliverable by the end of fiscal 1999 and 51% of our total backlog was with
North American carriers, approximately 22% was with European carriers and
approximately 20% was with Asian carriers. Of such Asian carrier backlog, $34
million is deliverable in fiscal 1999. Approximately $35 million of the total
Asian carrier backlog was with Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Cathay
Pacific, three of the largest Asian public airlines, each with a total equity
market capitalization of at least $3.0 billion as of October 20, 1998.
In fiscal 1998, approximately 92% of our total revenues were derived
from major airlines and 8% of our total revenues were derived from airframe
manufacturers. Approximately 61% of our revenues for fiscal 1998 were from
refurbishment and upgrade orders.
During the six months ended August 29, 1998, our company had
revenues of $296.3 million and operating earnings before acquisition-related
expenses of $42.3 million, an increase of 27% in revenues and 45% in operating
earnings before acquisition-related expenses over the six months ended August
30, 1997. During the
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fiscal year ended February 28, 1998, our company had revenues of $488.0 million
and operating earnings of $58.7 million, an increase of 18% in revenues and 38%
in operating earnings over the fiscal year ended February 22, 1997.
Competitive Strengths
We believe that we have a strong competitive position attributable
to a number of factors, including the following:
Leading Market Shares and Significant Installed Base. We believe our
leading market positions in each of our major product categories
provide us with significant competitive advantages in serving our
customers. Such advantages include economies of scale and the
ability to commit greater product development, global product
support and marketing resources. Furthermore, because of economies
of scale, in part attributable to our large market shares and our
approximate $4.7 billion installed base of cabin interior equipment
(valued at replacement prices as of August 29, 1998), we believe we
are among the lowest cost producers in the cabin interior products
industry. We also believe that our large installed base provides our
company with a significant advantage over competitors in obtaining
orders for retrofit and refurbishment programs, principally because
airlines tend to purchase replacement equipment from the original
supplier. In addition, because of the need for compatible spare
parts at airline maintenance depots and the desire of airlines to
maximize fleet commonality, a single vendor is typically used for
all aircraft of the same type operated by a particular airline.
Combination of Manufacturing and Cabin Interior Design Services. We
have continued to expand our products and services, believing that
the airline industry increasingly will seek an integrated approach
to the design, development, integration, installation, testing and
sourcing of aircraft cabin interiors. We believe that we are the
only manufacturer of a broad technologically advanced line of cabin
interior products that also has interior design capabilities. Based
on our established reputation for quality, service and product
innovation among the world's commercial airlines, we believe that we
are well positioned to provide "one-stop shopping" to these
customers. This maximizes sales opportunities for our company and
increases the convenience and value of the service provided to our
customers.
Technological Leadership/New Product Development. Our management
believes that we are a technological leader in our industry, with
the largest R&D organization in the industry comprised of
approximately 725 engineers. We believe that our R&D effort and our
on-site engineers at both the airlines and airframe manufacturers
enable our company to play a leading role in developing and
introducing innovative products to meet emerging industry trends and
needs. This allows us to gain early entrant advantages and
substantial market shares. Examples of such product development
include:
o the introduction of several premium and main cabin class
seats, which we believe are lighter in weight and provide
greater comfort as a result of their ergonomic design and
pre-engineered individual passenger comfort features;
o our family of individual passenger distributed video systems,
which we believe to be superior to existing operational
systems in terms of performance, reliability, weight, heat
generation and flexibility to adapt to changing technology;
o a cappuccino/espresso maker;
o a quick chill wine cooling system; and
o a constant-pressure, steam cooking oven, which we believe
substantially improves the appearance, aroma and taste of
airline food.
Our two individual passenger distributed video systems are designed
to meet the varying technological and price specifications of the
airlines. We also have a new interactive entertainment system in
final development stage and a joint venture with Harris Corporation
to develop and deliver live broadcast television (LiveTV(TM)) to
domestic narrow-body commercial aircraft.
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Proven Track Record of Acquisition Integration. We have demonstrated
the ability to make strategic acquisitions and successfully
integrate such acquired businesses by identifying opportunities to
consolidate engineering, manufacturing and marketing activities, as
well as rationalizing product lines. Between 1989 and January 1996,
our company acquired nine companies. We have integrated the
acquisitions by eliminating 11 operating facilities and
consolidating personnel at the acquired businesses, resulting in
headcount reductions of approximately 1,300 employees through
January 1998. Our integration activities, coupled with our
re-engineering program, have helped to improve our gross and
operating margins (before non-recurring expenses). During the
five-year period ended February 28, 1998 our gross margin increased
from 33.0% to 36.7% and our operating margin (before non-recurring
expenses) increased from 10.5% to 13.0%. During fiscal 1999, we
acquired six companies, including Aerospace Interiors, Inc.,
Puritan-Bennett Aero Systems Co., Aircraft Modular Products,
Aerospace Lighting Corporation, SMR Aerospace, Inc. and its
affiliates and CF Taylor Interiors Limited and one of its
affiliates, to broaden our product lines, to expand our activities
from the commercial to the general aviation market and to position
our Company as the preferred global supplier to our customers. The
aggregate purchase price of all acquisitions made by our company
since 1989 is approximately $680 million. While our company will
continue to be susceptible to industry-wide conditions, our
management believes that our significantly more diversified product
line and revenue base achieved through acquisitions has reduced our
exposure to demand fluctuations in any one product area within the
industry.
Growth Opportunities
We believe that we are benefitting from four major growth trends in
the aerospace industry:
Increase in Refurbishment and Upgrade Orders. Our substantial
installed base provides significant ongoing revenues from
replacements, upgrades, repairs and spare parts. Approximately 61%
of our revenues for the year ended February 28, 1998 were derived
from refurbishment and upgrade orders. We believe that we are well
positioned to benefit over the next several years as a result of the
airlines' dramatically improved financial condition and liquidity
and the need to refurbish and upgrade cabin interiors following a
deferral of cabin interior maintenance expenditures in the late
1980s and early 1990s. A significant portion of our recent growth in
backlog, revenues and operating earnings has been from refurbishment
and upgrade programs. We are currently experiencing a high level of
new order quote activity related to such programs.
Expansion of Worldwide Fleet and Shift Toward Wide-Body Aircraft.
Airlines have been purchasing a significant number of new aircraft
in part due to current high load factors and the projected growth in
worldwide air travel. Shipments of aircraft interior products will
grow with new aircraft deliveries.
o According to the Current Market Outlook published by the
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group in 1998, worldwide air
travel growth is projected to average 5% per year over the
next ten years and the worldwide fleet of commercial
passenger aircraft is projected to expand from approximately
10,845 at the end of 1997 to approximately 15,900 by the end
of 2007 and to approximately 23,500 by the end of 2017.
o According to the February 1998 Airline Monitor, the
percentage of new Boeing aircraft deliveries projected to be
wide-body aircraft for 1998 through 2002 is 42% as compared
to 37% for the five-year period ended December 31, 1997. This
shift toward wide-body aircraft is significant to us since
these aircraft require as much as seven times the dollar
value of cabin interior products as do narrow-body aircraft,
including substantially more seats, galley equipment and
in-flight entertainment products.
General Aviation and VIP Aircraft Fleet Expansion and Related
Retrofit Opportunities. General aviation and VIP airframe
manufacturers are experiencing a surge in new aircraft deliveries
similar to that occurring in the commercial aircraft industry.
o According to industry sources, executive aircraft deliveries
amounted to 241 units in calendar 1996 and were approximately
348 in calendar 1997.
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o Industry sources indicate that executive aircraft deliveries
are expected to be approximately 450 in calendar 1998 and
should reach approximately 545 per year by the year 2000.
Several new aircraft models, including the Visionaire
Vantage, Cessna Citation Excel, the Boeing Business Jet,
Global Express and Airbus Business Jet, have been or are
expected to be introduced over the next several years.
o Advances in engine technology and avionics and emergence of
fractional ownership of executive aircraft are all important
growth factors.
In addition to new aircraft deliveries, because we believe we have
been designated as the preferred supplier of seating products and
fluorescent lighting systems of essentially every general aviation
airframe manufacturer, we believe that we are well positioned to
capitalize on retrofit opportunities in the general aviation and VIP
aircraft fleet, which consists of approximately 10,000 aircraft with
an average age of approximately 15 years.
Emergence of Individual Passenger In-flight Entertainment Systems as
a Major New Product Category. Airlines increasingly are demanding
individual passenger in-flight entertainment systems to attract and
retain customers, as the availability of such service affects
passengers' decisions on airline selection. These systems also
provide the airlines with the opportunity to generate increased
revenues, without raising ticket prices, by charging passengers for
the services used. We expect that in-flight entertainment systems,
including the new technology designed to deliver live broadcast
television on domestic narrow-body aircraft, will be one of the
fastest growing and among the largest product categories in the
commercial aircraft cabin interior products industry.
Business Strategy
Our business strategy is to maintain our leadership position and
best serve our customers by:
o offering the broadest and most integrated product lines and
services in the industry, including not only new product and
follow-on product sales, but also design, integration,
installation and certification services, as well as
maintenance, upgrade and repair services;
o pursuing a worldwide marketing approach focused by airline
and general aviation airframe manufacturer and encompassing
our entire product line;
o pursuing the highest level of quality in every facet of our
operations, from the factory floor to customer support,
o remaining the technological leader in our industry, as well
as significantly growing our installed base of products in
the developing in-flight individual passenger entertainment
market;
o enhancing our position in the growing upgrade, maintenance,
inspection and repair services market; and
o pursuing selective strategic acquisitions in the commercial
aircraft and general aviation cabin interior products
industries.
Recent Developments
Recent Acquisitions. For the fiscal year 1999 to date, we have
completed six strategic acquisitions intended to further enhance our
leadership position in the commercial aircraft and general aviation
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cabin interior products industries. A brief description of each of
these acquisitions is as follows:
o On March 27, 1998, we acquired Aerospace Interiors, Inc. for
a total of 201,895 shares of Common Stock, representing a
purchase price of approximately $5.6 million. Aerospace
Interiors services, cleans and repairs aircraft interior
parts and products, and is a leading provider of seat repair
and maintenance services performed by non-airline entities.
o On April, 13, 1998, we acquired Puritan-Bennett Aero Systems
Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nellcor Puritan Bennett
Inc., for a cash purchase price of $69.7 million.
Puritan-Bennett is a leading manufacturer of commercial
aircraft oxygen delivery systems and passenger service unit
components and systems and is a major supplier of air valves,
overhead lights and switches for both commercial and general
aviation aircraft.
o On April 21, 1998, we acquired Aircraft Modular Products for
a cash purchase price of $117.3 million. Aircraft Modular
Products is a leading manufacturer of cabin interior products
for general aviation (business jet) and commercial-type VIP
aircraft, providing a broad line of products including
seating, sidewalls, bulkheads, credenza, closets, galley
structures. lavatories, tables and sofas, as well as related
spare parts.
o On July 30, 1998, we acquired Aerospace Lighting Corporation
for a total of 964,780 shares of Common Stock, representing a
purchase price of approximately $28.1 million. Aerospace
Lighting is a market leader in producing interior fluorescent
lighting systems for business and corporate jet aircraft.
o On August 7, 1998, we acquired the common stock of SMR for a
total aggregate purchase price of approximately $141.5
million. SMR is a leader in providing design, integration,
installation and certification services for commercial
aircraft passenger cabin interiors. SMR provides a broad
range of interior reconfiguration services that allow
airlines to change the size of certain classes of service,
modify and upgrade the seating, install telecommunications or
entertainment options, relocate galleys, lavatories, and
overhead bins, and install crew rest compartments. SMR is
also a supplier of structural design and integration
services, including airframe modifications for
passenger-to-freighter conversions. In addition, SMR provides
a variety of niche products and components that are used for
reconfigurations and conversions. SMR Aerospace's services
are performed primarily on an aftermarket basis, and its
customers include major airlines, such as United Airlines,
Japan Airlines, British Airways, Air France, Cathay Pacific
and Qantas, as well as Boeing, Airborne Express and Federal
Express.
o On September 3, 1998, we acquired substantially all of the
galley equipment assets and certain property and assumed
related liabilities of CF Taylor Interiors Limited and
acquired the common stock of CF Taylor (Wales) Limited, both
wholly owned subsidiaries of EIS Group PLC, for a total cash
purchase price of approximately (pound)14.9 million
(approximately $25.1 million, based upon the exchange rate in
effect on September 3, 1998), subject to adjustments. CF
Taylor is a manufacturer of galley equipment for both narrow-
and wide-body aircraft, including galley structures, crew
rests and related spare parts.
Senior Subordinated Notes Offering. On November 2, 1998, the Company
sold $200 million of 9 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (the
"9 1/2% Notes") in a private offering. The net proceeds less
estimated debt issue costs received by the Company from the sale of
the 9 1/2% Notes were approximately $193.7 million. The Company used
approximately $118.0 million of the net proceeds from the offering
of the 9 1/2% Notes (the "Offering"), to repurchase four million
shares (the "SMR Shares") of the Company's common stock previously
issued to the selling stockholders
10
<PAGE>
in connection with the acquisition of SMR. The remainder of the net
proceeds were used for the repayment of approximately $75.0 million
of outstanding borrowings under the Company's bank credit
facilities.
The Company paid for the acquisition of SMR by issuing the SMR
Shares (then valued at approximately $30 per share) to the former
stockholders of SMR and paying them $2.0 million in cash. The
Company also paid $22.0 million in cash to the employee stock
ownership plan of a subsidiary of SMR Aerospace to purchase the
minority equity interest in such subsidiary held by the ESOP and
agreed on final purchase adjustments of approximately $0.5 million,
bringing the total aggregate purchase price paid by the Company for
SMR Aerospace to approximately $141.5 million. The Company agreed to
register for sale with the Securities and Exchange Commission the
SMR Shares. If the net proceeds from the sale of the shares, which
included the $2.0 million in cash already paid, was less than $120.0
million, subject to adjustment, the Company agreed to pay such
difference to the selling stockholders in cash. The Company's
obligations to the selling stockholders were secured by an
irrevocable stand-by letter of credit from The Chase Manhattan Bank
in favor of the selling stockholders. This letter of credit could
have been drawn upon after December 31, 1998 if the selling
stockholders had not received net proceeds of $120.0 million,
including the $2.0 million in cash already paid, from the sale of
the SMR Shares. Because of the market price for the Company's common
stock and the Company's payment obligation to the selling
stockholders described above, the Company decided to repurchase the
SMR Shares with approximately $118.0 million of the proceeds from
the sale of the 9 1/2% Notes (representing the net proceeds of
$120.0 million the Company was obligated to pay the selling
stockholders, less the $2.0 million in cash the Company already paid
them) instead of registering them for sale. In connection with the
repurchase of the SMR Shares, the irrevocable stand-by letter of
credit was returned to The Chase Manhattan Bank. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
The 9 1/2% Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations of
the Company and are subordinated to all senior indebtedness of the
Company and mature on November 1, 2008. Interest on the 9 1/2% Notes
is payable semiannually in arrears May 1 and November 1 of each
year. The 9 1/2% Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company,
in whole or in part, at any time after November 1, 2003 at
predetermined redemption prices together with accrued and unpaid
interest through the date of redemption. Upon a change of control
(as defined), each holder of the 9 1/2% Notes may require the
Company to repurchase such holder's 9 1/2% Notes at 101% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the
date of such purchase. The 9 1/2% Notes contain certain restrictive
covenants, all of which were met by the Company as of August 29,
1998, including limitations on future indebtedness, restricted
payments, transactions with affiliates, liens, dividends, mergers
and transfers of assets.
Earnings Release. On December 17 , 1998, the Company announced its
financial results for the third quarter ended November 28, 1998. The
following summarizes such operating results.
Net sales for the fiscal 1999 third quarter were $195.8 million, up
52 percent versus fiscal 1998 third quarter sales of $129.0 million.
Third quarter gross profit of $75.6 million (38.6% of sales) was up
62 percent from the fiscal 1998 third quarter level of $46.7 million
(36.2% of sales). For the fiscal 1999 third quarter, B/E reported
operating earnings of $31.2 million, an increase of 90 percent over
the prior year. As described below, the Company has adjusted
acquisition-related expenses recorded in prior periods, resulting in
an increase in current-period amortization expense of $2.2 million,
or seven cents per share (diluted), over what would have been
recorded prior to this adjustment. Earnings and earnings per share
(diluted) were $16. 5 million and 59 cents for the period, an
increase of 75 percent and 48 percent, respectively, over the prior
year's results of $9.4 million and 40 cents per share (diluted).
The Company recently consulted with the SEC staff regarding the
allocation of the purchase price of its fiscal 1999 acquisitions to
in-process research and development expenses and the write-off of
11
<PAGE>
such amounts. On the basis of these discussions, the Company has
reduced acquisition-related expenses by approximately $90 million
and increased intangible assets by a like amount. While the change
has no cash impact, the Company has adjusted its previously reported
operating results for the first two quarters of fiscal 1999 by
increasing amortization expense by $2.1 million, decreasing
acquisition-related expenses by $90 million, and decreasing the net
loss and net loss per share by $88.3 million and $3.57,
respectively. This reallocation of the purchase price resulted in an
increase in amortization expense of $2.2 million, or seven cents per
share (diluted), in the third quarter results as announced on
December 17, 1998 over what would have been recorded prior to this
adjustment.
Sales for the first nine months of fiscal 1999 were $492. 1 million,
up 36 percent from the fiscal 1998 nine-month period. Likewise,
gross profit for the first nine months of fiscal 1999 of $187.1
million was up 42 percent versus the prior year of $131.9 million
while the gross margin expanded to 38.0% of sales versus 36.4%
reported last year. For the 1999 nine-month period, adjusted to
exclude acquisition-related expenses, B/E reported earnings of $36.3
million, or $1.41 per share (diluted), versus $24.5 million, or
$1.04 per share (diluted), in fiscal 1998, a year-over-year increase
of 48 percent and 36 percent, respectively. For the 1999 nine-month
period, B/E reported a net loss of $(42.9) million or $(1.72) per
share (diluted), versus earnings of $24.5 million, or $1.04 per
share (diluted), in fiscal 1998.
Although complete financials for the third quarter of fiscal 1999
are not yet available, the following table sets forth consolidated
unaudited financial results of the Company for the nine months ended
November 29, 1997 and unaudited consolidated financial results for
the Company for the nine months ended November 28, 1998. The table
also sets forth the unaudited consolidated financial results for the
three months ended November 29, 1997 and November 28, 1998. The
following summary third quarter financial data should be read in
conjunction with B/E's financial statements, including the notes
thereto, and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" included, or incorporated by
reference, elsewhere in this Prospectus.
12
<PAGE>
B/E Aerospace, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
----------------------- ------------------------
Nov. 28, Nov. 29, Nov. 28, Nov. 29,
1998 1997 1998 1997
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 195,751 $ 128,998 $ 492,094 $ 362,687
Cost of sales 120,141 82,348 305,004 230,825
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit 75,610 46,650 187,090 131,862
Percent 38.6% 36.2% 38.0% 36.4%
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general and administrative 21,674 15,082 58,715 43,017
Research, development and engineering 16,085 12,438 40,827 34,988
Amortization 6,624 2,666 16,038 8,195
In-process research and development,
and acquisition-related expenses -- -- 79,155 --
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Operating Expenses 44,383 30,186 194,735 86,200
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating earnings (loss) 31,227 16,464 (7,645) 45,662
Percent 16.0% 12.8% nm 12.6%
Interest expense, net 11,370 5,368 27,816 16,899
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes 19,857 11,096 (35,461) 28,763
Income taxes 3,376 1,664 7,428 4,311
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net earnings (loss) $ 16,481 $ 9,432 $ (42,889) $ 24,452
========= ========= ========= =========
Basic earnings (loss) per share $ .61 $ .41 $ (1.72) $ 1.10
========= ========= ========= =========
Weighted average common shares 27,195 22,760 24,946 22,316
========= ========= ========= =========
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share $ .59 $ .40 $ (1.72) $ 1.04
========= ========= ========= =========
Weighted average common and
potentially dilutive common shares 27,766 23,808 24,946 23,539
========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
----------------------
B/E's executive offices are located at 1400 Corporate Center Way,
Wellington, Florida 33414, and its telephone number is (561) 791-5000.
13
<PAGE>
Summary of the Terms of the Exchange Offer
The Exchange Offer relates to the exchange of up to $200 million
aggregate principal amount of outstanding notes for an equal aggregate principal
amount of new notes. The new notes will be obligations of the Company entitled
to the benefits of the indenture governing the outstanding notes. The form and
terms of the new notes are identical in all material respects to the form and
terms of the outstanding notes except that the new notes have been registered
under the Securities Act, and therefore are not entitled to the benefits of the
registration rights granted under the registration rights agreement, executed as
part of the offering of the outstanding notes, dated November 2, 1998 among the
Company and the initial purchasers in the private offering, including Merrill
Lynch & Co., BT Alex. Brown, Chase Securities Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston,
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter and Paine Webber Incorporated, relating to certain
contingent increases in the interest rates provided for pursuant thereto.
Registration Rights Agreement................ You are entitled to exchange your
notes for registered notes with
substantially identical terms. The
Exchange Offer is intended to
satisfy these rights. After the
Exchange Offer is complete, you
will no longer be entitled to any
exchange or registration rights
with respect to your notes.
The Exchange Offer........................... We are offering to exchange $1,000
principal amount of 9 1/2% Series
B Senior Subordinated Notes due
2008 which have been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933
for each $1,000 principal amount
of our outstanding 9 1/2% Series B
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008
which were issued in November 1998
in a private offering. In order to
be exchanged, an outstanding note
must be properly tendered and
accepted. All outstanding notes
that are validly tendered and not
validly withdrawn will be
exchanged.
As of this date there are $200
million principal amount of notes
outstanding.
We will issue registered notes on
or promptly after the expiration
of the Exchange Offer.
Resale of the New Notes...................... Based on an interpretation by the
staff of the Commission set forth
in no-action letters issued to
third parties, including "Exxon
Capital Holdings Corporation"
(available May 13, 1988), "Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated"
(available June 5, 1991), "Mary
Kay Cosmetics, Inc." (available
June 5, 1991) and "Warnaco, Inc."
(available October 11, 1991), we
believe that the notes issued in
the exchange offer may be offered
for resale, resold and otherwise
transferred by you without
compliance with the registration
and prospectus delivery provisions
of the Securities Act of 1933
provided that:
- the notes issued in the
Exchange Offer are being
acquired in the ordinary course
of business;
- you are not participating, do
not intend to participate, and
have no arrangement or
understanding with any person
to participate, in the
distribution of the notes
issued to you in the Exchange
Offer;
- you are not a broker-dealer who
purchased such outstanding
notes directly from us for
resale pursuant to Rule 144A or
any other available exemption
under the Securities Act of
1933; and
14
<PAGE>
- you are not an "affiliate" of
ours.
If our belief is inaccurate and
you transfer any note issued to
you in the Exchange Offer without
delivering a prospectus meeting
the requirement of the Securities
Act of 1933 or without an
exemption from registration of
your notes from such requirements,
you may incur liability under the
Securities Act of 1933. We do not
assume or indemnify you against
such liability.
Each broker-dealer that is issued
notes in the Exchange Offer for
its own account in exchange for
notes which were acquired by such
broker-dealer as a result of
market-making or other trading
activities, must acknowledge that
it will deliver a prospectus
meeting the requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, in
connection with any resale of the
notes issued in the Exchange
Offer. The Letter of Transmittal
states that by so acknowledging
and by delivering a prospectus,
such broker-dealer will not be
deemed to admit that it is an
"underwriter" within the meaning
of the Securities Act. A
broker-dealer may use this
Prospectus for an offer to resell,
resale or other retransfer of the
notes issued to it in the Exchange
Offer. We have agreed that, for a
period of 180 days after the date
of this Prospectus, we will make
this Prospectus and any amendment
or supplement to this Prospectus
available to any such
broker-dealer for use in
connection with any such resales.
We believe that no registered
holder of the outstanding notes is
an affiliate (as such term is
defined in Rule 405 of the
Securities Act) of the Company.
The Exchange Offer is not being
made to, nor will we accept
surrenders for exchange from,
holders of outstanding notes in
any jurisdiction in which this
Exchange Offer or the acceptance
thereof would not be in compliance
with the securities or blue sky
laws of such jurisdiction.
Expiration Date.............................. The Exchange Offer will expire at
5:00 p.m., New York City time,
, 1999, unless we
decide to extend the expiration
date.
Accrued Interest on the Exchange Notes
and the Outstanding Notes.............. The new notes will bear interest
from November 2, 1998. Holders of
outstanding notes whose notes are
accepted for exchange will be
deemed to have waived the right to
receive any payment of interest on
such outstanding notes accrued
from November 2, 1998 to the date
of the issuance of the new notes.
Consequently, holders who exchange
their outstanding notes for new
notes will receive the same
interest payment on May 1, 1999
(the first interest payment date
with respect to the outstanding
notes and the new notes to be
issued in the Exchange Offer) that
they would have received had they
not accepted the Exchange Offer.
Termination of the Exchange Offer............ We may terminate the Exchange
Offer if we determine that our
ability to proceed with the
Exchange Offer could be materially
impaired due to any legal or
governmental action, new law,
statute, rule or regulation or any
interpretation of the staff of the
Commission of any existing law,
statute, rule or regulation. We do
not expect any of the
15
<PAGE>
foregoing conditions to occur,
although there can be no assurance
that such conditions will not
occur. Holders of outstanding
notes will have certain rights
against our Company under the
registration rights agreement
executed as part of the offering
of the outstanding notes should we
fail to consummate the Exchange
Offer.
Procedures for Tendering
Outstanding Notes...................... If you are a holder of a note and
you wish to tender your note for
exchange pursuant to the Exchange
Offer, you must transmit to The
Bank of New York, as exchange
agent, on or prior to the
Expiration Date:
either
- a properly completed and duly
executed Letter of Transmittal,
which accompanies this
Prospectus, or a facsimile of
the Letter of Transmittal,
including all other documents
required by the Letter of
Transmittal, to the Exchange
Agent at the address set forth
on the cover page of the Letter
of Transmittal; or
- a computer-generated message
transmitted by means of DTC's
Automated Tender Offer Program
system and received by the
Exchange Agent and forming a
part of a confirmation of book
entry transfer in which you
acknowledge and agree to be
bound by the terms of the
Letter of Transmittal;
and, either
- a timely confirmation of
book-entry transfer of your
outstanding notes into the
Exchange Agent's account at The
Depository Trust Company
("DTC") pursuant to the
procedure for book-entry
transfers described in this
Prospectus under the heading
"The Exchange Offer--Procedure
for Tendering," must be
received by the Exchange Agent
on or prior to the Expiration
Date; or
- the documents necessary for
compliance with the guaranteed
delivery procedures described
below.
By executing the Letter of
Transmittal, each holder will
represent to us that, among other
things, (i) the notes to be issued
in the Exchange Offer are being
obtained in the ordinary course of
business of the person receiving
such new notes whether or not such
person is the holder, (ii) neither
the holder nor any such other
person has an arrangement or
understanding with any person to
participate in the distribution of
such new notes and (iii) neither
the holder nor any such other
person is an "affiliate," as
defined in Rule 405 under the
Securities Act of the Company.
Special Procedures for Beneficial
Owners................................. If you are the beneficial owner of
notes and your name does not
appear on a security position
listing of DTC as the holder of
such notes or if you are a
beneficial owner of registered
notes that are registered in the
name of a broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or
other nominee and you wish to
tender such notes or registered
notes in the Exchange Offer, you
should contact such
16
<PAGE>
person whose name your notes or
registered notes are registered
promptly and instruct such person
to tender on your behalf. If such
beneficial holder wishes to tender
on his own behalf such beneficial
holder must, prior to completing
and executing the Letter of
Transmittal and delivering its
outstanding notes, either make
appropriate arrangements to
register ownership of the
outstanding notes in such holder's
name or obtain a properly
completed bond power from the
registered holder. The transfer of
record ownership may take
considerable time.
Guaranteed Delivery Procedures............... If you wish to tender your notes
and time will not permit your
required documents to reach the
Exchange Agent by the Expiration
Date, or the procedure for
book-entry transfer cannot be
completed on time or certificates
for registered notes cannot be
delivered on time, you may tender
your notes pursuant to the
procedures described in this
Prospectus under the heading "The
Exchange Offer--Guaranteed
Delivery Procedure."
Withdrawal Rights............................ You may withdraw the tender of
your notes at any time prior to
5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
, 1999, the business day
prior to the Expiration Date,
unless your notes were previously
accepted for exchange.
Acceptance of Outstanding Notes and
Delivery of Exchange Notes............. Subject to certain conditions (as
summarized above in "Termination
of the Exchange Offer" and
described more fully under "The
Exchange Offer--Termination"), we
will accept for exchange any and
all outstanding notes which are
properly tendered in the Exchange
Offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the Expiration Date.
The notes issued pursuant to the
Exchange Offer will be delivered
promptly following the Expiration
Date.
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax
Consequences........................... The exchange of the notes will
generally not be a taxable
exchange for United States federal
income tax purposes. We believe
you will not recognize any taxable
gain or loss or any interest
income as a result of such
exchange.
Use of Proceeds.............................. We will not receive any proceeds
from the issuance of notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer. We
will pay all expenses incident to
the Exchange Offer.
Exchange Agent............................... The Bank of New York is serving as
exchange agent in connection with
the Exchange Offer. The Exchange
Agent can be reached at Corporate
Trust Trustee Administration, 101
Barclay Street, Floor 21W, New
York, NY 10286. For more
information with respect to the
Exchange Offer, the telephone
number for the Exchange Agent is
(212) 815- and the facsimile
number for the Exchange Agent is
(212) 815-6339.
17
<PAGE>
Summary Description of the New Notes
Notes Offered................................ $200,000,000 aggregate principal
amount of 9 1/2% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2008.
Maturity Date................................ November 1, 2008.
Interest Payment Dates....................... May 1 and November 1 of each year,
commencing May 1, 1999.
Ranking...................................... The notes will be unsecured senior
subordinated obligations and will
be subordinated to all our
existing and future senior
indebtedness. The notes will rank
equally with all our other
existing and future senior
subordinated indebtedness,
including our currently
outstanding 8% senior subordinated
notes due 2008 and 9 7/8% senior
subordinated notes due 2006, and
will rank senior to all our
subordinated indebtedness. The
notes effectively will rank junior
to all liabilities of our
subsidiaries. Because the notes
are subordinated, in the event of
bankruptcy, liquidation or
dissolution, holders of the notes
will not receive any payment until
holders of senior indebtedness
have been paid in full. The terms
"senior indebtedness" and
"subordinated indebtedness" are
defined in the "Description of the
New Notes--Subordination" and
"Description of the New
Notes--Certain Definitions"
sections of this Prospectus.
As of August 29, 1998, after
giving pro forma effect to the
offering of the outstanding notes
and our use of the net proceeds
from the offering and borrowings
related to certain acquisitions
and related costs, we would have
had outstanding $88.5 million of
senior indebtedness and $549.4
million of senior subordinated
indebtedness outstanding and our
subsidiaries would have had no
indebtedness outstanding.
Optional Redemption.......................... We may redeem the notes, in whole
or in part, at any time on or
after November 1, 2003, at the
redemption prices set forth in
this Prospectus.
Public Equity Offering Optional
Redemption............................. Before November 1, 2001, we may
redeem up to 35% of the aggregate
principal amount of the notes with
the net proceeds of a public
equity offering at 109 1/2% of the
principal amount thereof, plus
accrued interest, if at least 65%
of the aggregate principal amount
of the notes originally issued
remains outstanding after such
redemption. See "Description of
the New Notes--Optional
Redemption."
Change of Control............................ Upon certain change of control
events, each holder of notes may
require us to repurchase all or a
portion of its notes at a purchase
price equal to 101% of the
principal amount thereof, plus
accrued interest. See "Description
of the New Notes--Certain
Definitions" for the definition of
a Change of Control.
18
<PAGE>
Certain Covenants............................ The indenture governing the notes
will contain covenants that, among
other things, will limit our
ability and the ability of our
restricted subsidiaries to:
o incur additional indebtedness,
o incur additional senior
subordinated indebtedness,
o pay dividends on, redeem or
repurchase our capital stock,
o make investments,
o issue or sell capital stock of
restricted subsidiaries,
o engage in transactions with
affiliates,
o create certain liens,
o sell assets,
o guarantee indebtedness,
o restrict dividend or other
payments to us, and
o consolidate, merge or transfer
all or substantially all our
assets and the assets of our
subsidiaries on a consolidated
basis.
These covenants are subject to
important exceptions and
qualifications, which are
described under the heading
"Description of the New Notes" in
this Prospectus.
Exchange Offer; Registration Rights.......... Under a registration rights
agreement executed as part of the
offering of the outstanding notes,
we have agreed to:
o file a registration statement
within 30 days after the issue
date of the notes enabling note
holders to exchange the
privately placed notes for
publicly registered notes with
identical terms,
o use our best efforts to cause
the registration statement to
become effective within 120
days after the issue date of
the notes,
o consummate the exchange offer
within 150 days after the
effective date of our
registration date, and
o use our best efforts to file a
shelf registration statement
for the resale of the notes if
we cannot effect an exchange
offer within the time periods
listed above and in certain
other circumstances.
The interest rate on the notes
will increase if we do not comply
with our obligations under the
registration rights agreement. See
"The Exchange Offer."
Risk Factors................................. See "Risk Factors" for a
discussion of factors you should
carefully consider before deciding
to invest in the notes.
19
<PAGE>
Summary Financial Data
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
The following table presents our summary historical financial information
as of and for the fiscal years ended February 24, 1996, February 22, 1997 and
February 28, 1998. This data is from our audited consolidated financial
statements and notes. This table also presents our summary historical financial
information as of and for the six months ended August 30, 1997 and August 29,
1998. This data is from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statement
and notes, but, in the opinion of our management, includes all adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair
presentation of the financial position and results of operations for such
periods. Operating results for the six months ended August 30, 1997 and August
29, 1998 do not necessarily show what the results for a full year may be. Also
shown in the table is certain unaudited pro forma financial information for the
fiscal year ended February 28, 1998 and as of and for the six months ended
August 29, 1998, reflecting pro forma adjustments as described in the footnotes
to the table. Since the information in this table is only a summary, you should
read our historical financial statements and the related notes, which are
incorporated herein by reference, and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Pro Forma Combined Financial
Data" found elsewhere in this Prospectus. You should also read our financial
statements and other information filed with the SEC.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended
-------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Historical Pro Forma Historical Pro Forma
----------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------- ----------
Feb. 24, Feb. 22, Feb. 28, Feb. 28, August 30, August 29, August 29,
1996(a) 1997 1998 1998(b)(c) 1997 1998(d) 1998(b)(c)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statements of Operations Data:
Net sales ............................... $ 232,582 $ 412,379 $ 487,999 $ 680,741 $ 233,689 $ 296,343 $ 363,747
Cost of sales ........................... 160,031 270,557 309,094 436,594 148,477 184,863 228,258
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit 72,551 141,822 178,905 244,147 85,212 111,480 135,489
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative 42,000 51,734 58,622 75,144 27,935 37,041 46,403
Research, development and
engineering ................. 58,327(e) 37,083 45,685 58,065 22,550 24,742 28,402
Amortization expense .............. 9,499 10,607 11,265 21,339 5,529 9,414 11,121
In-process research and development
and acquisition-related
expenses .................... -- -- -- 79,155(h) -- 79,155(h) --
Other expenses .................... 4,170(f) -- 4,664(g) 6,664(g) -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating earnings (loss) ............... (41,445) 42,398 58,669 3,780 29,198 (38,872) 49,563
Interest expense, net ................... 18,636 27,167 22,765 54,909 11,531 16,446 26,796
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes,
extraordinary item and cumulative
effect of change in accounting
principle ......................... (60,081) 15,231 35,904 (51,129) 17,667 (55,318) 22,767
Income taxes ............................ -- 1,522 5,386 4,204 2,647 4,052 3,870
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary item 15,020 18,897
and cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle .............. (60,081) 13,709 30,518 (55,333) 15,020 (59,370) 18,897
Extraordinary item ...................... -- -- 8,956(i) 8,956(i) -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect
of change in accounting principle . (60,081) 13,709 21,562 (64,289) 15,020 (59,370) 18,897
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle ......................... (23,332)(e) -- -- -- -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net earnings (loss) ..................... $ (83,413) $ 13,709 $ 21,562 $ (64,289) $ 15,020 $ (59,370) $ 18,897
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Other Data:
Gross margin ............................ 31.2% 34.4% 36.7% 35.9% 36.5% 37.6% 37.2%
EBITDA(j) ............................... $ (18,840) $ 66,545 $ 87,493 $ 128,034 $ 41,663 $ 58,595 $ 70,643
Depreciation and amortization ........... 18,435 24,147 24,160 38,435 12,465 18,312 21,080
Capital expenditures .................... 13,656 14,471 28,923 35,989 11,656 20,210 21,613
Backlog, at period end(k) ............... 340,000 420,000 560,000 NM 525,000 700,000 NM
(continued on following page)
</TABLE>
20
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended
-------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Historical Pro Forma Historical Pro Forma
----------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------- ----------
Feb. 24, Feb. 22, Feb. 28, Feb. 28, August 30, August 29, August 29,
1996(a) 1997 1998 1998(b)(c) 1997 1998(d) 1998(b)(c)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Selected Ratios:
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(l)..... NM(m) 1.6x 2.5x 0.1x 2.5x NM(m) 1.8x
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense,
net(n).............................. NM 2.4x 3.8x 2.3x 3.6x 3.6x 2.6x
</TABLE>
August 29, 1998
------------------------------
Actual Pro Forma(b)(c)
------ ---------------
Balance Sheet Data (end of period):
Working capital........................... $182,464 $200,198
Total assets ............................. 901,168 963,395
Long-term debt ........................... 464,813 629,937
Stockholders' equity...................... 257,245 139,245
- -------------
(a) On January 24, 1996, we acquired all of the stock of Burns Aerospace
Corporation, an industry leader in commercial aircraft seating. The
acquisition of Burns was accounted for as a purchase. The results of
Burns are included in our historical financial data from the date of
acquisition.
(b) As adjusted to reflect the application of the net proceeds from this
offering to repurchase the 4,000,000 shares of our common stock issued to
the former stockholders of SMR and related costs associated with the
issuance of the notes.
(c) The pro forma combined statements of operations data for the fiscal year
ended February 28, 1998 and the six months ended August 29, 1998 gives
effect to the recent acquisitions of the Company which include (i) the
acquisition of SMR Aerospace, Inc. on August 7, 1998, (ii) the
acquisition of Puritan-Bennett Aero Systems on April 13, 1998, (iii) the
acquisition of Aircraft Modular Products on April 21, 1998 and (iv) the
acquisition of CF Taylor and one of its affiliates (together, "CF
Taylor") on September 3, 1998 and the refinancing of our 9 3/4% Senior
Notes due 2003 (which was completed on March 16, 1998), in each case as
if the acquisitions and the refinancing had occurred on February 23,
1997. The pro forma combined balance sheet as of August 29, 1998 assumes
that the acquisition of CF Taylor occurred on August 29, 1998. See "Pro
Forma Combined Financial Data."
(d) On March 27, 1998, we acquired Aerospace Interiors, Inc. On April 13,
1998, we acquired Puritan-Bennett Aero Systems Co. On April 21, 1998, we
acquired Aircraft Modular Products. On July 30, 1998, we acquired
Aerospace Lighting Corporation. On August 7, 1998, we acquired SMR
Aerospace, Inc. and its affiliates. The results of such acquisitions are
included in our historical financial data from the date of acquisition.
See "Summary--Recent Developments."
(e) In fiscal 1996, we changed our method of accounting relating to the
capitalization of precontract engineering costs. Previously our
precontract engineering costs were included as a component of inventories
and charged to earnings as the product was shipped. Effective February
26, 1995, such costs have been charged to research, development and
engineering and expensed as incurred. In connection with such change in
accounting, we recorded a charge to earnings of $23,332.
(f) In fiscal 1996, in conjunction with our rationalization of our seating
business and as a result of the Burns acquisition, we recorded a charge
to earnings of $4,170 related to costs associated with the integration
and consolidation of our European seating operations.
(g) In fiscal 1998, we settled a long-running dispute with the U.S.
Government over export sales between 1992 and 1995 to Iran Air. We
recorded a charge of $4,664 in fiscal year 1998 related to fines, civil
penalties and associated legal fees arising from the settlement. See
"Business--Legal Proceedings."
21
<PAGE>
(h) During the six months ended August 29, 1998, we recorded a charge of
$79,155 for the write-off of acquired in-process research and development
and acquisition-related expenses associated with the Puritan Bennett,
Aircraft Modular Products and SMR Aerospace transactions. These expenses
are reflected in the Pro Forma Combined Statements of Operations for the
year ended February 28, 1998 as the acquisitions are assumed to have
occurred on February 23, 1997. In addition, we engaged consultants to
assist in the allocation of the purchase price of CF Taylor. Based upon
the result of their work, the Company did not allocate any of the
purchase price of CF Taylor to in-process research and development.
In-process research and development expenses arise from new product
development projects that are in various stages of completion at the
acquired enterprise at the date of acquisition. In-process research and
development expenses for products under development at the date of
acquisition that had not established technological feasibility and for
which no alternative use is identified are written off.
(i) We incurred an extraordinary charge of $8,956 during fiscal year 1998 for
unamortized debt issue costs, tender and redemption premium and fees and
expenses related to the repurchase of our 9 3/4% Senior Notes due 2003.
(j) EBITDA represents net earnings before deducting extraordinary items,
income tax expenses, interest expense, net, other expenses, in-process
research and development and acquisition-related expenses and
depreciation and amortization expense. EBITDA is not a measurement in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. EBITDA is
presented to help you in fully analyzing our financial condition. These
data are not intended to be a substitute for net income (loss) or
operating cash flow as a measure of our profitability. EBITDA, as
presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other
companies.
(k) As adjusted to exclude certain backlog which was removed from bookings in
August 1997. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--Bookings and Backlog Information."
(l) For purposes of computing this ratio, earnings consist of earnings before
extraordinary items, income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges
consist of interest expense, capitalized interest and amortization of
deferred debt issuance costs.
(m) Earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $60,100 for the
fiscal year ended February 24, 1996 and by $55,800 for the six months
ended August 29, 1998. The insufficiencies were primarily the result of
the charge to earnings of $23,332 in Fiscal 1996 for the change in
accounting principal described in note (e) above and the charge of
$79,155 in Fiscal 1999 for the write-off of acquired in-process research
and development and acquisition-related expenses described in note (h)
above.
(n) The ratio of EBITDA to interest expense in the Pro Forma columns was
computed on a pro forma basis giving effect to the offering of the
outstanding notes and our use of the net proceeds from the offering and
borrowings related to certain acquisitions and related costs in each case
as if the offering and borrowings related to certain acquisitions and
related costs had occurred on February 23, 1997.
22
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the following factors and other information
in this Prospectus before deciding to invest in the notes.
Significant Indebtedness and Interest Payment Obligations
As of August 29, 1998, after giving pro forma effect to the offering of
the outstanding notes and our use of the net proceeds of the offering and
borrowings related to certain acquisitions and related costs, we would have had
outstanding $637.9 million of consolidated indebtedness (of which approximately
$88.5 million would have been senior indebtedness) and our total consolidated
indebtedness, as a percentage of capitalization, would have been 93%. For the
six months ended August 29, 1998, our earnings would have been insufficient to
cover fixed charges by $55.8 million, primarily due to the write-off of acquired
in-process research and development and acquisition-related expenses of $79.2
million. We may incur additional indebtedness in the future, although we will be
limited in the amount we could incur by our existing and future debt agreements.
Our high level of indebtedness could have important consequences to note
holders, such as:
o limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund our
growth strategy, working capital, capital expenditures, debt
service requirements or other purposes;
o limiting our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas
of our business because we must dedicate a substantial portion
of these funds to make principal payments and fund debt service;
o increasing our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry
conditions; and
o increasing our vulnerability to interest rate increases because
borrowings under our bank credit facilities are at variable
interest rates.
Our ability to pay interest on the notes and to satisfy our other debt
obligations will depend upon, among other things, our future operating
performance and our ability to refinance indebtedness when necessary. Each of
these factors is to a large extent dependent on economic, financial, competitive
and other factors, beyond our control. If, in the future, we cannot generate
sufficient cash from operations to make scheduled payments on the notes or to
meet our other obligations, we will need to refinance, obtain additional
financing or sell assets. We cannot assure you that our business will generate
cash flow, or that we will be able to obtain funding, sufficient to satisfy our
debt service requirements.
Restrictions in Debt Agreements on Our Operations
The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our existing
debt agreements, including our bank credit facilities, the indentures governing
these notes, the 9 7/8% senior subordinated notes and the 8% senior subordinated
notes, and any future financing agreements may adversely affect our ability to
finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business
activities. See "Description of the New Notes" and "Description of Certain
Indebtedness." A breach of any of these restrictions or covenants could cause a
default under other debt, and the notes. A significant portion of our
indebtedness then may become immediately due and payable. We are not certain
whether we would have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make these
accelerated payments, including payments on the notes.
Subordination of the Notes to Senior Indebtedness
The notes will be subordinate to all our senior indebtedness. In
addition, the notes effectively will rank junior to all liabilities of our
subsidiaries. As of August 29, 1998, after giving pro forma effect to the
offering of the outstanding notes and our use of the net proceeds of the
offering and borrowings related to certain acquisitions and related costs, we
would have had outstanding $88.5 million of senior indebtedness and $549.4
million of senior subordinated indebtedness and our subsidiaries would have had
no indebtedness. We also may incur additional senior indebtedness consistent
with the terms of our debt agreements. For example, upon consummation of the
offering of the outstanding notes and our use of the net proceeds from the
offering, as of August 29, 1998, we would have had $109.4 million available
under our bank credit facilities which, if borrowed, would be senior
indebtedness.
23
<PAGE>
In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution, our assets would be
available to pay obligations on the notes only after all payments had been made
on our senior indebtedness. We cannot assure you that sufficient assets will
remain to make any payments on the notes. In addition, certain events of default
under our senior indebtedness would prohibit us from making any payments on the
notes. The term "senior indebtedness" is defined in the "Description of the New
Notes--Subordination" section of this Prospectus.
Notes Are Unsecured
In addition to being subordinate to all of our senior indebtedness, the
notes will not be secured by any of our assets. Our obligations under our bank
credit facilities are secured by substantially all of our assets. If we became
insolvent or are liquidated, or if payment under our bank credit facilities is
accelerated, the lenders under our bank credit facilities would be entitled to
exercise the remedies available to a secured lender under applicable law.
Therefore, our bank lenders will have a claim on such assets before the holders
of these notes. See "Description of Certain Indebtedness."
Possible Inability to Purchase Notes upon a Change of Control
Upon certain change of control events, each holder of notes may require
us to repurchase all or a portion of its notes at a purchase price equal to 101%
of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest. Our ability to
repurchase the notes upon a change of control event will be limited by the terms
of our debt agreements. Upon a change of control event, we may be required
immediately to repay the outstanding principal, any accrued interest on and any
other amounts owed by us under our bank credit facilities. There can be no
assurance that we would be able to repay amounts outstanding under our bank
credit facilities or obtain necessary consents under such facilities to
repurchase these notes. In addition, upon the happening of a change of control
event, we will be required to offer to purchase all of the 9 7/8% notes and the
8% notes. Any requirement to offer to purchase any outstanding notes may result
in us having to refinance our outstanding indebtedness, which we may not be able
to do. In addition, even if we were able to refinance such indebtedness, such
financing may be on terms unfavorable to us. The term "Change of Control" is
defined in the "Description of the New Notes--Certain Definitions."
Dependence upon Conditions in the Airline Industry
Our principal customers are the world's commercial airlines. As a result,
our business is directly dependent upon the conditions in the highly cyclical
and competitive commercial airline industry. In the late 1980s and early 1990s,
the world airline industry suffered a severe downturn, which resulted in record
losses and several air carriers seeking protection under bankruptcy laws. As a
consequence, during such period, airlines sought to conserve cash by reducing or
deferring scheduled cabin interior refurbishment and upgrade programs and by
delaying purchases of new aircraft. This led to a significant contraction in the
commercial aircraft cabin interior products industry and a decline in our
business and profitability. Since early 1994, the airlines have experienced a
turnaround in operating results, leading the domestic airline industry to record
operating earnings during calender years 1995 through 1997. This financial
turnaround has, in part, been driven by record load factors, rising fare prices
and declining fuel costs. The airlines have substantially improved their balance
sheets through cash generated from operations and the sale of debt and equity
securities. As a result the levels of airline spending on refurbishment and new
aircraft purchases have expanded. However, due to the volatility of the airline
industry and the current general economic and financial turbulence, the current
profitability of the airline industry may not continue and the airlines may not
be able to maintain or increase expenditures on cabin interior products for
refurbishments or new aircraft.
In addition, the airline industry is undergoing a process of
consolidation and significantly increased competition. Such consolidation could
result in a reduction of future aircraft orders as overlapping routes are
eliminated and airlines seek greater economies through higher aircraft
utilization. Increased airline competition may also result in airlines seeking
to reduce costs by promoting greater price competition from airline cabin
interior products manufacturers, thereby adversely affecting our revenues and
margins.
Recently, turbulence in the financial and currency markets of many Asian
countries has led to uncertainty as to the economic outlook for these countries.
Of our $700 million of backlog at August 29, 1998, we had $34 million with Asian
carriers deliverable in fiscal 1999 and a further $107 million deliverable in
subsequent fiscal years. Of such Asian carrier backlog, approximately $35
million was with Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Although
not all carriers have been affected by the current economic events in the
Pacific Rim, certain carriers, including non-Asian carriers that have
substantial Asian routes, could cancel or defer their existing orders
24
<PAGE>
and future orders from airlines in these countries may be adversely affected. In
addition, Boeing has recently announced that in light of the continued severe
economic conditions in Asia, it will be substantially scaling back production of
a number of aircraft types, including particularly wide-body aircraft which
require proportionately more of the Company's products. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Industry Conditions" and "--Deferred Tax Assets" and
"Business--Industry Overview."
New Product Introductions and Technological Change
Airlines currently are taking delivery of a new generation of aircraft
and demanding increasingly sophisticated cabin interior products. As a result,
the cabin interior configurations of commercial aircraft are becoming more
complex and will require more technologically advanced and integrated products.
For example, airlines increasingly are seeking sophisticated in-flight
entertainment systems, such as the MDDS interactive individual passenger
in-flight entertainment system we have developed. Development of the MDDS and
related in-flight entertainment systems required substantial investment by us
and third parties in research, development and engineering. Our future success
may depend to some extent on our ability to continue to develop, profitably
manufacture and deliver, on a timely basis, other technologically advanced,
reliable high-quality products, which can be readily integrated into complex
cabin interior configurations. See "Business--Products and Services."
Competition
We compete with a number of established companies that have significantly
greater financial, technological and marketing resources than we do. Although we
have achieved a significant share of the market for a number of our commercial
airline cabin interior products, there can be no assurance that we will be able
to maintain this market share. Our ability to maintain our market share will
depend on our ability to remain the supplier of retrofit and refurbishment
products and spare parts on the commercial fleets on which our products are
currently in service. It will also depend on our success in causing our products
to be selected for installation in new aircraft, including next-generation
aircraft, expected to be purchased by the airlines over the next decade, and in
avoiding product obsolescence.
Our primary competitors in the market for new passenger entertainment
products, including individual seat video and in-flight entertainment and cabin
management systems, are Matsushita Electronics and Rockwell Collins, each of
which has significantly greater technological capabilities and financial and
marketing resources than we do.
See "Business--Competition."
Customer Delivery Requirements
The commercial aircraft cabin interior products industry is currently
experiencing a period of rapid growth. From February 22, 1997 to August 29,
1998, our backlog has increased by approximately 67%. Our ability to receive new
contract awards and to deliver our existing backlog is dependent upon our (and
our suppliers') ability to increase deliveries to meet the recent surge in
demand. Although we believe we have sufficient manufacturing capacity to meet
customer demand, we, and our suppliers, may not be able to meet the increased
product delivery requirements. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Bookings and Backlog Information"
and "Business--Backlog."
General Aviation Acquisitions; Ability to Integrate Acquired Businesses;
Additional Capital Requirements
Between 1989 and January 1996, we acquired nine companies. During fiscal
1999, we acquired six additional companies. See "Summary--Recent Developments."
Through several of these recent acquisitions, we have expanded our activities
from the commercial to the general aviation market. There can be no assurance
that we will be successful in entering the general aviation market. We intend to
consider future strategic acquisitions in the commercial airline and general
aviation cabin interior industries, some of which could be material to us. We
are in discussions from time to time with one or more third parties regarding
possible acquisitions. As of the date of this Prospectus we have no agreement or
understanding on any acquisition. Our ability to continue to achieve our goals
will depend upon our ability to integrate effectively the recent and any future
acquisitions and to achieve cost efficiencies. Although we have been successful
in the past in doing so, we may not continue to be successful. See
"Business--Competitive Strengths."
25
<PAGE>
Depending upon, among other things, the acquisition opportunities
available, we may need to raise additional funds. We may seek additional funds
through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities or
bank loans. In the absence of such financing, our ability to make future
acquisitions in accordance with our business strategy, to absorb adverse
operating results, to fund capital expenditures or to respond to changing
business and economic conditions may be adversely affected. All of these factors
may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
Regulation
The Federal Aviation Administration (the "FAA") prescribes standards and
licensing requirements for aircraft components, including virtually all
commercial airline and general aviation cabin interior products, and licenses
component repair stations within the United States. Comparable agencies regulate
these matters in other countries. If we fail to obtain a required license for
one of our products or services or lose a license previously granted, the sale
of such product or service would be prohibited by law until such license is
obtained or renewed. In addition, designing new products to meet existing FAA
requirements and retrofitting installed products to comply with new FAA
requirements can be both expensive and time-consuming. See "Business--Government
Regulations."
Potential Failure of Computer Systems to Recognize Year 2000
We are highly dependent on our computer software programs and operating
systems in operating our business. We also depend on the proper functioning of
computer systems of third parties, such as vendors and clients. The failure of
any of these systems to appropriately interpret the upcoming calendar year 2000
could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of
operations, cash flow and business prospects. We are currently identifying our
own applications that will not be Year 2000 compliant and taking steps to
determine whether third parties are doing the same. In addition, we are
implementing a worldwide plan to prepare our computer systems to be Year 2000
compliant by the first half of 1999. We have already spent $17 million on Year
2000 issues and estimate that the total cost of implementing our Year 2000
compliance program will require an additional $13 million.
Our inability to remedy our own Year 2000 problems or the failure of
third parties to do so may cause business interruptions or shutdown, financial
loss, regulatory actions, reputational harm and/or legal liability. We can not
assure you that our Year 2000 program or the programs of third parties who do
business with us will be effective or that our estimates about the timing and
cost of completing our program will be accurate. See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Year 2000 Costs."
Risks Inherent in International Operations
Our foreign operations accounted for 26% of total sales for each of the
six months ended August 29, 1998 and fiscal 1998, as compared to 24% for the six
months ended August 30, 1997 and 25% for fiscal 1997. In addition, we have
direct investments in a number of subsidiaries in foreign countries (primarily
in Europe). Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies affect the dollar
value of our net investment in foreign subsidiaries, with these fluctuations
being included in a separate component of stockholders' equity. Operating
results of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at average
monthly exchange rates. For the six months ended August 29, 1998 and fiscal
1998, the impact of such transactions on operating results was not significant.
However, we reported a cumulative foreign currency translation amount of $(2.6)
million in stockholders' equity at August 29, 1998 as a result of foreign
currency adjustments. There can be no assurance that we will not incur
additional adjustments in future periods. In addition, the U.S. dollar value of
transactions based in foreign currency (collections on foreign sales or payments
for foreign purchases) also fluctuates with exchange rates. Historically,
foreign currency risk has not been material because a substantial majority of
our sales have been denominated in the currency of the country of product origin
and no repatriation of earnings has occurred (or is anticipated). However, there
can be no assurance that a substantial majority of sales will continue to be
denominated in the currency of the country of product origin or as to the impact
of changes in the value of the United States dollar or other currencies. The
largest foreign currency exposure results from activity in Dutch guilders,
British pounds and Japanese yen.
We have not hedged net foreign investments in the past, although we may
engage in hedging transactions in the future to manage or reduce our exchange
risk. There can be no assurance that our attempts to manage our foreign currency
exchange risk will be successful.
26
<PAGE>
Our foreign operations could also be subject to unexpected changes in
regulatory requirements, tariffs and other market barriers and political and
economic instability in the countries where we operate. There can be no
assurance as to the impact of any such events that may occur in the future. See
"Risk Factors--Dependence upon Conditions in the Airline Industry."
Risks Associated with the Conversion by Certain EU Member States to the "Euro"
We may be exposed to certain risks as a result of the conversion by
certain European Union member states of their respective currencies to the
"euro" as legal currency on January 1, 1999. The conversion rates between such
member states' currencies and the euro will be fixed by the Council of the
European Union. Risks related to the conversion to the euro could include, among
other things:
o effects on pricing due to increased cross-border price
transparency;
o costs of modifying information systems, including both software
and hardware;
o costs of relying on third parties whose systems also require
modification;
o changes in the conduct of business and in the principal markets
for our products and services; and
o changes in currency exchange rate risk.
We have analyzed whether the conversion to the euro will materially
affect our business operations. While we are uncertain as to the impact of the
conversion, we do not expect costs in connection with the euro conversion to be
material. However, the actual effects of the conversion cannot be known until
the conversion to the euro has taken place and there can be no assurance that
the actual effects of the conversion could not have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to extensive and changing federal, state and foreign laws
and regulations establishing health and environmental quality standards, and may
be subject to liability or penalties for violations of those standards. We are
also subject to laws and regulations governing remediation of contamination at
facilities currently or formerly owned or operated by us to which we have sent
hazardous substances or wastes for treatment, recycling or disposal. We believe
that we are currently in compliance, in all material respects, with all such
laws and regulations. However, we may be subject to future liabilities or
obligations as a result of new or more stringent interpretations of existing
laws and regulations. In addition, we may have liabilities or obligations in the
future if we discover any environmental contamination or liability at any of our
facilities, or at facilities we may acquire.
Liquid Trading Market for the Notes May Not Develop
There has not been an established trading market for the notes. Although
each initial purchaser has informed us that it currently intends to make a
market in the outstanding notes and, if issued, the exchange notes, which will
replace the outstanding notes, it has no obligation to do so and may discontinue
making a market at any time without notice.
The notes are eligible for trading in the Private Offerings, Resale and
Trading through the Automatic Linkage ("PORTAL") market. However, we do not
intend to apply for listing of the outstanding notes or, if issued, the exchange
notes, on any securities exchange or for quotation through the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System.
The liquidity of any market for the notes will depend upon the number of
holders of the notes, our performance, the market for similar securities, the
interest of securities dealers in making a market in the notes and other
factors. A liquid trading market may not develop for the notes.
Consequences of Failure to Exchange
27
<PAGE>
Untendered outstanding notes that are not exchanged for new notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer will remain restricted securities. Outstanding
notes will continue to be subject to the following restrictions on transfer: (i)
outstanding notes may be resold only if registered pursuant to the Securities
Act, if an exemption from registration is available thereunder, or if neither
such registration nor such exemption is required by law, (ii) outstanding notes
shall bear a legend restricting transfer in the absence of registration or an
exemption therefrom and (iii) a holder of outstanding notes who desires to sell
or otherwise dispose of all or any part of its outstanding notes under an
exemption from registration under the Securities Act, if requested by us, must
deliver to us an opinion of independent counsel experienced in Securities Act
matters, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to us, that such
exemption is available.
28
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USE OF PROCEEDS
There will be no cash proceeds payable to the Company from the issuance
of the new notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The net proceeds less estimated
debt issue costs received by the Company from the sale of the outstanding notes
were approximately $193.7 million. The Company used approximately $118.0 million
of the net proceeds from the offering of the outstanding notes (the "Offering")
to repurchase four million shares (the "SMR Shares") of the Company's common
stock previously issued to the selling stockholders in connection with the
acquisition of SMR. The remainder of the net proceeds were used for the
repayment of approximately $75.0 million of outstanding borrowings under the
Company's bank credit facilities.
The Company paid for the acquisition of SMR by issuing the SMR Shares
(then valued at approximately $30 per share) to the former stockholders of SMR
and paying them $2.0 million in cash. The Company also paid $22.0 million in
cash to the employee stock ownership plan of a subsidiary of SMR Aerospace to
purchase the minority equity interest in such subsidiary held by the ESOP,
bringing the total aggregate purchase price paid by the Company for SMR
Aerospace to approximately $142.0 million. The Company agreed to register for
sale with the Securities and Exchange Commission the SMR Shares. If the net
proceeds from the sale of the shares, which included the $2.0 million in cash
already paid, was less than $120.0 million, subject to adjustment, the Company
agreed to pay such difference to the selling stockholders in cash. The Company's
obligations to the selling stockholders were secured by an irrevocable stand-by
letter of credit from The Chase Manhattan Bank in favor of the selling
stockholders. This letter of credit could have been drawn upon after December
31, 1998 if the selling stockholders had not received net proceeds of $120.0
million, including the $2.0 million in cash already paid, from the sale of the
SMR Shares. Because of the market price for the Company's common stock and the
Company's payment obligation to the selling stockholders described above, the
Company decided to repurchase the SMR Shares with approximately $118.0 million
of the proceeds from the sale of the outstanding notes (representing the net
proceeds of $120.0 million the Company was obligated to pay the selling
stockholders, less the $2.0 million in cash the Company already paid them)
instead of registering them for sale. In connection with the repurchase of the
SMR shares, the irrevocable stand-by letter of credit was returned to The Chase
Manhattan Bank. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
General
In connection with the sale of the outstanding notes (the "Old Notes"),
the purchasers thereof became entitled to the benefits of certain registration
rights (the "Registration Rights"). Pursuant to the registration rights
agreement executed as part of the Offering (the "Registration Rights
Agreement"), the Company agreed to (i) file within 30 days, and cause to become
effective within 120 days of the date of original issue of the Old Notes, the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part with respect to the
exchange of the Old Notes for the new notes to be issued in the Exchange Offer
(the "New Notes" and, together with the Old Notes, the "Notes") and (ii) cause
the Exchange Offer to be consummated within 150 days of the original issue of
the Old Notes. The New Notes have terms identical in all material respects to
the terms of the Old Notes. However, in the event that any changes in law or
applicable interpretation of the staff of the Commission do not permit the
Company to effect the Exchange Offer, or if for any other reason the Exchange
Offer is not consummated within 150 days following the date of the original
issue of the Old Notes, or if any holder of the Old Notes other than the initial
purchasers in the Offering (the "Initial Purchasers") is not eligible to
participate in the Exchange Offer, or upon the request of any Initial Purchaser
under certain circumstances, the Company has agreed to use its best efforts to
cause to become effective the 150th day after the original issue of the Old
Notes, a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to the resale of the Old
Notes and to keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective until three years
after the effective date thereof (or until one year after such effective date if
such Shelf Registration Statement is filed at the request of the Initial
Purchasers under certain circumstances). The Company also had agreed that in the
event that either (i) the Registration Statement is not filed with the
Commission on or prior to the 30th calendar day following the date of the
original issue of the Old Notes or (ii) the Registration Statement is not
declared effective on or prior to the 120th calendar day following the date of
the original issue of the Old Notes or (iii) the Exchange Offer is not
consummated or a Shelf Registration Statement is not declared effective on or
prior to the 150th calendar day following the original issue of the Old Notes,
the interest rate borne by the Old Notes shall be increased by one-half of one
percent per annum after such 30-day period in the case of clause (i) above after
such 120-day period in the case of clause (ii) above or after such 150-day
period in the case of clause (iii) above. The aggregate amount of such
29
<PAGE>
increase from the original interest rate pursuant to those provisions will in no
event exceed one-half of one percent per annum. Upon (x) the effectiveness of
the Registration Statement after the 120-day period in clause (ii) above or (y)
the consummation of the Exchange Offer or the effectiveness of a Shelf
Registration Statement, as the case may be, after the 150-day period outlined in
clause (iii) above, the interest rate borne by the Old Notes from the date of
such filing or effectiveness or the day before the date of consummation, as the
case may be, will be reduced to the original interest rate if the Company is
otherwise in compliance with such requirements.
In the event the Exchange Offer is consummated, the Company will not be
required to file a Shelf Registration Statement relating to any outstanding Old
Notes other than those held by persons not eligible to participate in the
Exchange Offer, and the interest rate on such Old Notes will remain at its
initial level of 9 1/2%. The Exchange Offer shall be deemed to have been
consummated upon the earlier to occur of (i) the Company having exchanged New
Notes for all outstanding Old Notes (other than Old Notes held by persons not
eligible to participate in the Exchange Offer) pursuant to the Exchange Offer
and (ii) the Company having exchanged, pursuant to the Exchange Offer, New Notes
for all Old Notes that have been tendered and not withdrawn on the Expiration
Date. Upon consummation, holders of Old Notes seeking liquidity in their
investment would have to rely on exemptions to registration requirements under
the securities laws, including the Securities Act. See "Risk
Factors--Consequences of Failure to Exchange."
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus
and in the accompanying Letter of Transmittal, the Company will accept all Old
Notes validly tendered prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration
Date. The Company will issue $ 1,000 principal amount of New Notes in exchange
for each $1,000 principal amount of outstanding Old Notes accepted in the
Exchange Offer. Holders may tender some or all of their Old Notes pursuant to
the Exchange Offer in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
Based on no-action letters issued by the staff of the Commission to third
parties, the Company believes that the New Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange
Offer in exchange for Old Notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise
transferred by any holder thereof (other than (i) a broker-dealer who purchased
such Old Notes directly from the Company to resell pursuant to Rule 144A or any
other available exemption under the Securities Act or (ii) a person that is an
"affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities
Act) without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act, provided that the holder is acquiring the
New Notes in its ordinary course of business and is not participating, and has
no arrangements or understanding with any person to participate, in the
distribution of the New Notes. Holders of Old Notes wishing to accept the
Exchange Offer must represent to the Company that such conditions have been met.
Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes in Exchange for Old Notes held
for its own account, as a result of market-making or other trading activities,
must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale
of such New Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and
by delivering a prospectus, such broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that
it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. The Prospectus,
as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by such
broker-dealer in connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for
Old Notes. The Company has agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the
Expiration Date, it will make this Prospectus and any amendment or supplement to
this Prospectus available to any such broker-dealer for use in connection with
any such resale. See "Plan of Distribution."
As of the date of this Prospectus, $200 million aggregate principal
amount of the Old Notes is outstanding. In connection with the issuance of the
Old Notes, the Company arranged for the Old Notes initially purchased by
Qualified Institutional Buyers to be issued and transferable in book-entry form
through the facilities of DTC, acting as depositary. The New Notes will also be
issuable and transferable in book-entry form through DTC.
This Prospectus, together with the accompanying Letter of Transmittal, is
being sent to all registered holders as of , 1999 (the "Record Date").
The Company shall be deemed to have accepted validly tendered Old Notes
when, as and if the Company has given oral or written notice thereof to the
Exchange Agent. See "--Exchange Agent." The Exchange Agent will act as agent for
the tendering holders of Old Notes for the purpose of receiving New Notes from
the Company and delivering New Notes to such holders.
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<PAGE>
If any tendered Old Notes are not accepted for exchange because of an
invalid tender or the occurrence of certain other events set forth herein,
certificates for any such unaccepted Old Notes will be returned, without
expenses, to the tendering holder thereof as promptly as practicable after the
Expiration Date.
Holders of Old Notes who tender in the Exchange Offer will not be
required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in
the Letter of Transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of Old
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The Company will pay all charges and
expenses, other than certain applicable taxes, in connection with the Exchange
Offer. See "--Fees and Expenses."
Expiration Dates; Extensions; Amendments
The term "Expiration Date" shall mean , 1999 unless the
Company, in its sole discretion, extends the Exchange Offer, in which case the
term "Expiration Date" shall mean the latest date to which the Exchange Offer is
extended.
In order to extend the Expiration Date, the Company will notify the
Exchange Agent of any extension by oral or written notice and will mail to the
record holders of Old Notes an announcement thereof, each prior to 9:00 a.m.,
New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled
Expiration Date. Such announcement may state that the Company is extending the
Exchange Offer for a specified period of time.
The Company reserves the right (i) to delay acceptance of any Old Notes,
to extend the Exchange Offer or to terminate the Exchange Offer and to refuse to
accept Old Notes not previously accepted, if any of the conditions set forth
herein under "--Termination" shall have occurred and shall not have been waived
by the Company (if permitted to be waived by the Company), by giving oral or
written notice of such delay, extension or termination to the Exchange Agent,
and (ii) to amend the terms of the Exchange Offer in any manner deemed by it to
be advantageous to the holders of the Old Notes. Any such delay in acceptance,
extension, termination or amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable
by oral or written notice thereof. If the Exchange Offer is amended in a manner
determined by the Company to constitute a material change, the Company will
promptly disclose such amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the
holders of the Old Notes of such amendment.
Without limiting the manner by which the Company may choose to make
public announcements of any delay in acceptance, extension, termination or
amendment of the Exchange Offer, the Company shall have no obligation to
publish, advertise, or otherwise communicate any such public announcement, other
than by making a timely release to the Dow Jones News Service.
Interest on the New Notes
The New Notes will bear interest from November 2, 1998, payable
semiannually on May 1 and November 1 of each year commencing on May 1, 1999, at
the rate of 9 1/2% per annum. Holders of Old Notes whose Old Notes are accepted
for exchange will be deemed to have waived the right to receive any payment in
respect of interest on the Old Notes accrued from November 2, 1998 until the
date of the issuance of the New Notes. Consequently, holders who exchange their
Old Notes for New Notes will receive the same interest payment on May 1, 1999
(the first interest payment date with respect to the Old Notes and the New
Notes) that they would have received had they not accepted the Exchange Offer.
Procedure for Tendering
To tender in the Exchange Offer, a holder must complete, sign and date
the Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile thereof, have the signatures thereon
guaranteed if required by the Letter of Transmittal, and mail or otherwise
deliver such Letter of Transmittal or such facsimile, together with the Old
Notes (unless such tender is being effected pursuant to the procedure for
book-entry transfer described below) and any other required documents, to the
Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.
Any financial institution that is a participant in DTC's Book-Entry
Transfer Facility system may make book-entry delivery of the Old Notes by
causing DTC to transfer such Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's account in
accordance with DTC's procedure for such transfer. Although delivery of Old
Notes may be effected through book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's
account DTC, the Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with any required
signature guarantees and any other required documents, must, in any case, be
transmitted to and received
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<PAGE>
or confirmed by the Exchange Agent at its addresses set forth herein under
"--Exchange Agent" prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration
Date. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO DTC IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS PROCEDURES DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
The tender by a holder of Old Notes will constitute an agreement between
such holder and the Company in accordance with the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of Transmittal.
Delivery of all documents must be made to the Exchange Agent at its
address set forth herein. Holders may also request that their respective
brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or nominees effect such
tender for such holders.
The method of delivery of Old Notes and the Letters of Transmittal and
all other required documents to the Exchange Agent is at the election and risk
of the holders. Instead of delivery by mail, it is recommended that holders use
an overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, sufficient time should be
allowed to assure timely delivery. No Letter of Transmittal or Old Notes should
be sent to the Company.
Only a holder of Old Notes may tender such Old Notes in the Exchange
Offer. The term "holder" with respect to the Exchange Offer means any person in
whose name Old Notes are registered on the books of the Company or any other
person who has obtained a properly completed bond power from the registered
holder, or any person whose Old Notes are held of record by DTC who desires to
deliver such Old Notes by bookentry transfer at DTC.
Any beneficial holder whose Old Notes are registered in the name of his
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes
to tender should contact such registered holder promptly and instruct such
registered holder to tender on his behalf. If such beneficial holder wishes to
tender on his own behalf, such beneficial holder must, prior to completing and
executing the Letter of Transmittal and delivering his Old Notes, either make
appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the Old Notes in such holder's
name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder. The
transfer of record ownership may take considerable time.
Signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the
case may be, must be Guaranteed by a member firm of a registered national
securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.,
a commercial bank or trust company having an office of correspondent in the
United States or an "eligible guarantor institution" within the meaning of Rule
17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act (an "Eligible Institution") unless the Old Notes
tendered pursuant thereto are tendered (i) by a registered holder who has not
completed the box entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" or "Special Delivery
Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal or (ii) for the account of an
Eligible Institution.
If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered holder of any Old Notes listed therein, such Old Notes must be
endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond powers which authorize such person
to tender the Old Notes on behalf of the registered holder, in either case
signed as the name of the registered holder or holders appears on the Old Notes.
If the Letter of Transmittal or any Old Notes or bond powers are signed
by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers
of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such
persons should so indicate when signing, and unless waived by the Company,
evidence satisfactory to the Company of their authority to so act must be
submitted with the Letter of Transmittal.
All the questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time
of receipt), acceptance and withdrawal of the tendered Old Notes will be
determined by the Company in its sole discretion, which determinations will be
final and binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any and all
Old Notes not validly tendered or any Old Notes the Company's acceptance of
which would, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be unlawful. The
Company also reserves the absolute right to waive any irregularities or
conditions of tender as to particular Old Notes. The Company's interpretation of
the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including the instructions in
the Letter of Transmittal) will be final and binding on all parties. Unless
waived any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of Old Notes
must be cured within such time as the Company shall determine. Neither the
Company, the Exchange Agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give
notification of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of Old Notes
nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such
32
<PAGE>
notification. Tenders of Old Notes will not be deemed to have been made until
such irregularities have been cured or waived. Any Old Notes received by the
Exchange Agent that are not property tendered and as to which the defects or
irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned without cost by
the Exchange Agent to the tendering holder of such Old Notes unless otherwise
provided in the Letter of Transmittal, as soon as practicable following the
Expiration Date.
In addition, the Company reserves the right in its sole discretion to (a)
purchase or make offers for any Old Notes that remain outstanding subsequent to
the Expiration Date, or, as set forth under "Termination," to terminate the
Exchange Offer and (b) to the extent permitted by applicable law, purchase Old
Notes in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The
terms of any such purchases or offers may differ from the terms of the Exchange
Offer.
By tendering, each holder of Old Notes will represent to the Company that
among other things, the New Notes acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer are
being obtained in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving such
New Notes, whether or not such person is the holder, that neither the Holder nor
any other person has an arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in the distribution of the New Notes and that neither the holder nor
any such other person is an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of
Rule 405 under the Securities Act.
Guaranteed Delivery Procedure
Holders who wish to tender their Old Notes and (i) whose Old Notes are
not immediately available, or (ii) who cannot deliver their Old Notes, the
Letter of Transmittal, or any other required documents to the Exchange Agent
prior to the Expiration Date, or if such Holder cannot complete the procedure
for book-entry transfer on a timely basis, may effect a tender if:
(a) The tender is made through an Eligible Institution;
(b) Prior to the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent receives from
such Eligible Institution a properly completed and duty executed Notice
of Guaranteed Delivery (by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery)
setting forth the name and address of the holder of the Old Notes, the
certificate number or numbers of such Old Notes and the principal amount
of Old Notes tendered, stating that the tender is being made thereby, and
guaranteeing that, within five business days after the Expiration Date,
the Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), together with the
certificate(s) representing the Old Notes to be tendered in proper form
for transfer and any other documents required by the Letter of
Transmittal, will be deposited by the Eligible Institution with the
Exchange Agent; and
(c) Such properly completed and executed Letter of Transmittal (or
facsimile thereof), together with the certificate(s) representing all
tendered Old Notes in proper form for transfer (or confirmation of a
book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC of Old Notes
delivered electronically) and all other documents required by the Letter
of Transmittal are received by the Exchange Agent within five business
days after the Expiration Date.
Withdrawal of Tenders
Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Old Notes may be
withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the business
day prior to the Expiration Date, unless previously accepted for exchange.
To withdraw a tender of Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, a written or
facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be received by the Exchange
Agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
the business day, prior to the Expiration Date and prior to acceptance for
exchange thereof by the Company. Any such notice of withdrawal must (i) specify
the name of the person having deposited the Old Notes to be withdrawn (the
"Depositor"), (ii) identify the Old Notes to be withdrawn (including the
certificate number or numbers and principal amount of such Old Notes), (iii) be
signed by the Depositor in the same manner as the original signature on the
Letter of Transmittal by which such Old Notes were tendered (including any
required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by documents of transfers
sufficient to permit the Trustee with respect to the Old Notes to register the
transfer of such Old Notes into the name of the Depositor withdrawing the tender
and (iv) specify the name in which any such Old Notes are to be registered, if
different from that of the Depositor. All
33
<PAGE>
questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt)
for such withdrawal notices will be determined by the Company, whose
determination shall be final and binding on all parties. Any Old Notes so
withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the
Exchange Offer and no New Notes will be issued with respect thereto unless the
Old Notes so withdrawn are validly tendered. Any Old Notes which have been
tendered but which are not accepted for exchange will be returned to the holder
thereof without cost to such holder as soon as practicable after withdrawal,
rejection of tender or termination of the Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn Old
Notes may be tendered by following one of the procedures described above under
"--Procedures for Tendering" at any time prior to the Expiration Date.
Termination
Notwithstanding any other term of the Exchange Offer, the Company will
not be required to accept for exchange, or exchange New Notes for, any Old Notes
not therefore accepted for exchange, and may terminate or amend the Exchange
Offer as provided herein before the acceptance of such Old Notes if: (i) any
action or proceeding is instituted or threatened in any court or by or before
any governmental agency with respect to the Exchange Offer, which, in the
Company's judgment, might materially impair the Company's ability to proceed
with the Exchange Offer or (ii) any law, statute, rule or regulation is
proposed, adopted or enacted, or any existing law, statute rule or regulation is
interpreted by the staff of the Commission or court of competent jurisdiction in
a manner, which, in the Company's judgment, might materially impair the
Company's ability to proceed with the Exchange Offer.
If the Company determines that it may terminate the Exchange Offer, as
set forth above, the Company may (i) refuse to accept any Old Notes and return
any Old Notes that have been tendered to the holders thereof, (ii) extend the
Exchange Offer and retain all Old Notes tendered prior to the Expiration of the
Exchange Offer, subject to the rights of such holders of tendered Old Notes to
withdraw their tendered Old Notes, or (iii) waive such termination event with
respect to the Exchange Offer and accept all properly tendered Old Notes that
have not been withdrawn. If such waiver constitutes a material change in the
Exchange Offer, the Company will disclose such change by means of a supplement
to this Prospectus that will be distributed to each registered holder of Old
Notes and the Company will extend the Exchange Offer for a period of five to ten
business days, depending upon the significance of the waiver and the manner of
disclosure to the registered holders of the Old Notes, if the Exchange Offer
would otherwise expire during such period.
Exchange Agent
The Bank of New York, the Trustee under the indenture governing the Notes
(the "Indenture"), has been appointed as Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer.
Questions and requests for assistance and requests for additional copies of this
Prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal should be directed to the Exchange
Agent addressed as follows:
By Mail or Hand Delivery: The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street
New York, New York 10286
Attention: Reorganization Section 7-E
Facsimile Transmission: (212) 815-6339
Confirm by Telephone: (212) 815-
Fees and Expenses
The expenses of soliciting tenders pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be
borne by the Company. The principal solicitation for tenders pursuant to the
Exchange Offer is being made by mail. Additional solicitations may be made by
officers and regular employees of the Company and its affiliates in person, by
telegraph or telephone.
The Company will not make any payments to brokers, dealers or other
persons soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer. The Company, however, will
pay the Exchange Agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will
reimburse the Exchange Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in
connection therewith.
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<PAGE>
The Company may also pay brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in forwarding
copies of this Prospectus, Letters of Transmittal and related documents to the
beneficial owners of the Old Notes and in handling or forwarding tenders for
exchange.
The expenses to be incurred in connection with the Exchange Offer,
including fees and expenses of the Exchange Agent and Trustee and accounting and
legal fees, will be paid by the Company.
The Company will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the
exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. If, however, certificates
representing New Notes or Old Notes for principal amounts not tendered or
accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued
in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the Old Notes
tendered, or if tendered Old Notes are registered in the name of any person
other than the person signing the Letter of Transmittal, or if a transfer tax is
imposed for any reason other than the exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer, then the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on
the registered holder or any other person) will be payable by the tendering
holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom
is not submitted with the Letter of Transmittal, the amount of such transfer
taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion summarizing the federal income tax consequences
of the Exchange Offer reflects the opinion of Shearman & Sterling, counsel to
the Company, as to material federal income tax consequences expected to result
from the Exchange Offer. An opinion of counsel is not binding on the Internal
Revenue Service ("IRS") or the courts, and there can be no assurances that the
IRS will not take, and that a court would not sustain, a position to the
contrary to that described below. Moreover, the following discussion does not
constitute comprehensive tax advice to any particular Holder of Old Notes. The
summary is based on the current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, and applicable Treasure regulations, judicial authority and
administrative pronouncements. The tax consequences described below could be
modified by future changes in the relevant law, which could have retroactive
effect. Each Holder of Old Notes should consult its own tax advisor as to these
and any other federal income tax consequences of the Exchange Offer as well as
any tax consequences to it under foreign, state, local or other law.
In the opinion of Shearman & Sterling, exchanges of Old Notes for New
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be treated as a modification of the
Old Notes that does not constitute a material change in their terms, and the
Company intends to treat the exchanges in that manner. Therefore an exchanging
Holder will not recognize any gain or loss in respect of an exchange of an Old
Note for a New Note, and such Holder's basis and holding period in the New Note
will be the same as such Holder's basis and holding period in the Old Note. The
Exchange Offer will result in no federal income tax consequences to a
non-exchanging Holder.
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<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of
August 29, 1998 and on a pro forma basis (i) as adjusted to give effect to the
sale of the Old Notes in the Offering after deducting estimated discounts,
commissions and other offering expenses, and the application of the net proceeds
of the Offering as described in "Use of Proceeds" and (ii) as if the acquisition
of CF Taylor occurred on August 29, 1998. The table should be read in
conjunction with the B/E historical financial statements, including the notes
thereto, which are incorporated herein by reference, and "Pro Forma Combined
Financial Data" included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of August 29, 1998
------------------------
Actual Pro Forma (a)
------ -------------
(Dollar in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Short-term debt, including current maturities of long-term debt ..... $ 7,983 $ 7,983
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities:
Bank Credit Facility ........................................... 113,500 78,500(b)
9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006 ....................... 100,000 100,000
8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 .......................... 249,409 249,409
Notes offered hereby ........................................... -- 200,000
Other .......................................................... 1,904 2,028
--------- ---------
Total long-term debt ...................................... 464,813 629,937
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; no
shares issued and outstanding ............................. -- --
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized;
28,251,910 shares issued and outstanding; 24,251,910 shares
outstanding (as adjusted) ................................. 283 243
Additional paid-in capital ..................................... 359,660 241,700
Accumulated deficit ............................................ (100,094) (100,094)
Cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustment ............. (2,604) (2,604)
--------- ---------
Total stockholders' equity ................................ 257,245 139,245
--------- ---------
Total capitalization ...................................... $ 730,041 $ 777,165
========= =========
</TABLE>
- -------------
(a) Adjusted to reflect the sale of the Old Notes. The Company used
approximately $118.0 million of the net proceeds from the Offering to
repurchase the four million shares of the Company's common stock previously
issued to the selling stockholders in connection with the acquisition of
SMR, with the remainder used to repay bank indebtedness under the Bank
Credit Facility (as defined herein). Following the Offering and the
application of the net proceeds received therefrom, the Company would have
available under its Bank Credit Facility approximately $109.4 million for
subsequent borrowings.
(b) The pro forma amount set forth above for the Bank Credit Facility reflects
the August 29, 1998 balance plus borrowings in September 1998 related to
certain acquisitions and related costs less the application of the proceeds
of the Offering.
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<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
On January 24, 1996, the Company acquired all of the stock of Burns
Aerospace Corporation ("Burns"). On March 27, 1998, the Company acquired
Aerospace Interiors, Inc. ("ASI"). On April 13, 1998, the Company completed its
acquisition of Puritan-Bennett Aero Systems Co. ("PBASCO") and on April 21,
1998, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Aircraft Modular
Products ("AMP"). On July 30, 1998, the Company acquired Aerospace Lighting
Corporation ("ALC") and on August 7, 1998, the Company acquired SMR Aerospace,
Inc. and its affiliates ("SMR"). The financial data as of and for the fiscal
years ended February 26, 1994, February 25, 1995, February 24, 1996, February
22, 1997 and February 28, 1998 have been derived from financial statements which
have been audited by B/E's independent auditors. The financial data for the six
months ended August 30, 1997 and August 29, 1998 have been derived from
financial statements which are unaudited, but, in the opinion of management,
include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments,
necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of
operations of such periods. Operating results for the six months ended August
30, 1997 and August 29, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of results that may
be expected for a full year. The following financial information is qualified by
reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, the B/E historical
financial statements, including notes thereto, which are incorporated herein by
reference, and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended
--------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
Feb. 26, Feb. 25, Feb. 24, Feb. 22, Feb. 28, Aug. 30, Aug. 29,
1994 1995 1996(a) 1997 1998 1997 1998(b)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statements of Operations Data:
Net sales ................................... $ 203,364 $ 229,347 $ 232,582 $ 412,379 $ 487,999 $ 233,689 $ 296,343
Cost of sales ............................... 136,307 154,863 160,031 270,557 309,094 148,477 184,863
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit ................................ 67,057 74,484 72,551 141,822 178,905 85,212 111,480
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative ....... 28,164 31,787 42,000 51,734 58,622 27,935 37,041
Research, development and engineering ..... 9,876 12,860 58,327(c) 37,083 45,685 22,550 24,742
Amortization expense ...................... 7,599 9,954 9,499 10,607 11,265 5,529 9,414
In-process research and development and
acquisition related expenses ........... -- -- -- -- -- -- 79,155(f)
Other expenses ............................ -- 23,736(d) 4,170(d) -- 4,664(e) -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating earnings (loss) ................... 21,418 (3,853) (41,445) 42,398 58,669 29,198 (38,872)
Interest expense, net ....................... 12,581 15,019 18,636 27,167 22,765 11,531 16,446
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (benefit),
extraordinary item and cumulative effect of
change in accounting principle .............. 8,837 (18,872) (60,081) 15,231 35,904 17,667 (55,318)
Income taxes (benefit) ...................... 3,481 (6,806) -- 1,522 5,386 2,647 4,052
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle ................................... 5,356 (12,066) (60,081) 13,709 30,518 15,020 (59,370)
Extraordinary item .......................... -- -- -- -- 8,956(g) -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of
change in accounting principle ............ 5,356 (12,066) (60,081) 13,709 21,562 15,020 (59,370)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle ................................. -- -- (23,332)(c) -- -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net earnings (loss) ......................... $ 5,356 $ (12,066) $ (83,413) $ 13,709 $ 21,562 $ 15,020 $ (59,370)
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Basic earnings (loss) per share (1):
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary item
and cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle ................................... $ .35 $ (.75) $ (3.71) $ .77 $ 1.36 $ .68 $ (2.49)
Extraordinary item .......................... -- -- -- -- (.40)(g) -- --
Cumulative effect of accounting change ...... -- -- (1.44)(c) -- -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net earnings (loss) ......................... $ .35 $ (.75) $ (5.15) $ .77 $ .96 $ .68 $ (2.49)
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Weighted average common shares .............. 15,438 16,021 16,185 17,692 22,442 22,103 23,822
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (1):
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle ................................... $ .34 $ (.75) $ (3.71) $ .72 $ 1.30 $ .64 $ (2.49)
Extraordinary item .......................... -- -- -- -- (.38)(g) -- --
Cumulative effect of accounting change ...... -- -- (1.44)(c) -- -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net earnings (loss) ......................... $ .34 $ (.75) $ (5.15) $ .72 $ .92 $ .64 $ (2.49)
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Weighted average common shares .............. 15,623 16,021 16,185 19,097 23,430 23,493 23,822
(continued on following page)
</TABLE>
37
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended
--------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
Feb. 26, Feb. 25, Feb. 24, Feb. 22, Feb. 28, Aug. 30, Aug. 29,
1994 1995 1996(a) 1997 1998 1997 1998(b)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Other Data:
Gross margin................................. 33.0% 32.5% 31.2% 34.4% 36.7% 36.5% 37.6%
EBITDA (h)................................... $ 34,533 $ 36,029 $ (18,840) $ 66,545 $ 87,493 $ 41,663 $ 58,595
Depreciation and amortization................ 13,115 16,146 18,435 24,147 24,160 12,465 18,312
Capital Expenditures......................... 11,002 12,172 13,656 14,471 28,923 11,656 20,210
Backlog, at period end (i)................... 131,000 221,000 340,000 420,000 560,000 525,000 700,000
Selected Ratios:
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (j)....... 1.7x NM(k) NM(k) 1.6x 2.5x 2.5x NM(k)
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense, net..... 2.7x 2.4x NM 2.4x 3.8x 3.6x 3.6x
Balance Sheet Data (end of period):
Working capital.............................. $ 76,874 $ 76,563 $ 41,824 $ 122,174 $ 262,504 $ 144,686 $ 182,464
Total assets................................. 375,009 379,954 433,586 491,089 681,757 510,521 901,168
Long-term debt............................... 159,170 172,693 273,192 225,402 349,557 225,446 464,813
Stockholders' equity......................... 133,993 125,331 44,157 165,761 196,775 186,298 257,245
</TABLE>
(a) On January 24, 1996, the Company acquired all of the stock of Burns, an
industry leader in commercial aircraft seating. The acquisition of Burns
was accounted for as a purchase, and the results of Burns are included in
B/E's historical financial data from the date of acquisition.
(b) On March 27, 1998, the Company acquired ASI. On April 13, 1998, the Company
acquired PBASCO. On April 21, 1998, the Company acquired AMP. On July 30,
1998, the Company acquired ALC. On August 7, 1998, the Company acquired
SMR. The results of such acquisitions are included in B/E's historical
financial data from the date of acquisition. See "Summary--Recent
Developments."
(c) In fiscal 1996, the Company changed its method of accounting relating to
the capitalization of precontract engineering costs that were previously
included as a component of inventories and amortized to earnings as the
product was shipped. Effective February 26, 1995, such costs have been
charged to research, development and engineering and expensed as incurred
and, as a result, periods prior to fiscal 1996 are not comparable. In
connection with such change in accounting, the Company recorded a charge to
earnings of $23,332.
(d) In fiscal 1996, in conjunction with the Company's rationalization of its
seating business and as a result of the Burns acquisition, the Company
recorded a charge to earnings of $4,170 related to costs associated with
the integration and consolidation of the Company's European seating
operations. In fiscal 1995, the Company charged to earnings $23,736 of
expenses primarily related to intangible assets and inventories associated
with the Company's earlier generations of passenger entertainment systems.
(e) In fiscal 1998, the Company settled a long-running dispute with the U.S.
Government over export sales between 1992 and 1995 to Iran Air. The Company
recorded a charge of $4,664 in fiscal 1998 related to fines, civil
penalties and associated legal fees arising from the settlement. See
"Business--Legal Proceedings."
(f) During the six months ended August 29, 1998, the Company recorded a charge
of $79,155 for the write-off of acquired in-process research and
development and acquisition-related expenses associated with the PBASCO,
AMP and SMR transactions. In-process research and development expenses
arise from new product development projects that are in various stages of
completion at the acquired enterprise at the date of acquisition.
In-process research and development expenses for products under development
at the date of acquisition that have not established technological
feasibility and for which no alternative use is identified are written off.
(g) The Company incurred an extraordinary charge of $8,956 during fiscal 1998
for unamortized debt issue costs, tender and redemption premiums and fees
and expenses related to the repurchase of its 9 3/4% Senior Notes due 2003
(the "9 3/4% Notes").
(h) EBITDA represents net earnings before deducting extraordinary items, income
tax expenses, interest expense, net, other expenses, in-process research
and development and acquisition-related expenses and depreciation and
amortization expense. EBITDA is not a measurement in accordance with GAAP
and is presented to facilitate a further analysis of B/E's financial
condition. These data are not intended to be a substitute for net income
(loss) or operating cash flow as a measure of B/E's profitability. EBITDA,
as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other
companies.
(i) As adjusted to exclude certain backlog which was debooked in August 1997.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Bookings and Backlog Information."
(j) For purposes of computing this ratio, earnings consist of earnings before
extraordinary items, income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist
of interest expense, capitalized interest and amortization of deferred debt
issuance costs.
38
<PAGE>
(k) Earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by approximately $18,000,
$60,100 and $55,800 for the fiscal years ended February 25, 1995 and
February 24, 1996 and the six months ended August 29, 1998, respectively.
(l) During fiscal year 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standard No. 128, Earnings per Share, and, accordingly, has
restated earnings per share for all periods presented.
39
<PAGE>
PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
The unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations and unaudited
pro forma combined balance sheet give effect to (i) the acquisition by B/E of
SMR, (ii) the acquisitions of AMP, PBASCO and CF Taylor (together, the "Other
Insignificant Acquisitions"), (iii) the issuance of the Company's shares in
connection with the acquisition of SMR, (iv) the refinancing of B/E's 9 3/4%
Notes (which was completed on March 16, 1998) and (v) the sale of the Old Notes
in the Offering and the use of $118.0 million of the net proceeds of the
Offering to repurchase the SMR Shares and the remainder to repay indebtedness
under the Bank Credit Facility. The pro forma combined statements of operations
for the year ended February 28, 1998 is comprised of the results of B/E for the
year ended February 28, 1998, the results of SMR, PBASCO and CF Taylor for the
year ended December 31, 1997 and the results of AMP for the twelve months ended
January 31, 1998. The pro forma combined statements of operations for the six
months ended August 29, 1998 is comprised of the results of B/E for the six
months ended August 29, 1998, the results of CF Taylor for the six months ended
June 30, 1998, the results of SMR for the five months ended May 31, 1998 and the
results of AMP and PBASCO for the one month ended March 31, 1998. The pro forma
combined balance sheet as of August 29, 1998 has been prepared by combining the
consolidated balance sheet of B/E as of August 29, 1998 with the balance sheet
of CF Taylor as of August 31, 1998 (SMR, AMP and PBASCO were already included in
the consolidated balance sheet of B/E as of August 29, 1998). Financial
information for CF Taylor has been prepared in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles of the United Kingdom ("U.K. GAAP") applied on a
consistent basis throughout the periods involved. The differences between U.K.
GAAP and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, insofar as they affect
the financial information of CF Taylor, are not material. The balance sheet of
CF Taylor was derived from the balance sheet prepared by the Company in
connection with the Company's acquisition of CF Taylor. The CF Taylor financial
information presented herein has been converted from U.K. pounds to U.S. dollars
at exchange rates of 1.6401 and 1.6508, respectively, based upon the weighted
average exchange rate for the year ended December 31, 1997 and the six months
ended June 30, 1998, respectively, and at an exchange rate of 1.6801, based upon
the exchange rate in effect on August 31, 1998 for the financial information as
of August 31, 1998.
The pro forma combined statements of operations for the year ended
February 28, 1998 and the six months ended August 29, 1998 assume that the
acquisition of SMR, the issuance of the Company's shares in connection with the
acquisition of SMR, the Other Insignificant Acquisitions, the refinancing of
B/E's 9 3/4% Notes and the Offering, and the application of the proceeds
therefrom occurred on February 23, 1997. The pro forma combined balance sheet as
of August 29, 1998 assumes that the acquisition of CF Taylor and the Offering
and the application of the proceeds therefrom occurred on August 29, 1998. The
pro forma combined statements of operations and balance sheet do not purport to
represent the results of operations or financial position of the Company had the
transactions and events assumed therein occurred on the dates specified, nor are
they necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be achieved in
the future. Certain of the pro forma adjustments, for expenses related to the
SMR selling shareholders which will no longer be incurred after the acquisition,
represent estimates of cost savings expected to be realized in connection with
the acquisition of SMR. No assurance can be given as to the amount of costs that
will actually be incurred or cost savings that will actually be realized. The
pro forma adjustments are based on management's preliminary assumptions
regarding purchase accounting adjustments.
The pro forma combined financial information is based upon certain
assumptions and adjustments described in the notes to the pro forma financial
statements. In connection with the acquisitions of AMP, PBASCO and SMR, during
the six months ended August 29, 1998, the Company recorded a charge of $79,155
for in-process research and development and acquisition-related expenses. The
Company engaged consultants to assist in the allocation of the purchase price of
CF Taylor. Based upon the result of their work, the Company did not allocate any
of the purchase price of CF Taylor to in-process research and development. The
pro forma combined financial information should be read in conjunction with the
B/E historical financial statements, including notes thereto, which are
incorporated herein by reference, and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Results of Operations and Financial Condition" and other financial information
included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
40
<PAGE>
BE AEROSPACE, INC.
Pro Forma Combined Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
Year Ended February 28, 1998
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Other
Insignificant
B/E Acquisitions Adjustments Combined SMR Adjustments Pro Forma
--------- ------------ ----------- --------- -------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales .................................. $ 487,999 $ 119,937 $ -- $ 607,936 $ 72,805 $ -- $ 680,741
Cost of Sales .............................. 309,094 84,190 (804)(a) 392,480 43,914 200 (b) 436,594
--------- --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Gross profit ............................... 178,905 35,747 804 215,456 28,891 (200) 244,147
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and
administrative .......................... 58,622 10,117 (937)(a) 67,802 8,593 (1,251)(c) 75,144
Research, development and
engineering ............................. 45,685 3,250 937 (a) 50,676 7,389 -- 58,065
804 (a)
Amortization expense .................... 11,265 2,552 5,077 (b) 18,894 -- 2,445 (b) 21,339
In-process research and
development and acquisition-
related expenses ........................ -- -- 32,253 (h) 32,253 -- 46,902 (h) 79,155
Other expenses .......................... 4,664 2,000 -- 6,664 -- -- 6,664
--------- --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Total operating expenses ................... 120,236 17,919 38,134 176,289 15,982 48,096 240,367
--------- --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Operating earnings (loss) .................. 58,669 17,828 (37,330) 39,167 12,909 (48,296) 3,780
Interest expense, net ...................... 22,765 538 14,904 (d) 38,207 723 15,979 (e) 54,909
--------- --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
and extraordinary items ................. 35,904 17,290 (52,234) 960 12,186 (64,275) (51,129)
Minority interest in net earnings of
subsidiary .............................. -- -- -- -- 1,285 (1,285)(f) --
Income taxes ............................... 5,386 7,555 (7,959)(g) 4,982 2,500 (3,278)(g) 4,204
--------- --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary
item .................................... 30,518 9,735 (44,275) (4,022) 8,401 (59,712) (55,333)
Extraordinary item ......................... 8,956 -- -- 8,956 -- -- 8,956
--------- --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Net earnings (loss) ........................ $ 21,562 $ 9,735 $ (44,275) $ (12,978) $ 8,401 $ (59,712) $ (64,289)
========= ========= ========= ========= ======== ========= =========
Basic net earnings (loss) per share:
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary
item................................... $ 1.36 $ (2.47)
Extraordinary item..................... (0.40) (0.40)
--------- ---------
Net earnings (loss).................... $ 0.96 $ (2.87)
========= =========
Weighted average common shares......... 22,442 22,442
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share:
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary
item................................... $ 1.30 $ (2.47)
Extraordinary item..................... (0.38) (0.40)
--------- ---------
Net earnings (loss).................... $ 0.92 $ (2.87)
========= =========
Weighted average common shares......... 23,430 22,442
Operating and Other Data:
Gross margin.............................. 36.7% 35.9%
EBITDA (i)................................ $ 87,493 $ 128,034
Depreciation and amortization............. 24,160 38,435
Capital expenditures...................... 28,923 35,989
Selected Ratios:
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense,
net.................................... 3.8x 2.3x
Ratio of EBITDA minus capital
expenditures to interest expense....... 2.6x 1.7x
Ratio of total debt to EBITDA............. 4.4x 5.2x
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges (j)............................ 2.5x 0.1x
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to Pro Forma Combined Statements of
Operations for the Year Ended February 28, 1998.
41
<PAGE>
BE AEROSPACE, INC.
Notes to Pro Forma Combined Statements of Operations
Year ended February 28, 1998
(a) Reflects adjustments to reclassify certain expenses in a manner
consistent with B/E's presentation, in which B/E classifies certain
engineering related expenses as a component of research and development
as compared to general and administrative expenses or cost of sales.
(b) Reflects adjustments to depreciation and amortization based on the
preliminary purchase price allocation related to the acquired property
and equipment and intangible assets.
(c) Reflects adjustments to eliminate costs paid directly to the selling
shareholders of the acquired businesses. The selling shareholders will
no longer be employed by B/E. Such costs consist of the following:
Shareholder salaries and benefits..................... $ 711
Shareholder bonuses................................... 540
------
Total................................................. $1,251
======
(d) Represents additional interest expense for the year ended February 28,
1998 that would have been incurred had the Other Insignificant
Acquisitions and refinancing of B/E's 9 3/4% Notes (which was completed
on March 16, 1998) taken place on February 23, 1997.
(e) Represents additional interest expense for the year ended February 28,
1998 that would have been incurred had the acquisition by B/E of SMR and
the Offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom to
repurchase the shares issued in the acquisition of SMR taken place on
February 23, 1997.
(f) To eliminate minority interest.
(g) To adjust income tax expense to reflect the Company's 15% effective tax
rate.
(h) During the first six months of fiscal 1999, the Company expensed $79,155
related to in-process research and development and acquisition-related
expenses. These expenses are reflected in the Pro Forma Combined
Statements of Operations for the year ended February 28, 1998 as the
acquisitions are assumed to have occurred on February 23, 1997.
(i) EBITDA represents net earnings before deducting extraordinary items,
income tax expenses, interest expense, net, other expenses, in-process
research and development and acquisition-related expenses and
depreciation and amortization expense. EBITDA is not a measurement in
accordance with GAAP and is presented to facilitate a further analysis
of B/E's financial condition. These data are not intended to be a
substitute for net income (loss) or operating cash flow as a measure of
B/E's profitability. EBITDA, as presented, may not be comparable to
similarly titled measures of other companies.
(j) For purposes of computing this ratio, earnings consist of earnings
before extraordinary items, income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed
charges consist of interest expense, capitalized interest and
amortization of deferred debt issuance costs.
42
<PAGE>
BE AEROSPACE, INC.
Pro Forma Combined Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
Six Months Ended August 29, 1998
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Other
Insignificant
B/E Acquisitions Adjustments Combined SMR Adjustments Pro Forma
--------- ------------ ----------- --------- -------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales ............................ $ 296,343 $ 27,089 $ -- $ 323,432 $ 40,315 $ -- $ 363,747
Cost of Sales ........................ 184,863 19,113 -- 203,976 24,199 83 (b) 228,258
--------- --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Gross profit ......................... 111,480 7,976 -- 119,456 16,116 (83) 135,489
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and
administrative ................. 37,041 4,713 (78)(a) 41,676 5,276 (549)(c) 46,403
Research, development and
engineering .................... 24,742 1,577 78 (a) 26,397 2,005 -- 28,402
Amortization expense .............. 9,414 -- 680 (b) 10,094 8 1,019 (b) 11,121
In-process research and
development and acquisition-
related expenses ............... 79,155 -- (32,253)(h) 46,902 -- (46,902)(h) --
--------- --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Total operating expenses ............. 150,352 6,290 (31,573) 125,069 7,289 (46,432) 85,926
--------- --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Operating earnings (loss) ............ (38,872) 1,686 31,573 (5,613) 8,827 46,349 49,563
Interest expense, net ................ 16,446 (10) 2,047 (d) 18,483 179 8,134 (e) 26,796
--------- --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (55,318) 1,696 29,526 (24,096) 8,648 38,215 22,767
Minority interest .................... -- -- -- -- 1,129 (1,129)(f) --
Income taxes ......................... 4,052 -- (175)(g) 3,877 2,549 (2,556)(g) 3,870
--------- --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Net earnings (loss) .................. $ (59,370) $ 1,696 $ 29,701 $ (27,973) $ 4,970 $ 41,900 $ 18,897
========= ========= ========= ========= ======== ========= ========
Basic net earnings (loss) per share:
Net earnings (loss) ............... $ (2.49) $ 0.80
========= ========
Weighted average common shares .... 23,822 23,570
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share:
Net earnings (loss) ............... $ (2.49) $ 0.77
========= ========
Weighted average common shares .... 23,822 24,452
Operating and Other Data:
Gross margin ......................... 37.6% 37.2%
EBITDA (i) ........................... $ 58,595 $ 70,643
Depreciation and amortization ........ 18,312 21,080
Capital expenditures ................. 20,210 21,613
Selected Ratios:
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense,
net ............................... 3.6x 2.6x
Ratio of EBITDA minus capital
expenditures to interest expense .. 2.3x 1.8x
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges (j) ....................... NM 1.8x
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to Pro Forma Combined Statements of
Operations for the Six Months Ended August 29, 1998.
43
<PAGE>
BE AEROSPACE, INC.
Notes to Pro Forma Combined Statements of Operations
Six Months Ended August 29, 1998
(a) Reflects adjustments to reclassify certain expenses in a manner
consistent with B/E's presentation, in which B/E classifies certain
engineering related expenses as a component of research and development
as compared to general and administrative expenses.
(b) Reflects adjustments to depreciation and amortization based on the
preliminary purchase price allocation related to the acquired property
and equipment and intangible assets.
(c) Reflects adjustments to eliminate costs attributable to the selling
shareholders of the acquired businesses. The selling shareholders will
no longer be employed by B/E. Such costs consist of:
Shareholder salaries and benefits......................... $ 549
=======
(d) Represents additional interest expense for the six months ended August
29, 1998 that would have been incurred had the Other Insignificant
Acquisitions and refinancing of B/E's 9 3/4% Notes (which was completed
on March 16, 1998) taken place on February 23, 1997.
(e) Represents additional interest expense for the six months ended August
29, 1998 that would have been incurred had the acquisition by B/E of SMR
and the Offering and the application of the proceeds therefrom to
repurchase the shares issued in the acquisition of SMR taken place on
February 23, 1997.
(f) To eliminate minority interest.
(g) To adjust income tax expense to reflect the Company's 17% effective tax
rate.
(h) During the first six months of fiscal 1999, the Company expensed $79,155
related to in-process research and development and acquisition-related
expenses. These expenses are eliminated in the Pro Forma Combined
Statements of Operations for the six months ended August 29, 1998 as the
acquisitions are assumed to have occurred on February 23, 1997 and
therefore are reflected in the Pro Forma Combined Statements of
Operations for the year ended February 28, 1998.
(i) EBITDA represents net earnings before deducting extraordinary items,
income tax expenses, interest expense, net, other expenses, in-process
research and development and acquisition-related expenses and
depreciation and amortization expense. EBITDA is not a measurement in
accordance with GAAP and is presented to facilitate a further analysis
of B/E's financial condition. These data are not intended to be a
substitute for net income (loss) or operating cash flow as a measure of
B/E's profitability. EBITDA, as presented, may not be comparable to
similarly titled measures of other companies.
(j) For purposes of computing this ratio, earnings consist of earnings
before extraordinary items, income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed
charges consist of interest expense, capitalized interest and
amortization of deferred debt issuance costs. Earnings were insufficient
to cover fixed charges by $55,800 for the six months ended August 29,
1998. The insufficiency was primarily the result of the charge to
earnings of $79,155 in fiscal 1999 for the write-off of acquired
in-process research and development and acquisition-related expenses
described in note (h) above.
44
<PAGE>
BE AEROSPACE, INC.
Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
August 29, 1998
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
B/E CF Taylor Adjustments Combined Adjustments Pro Forma
-------- --------- ----------- -------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ..................... $ 29,203 $ -- $ -- $ 29,203 $ 194,750 (d) $ 44,953
(119,000)(e)
15,000 (e)
(75,000)(f)
Account receivable--trade, net ................ 113,524 7,895 -- 121,419 -- 121,419
Inventories, net .............................. 188,668 9,121 -- 197,789 -- 197,789
Other current assets .......................... 9,506 71 -- 9,577 -- 9,577
-------- -------- --------- --------- --------- -------
Total current assets .......................... 340,901 17,087 -- 357,988 15,750 373,738
Property & equipment, net ........................ 136,873 4,536 -- 141,409 -- 141,409
Intangibles & other assets, net .................. 423,394 1,935 25,124 (a) 441,998 5,250 (d) 448,248
(11,815)(b) 1,000 (e)
3,360 (b)
-------- -------- --------- --------- --------- -------
Total assets .................................. $901,168 $ 23,558 $ 16,669 $ 941,395 $ 22,000 $963,395
======== ======== ========= ========== ========= ========
Liabilities & Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable .............................. $ 56,874 $ 4,523 $ -- $ 61,397 -- $ 61,397
Accrued liabilities ........................... 93,580 7,220 3,360 (b) 104,160 -- 104,160
Current portion of long-term debt ............. 7,983 -- -- 7,983 -- 7,983
-------- -------- --------- --------- --------- -------
Total current liabilities .................. 158,437 11,743 3,360 173,540 -- 173,540
Long-term debt ................................ 464,813 -- 25,124 (a) 489,937 200,000 (d) 629,937
15,000 (e)
(75,000)(f)
Deferred income taxes ......................... 1,161 -- -- 1,161 -- 1,161
Other liabilities ............................. 19,512 -- -- 19,512 -- 19,512
-------- -------- --------- --------- --------- -------
Total liabilities .......................... 643,923 11,743 28,484 684,150 140,000 824,150
-------- -------- --------- --------- --------- -------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock .................................. 283 10,516 (10,516)(c) 283 (40)(e) 243
Additional paid-in capital .................... 359,660 -- -- 359,660 (117,960)(e) 241,700
Accumulated deficit ........................... (100,094) 1,299 (1,299)(c) (100,094) -- (100,094)
Cumulative foreign exchange translation
adjustment ................................ (2,604) -- -- (2,604) -- (2,604)
-------- -------- --------- --------- --------- -------
Total stockholders' equity ................. 257,245 11,815 (11,815) 257,245 (118,000) 139,245
-------- -------- --------- --------- --------- -------
$901,168 $ 23,558 $ 16,669 $ 941,395 $ 22,000 $963,395
======== ======== ========= ========= ========= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to Pro Forma Combined
Balance Sheet as of August 29, 1998.
45
<PAGE>
BE AEROSPACE, INC.
Notes to Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet
August 29, 1998
(a) Reflects the use of cash related to the acquisition of CF Taylor:
Proceeds from borrowings under the Company's Bank Credit
Facility........................................... $ 25,124
==========
(b) The acquisition of CF Taylor has been accounted for as a purchase
pursuant to APB Opinion No. 16 "Business Combinations." The purchase
price has been allocated to the assets and liabilities of CF Taylor
based on relative fair values. Such allocations are subject to final
determination based on valuations and other studies. The Company engaged
consultants to assist in the allocation of the purchase price of CF
Taylor. Based upon the result of their work, the Company did not
allocate any of the purchase price of CF Taylor to in-process research
and development. The final values may differ significantly from those
set forth below:
Purchase cost:
Aggregate purchase price.................................. $ 25,124
Purchase accounting reserves.............................. 3,360
Less estimated book value of net assets purchased......... (11,815)
---------
Total..................................................... $ 16,669
=========
Allocation of excess of purchase cost over book value of assets:
Goodwill and other intangible assets, subject to final
determination............................................. $ 16,669
=========
Purchase accounting reserves include the costs to implement the business
integration plan, including severance, relocation, systems conversion
and other business acquisition-related costs.
(c) To reclassify the equity in CF Taylor as part of the allocation of
purchase price.
(d) Reflects the proceeds from the issuance of the Notes:
Net proceeds from issuance of the Notes..................... $194,750
Initial Purchasers' discount................................ 5,250
--------
Total....................................................... $200,000
========
(e) Reflects adjustments for the repurchase of the 4,000,000 shares of
common stock issued to the selling stockholders in the acquisition of
SMR, related offering expenses (exclusive of initial purchasers'
discount) incurred in connection with the Notes (estimated at $1,000)
and borrowings related to certain acquisitions and related costs.
(f) Reflects adjustments to pay down debt with net proceeds after the
repurchase of the 4,000,000 shares of common stock discussed in note (e)
above.
46
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Introduction
B/E is the world's largest manufacturer of commercial and general
aviation aircraft cabin interior products serving virtually all major airlines
and a wide variety of general aviation customers and airframe manufacturers.
Management believes that the Company has achieved leading global market
positions in each of its major product categories, which include aircraft seats,
food and beverage preparation and storage equipment, galley and other interior
structures, oxygen delivery systems, lighting systems and in-flight
entertainment systems. In addition, B/E provides design, integration,
installation and certification services, offering its customers in-house
capabilities to design, project manage, integrate, test and certify
reconfigurations and modifications for commercial aircraft cabin interiors and
to manufacture related products, including engineering kits and interface
components. B/E also provides upgrade, maintenance and repair services for its
airline customers around the world.
B/E's revenues are generally derived from two primary sources:
refurbishment or upgrade programs for the existing worldwide fleets of
commercial and general aviation aircraft, and new aircraft deliveries. B/E
believes its large installed base of products, estimated to be approximately
$4,700,000 as of August 29, 1998 (valued at replacement prices), gives it a
significant advantage over competitors in obtaining orders for refurbishment
programs, principally due to the tendency of the airlines to purchase equipment
for such programs from the original supplier. With the exception of spare parts
sales, B/E's revenues are generated from programs initiated by the airlines
which may vary significantly from year to year in terms of size, mix of products
and length of delivery. As a result, B/E's revenues and margins may fluctuate
from period to period based upon the size and timing of the program and the type
of products sold. Historically, B/E experienced certain trends in its two
revenue drivers: as the airlines took deliveries of large numbers of new
aircraft, refurbishment programs as a percentage of revenues declined and,
similarly, when new aircraft deliveries declined, refurbishment programs tended
to increase in number and size. Chances in revenues by classes of product are
the result of acquisitions and volume demand in the industry, as more fully
described in the discussion and analysis that follows. During the most recent
airline industry recession, which ended in 1994, the airlines significantly
depleted their cash reserves and incurred record losses. In an effort to improve
their liquidity, the airlines conserved cash by reducing or deferring cabin
interior refurbishment and upgrade programs and purchases of new aircraft. As a
result, in contrast with historical experience, B/E experienced declines in both
new aircraft and refurbishment programs.
Since early 1994, the airlines have experienced a significant turnaround
in operating results, with the domestic airline industry achieving record
operating earnings during calendar years 1995 through 1997. Consequently, during
fiscal 1998 B/E has experienced significant growth in backlog of seating and
galley products, and has experienced significant growth in revenues and
operating earnings. This growth is a reflection of the airlines' need to begin
refurbishing worn fleets and their ability to do so as a result of the
strengthening of the airlines' balance sheets.
B/E has substantially expanded the size, scope and nature of its
business as a result of a number of acquisitions. On January 24, 1996, the
Company acquired all of the stock of Burns, an industry leader in commercial
aircraft seating. On March 27, 1998, the Company acquired all of the capital
stock of Aerospace Interiors, Inc., which services, cleans and repairs aircraft
interior parts and products, and is a leading provider of seat repair and
maintenance services performed by non-airline entities. On April 13, 1998, the
Company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain of the
liabilities of PBASCO, a leading manufacturer of commercial aircraft oxygen
delivery systems, a leading manufacturer of passenger service unit components
and systems, and a major supplier of air valves, overhead lights and switches,
crew masks and protective breathing devices. On April 21, 1998, the Company
acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain of the liabilities
of AMP, a leading manufacturer of cabin interior products for general aviation
(business jet) and commercial type VIP aircraft. On July 30, 1998, the Company
acquired all of the capital stock of ALC, a market leader in producing interior
fluorescent lighting systems for business and corporate jet aircraft. On August
7, 1998, the Company acquired all of the capital stock of SMR Aerospace, Inc., a
leader in providing design, integration, installation and certification services
for commercial aircraft passenger cabin interiors. On September 3, 1998, the
Company acquired substantially all of the galley equipment assets and assumed
related liabilities of CF Taylor, a manufacturer of galley equipment and
structures for both narrow- and wide-body aircraft. While the Company will
continue to be susceptible to industry-wide conditions, management believes that
the Company's significantly more diversified product line and revenue base
achieved through acquisitions has reduced its exposure to demand fluctuations in
any one product area.
47
<PAGE>
As a result of the acquisitions of PBASCO, AMP and SMR, the Company has
recorded a charge of $79,155 for the write-off of acquired in-process research
and development and acquisition related expenses associated with these and other
transactions. In addition, in connection with the acquisition of CF Taylor, the
Company engaged consultants to assist in the allocation of the purchase price of
CF Taylor. Based upon the result of their work, the Company did not allocate any
of the purchase price of CF Taylor to in-process research and development.
In-process research and development expenses arose from new product development
projects that were in various stages of completion at the respective acquired
companies at the dates of such acquisitions. In-process research and development
expenses related to products under development at the dates of such acquisition
that had not established technological feasibility and for which no alternative
use was identified were written off. The in-process research and development
projects have been valued based on expected net cash flows over the product
life, costs to complete, the stage of completion of the projects, the result of
which has been discounted to reflect the inherent risk associated with the
completion of the projects, and the realization of the efforts expended.
New product development projects underway at PBASCO at the date of
acquisition included, among others, modular drop boxes, passenger and flight
crew oxygen masks, oxygen regulators and generators, protective breathing
equipment, on board oxygen generating systems, reading lights, passenger service
units, external viewing systems for executive and commercial aircraft and cabin
monitoring systems. In-process research and development and acquisition-related
expenses associated with PBASCO were approximately $13,000. The Company has
determined that these projects were approximately 28% complete at the date of
acquisition, and estimates that the cost to complete these projects will
aggregate approximately $11,800, and will be incurred over a four year period.
New product development projects underway at AMP at the date of
acquisition included, among others, executive aircraft interior products for the
Bombardier Global Express, Boeing Business Jet, Airbus Corporate Jet, Cessna
Citation 560XL, Cessna Citation 560 Ultra, Visionaire Vantage and Lear 60, as
well as other specific executive aircraft seating products. In-process research
and development and acquisition-related expenses associated with AMP were
approximately $19,253. The Company has determined that these projects were
approximately 25% complete at the date of acquisition, and estimates that the
cost to complete these projects will aggregate approximately $4,800, and will be
incurred over a two year period.
New product development projects underway at SMR at the date of
acquisition included, among others, pneumatic and electrical deicing systems for
the substantial majority of all executive and commuter aircraft types, crew rest
modules for selected wide-body aircraft, passenger to freighter and combi to
freighter conversion kits for selected wide-body aircraft, hovercraft skirting
devices, cargo nets, and smoke barriers. In-process research and development and
acquisition-related expenses associated with SMR were approximately $46,902. The
Company has determined that these projects were approximately 60% complete at
the date of acquisition, and estimates that the cost to complete these projects
will aggregate approximately $2,700, and will be incurred over a two year
period.
Uncertainties that could impede progress to a developed technology
include (i) availability of financial resources to complete the development,
(ii) regulatory approval (FAA, CAA, etc.) required for each product before it
can be installed on an aircraft, (iii) continued economic feasibility of
developed technologies, (iv) customer acceptance and (v) general competitive
conditions in the industry. There can be no assurance that the in-process
research and development projects will be successfully completed and
commercially introduced.
Recently, Rockwell Collins has entered the in-flight entertainment
industry by purchasing Hughes Avicom, and in doing so has changed the
competitive landscape for this line of business. The Company has evaluated the
impact of the changing market conditions, and has determined that the long-term
success of this line of business may be enhanced by teaming with a partner with
substantial economic and technology resources. In connection therewith, the
Company may monetize a portion, or if no suitable partner can be found, all of
its investment in its in-flight entertainment business.
Over the last two fiscal years, the Company's gross margins have
improved substantially, increasing from 31.2% in fiscal 1996 to 34.4% in fiscal
1997 and to 36.7% in fiscal 1998. The primary reasons for the improvement in
gross margins include: (i) shift in product mix in all divisions toward higher
margin products, (ii) higher unit volumes, and (iii) a company-wide
re-engineering program which has resulted in higher employee productivity and
better manufacturing efficiency.
48
<PAGE>
B/E's business strategy is to maintain its market leadership position
through various initiatives, including new product development. In fiscal 1998,
research, development and engineering expenses totaled $45,685, or 9.4% of net
sales, primarily consisting of costs related to the development of the MDDS,
with the balance attributable to the seating and galley products businesses.
In January 1998, the Company resolved a long-running dispute with the
U.S. Government over export sales between 1992 and 1995 to Iran, which resulted
in a charge of $4,664 in its fourth quarter, which ended February 28, 1998. See
"Business--Legal Proceedings."
The following discussion and analysis addresses the results of the
Company's operations for the six months ended August 29, 1998, as compared to
the Company's results of operations for the six months ended August 30, 1997.
The discussion and analysis then addresses the results of the Company's
operations for the year ended February 28, 1998 as compared to the Company's
results of operations for the year ended February 22, 1997. The discussion and
analysis then addresses the results of the Company's operations for the year
ended February 22, 1997 as compared to the Company's results of operations for
the year ended February 24, 1996. The discussion and analysis then addresses the
liquidity and financial condition of the Company and other matters.
Six Months Ended August 29, 1998, as Compared to the Six Months Ended August 30,
1997
Net sales for the fiscal 1999 six-month period were $296,343, an
increase of approximately $62,700, or 27% over the comparable period in the
prior year. The recent acquisitions of PBASCO, AMP and SMR accounted for a
substantial portion of the increase in revenues during this period; AMP and
PBASCO generated approximately $36,700 of revenues, in the aggregate, with SMR
adding approximately $6,000. Internal growth during the six months was low due
to uneven airline scheduling requirements. The Company does not believe this
period is reflective of the Company's strong growth in orders and backlog. As
described below, the Company expects very significant internal growth during the
second half of the year and significant internal growth for the full year.
During each of the six months ended August 29, 1998 and the year ended February
28, 1998, the Seating Products and Interior Systems Groups, exclusive of
businesses acquired during fiscal 1999, generated approximately 78% of total
revenues. During the eighteen-month period ended August 29, 1998, these two
groups generated their highest bookings ever, with program awards of
approximately $764,909 from the world's airlines, including, among others, Delta
Air Lines, USAirways, British Airways, United Airlines, American Airlines and
Northwest Airlines. The Seating Products Group, which generated approximately
52% of total revenues in Fiscal 1998, had its strongest booking quarter ever
during the quarter ended August 29, 1998, with a book to bill ratio of
approximately 1.9:1; total bookings for the Company during the quarter were
approximately $215,000, and the Company experienced a book to bill ratio of
almost 1.4:1. Of the Company's backlog of approximately $700 million as of
August 29, 1998, $302 million is deliverable by the end of fiscal 1999. The
scheduled delivery dates for the Seating Products and Interior Systems Groups
along with scheduled deliveries for other programs form the basis for
management's expectation of very significant internal growth for the Company
during the second half of fiscal 1999.
Gross profit was $111,480 (37.6% of sales) for the six months ended
August 29, 1998. This was $26,268, or 31%, greater than the comparable period in
the prior year of $85,212, which represented 36.5% of sales. The primary reasons
for the improvement in gross margins include: (i) shift in product mix in all
divisions toward higher margin products; (ii) higher unit volumes; and (iii) a
company-wide re-engineering program which has resulted in higher employee
productivity and better manufacturing efficiency.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $37,041 (12.5% of
sales) for the six months ended August 29, 1998. This was $9,106, or 33%,
greater than the comparable period in the prior year of $27,935 (12.0% of
sales). The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was
primarily due to inclusion of the relevant expenses of the acquired companies
along with increases associated with internal growth.
Research, development and engineering expenses were $24,742 (8.3% of
sales) for the six months ended August 29, 1998, an increase of $2,192 over the
comparable period in the prior year. The increase in research, development and
engineering expense in the current period is primarily attributable to ongoing
new product development activities.
Amortization expense for the six months ended August 29, 1998 of $9,414
was $3,885 greater than the amount recorded in the comparable period in the
prior year.
49
<PAGE>
Based on management's assumptions, a portion of the purchase price for
each of the recent acquisitions of PBASCO, AMP and SMR was allocated to
purchased in-process research and development that had not reached technological
feasibility and had no future alternative use. During the first six months of
fiscal 1999, the Company recorded a charge of $79,155 for the write-off of
acquired in-process research and development, acquisition-related and other
expenses. Management estimates that the research and development cost to
complete the in-process research and development related to projects underway at
PBASCO, AMP and SMR will aggregate $19,000 which will be incurred over a 3-4
year period.
Due, in part, to the acquisition-related charges of $79,155 during the
six months ended August 29, 1998, the Company incurred an operating loss of
$(38,872), as compared to operating earnings of $29,198 in the prior year's
comparable period. Operating earnings excluding the acquisition-related charges
were $40,283.
Interest expense, net was $16,446 for the six months ended August 19,
1998, or $4,915 greater than interest expense of $11,531 for the comparable
period in the prior year and is due to the increase in the Company's long-term
debt.
The loss before income taxes in the current six-month period was
$(55,318) (which includes in-process research and development,
acquisition-related and other expenses of $79,155) as compared to earnings
before income taxes of $17,667 in the prior year's comparable period. Earnings
before income taxes excluding the acquisition-related charges were $23,837.
Income tax expense for the six months ended August 29, 1998 was $4,052 as
compared to $2,647 in the prior year's comparable period.
The net loss for the six months ended August 29, 1998 was $(59,370), or
$(2.49) per share (diluted), as compared to net earnings of $15,020 or $.64 per
share (diluted), for the comparable period in the prior year.
Year Ended February 28, 1998 Compared to Year Ended February 22, 1997
Sales for the year ended February 28, 1998 were $487,999, or 18% higher
than sales of $412,379 in the prior year, and reflected a 24% increase in
product sales, offset by a $13,305 decline in service revenues (attributable to
discontinued service lines of business). Year over year, the Company experienced
an increase in seating products revenues of approximately $35,000 (or 16%), a
$25,000, or 25% increase in interior systems products revenues and a $29,000, or
56% increase in in-flight entertainment products revenues. The revenue increases
for the Seating Products and In-Flight Entertainment Groups are primarily the
result of retrofit programs that seven of the ten largest airlines in the world
have commenced, while the increase in revenues for the Interior Systems Products
Group is primarily related to both the surge in new aircraft deliveries and the
increase in retrofit activity.
Gross profit was $178,905, or 36.7% of sales, for the year ended
February 28, 1998 and was $37,083, or 26% greater than the prior year's gross
profit of $141,822, which represented 34.4% of sales. The increase in gross
profit, while primarily the result of the higher sales volume, was also
positively impacted by the 230 basis point improvement in gross margin.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $58,622, or 12% of
sales, for the year ended February 28, 1998. This was $6,888, or 13% higher than
the selling, general and administrative expenses for the prior year of $51,734
(12.5% of sales), and is primarily due to the higher level of sales and
quotation activity, as well as a higher level of customer service, product
support and information technology activities.
Research, development and engineering expenses were $45,685, or 9.4% of
sales, for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1998. For the prior year,
research, development and engineering expenses were $37,083, or 9.0% of sales.
The increase in research, development and engineering was attributable to B/E's
ongoing new product development programs, including costs related to the
development of the MDDS and related Boeing line-fit expenditures.
Amortization expense for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1998 of
$11,265 was $658, or 6% higher than the amount recorded in the prior year.
Other expenses for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1998 consisted of
a non-recurring charge of $4,664 related to the settlement of a dispute with the
U.S. Government over certain export sales between 1992 and 1995.
See "Business--Legal Proceedings."
50
<PAGE>
Net interest expense was $22,765 for the year ended February 28, 1998 or
$4,402 less than the net interest expense of $27,167 recorded for the prior year
and is due to the decrease in the Company's long-term debt.
The increase in gross profit offset by somewhat higher operating
expenses and lower interest expenses in the current year resulted in earnings
before income taxes, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle of $35,904, an increase of $20,673 over the prior year.
Income taxes for the year ended February 28, 1998 were $5,386, or 15% of
earnings before income taxes as compared to $1,522, or 10% of earnings before
income taxes, in the prior year.
Earnings before extraordinary item were $30,518, or $1.30 per share
(diluted), which includes the $4,664 non-recurring charge related to the
settlement of the dispute with the U.S. Government, for the year ended February
28, 1998, as compared to $13,709, or $.72 per share (diluted), for the prior
year.
The Company incurred an extraordinary charge of $8,956 during fiscal
1998 for unamortized debt issue costs, tender and redemption premiums and fees
and expenses related to the repurchase of its 9 3/4% Notes.
Net earnings were $21,562, or $.96 per share (basic) and $.92 per share
(diluted), for the year ended February 28, 1998, as compared to $13,709, or $.77
per share (basic) and $.72 per share (diluted), for the prior year.
Year Ended February 22, 1997 Compared to Year Ended February 24, 1996
Sales for the year ended February 22, 1997 were $412,379, or 77% higher
than sales of $232,582 for the comparable period in the prior year. Year over
year, Seating revenues increased $120,000, and Services revenues increased by
$19,000. The acquisition of Burns accounted for approximately $104,000 of the
$139,000 increase. Year over year, the interior systems products rose by
$22,000, or 28% while in-flight entertainment revenues increased by $19,000, or
58%. The revenue increases for the Seating Products and In-flight Entertainment
Groups are primarily the result of retrofit programs underway throughout the
airline industry, while the increase in revenues for the Interior Products Group
is primarily related to both the surge in new aircraft deliveries and the
increase in retrofit activity. Excluding the effect of the Burns acquisition,
sales increased 33% year over year.
Gross profit was $141,822, or 34.4% of sales, for the year ended
February 22, 1997, and was $69,271 higher than gross profit for the comparable
period in the prior year of $72,551, which represented 31.2% of sales. The
increase in gross profit was primarily the result of the higher sales volumes
and the mix of all products and services sold.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $51,734, or 12.5% of
sales, for the year ended February 22, 1997. This was $9,734 higher than
selling, general and administrative expenses for the comparable period in the
prior year of $42,000, or 18.1% of sales, principally due to the substantial
increases in revenues and the acquisition of Burns.
Research, development and engineering expenses were $37,083, or 9.0% of
sales, for the year ended February 22, 1997. For the comparable period in the
prior year, research and development expense was $58,327, or 25.1% of sales. The
decrease in expenses during the current year was the result of a decrease in the
level of activity associated with the MDDS interactive entertainment system,
offset somewhat by an increase in product development activity in the Seating
Products Group.
Amortization expense of $10,607 for the year ended February 22, 1997 was
$1,108 more than the amount recorded in fiscal 1996 as a result of the Burns
acquisition.
Other expenses of $4,170 for the year ended February 24, 1996 was a
charge to earnings related to costs associated with the integration and
consolidation of the Company's European seating operations in connection with
the Company's rationalization of its seating business and as a result of the
Burns acquisition. There was no similar charge in fiscal 1997.
Net interest expense was $27,167 for the year ended February 22, 1997,
or $8,531 higher than the net interest expense of $18,636 recorded for the
comparable period in the prior year, and was due to the increase in the
51
<PAGE>
Company's long-term debt outstanding throughout most of fiscal 1997 as a result
of the 9 7/8% Notes issued at the time of the Burns acquisition.
Earnings before income taxes of $15,231 for the year ended February 22,
1997 were $75,312 more than the loss before income taxes of $60,081 in the prior
year.
Income taxes for the year ended February 22, 1997 were $1,522, or 10% of
earnings before income taxes, as compared to no tax provision in fiscal 1996.
Net earnings were $13,709, or $.77 per share (basic) and $.72 per share
(diluted), for the year ended February 22, 1997 as compared to a net loss of
($83,413), or ($5.15) per share (basic and diluted) for the comparable period in
the prior year, which included the cumulative effect of an accounting change of
$23,332.
Bookings and Backlog Information
Management estimates that B/E's backlog at August 29, 1998 was
approximately $700,000, approximately 57% of which management believes to be
deliverable during the 12 months following August 29, 1998, compared with a
backlog of $560,000 and $420,000 on February 28, 1998 and February 22, 1997,
respectively (as adjusted for the debooking of the British Airways MDDS program
in August 1997 described below). See "Risk Factors--Customer Delivery
Requirements" and "Business--Backlog."
On September 15, 1997, British Airways ("BA") notified the Company of
its decision not to conduct a flight trial of B/E's MDDS interactive video
system. BA ultimately selected a competitor's system for their in-flight
entertainment equipment needs. As a result of BA's decision not to move forward
with the interactive program, as of August 1997, the Company debooked
approximately $155,000 of backlog related to the MDDS program. Although the
Company has debooked the BA backlog, the Company is continuing to complete the
development and testing of the MDDS product and has completed line fit
certification of its MDDS System on Boeing 747-400 aircraft and delivered the
first MDDS product to its launch customer, Japan Airlines, in April 1998.
Subsequently, the Company delivered the second MDDS product to Japan Airlines in
June 1998. See "Business--Products and Services."
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's liquidity requirements consist of working capital needs,
ongoing capital expenditures and scheduled payments of interest on its
indebtedness. B/E's primary requirements for working capital have been directly
related to increased accounts receivable and inventory levels as a result of
revenue growth. B/E's working capital was $182,464 as of August 29, 1998, as
compared to $262,504 as of February 28, 1998.
At August 29, 1998, the Company's cash and cash equivalents were
$29,203, as compared to $164,685 at February 28, 1998. Cash provided from
operating activities was $11,785 for the six months ended August 29, 1998. The
primary source of cash during the six months ended August 29, 1998 was the net
loss of ($59,370) offset by non-cash charges for in-process research and
development, depreciation, amortization and acquisition-related expenses of
$97,467, decreases in accounts receivable of $6,163 and increases in accrued and
other liabilities of $13,090, offset by a use of cash of $46,550 related to
increases in inventories and other current assets. The primary use of cash
during the six-month period was $209,636 for the acquisition of PBASCO, AMP and
SMR.
The Company's capital expenditures were $20,210 and $11,656 during the
six months ended August 29, 1998 and August 30, 1997, respectively. The increase
in capital expenditures was primarily attributable to (i) the development of a
new management information system to replace the Company's existing systems,
many of which were inherited in acquisitions, and (ii) expenditures for plant
modernization. The management information system is expected to be installed
over 18 months and will be Year 2000 compliant. The Company anticipates ongoing
annual capital expenditures of approximately $35,000 for the next several years
to be in line with the expanded growth in business and the recent acquisitions.
The Company's Bank Credit Facility consists of a $100,000 revolving
credit facility and an acquisition facility of up to $100,000. An interim
revolving credit commitment of $120,000 available for the irrevocable letter of
credit in connection with the SMR acquisition, which was added in August 1998,
was returned to The Chase Manhattan Bank and canceled on November 2, 1998 when
the SMR Shares were repurchased. The revolving credit facility expires in August
2004 and the acquisition facility is amortizable over five years beginning in
August 1999.
52
<PAGE>
The Bank Credit Facility is collateralized by the Company's accounts
receivable, inventories and by substantially all of its other personal property.
The Bank Credit Facility contains customary affirmative covenants, negative
covenants and conditions of borrowing, all of which were met by the Company as
of August 29, 1998. At August 29, 1998, indebtedness under the existing Bank
Credit Facility consisted of letters of credit aggregating approximately
$124,000, including the irrevocable letter of credit in connection with the SMR
acquisition of $120,000, and outstanding borrowings under the revolving and
acquisition credit facilities aggregating $121,000 bearing interest at LIBOR
plus 1.50%. Since August 29, 1998, the Company has borrowed an additional
$40,000 under the revolving credit facility related to certain acquisitions and
related costs, repaid approximately $75,000 of outstanding borrowings with
proceeds from the Offering and canceled the irrevocable letter of credit in
connection with the SMR acquisition of $120,000. See "Use of Proceeds."
In February 1998, the Company sold $250,000 of 8% Notes. In conjunction
with the sale of the 8% Notes, the Company initiated a tender offer for the
$125,000 of 9 3/4% senior notes due 2003 (the "9 3/4% Notes") in the Offering.
The net proceeds from the offering of approximately $240,419 were used (i) for
the tender offer (which expired on February 25, 1998) in which approximately
$101,800 of the 9 3/4% Notes were retired, (ii) to call the remaining 9 3/4%
Notes on March 16, 1998, and (iii) together with the proceeds from the Bank
Credit Facility, to fund the acquisitions of PBASCO and AMP. The Company
incurred an extraordinary charge of $8,956 for unamortized debt issue costs,
tender and redemption premiums and fees and expenses related to the repurchase
of the 9 3/4% Notes. Long-term debt principally consists of the Bank Credit
Facility, the 9 7/8% Notes, the 8% Notes and the Old Notes. The 9 7/8% Notes, 8%
Notes and the Notes mature on February 1, 2006, March 1, 2008 and November 1,
2008, respectively.
The Company believes that the cash flow from operations and availability
under the Bank Credit Facility will provide adequate funds for its working
capital needs, planned capital expenditures and debt service requirements
through the term of the Bank Credit Facility. The Company believes that it will
be able to refinance the Bank Credit Facility prior to its termination, although
there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. The Company's ability
to fund its operations, make planned capital expenditures, make scheduled
payments and refinance its indebtedness depends on its future operating
performance and cash flow, which, in turn, are subject to prevailing economic
conditions and to financial, business and other factors, some of which are
beyond its control.
Deferred Tax Assets
The Company has established a valuation allowance related to the
utilization of its deferred tax assets because of uncertainties that preclude it
from determining that it is more likely than not that it will be able to
generate taxable income to realize such asset during the operating loss
carryforward period, which expires in 2012. Such uncertainties include recent
cumulative losses by the Company, the highly cyclical nature of the industry in
which it operates, economic conditions in Asia which is impacting the airframe
manufacturers and the airlines, the Company's high degree of financial leverage
and risks associated with the integration of acquisitions. The Company monitors
these as well as other positive and negative factors that may arise in the
future, as it assesses the necessity for a valuation allowance for its deferred
tax assets.
Year 2000 Costs
The "Year 2000" issue is the result of computer programs using two
digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Because of this
programming convention, software, hardware or firmware may recognize a date
using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. Use of non-Year 2000
compliant programs could result in system failures, miscalculations or errors
causing disruptions of operations or other business problems, including, among
others, a temporary inability to process transactions and invoices or engage in
similar normal business activities.
B/E Technology Initiatives Program. The Company has experienced
substantial growth as a result of having completed 15 acquisitions since 1989.
Essentially all of the acquired businesses were operating on separate
information systems, using different hardware and software platforms. In fiscal
1997, the Company undertook to examine its systems, both pre-existing and
acquired, for Year 2000 compliance with a view to replacing non-compliant
systems and creating an integrated Year 2000 compliant system. In addition, the
Company has undertaken a comprehensive program to address the Year 2000 issue
with respect to the following non-system areas: (i) network switching, (ii) the
Company's non-information technology systems (such as buildings, plant,
equipment and other infrastructure systems that may contain embedded
microcontroller technology); and (iii) the status of major vendors, third party
network service providers and other material service providers (insofar as they
relate to the
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Company's business). As explained below, the Company's efforts to assess its
systems as well as non-system areas related to Year 2000 compliance involve (i)
a wide-ranging assessment of the Year 2000 problems that may affect the Company,
(ii) the development of remedies to address the problems discovered in the
assessment phase and (iii) testing of the remedies.
Assessment Phase. The Company has identified substantially all of its
major hardware and software platforms in use as well as the relevant non-system
areas described above. The Company has determined its systems requirements on a
company-wide basis and has begun the implementation of an enterprise resource
planning (ERP) system, which is intended to be a single system database onto
which all the Company's individual systems will be migrated. In relation
thereto, the Company has signed contracts with substantially all of its
significant hardware, software and other equipment vendors and third party
network service providers related to Year 2000 compliance.
Remediation and Testing Phase. In implementing the ERP system, the
Company undertook, and has completed, a remediation and testing phase of all
internal systems, LANS, WANs and PBXS. This phase was intended to address
potential Year 2000 problems of the ERP system in relation to both information
technology and non-information technology systems and then to demonstrate that
the ERP software was Year 2000 compliant. ERP system software was selected and
applications implemented by a team of internal users, outside system integrator
specialists and ERP application experts. The ERP system was tested between June
1997 to 1998 by this team of experts. To date, four locations have been fully
implemented on the ERP system. This company-wide solution is being deployed to
all other B/E sites in a manner that is designed to meet full implementation for
all non-Year 2000 compliant sites by the year 2000.
Program to Assess and Monitor Progress of Third Parties. As noted above,
B/E has also undertaken an action plan to assess and monitor the progress of
third party vendors in resolving Year 2000 issues. To date, the Company has (i)
obtained guidance from outside counsel to ensure legal compliance, (ii)
generated correspondence to each of its third party vendors to assess the Y2K
readiness of these vendors, (iii) contracted a 'Vendor Y2K' fully automated
tracking program to track all correspondence to/from vendors, to track timely
responses via an automatic computer generated 'trigger', to provide an
electronic folder for easy reference and retention and to specifically track
internally identified 'critical' vendors. The Company is also currently in the
midst of developing an internal consolidated database of the Company's vendors.
Future actions that the Company expects to take in connection with the
monitoring of its third party vendors include a target mailing of correspondence
vendors scheduled for mid-January 1999. Replies from these vendors will be
requested to be returned within 20 days. The Company intends to continue follow
up with any vendors who indicate any material problems in their replies. The
Company believes that the majority of the required compliance and clean-up with
respect to these vendors will be completed by the end of the first quarter of
1999.
Contingency Plans. The Company has begun to analyze contingency plans to
handle worst case Year 2000 scenarios that the Company believes reasonably could
occur and, if necessary, intends to develop a timetable for completing such
contingency plans.
Costs Related to the Year 2000 Issue. To date, the Company has incurred
approximately $17,000 in costs related to the implementation of the ERP system.
The Company currently estimates the total ERP implementation will cost
approximately $30,000 and a portion of the costs have and will be capitalized to
the extent permitted under generally accepted accounting principles. The Company
expects that it will incur approximately $6,000 in costs related to this program
during the remainder of calendar 1998 and an additional $7,000 during calendar
1999.
Risks Related to the Year 2000 Issue. Although the Company's efforts to
be Year 2000 compliant are intended to minimize the adverse effects of the Year
2000 issue on the Company's business and operations, the actual effects of the
issue will not be known until 2000. Difficulties in implementing the ERP system
or failure by the Company to fully implement the ERP system or the failure of
its major vendors, third party network service providers, and other material
service providers and customers to adequately address their respective Year 2000
issues in a timely manner would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, results of operations, and financial condition. The Company's capital
requirements may differ materially from the foregoing estimate as a result of
regulatory, technological and competitive developments (including market
developments and new opportunities) in the Company's industry. See "Risk
Factors--Potential Failure of Computer Systems to Recognize Year 2000."
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Industry Conditions
The Company's principal customers are the world's commercial airlines.
As a result, the Company's business is directly dependent upon the conditions in
the highly cyclical and competitive commercial airline industry. In the late
1980s and early 1990s the world airline industry suffered a severe downturn,
which resulted in record losses and several air carriers seeking protection
under bankruptcy laws. As a consequence, during such period, airlines sought to
conserve cash by reducing or deferring scheduled cabin interior refurbishment
and upgrade programs and delaying purchases of new aircraft. This led to a
significant contraction in the commercial aircraft cabin interior products
industry and a decline in the Company's business and profitability. Since early
1994, the airlines have experienced a turnaround in operating results, leading
the domestic airline industry to record operating earnings during calendar years
1995 through 1997. This financial turnaround has, in part, been driven by record
load factors, rising fare prices and declining fuel costs. The airlines have
substantially restored their balance sheets through cash generated from
operations and debt and equity placements. As a result, the levels of airline
spending on refurbishment and new aircraft purchases have expanded. However, due
to the volatility of the airline industry and the current general economic and
financial turbulence, there can be no assurance that the profitability of the
airline industry will continue or that the airlines will maintain or increase
expenditures on cabin interior products for refurbishments or new aircraft.
In addition, the airline industry is undergoing a process of
consolidation and significantly increased competition. Such consolidation could
result in a reduction in future aircraft orders as overlapping routes are
eliminated and airlines seek greater economics through higher aircraft
utilization. Increased airline competition may also result in airlines seeking
to reduce costs by producing greater price competition from airline cabin
interior products manufacturers, thereby adversely affecting the Company's
revenues and margins.
Recently, turbulence in the financial and currency markets of many Asian
countries has led to uncertainty with respect to the economic outlook for these
countries. Of the Company's $700,000 of backlog at August 29, 1998,
approximately $302,000 is deliverable by the end of fiscal 1999. Of the total
backlog at August 29, 1998, the Company had $34,000 with Asian carriers
deliverable in fiscal 1999 and a further $107,000 deliverable in subsequent
fiscal years. Of such Asian carrier backlog, approximately $35,000 is with Japan
Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Although not all carriers have
been affected by the current economic events in the Pacific Rim, certain
carriers, including non-Asian carriers that have substantial Asian routes, could
cancel or defer their existing orders and future orders from airlines in these
countries may be adversely affected. In addition, Boeing has recently announced
that in light of the continued severe economic conditions in Asia, it will be
substantially scaling back production of a number of aircraft types, including
particularly wide-body aircraft which require proportionately more of the
Company's products. See "Risk Factors--Dependence upon Conditions in the Airline
Industry" and "Business--Industry Overview."
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BUSINESS
Introduction
B/E is the world's largest manufacturer of commercial and general
aviation aircraft cabin interior products, serving virtually all major airlines
and a wide variety of general aviation customers and airframe manufacturers.
Management believes that the Company has achieved leading global market
positions in each of its major product categories, which include aircraft seats,
food and beverage preparation and storage equipment, galley and other interior
structures, oxygen delivery systems, lighting systems and in-flight
entertainment systems. In addition, B/E provides design, integration,
installation and certification services, offering its customers in-house
capabilities to design, project manage, integrate, test and certify
reconfigurations and modifications for commercial aircraft passenger cabin
interiors and to manufacture related products, including engineering kits and
interface components. B/E also provides upgrade, maintenance and repair services
for its airline customers around the world. In fiscal 1998, approximately 92%
and 8%, respectively, of the Company's total revenues were derived from major
airlines and airframe manufacturers. Approximately 61% of B/E's revenues for
fiscal 1998 were derived from refurbishment and upgrade orders.
B/E is the largest manufacturer of airline seats in the world, offering
an extensive line of first class, business class, tourist class and commuter
seats and a complete line of general aviation seating products. The Company is
also the world's largest manufacturer of galley equipment for both narrow- and
wide-body aircraft, including a wide selection of coffee and beverage makers,
water boilers, ovens, liquid containers and refrigeration equipment. In
addition, the Company manufactures a broad range of interior structures,
including galleys, lavatories, sidewalls, credenzas, and closets. The Company is
also a worldwide leader in the manufacture of oxygen delivery systems, passenger
service units, air valves, lighting and switches, and is a major manufacturer of
passenger entertainment and service systems, including individual passenger
in-flight entertainment systems. The Company believes that in-flight
entertainment systems, including the emerging live broadcast television market
for domestic narrow-body aircraft, will be one of the fastest growing and among
the largest product categories in the commercial aircraft cabin interior
products industry.
B/E has substantially expanded the size, scope and nature of its
business as a result of a number of acquisitions. Since 1989, the Company has
completed 15 acquisitions for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $680
million in order to increase its cabin interior product and service offerings,
to expand its activities from the commercial to the general aviation market and
to position B/E as the preferred global supplier to its customers. Acquisitions
have also enabled the Company to reduce costs, principally through the
integration of manufacturing facilities, and to leverage its established
customer relationships by selling more products through its integrated sales
force. The largest of the six transactions the Company has completed in fiscal
1999 was the acquisition of SMR, a leader in providing design, integration,
installation and certification services for commercial aircraft passenger cabin
interiors, for a total aggregate purchase price of approximately $141.5 million.
Management believes that the acquisition of SMR complements the Company's cabin
interior product manufacturing capabilities and positions B/E as the only
company in the industry able to offer its customers the complete range of
products and services required for major cabin interior reconfigurations and
modifications, from the conceptualization and engineering design of new cabin
interiors, to the supply of cabin interior products, through the management of
the integration, final installation and certification processes.
Industry Overview
The commercial and general aircraft cabin interior products industries
encompass a broad range of products and services, including not only aircraft
seating products, passenger entertainment and service systems, food and beverage
preparation and storage systems, and oxygen delivery systems, but also
lavatories, lighting systems, evacuation equipment, overhead bins, as well as a
wide variety of engineering design, integration, installation and certification
services and maintenance, upgrade and repair services. Management estimates that
the industry had annual sales in excess of $1.7 billion during fiscal 1998.
Historically, revenues in the airline cabin interior products industry
have been derived from five sources: (i) retrofit programs in which airlines
purchase new components to overhaul completely the interiors of aircraft already
in service; (ii) refurbishment programs in which airlines purchase components
and services to improve the
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appearance and functionality of certain cabin interior equipment; (iii) new
installation programs in which airlines purchase new equipment to outfit a newly
delivered aircraft; (iv) spare parts; and (v) equipment to upgrade the
functionality or appearance of the aircraft interior. The retrofit and
refurbishment cycles for commercial aircraft cabin interior products differ by
product category. Aircraft seating typically has a refurbishment cycle of one to
two years and a retrofit cycle of seven to eight years, although during the last
industry downturn, these periods tended to be extended. See "--Recent Industry
Conditions." Galley structures and products are periodically upgraded or
repaired, and require a continual flow of spare parts, but may be retrofitted
only once or twice during the life of the aircraft.
Historically, revenues in the general aviation cabin interior products
industry have been derived from four sources: (i) retrofit and refurbishment
programs in which the interior components of the aircraft are substantially
overhauled to improve the appearance and functionality; (ii) new installation
programs to outfit newly delivered aircraft; (iii) spare parts; and (iv)
equipment to upgrade the functionality or appearance of the aircraft interior.
The various product and service categories in which the Company
currently participates include:
Seating Products. This is the largest single product category in the
industry and includes first class, business class, tourist class and
commuter seats. Management estimates that the aggregate size of the
worldwide aircraft seat market (including spare parts) during fiscal
1998 was in excess of $570 million. Approximately ten companies
worldwide, including the Company, supply aircraft seats, although the
Company (which has an approximately 50% market share) and three other
competitors share approximately 90% of the market based on installed
base as of August 29, 1998.
Passenger Entertainment and Service Systems ("PESS"). This product
category includes individual seat video systems, overhead video
projection systems, audio distribution systems, passenger control units
("PCUs") and related wiring and harness assemblies and sophisticated
interactive telecommunications and entertainment systems. Management
estimates that the aggregate size of the worldwide PESS market was
approximately $325 million during fiscal 1998. Industry sources expect
the PESS market to increase substantially in the near term as individual
passenger entertainment systems become standard in-flight entertainment
equipment in first, business and tourist classes on wide-body aircraft
and, with the further development of live broadcast television, many
narrow-body aircraft. PESS products are currently supplied by
approximately five companies worldwide. The Company has a market share
of approximately 35% in individual passenger in-flight entertainment
systems based on installed base as of August 29, 1998.
Interior Systems Products. This product category includes interior
systems for both narrow-body and wide-body commercial aircraft and
general aviation/VIP aircraft, including a wide selection of coffee and
beverage makers, water boilers, ovens, liquid containers, air chillers,
wine coolers and other refrigeration equipment, oxygen delivery systems,
air valves, lighting and switches, and other interior systems
components. The Company believes it is the only manufacturer with a
complete line of interior systems products and the only supplier with
the capability to fully integrate overhead passenger service units with
either chemical or gaseous oxygen equipment.
General Aviation and VIP Products. The Company entered this line of
business with its acquisition of AMP in April 1998. By combining AMP's
substantial presence in the general aviation and VIP aircraft cabin
interior products industry with that of PBASCO and ALC, B/E has become
the industry's leading manufacturer with a broad product line, including
a complete line of executive aircraft seating products, fluorescent
lighting, air valves and oxygen delivery systems as well as sidewalls,
bulkheads, credenzas, closets, galley structures, lavatories, tables and
sofas. B/E has the capability to provide complete interior packages,
including all design services, all interior components and program
management services for executive aircraft interiors. B/E is the
preferred supplier of seating products and fluorescent lighting systems
of essentially every general aviation-airframe manufacturer.
Engineering/Integration and Maintenance/Support Services. The Company
entered the engineering design, integration, installation and
certification services market through the acquisition of SMR in August
1998. The Company has also historically been an active participant in
the growing market for upgrade, maintenance and repair services through
its Services Group. Historically, the airlines have relied on the
airframe manufacturers or in-house engineering resources to provide
engineering design and integration services, as well as maintenance and
repair services. As cabin interior configurations have become
increasingly
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sophisticated and the airline industry increasingly competitive, the
airlines have begun to outsource such services in order to increase
productivity and reduce costs and overhead. Through the recent
acquisition of SMR, the Company provides design, integration,
installation and certification services for commercial aircraft
passengers cabin interiors, offering its customers in-house capabilities
to design, project manage, integrate, test and certify reconfigurations
and modifications for commercial aircraft passenger cabin interiors and
to manufacture related products, including engineering kits and
interface components. Through its Services Group, B/E also provides
upgrade, maintenance and repair services for the products which it
manufactures as well as for those supplied by other manufacturers.
Through August 29, 1998, the Company operated primarily in the
commercial aircraft cabin interior products segment of the commercial airlines
supplier industry. Revenues for similar classes of products or services within
this business segment for the six months ended August 30, 1997 and August 29,
1998 and for the fiscal years ended February 1996, 1997 and 1998 are presented
below (dollars in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended
--------------------------- -----------------
Feb. 24, Feb. 22, Feb. 28, Aug. 30, Aug. 29,
1996 1997 1998 1997 1998
-------- -------- ------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Seating products ............................ $ 97 $217 $252 $127 $129
Interior systems products ................... 79 101 126 66 80
Passenger entertainment and service systems . 33 52 81 26 44
Engineering/Integration and Services ........ 23 42 29 15 19
General aviation and VIP products ........... -- -- -- -- 24
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total revenues .............................. $232 $412 $488 $234 $296
==== ==== ==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
Recent Industry Conditions
The Company's principal customers are the world's commercial airlines.
The airlines, particularly the U.S. carriers, incurred record losses during the
three-year period ended December 31, 1993. The losses incurred during the
downturn seriously impaired airline balance sheets and negatively influenced
airline purchasing decisions with respect to both new aircraft and refurbishment
programs. The domestic airlines in large part returned to profitable operations
during calendar year 1994, and achieved record operating earnings during
calendar years 1995 through 1997. During this period, the domestic airlines
substantially restored their balance sheets through cash generated from
operations and debt and equity placements. This improvement in the airlines'
profitability and liquidity has, in turn, led to an increase in refurbishment
and retrofit programs which, coupled with spares revenues, generated
approximately 61% of the Company's revenues in fiscal 1998. Further, throughout
calendar 1997, the aircraft manufacturers continued to experience a significant
increase in new aircraft orders. Among those factors expected to affect the
cabin interior products industry are the following:
Large Existing Installed Base. According to the Current Market Outlook
published by the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group in 1998 (the "Boeing
Report"), the world commercial passenger aircraft fleet consisted of
10,845 aircraft as of the end of 1997, including 3,102 aircraft with
fewer than 120 seats, 4,824 aircraft with between 120 and 240 seats and
2,919 aircraft with more than 240 seats. Based on such fleet numbers,
management estimates that the total worldwide installed base of
commercial and general aviation aircraft cabin interior products, valued
at replacement prices, was approximately $13.7 billion at the end of
1997. This existing installed base will generate continued retrofit,
refurbishment and spare parts revenue, particularly in light of the
deterioration of existing interior cabin functionality and aesthetics
resulting from the airlines' deferral of refurbishment programs in
recent years.
Expanding Worldwide Fleet. Worldwide air traffic has grown in every year
since 1946 (except in 1990) and, according to the Boeing Report, is
projected to grow at a compounded average rate of five percent per year
over the next 10 years, increasing annual revenue passenger miles from
approximately 1.7 trillion in 1997 to approximately 4.4 trillion by 2017
(according to the July 1998 Airline Monitor). Airlines have recently
been purchasing a significant number of new aircraft due in part to the
current high load factors and the projected growth in worldwide air
travel. According to Airbus Industrie Global Market Forecast published
in April 1998 (the "Airbus Industrie Report"), the worldwide installed
seat base, which management considers to be a good indicator for
potential growth in the aircraft cabin interior products industry, is
expected to increase from
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approximately 1.7 million passenger seats at the end of 1997 to
approximately 4.1 million passenger seats at the end of 2017. The
expanding worldwide fleet will generate additional revenues from new
installation programs, while the increase in the size of the installed
base will generate additional and continual retrofit, refurbishment and
spare parts revenue.
Wide-body Aircraft Orders. Orders for wide-body, long-haul aircraft
constitute an increasing share of total new airframe orders. According
to the February 1998 Airline Monitor, the percentage of Boeing aircraft
deliveries projected to be wide-body aircraft for 1998 through 2002 is
42%, as compared to 37% for the five-year period ended December 31,
1997. Wide-body aircraft currently carry up to three times the number of
seats as narrow-body aircraft, and because of multiple classes of
service, including large first class and business class configurations,
the Company's average revenue per seat on wide-body aircraft is also
higher. Aircraft crews on wide-body aircraft may make and serve between
300 and 900 meals and may brew and serve more than 2,000 cups of coffee
on a single flight. As a result, wide-body aircraft require as much as
seven times the dollar value of cabin interior products as narrow-body
aircraft, as well as products which are technically more sophisticated
and typically more expensive. Further, individual passenger in-flight
entertainment systems are installed principally on wide-body aircraft.
Airlines are increasingly demanding such systems for long-haul flights
to attract and retain customers, especially as the quality of in-flight
entertainment has become a differentiating factor in passengers' airline
selection decisions. Such systems also provide the airlines with the
opportunity to increase revenues per passenger mile, without raising
ticket prices, by charging individually for services used. For these
reasons, management believes that in the future, interactive in-flight
entertainment systems will be installed on essentially all wide-body
aircraft and, with the further development of live broadcast in-flight
television, many narrow-body planes.
New Product Development. The commercial and general aircraft cabin
interior products industries are engaged in intensive development and
marketing efforts for a number of new products, including full electric
"sleeper seats," convertible seats, interactive individual passenger
entertainment systems, live broadcast television, crew masks, advanced
telecommunications equipment, protective breathing equipment, oxygen
generating systems and new galley equipment. Interactive video
technology provides a passenger with a wide range of computer
capabilities, which are designed to accept information generated by the
passenger and communicate such information to the cabin crew for
assisting passengers and crew with food service selection, the purchase
of duty-free goods, information in connection with the arrival time,
connecting flights, gate and other passenger information, as well as
facilitate effective on-board inventory control and provide individual
entertainment. Live TVTM, a new product line being developed by a joint
venture between the Company and Harris Corporation, will provide live
broadcast television via satellite to passenger aircraft allowing
passengers the capability to view up to 48 different channels of
television service. New cabin interior products will generate new
installation and retrofit revenues as well as service revenues from
equipment maintenance, inspection and repair.
Growing Services Markets. Historically, the airlines have relied on
airframe manufacturers or their own in-house engineering resources to
provide engineering, design, integration and installation services, as
well as services related to repairing or replacing cabin interior
products that have become damaged or otherwise non-functional. As cabin
interior product configurations have become increasingly sophisticated
and the airline industry increasingly competitive, the airlines have
begun to outsource such services in order to increase productivity and
reduce costs and overhead. Outsourced services include: (i) engineering
design, integration, installation and certification services, which will
entail providing the capabilities to design, project manage, integrate,
test and certify reconfigurations and modifications for commercial
aircraft and to manufacture related products, including engineering kits
and interface components; and (ii) product upgrades (such as the
installation of a telecommunications module or individual passenger
entertainment unit in an aircraft seat not originally designed to
accommodate such equipment), cabin interior product maintenance and
inspection, as well as other repair services.
Competitive Strengths
The Company believes that it has a strong, competitive position
attributable to a number of factors, including the following:
Leading Market Shares and Significant Installed Base. Management
believes that the Company has achieved leading global market positions
in each of its major product categories, with market shares, based upon
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industry sources, of approximately 50% in commercial aircraft seats,
determined on the basis of installed base as of August 29, 1998, 60% in
executive aircraft seats, 90% in coffee makers, 90% in refrigeration
equipment, 90% in air valves, 50% in oxygen delivery systems, 50% in
ovens, each based on dollar sales for the twelve months ended August 29,
1998, and 35% in individual-passenger in-flight entertainment systems,
determined on the basis of installed base as of August 29, 1998. The
Company believes these market shares provide it with significant
competitive advantages in serving its customers, including economies of
scale and the ability to commit greater product development, global
product support and marketing resources. Furthermore, because of
economies of scale, in part attributable to its large market shares and
its approximate $4.7 billion installed base of cabin interior equipment
(valued at replacement prices as of August 29, 1998), the Company
believes it is among the lowest cost producers in the cabin interior
products industry. The Company also believes that its large installed
base provides B/E with a significant advantage over competitors in
obtaining orders for retrofit and refurbishment programs, principally
because airlines tend to purchase equipment from the original supplier.
In addition, because of the need for compatible spare parts at airline
maintenance depots and the desire of airlines to maximize fleet
commonality, a single vendor is typically used for all aircraft of the
same type operated by a particular airline.
Combination of Manufacturing and Cabin Interior Design Services. The
Company has continued to expand its products and services, believing
that the airline industry increasingly will seek an integrated approach
to the design, development, integration, installation, testing and
sourcing of aircraft cabin interiors. The Company believes that it is
the only manufacturer of a broad technologically-advanced line of cabin
interior products with interior design capabilities. Based on its
established reputation for quality, service and product innovation among
the world's commercial airlines, the Company believes that it is well
positioned to provide "one-stop shopping" to these customers, thereby
maximizing sales opportunities for the Company and increasing the
convenience and value of the service provided to its customers.
Technological Leadership/New Product Development. Management believes
that the Company is a technological leader in its industry, with the
largest R&D organization in the industry currently comprised of
approximately 725 engineers. The Company believes that its R&D effort
and its on-site engineers at both the airlines and airframe
manufacturers enable B/E to play a leading role in developing and
introducing innovative products to meet emerging industry trends and
needs and thereby gain early entrant advantages and substantial market
shares. Examples of such product development include: the introduction
of several premium and main cabin class seats, which the Company
believes provide greater comfort and are lighter in weight as a result
of their ergonomic design and pre-engineered individual passenger
comfort features; the Company's family of individual passenger
distributed video systems, which it believes to be superior to existing
operational systems in terms of performance, reliability, weight, heat
generation and flexibility to adapt to changing technology; a
cappuccino/espresso maker; a quick chill wine cooling system; and a
constant-pressure, steam cooking oven, which the Company believes
substantially improves the appearance, aroma and taste of airline food.
The Company's two individual passenger distributed video systems are
designed to meet the varying technological and price specifications of
the airlines. The Company also has a new interactive entertainment
system in the final development stage and a joint venture with Harris
Corporation to develop and deliver live broadcast television
(LiveTV(TM)) to domestic narrow-body commercial aircraft.
Proven Track Record of Acquisition Integration. The Company has
demonstrated the ability to make strategic acquisitions and successfully
integrate such acquired businesses by identifying opportunities to
consolidate engineering, manufacturing and marketing activities, as well
as rationalizing product lines. Between 1989 and January 1996, B/E
acquired nine companies and has integrated the acquisitions by
eliminating 11 operating facilities and consolidating personnel at the
acquired businesses, resulting in headcount reductions of approximately
1,300 employees, through January 1998. B/E's integration activities,
coupled with its re-engineering program, have positively impacted gross
margins, which have increased from 33.0% to 36.7%, and operating margins
(before non-recurring expenses), which have increased from 10.5% to
13.0%, during the five-year period ended February 28, 1998. During
fiscal 1999, the Company acquired six companies, including ASI, PBASCO,
AMP, ALC, SMR and CF Taylor, to broaden its product lines, to expand its
activities from the commercial to the general aviation market and to
position B/E as the preferred global supplier to its customers. The
aggregate purchase price of all acquisitions made by B/E since 1989 is
approximately $680 million. While the Company will continue to be
susceptible to industry-wide conditions, management believes that the
Company's significantly more diversified product line and revenue base
achieved through acquisitions have reduced its exposure to demand
fluctuations in any one product area.
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Growth Opportunities
B/E believes that it has benefitted from four major growth trends in the
aerospace industry.
Increase in Refurbishment and Upgrade Orders. B/E's substantial
installed base provides significant ongoing revenues from replacements,
upgrades, repairs and the sale of spare parts. Approximately 61% of
B/E's revenues for the year ended February 28, 1998 were derived from
refurbishment and upgrade orders. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the
airline industry suffered a significant downturn, which resulted in a
deferral of cabin interior maintenance expenditures. Since early 1994,
the airlines have experienced a turnaround in operating results, leading
the domestic airline industry to record operating earnings during
calendar years 1995 through 1997. Deterioration of cabin interior
product functionality and aesthetics occurred within the commercial
airline fleets during the industry downturn because of maintenance
deferrals. Since the turnaround began, the airlines have experienced
greater utilization resulting from higher load factors, which has
encouraged airlines to increase spending on refurbishments and upgrades.
The Company believes that it is well positioned to benefit over the next
several years as a result of the airlines' dramatically improved
financial condition and liquidity and the need to refurbish and upgrade
cabin interiors. A significant portion of the Company's recent growth in
backlog, revenues and operating earnings has been from refurbishment and
upgrade programs, and the Company has been experiencing a high level of
new order quote activity related to such programs.
Expansion of Worldwide Fleet and Shift Toward Wide-Body Aircraft.
Airlines have been purchasing a significant number of new aircraft in
part due to current high load factors and the projected growth in
worldwide air travel. According to the Boeing Report, worldwide air
travel growth is projected to average 5% per year over the next 10 years
and the worldwide fleet of commercial passenger aircraft is projected to
expand from approximately 10,845 at the end of 1997 to approximately
15,900 by the end of 2007 and to more than 23,500 by the end of 2017.
Related growth in aircraft interior product shipments associated with
new aircraft deliveries began during calendar 1996. The Company
generally receives orders related to new aircraft deliveries
approximately six months before the delivery date. Furthermore,
according to the February 1998 Airline Monitor, the percentage of new
Boeing aircraft deliveries projected to be wide-body aircraft for 1998
through 2002 is 42% as compared to 37% for the five-year period ended
December 31, 1997. This shift toward wide-body aircraft is significant
to the Company since these aircraft require as much as seven times the
dollar value of cabin interior products as narrow-body aircraft,
including substantially more seats, galley equipment and in-flight
entertainment products. See "Risk Factors-Dependence upon Conditions in
the Airline Industry."
General Aviation and VIP Aircraft Fleet Expansion and Related Retrofit
Opportunities. General aviation and VIP airframe manufacturers are
experiencing, a surge in new aircraft deliveries similar to that
occurring in the commercial aircraft industry. According to industry
sources, executive aircraft deliveries amounted to 241 units in calendar
1996 and were approximately 348 in calendar 1997. Industry sources
indicate that executive aircraft deliveries are expected to be
approximately 450 in calendar 1998 and should reach 545 per year by the
year 2000. Several new aircraft models, including the Visionaire
Vantage, Cessna Citation Excel, the Boeing Business Jet, Global Express
and Airbus Business Jet, have been or are expected to be introduced over
the next several years. Advances in engine technology and avionics and
emergence of fractional ownership of executive aircraft are all
important growth factors. In addition, the general aviation and VIP
aircraft fleet consists of approximately 10,000 aircraft with an average
age of approximately 15 years. As aircraft age or ownership changes,
operators retrofit and upgrade the cabin interior, including seats,
sofas and tables, sidewalls, headliners, structures such as closets,
lavatories and galleys, and related equipment including lighting and
oxygen delivery systems. The installed value of a new interior can range
from $1 million for smaller models to up to $7 million for a long haul
aircraft. In addition, operators generally reupholster or replace seats
every five to seven years. Management believes the Company is well
positioned to benefit from the retrofit opportunities due to (i) the
15-year average age of the executive jet fleet; (ii) operators who have
historically reupholstered their seats are now more inclined to replace
these seats with lighter weight, more modern and 16G-complaint seating
models; and (iii) the belief that the Company is the only manufacturer
with the capability for cabin interior design services, a broad product
line for essentially all cabin interior products and program management
services, for true "one-stop shopping."
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Emergence of Individual Passenger In-flight Entertainment Systems as a
Major New Product Category. Airlines increasingly are demanding
individual passenger in-flight entertainment systems as a method to
attract and retain customers, as the availability of such service
affects passengers' decisions on airline selection. These systems also
provide the airlines with the opportunity to generate increased
revenues, without raising ticket prices, by charging passengers for the
services used. In June 1997, the Company announced a joint venture with
Harris Corporation to develop and deliver live broadcast television
(LiveTVTM) to domestic narrow-body commercial aircraft. The Company
expects that in-flight entertainment systems, including the new
technology designed to deliver live broadcast television on domestic
narrow-body aircraft, will be one of the fastest growing and among the
largest product categories in the commercial aircraft cabin interior
products industry. The Company has developed a number of individual
in-flight entertainment systems that are designed to meet the varying
technological and price specifications of the airlines. The Company's
two current systems are (i) the B/E 2000, with an installed base of
approximately 21,000 units, which is a system that provides
noninteractive video programming and (ii) the B/E 2000M, with an
installed base of approximately 11,000 units, which offers similar
functionality to the B/E 2000 but can be upgraded to the Company's
Multimedia Digital Distribution System ("MDDS") product. The MDDS
product is a fully interactive entertainment system with the capacity to
provide movies on demand, telecommunications, gaming and other services.
The Company has completed the initial development and testing of the
MDDS product and delivered the first MDDS product to its launch
customer, Japan Airlines ("JAL"), in April 1998. Subsequently, the
Company delivered the second MDDS product to JAL, in June 1998. The
Company also completed the engineering necessary to enable installation
of the MDDS as a line fit option on Boeing aircraft in 1998. As of
August 29, 1998, B/E had an in-flight entertainment systems backlog of
approximately $86 million.
Recently, Rockwell Collins has entered the in-flight entertainment
industry by purchasing Hughes Avicom, and in doing so has changed the
competitive landscape for this line of business. The Company has
evaluated the impact of the changing market conditions, and has
determined that the long-term success of this line of business may be
enhanced by teaming with a partner with substantial economic and
technology resources. In connection therewith, the Company may monetize
a portion, or if no suitable partner can be found, all of its investment
in its in-flight entertainment business.
Business Strategy
The Company's business strategy is to maintain its leadership position
and best serve its customers by (i) offering the broadest and most integrated
product lines and services in the industry, including not only new product and
follow-on product sales, but also design, integration, installation and
certification services as well as maintenance, upgrade and repair services; (ii)
pursuing a worldwide marketing approach focused by airline and general aviation
airframe manufacturer and encompassing the Company's entire product line; (iii)
pursuing the highest level of quality in every facet of its operations, from the
factory floor to customer support; (iv) remaining the technological leader in
its industry, as well as significantly growing its installed base of products in
the developing in-flight individual passenger entertainment market; (v)
enhancing its position in the growing upgrade maintenance, inspection and repair
services market; and (vi) pursuing selective strategic acquisitions in the
commercial aircraft and general aviation cabin interior products industries.
Products and Services
Seating Products
The Company is the world's leading manufacturer of aircraft seats,
offering a wide selection of first class, business class, tourist class and
commuter seats. A typical seat manufactured and sold by the Company includes the
seat frame, cushions, armrests and tray table, together with a variety of
optional features such as in-flight entertainment systems, oxygen masks and
telephones. The Company estimates that as of August 29, 1998 the Company had an
aggregate installed base of more than 1,000,000 aircraft seats, valued at
replacement prices of approximately $2.1 billion.
Tourist Class. The Company is the leading worldwide manufacturer of
tourist class seats. B/E has designed tourist class seats which
incorporate features not previously utilized in that class, such as
top-mounted passenger control units, footrests and improved oxygen
systems.
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First and Business Classes. Based upon major airlines program selection
and orders on hand, the Company is the leading worldwide manufacturer of
premium-class seats. First class and business class seats are generally
larger, heavier and more complicated in design, and are substantially
more expensive than tourist class aircraft seats. The Company's first
class seats and certain of its business class seats are equipped with
articulating bottom cushion suspension systems, sophisticated hydraulic
leg-rests, lumbar massage devices, adjustable thigh support cushions,
reading lights, adjustable head and neck supports and large tables.
Convertible Seats. The Company has developed two types of seats which
can be converted from tourist class triple-row seats to business class
double-row seats with minimal conversion complexity. Convertible seats
allow airline customers to optimize the ratio of business class to
tourist class seats for a given aircraft configuration.
Commuter Seats. The Company is the leading manufacturer of commuter
seats in both the U.S. and worldwide markets. The Company's SilhouetteTM
Composite commuter seats are similar to commercial jet seats in comfort
and performance but are lightweight and require minimal maintenance.
Spares. Aircraft seats are exposed to significant stress in the course
of normal passenger activity, and certain seat parts are particularly
susceptible to damage from continued use. As a result, a significant
market exists for spare parts.
Passenger Entertainment and Service Systems ("PESS")
Management estimates that the Company has the largest installed base of
PESS products in the world, which as of August 29, 1998, valued at replacement
prices, is approximately $470 million. The Company has the leading share of the
market for passenger control units ("PCUs") and related wiring and harness
assemblies, and has developed products aimed at other portions of the PESS
market, including individual seat video systems, advanced multiplexer and
hard-wired distribution systems and other products. The Company believes that it
is a market leader in individual passenger in-flight entertainment systems and
that this product category will be the fastest growing, and among the largest,
product categories in the commercial aircraft cabin interior products industry
in the future.
Individual Passenger Entertainment. The Company has developed a number
of in-flight entertainment systems that are designed to meet the
technological and price specifications of the airlines:
B/E 2000. The B/E 2000, introduced in 1992, is one of the Company's
first-generation individual in-flight video systems and offers
centralized electronic distribution of a limited range of programming.
Since its introduction, the Company has installed approximately 21,000
units of the B/E 2000 and earlier generation individual passenger video
systems with 10 airlines.
MDDS Family. The Company has developed a family of next-generation,
individual passenger in-flight entertainment products, which includes
the 2000M and the MDDS:
o B/E 2000M--The B/E 2000M is an in-flight entertainment system that
offers similar functionality to the 2000 but can be upgraded to
the Company's fully interactive MDDS. Since its introduction in
1994, the Company has installed approximately 11,000 units.
o MDDS--B/E's MDDS is a state-of-the-art, fully interactive
individual passenger in-flight entertainment system which has the
capacity to offer numerous movies on demand, telecommunications,
gaming, NintendoTM, SegaTM and PC-based games, in-flight shopping
and, in the future, live television, among other services. The
Company has completed the initial development and testing of the
MDDS product and delivered the first MDDS product to its launch
customer, JAL, in April 1998. Subsequently, the Company delivered
the Second MDDS Product to JAL in June 1998. The Company also
completed the engineering necessary to enable installation of the
MDDS as a line fit option on Boeing aircraft in conjunction with
the JAL delivery.
LiveTVTM. In June 1997, the Company announced a joint venture with
Harris Corporation to develop and market a system which will allow
airline passengers to receive in-flight, live broadcast television
aboard narrow-body commercial aircraft at each individual passenger
seat. The Company controls a 51 percent voting interest in the joint
venture. Under the joint venture agreement, B/E will provide its
individual seat
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video distribution system as its part of the overall LiveTVTM reception
system, while Harris Corporation will provide the specialized aircraft
antenna and receiver system to enable in-the-air-reception. The Company
expects to be in a position to commence deliveries to a launch customer
for LiveTVTM sometime in 1999.
PCUs, Wiring and Harness Assemblies. The Company's PCU product line is
the broadest in the industry, including over 300 different designs which
are functionally similar but differ widely due to the style preferences
and technical requirements of the various airlines. Wiring and harness
assemblies (which stabilize installed wiring) are sold as a package with
PCUs and vary as widely as PCU types.
Distribution Systems. The Company has manufactured hard-wired audio
(since 1963) and video distribution systems (since 1992) and is
currently the principal supplier of such systems to the airline
industry. The Company also offers frequency division multiplex
distribution systems, which deliver substantially improved audio
performance compared to competitors' multiplex systems.
Interior Systems Products
The Company is the world's largest manufacturer of interior systems
products for both narrow- and wide-body aircraft, offering a wide selection of
structures, coffee and beverage makers, water boilers, ovens, liquid containers,
refrigeration equipment, oxygen delivery systems, passenger service units, air
valves, lighting and switches, and a variety of other interior components.
Management estimates that as of August 29, 1998 the Company has an aggregate
installed base of such equipment, valued at replacement prices, of approximately
$1.5 billion.
Coffee Makers. The Company is the leading manufacturer of aircraft
coffee makers, with the Company's equipment currently installed in
virtually every type of aircraft for almost every major airline. The
Company manufactures a broad line of coffee makers, coffee warmers and
water boilers including the Flash Brew Coffee Maker, with the capability
to brew 54 ounces of coffee in one minute, a Combi(TM) unit which will
both brew coffee and boil water for tea while utilizing 25% less
electrical power than traditional 5,000 watt water boilers, and a
recently introduced cappuccino/espresso maker.
Ovens. The Company is the leading supplier of a broad line of
specialized ovens, including high-heat efficiency ovens, high-heat
convection ovens, and warming ovens. The Company's newest offering, the
DS-2000 Steam Oven, represents a new method of preparing food in-flight
by maintaining constant temperature and moisture in the food. It
addresses the airlines' need to provide a wider range of foods than can
be prepared by convection ovens.
Refrigeration Equipment. The Company is the worldwide industry leader in
the design, manufacture, and supply of commercial aircraft refrigeration
equipment. The Company recently introduced a self-contained wine and
beverage chiller, the first unit specifically designed to rapidly chill
wine and beverage on board an aircraft.
Galley Structures. Galley structures are generally custom designed to
accommodate the unique product specifications and features required by a
particular carrier. Galley structures require intensive design and
engineering work and are among the most sophisticated and expensive of
the aircraft's cabin interior products. The Company provides a variety
of galley structures, closets and class dividers, emphasizing
sophisticated and higher value-added galleys for wide-body aircraft.
Oxygen Delivery System. The Company is a leading manufacturer of oxygen
delivery systems, passenger service units, air valves, lighting and
switches for both commercial and general aviation aircraft. B/E is the
only manufacturer with the capability to fully integrate its own
manufactured components with overhead passenger service units with
either chemical or gaseous oxygen equipment. The Company's oxygen and
passenger service unit equipment has been approved for use on all Boeing
and Airbus aircraft and is also found on essentially all general
aviation and VIP aircraft.
General Aviation
The Company entered the market for general aviation and VIP aircraft
products with its acquisition of AMP in April 1998. By combining AMP's
substantial presence in the general aviation and VIP aircraft cabin interior
products industry with that of PBASCO and ALC, B/E is now the leading
manufacturer of a broad product line
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including a complete line of executive aircraft seating products, fluorescent
lighting, air valves and oxygen delivery systems as well as sidewalls,
bulkheads, credenzas, closets, galley structures, lavatories, tables and sofas.
B/E has the capability to provide complete interior packages, including all
design services, all interior components and program management services for
executive aircraft interiors. B/E is the preferred supplier of seating products
and fluorescent lighting systems of essentially every general aviation airframe
manufacturer.
Services and Speciality Products
The Company is an active participant in the growing services and custom
products markets. Management believes that the Company's broad and integrated
product line and close relationships with its airline and leasing customers
position the Company to become a leading service provider in this market. Most
participants in this market are small, and management believes that the Company
is the only major product manufacturer in the industry currently participating
in this market.
Engineering Design, Integration, Installation and Certification
Services. Through the acquisition of SMR in August 1998, B/E is a leader
in providing engineering design, integration, installation and
certification services for commercial aircraft passenger cabin
interiors, offering its customers in-house capabilities to design,
project manage, integrate, test and certify reconfigurations and
modifications for commercial aircraft and to manufacture related
products, including engineering kits and interface components. The
Company provides a broad range of interior reconfiguration services
which allow airlines to change the size of certain classes of service,
modify and upgrade the seating, install telecommunications or
entertainment options, relocate galleys, lavatories and overhead bins,
and install crew rest compartments. B/E is also a leading supplier of
structural design and integration services, including airframe
modifications for passenger-to-freighter conversions.
Upgrade, Maintenance and Repair Services. The Company provides a
comprehensive range of services for cabin interior products on board
aircraft either between flights or on an overnight basis, or at one or
more of eight service centers in the worldwide service network. The
spectrum of services includes systems check and components repair, parts
inventory and management, refurbishment of seating products, on board
surveys regarding status and product installations, as well as data
support functions such as loading and updating of in-flight systems
entertainment software, direct satellite broadcast systems support and
systems integration.
Specialty Products. The Company manufactures several specialty products
for the commercial airline industry including crew rest compartments,
flight attendant seats, observer seats, and custom products in the
passenger seating area, as well as fire/smoke barriers and cargo nets.
The Company maintains a staff of engineers to design and certify various
modules and kits to accommodate individual passenger video and
telecommunications modules in seat backs and center consoles which were
originally not designed for such applications. The Company believes it
is able to provide products for unique applications more rapidly than
original manufacturers.
Research, Development and Engineering
The Company works closely with commercial airlines to improve existing
products and identify customers' emerging needs. B/E's expenditures in research,
development and engineering totaled $24.7 million, $45.7 million, and $37.1
million for the six months ended August 29, 1998 and for the fiscal years ended
February 18, 1998, and February 22, 1997, respectively. The increase in expenses
during fiscal 1998 is the result of the substantial completion of the Boeing
Line Fit certification activities for MDDS and ongoing product development
activity in the seating and galley products groups. B/E currently employs
approximately 725 professionals in the engineering and product development
areas. As part of its engineering design, integration, installation and
certification services business acquired in August 1998, the Company added
approximately 105 engineers. The Company believes that it has the largest
engineering organization in the cabin interior products industry, with not only
software, electronic, electrical and mechanical design skills but also
substantial expertise in materials composition and custom cabin interior layout
design.
Marketing and Customers
The Company markets and sells its products directly to virtually all of
the world's major airlines and commercial and general aviation aircraft
manufacturers. The Company markets its general aviation products directly
to all of the world's general aviation air frame manufacturers, modification
centers and operators. B/E has a sales and marketing organization of 138
persons, along with 48 independent sales representatives. B/E's sales to
non-U.S. airlines were $137.0 million, $232.7 million, and $203.4 million for
the six months ended August 29, 1998 and for the fiscal years ended February 28,
1998 and February 22, 1997, respectively, or approximately 46%, 48% and 49%,
respectively, of net sales during such periods.
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Airlines select manufacturers of cabin interior products primarily on
the basis of custom design capabilities, product quality and performance,
on-time delivery, after-sales service and price. B/E believes that its large
installed base, its timely responsiveness in connection with the custom design,
manufacture, delivery and after-sales service of its products and its broad
product line and stringent customer and regulatory requirements all present
barriers to entry for potential new competitors in the cabin interior products
market.
The Company believes that its integrated worldwide marketing approach,
focused by airline and encompassing the Company's entire product line, is
preferred by airlines. Led by a B/E senior executive, teams representing each
product line serve designated airlines which together accounted for
approximately 67% of the purchases of products manufactured by B/E during fiscal
1998. These airline customer teams have developed customer specific strategies
to meet each airline's product and service needs. The Company also staffs
"on-site" customer engineers at major airlines and airframe manufacturers to
represent its entire product line and work closely with the customers to develop
specifications for each successive generation of products required by the
airlines. These engineers help customers integrate the wide range of cabin
interior products and assist in obtaining the applicable regulatory
certification for each particular product or cabin configuration. Through its
on-site customer engineers, the Company expects to be able to more efficiently
design and integrate products which address the requirements of its customers.
The Company provides program management services, integrating all on-board cabin
interior equipment and systems, including installation and FAA certification,
allowing airlines to substantially reduce costs. The Company believes that it is
one of the only suppliers in the commercial aircraft cabin interior products
industry with the size, resources, breadth of product line and global product
support capability to operate in this manner.
The Company markets its general aviation products directly to all of the
world's general aviation airframe manufacturers, modification centers and
operators.
During the latter part of fiscal 1997, the Company initiated a program
management discipline under which a program manager is assigned for each
significant contract. The program manager is responsible for all aspects of the
specific contract, including management of change orders and negotiation of
related non-recurring, engineering charges, monitoring the progress of the
contract through its scheduled delivery dates, and overall profitability
associated with the contract. The Company believes that it and its customers
derive substantial benefit from its program management approach, including
better on-time delivery and higher service levels. The Company also believes its
program management approach results in better customer satisfaction and higher
profitability over the life of the contract.
During the six months ended August 29, 1998 and for the fiscal year
ended February 28, 1998, one customer accounted for approximately 17% and 18%,
respectively, of the Company's total revenues, and no other customer accounted
for more than 10% of such revenues. There were no major customers in fiscal 1997
or 1996. Because of differing schedules of various airlines for purchases of new
aircraft and for retrofit and refurbishment of existing aircraft, the portion of
the Company's revenues attributable to particular airlines varies from year to
year.
Backlog
Management estimates that B/E's backlog at August 29, 1998 was
approximately $700 million, approximately 57% of which management believes to be
deliverable in the 12 months following August 29, 1998, compared with a backlog
of $560 million and $420 million on February 28, 1998 and February 22, 1997,
respectively (as adjusted to exclude certain backlog which was debooked in
August 1997). See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations--Bookings and Backlog Information."
Customer Service
The Company believes that it provides the highest level of customer
service and product support available in the commercial aircraft cabin interior
products industry and that such service is a critical factor in the Company's
success. The key elements of such service include (i) rapid response to requests
for engineering designs, proposal requests and technical specifications; (ii)
flexibility with respect to customized features; (iii) on-time delivery; (iv)
immediate availability of spare parts for a broad range of products; and (v)
prompt attention to customer problems, including on-site customer training.
Customer service is particularly important to airlines due to the high cost to
the airlines of late delivery, malfunctions and other problems.
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Warranty and Product Liability
The Company warrants its products, or specific components thereof, for
periods ranging from one to ten years, depending upon product type and
component. The Company generally establishes reserves for product warranty
expense on the basis of the ratio of warranty costs incurred by the product over
the warranty period to sales of the product over the warranty period. Actual
warranty costs reduce the warranty reserve as they are incurred. Management
periodically reviews the adequacy of accrued product warranty reserves; and
revisions of such reserves are recognized in the period in which such revisions
are determined.
The Company also carries product liability insurance. The Company
believes that its insurance is generally sufficient to cover product liability
claims.
Competition
The commercial aircraft cabin interior products market is relatively
fragmented with a number of competitors in each of the individual product
categories. Due to the global nature of the commercial industry, competition in
product categories comes from both U.S. and foreign manufacturers. However, as
aircraft cabin interiors have become increasingly sophisticated and technically
complex, airlines have demanded higher levels of engineering support and
customer service than many smaller cabin interior products suppliers can
provide. At the same time, airlines have recognized that cabin interior product
suppliers must be able to integrate a wide range of products, including
sophisticated electronic components, particularly in wide-body aircraft.
Management believes that these increasing demands of airlines upon their
suppliers will result in a number of suppliers leaving the cabin interior
products industry and a consolidation of those suppliers which remain. The
Company has participated in this consolidation through strategic acquisitions
and internal growth and intends to continue to participate in the consolidation.
The Company's principal competitors for seating products include Group
Zodiac S.A., Keiper Recaro GmbH, and a number of other producers in the European
community and Japan. The Company's principal competitors for PESS products are
Matsushita Electronics and Rockwell Collins. The Company's primary competitors
for galley products are JAMCO Limited, Britax PLC, Scott Aviation and
Intertechnique. The market for general aviation products and services is highly
fragmented, consisting of numerous competitors.
Manufacturing and Raw Materials
The Company's manufacturing operations consist of both the in-house
manufacturing of component parts and sub-assemblies and the assembly of Company
specified and designed component parts which are purchased from outside vendors.
The Company maintains state-of-the-art facilities, and management has an ongoing
strategic manufacturing improvement plan utilizing focused factories and
cellular production technologies. Management expects that continuous improvement
from implementation of this plan for each of its product lines will occur over
the next several years and should lower production costs, cycle times and
inventory requirements and at the same time improve product quality and customer
response.
Government Regulation
The FAA prescribes standards and licensing requirements for aircraft
components, and licenses component repair stations within the United States.
Comparable agencies regulate such matters in other countries. The Company holds
several FAA component certificates and performs component repairs at a number of
its U.S. facilities under FAA repair station licenses. The Company also holds an
approval issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority to design, manufacture,
inspect and test aircraft seating products in Leighton Buzzard, England and in
Kilkeel, Northern Ireland and the necessary approvals to design, manufacture,
inspect, test and repair its galley products in Nieuwegein, The Netherlands and
to inspect, test and repair products at its eight service centers throughout the
world.
In March 1992, the FAA adopted Technical Standard Order C127 requiring
that all seats on certain new generation commercial aircraft installed after
such date be certified to meet a number of new safety requirements, including an
ability to withstand a 16G force. Management understands that the FAA plans to
adopt in the near future additional regulations which will require that within
the next five years all seats, including those on existing older commercial
aircraft which are subject to the FAA's jurisdiction, will have to comply with
similar seat safety requirements. At August 29, 1998, the Company had developed
15 different seat models which meet these new seat safety regulations.
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Environmental Matters
The Company is subject to extensive and changing federal, state and
foreign laws and regulations establishing health and environmental quality
standards, and may be subject to liability or penalties for violations of those
standards. The Company is also subject to laws and regulations governing
remediation of contamination at facilities currently or formerly owned or
operated by it or to which it has sent hazardous substances or wastes for
treatment, recycling or disposal. The Company believes that it is currently in
compliance, in all material respects, with all such laws and regulations.
However, there can be no assurance that it will not be subject to future
liabilities or obligations as a result of new or more stringent interpretations
of existing laws and regulations. In addition, the Company may have liabilities
or obligations in the future if it discovers any environmental contamination or
liability at any of its facilities, or at facilities that may be acquired.
Patents
B/E currently holds 73 United States patents and 28 international
patents, covering a variety of products. However, the Company believes that the
termination, expiration or infringement of one or more of such patents would not
have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Employees
As of August 29, 1998, B/E had approximately 5,600 employees.
Approximately 73% of these employees are engaged in manufacturing, 13% in
engineering, research and development, and 14% in sales, marketing, product
support and general administration. Approximately 13% of the employees are
represented by unions. On April 25, 1997, the Company completed negotiations
with one of its two domestic unions which represents 7% of the Company's
employees. This contract, which covers a period of three years, was ratified by
the members of the union on April 26, 1997. The contract with the only other
domestic union, which represents approximately 2% of the Company's employees,
runs to the year 2003. B/E considers its employee relations to be good.
Property
As of August 29, 1998, B/E had 27 principal facilities, comprising an
aggregate of approximately 1.9 million square feet of space. The following table
describes the principal facilities and indicates the location, function,
approximate size and ownership status of each location, including SMR, ALC and
CF Taylor:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Facility
Size
Location Products and Function (Sq. Feet) Ownership
-------- --------------------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Corporate
Wellington, Florida....................... Corporate headquarters, finance, marketing and
sales 17,700 Owned
Seating Products
Litchfield, Connecticut................... Manufacturing, service and warehousing 147,700 Owned
Winston-Salem, North Carolina............. Manufacturing, research and development,
finance, marketing and sales; Seating Products
Group Headquarters 264,800 Owned
Leighton Buzzard, England................. Manufacturing, service, research and
development, sales support, finance and
warehousing 114,000 Owned
Kilkeel, Northern Ireland................. Manufacturing, sales support and warehousing 38,500 Owned
Interior Systems
Anaheim, California....................... Manufacturing, service, research and
development, sales support, finance and
warehousing 57,100 Leased
Delray Beach, Florida..................... Manufacturing, service, research and
development, sales support, finance and
warehousing; Interior Systems Group
Headquarters 52,000 Owned
Lenexa, Kansas............................ Manufacturing, service, engineering and
warehousing 80,000 Leased
Nieuwegein, The Netherlands............... Manufacturing, service, research and
development, sales support, finance and
warehousing 39,000 Leased
</TABLE>
68
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Facility
Size
Location Products and Function (Sq. Feet) Ownership
-------- --------------------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
PESS Products
Irvine, California........................ Manufacturing, service, research and
development, sales support, finance and
warehousing; In-flight Entertainment Group
Headquarters 106,700 Leased
General Aviation and VIP Products
Miami, Florida............................ Manufacturing, service, research and
development, sales support, finance and 84,300 Leased
warehousing; General Aviation Headquarters 71,700 Owned
Fountain Valley, California............... Manufacturing, service, research and
development, sales support, finance and
warehousing 26,000 Owned
Holbrook, New York........................ Manufacturing, service, research and
development, sales support, finance and
warehousing 20,115 Leased
Services
Orange, California........................ Upgrade, maintenance, inspection and repair,
finance, sales support and warehousing; Services
Group Headquarters 106,300 Leased
Longwood, Florida......................... Upgrade, maintenance, inspection and repair 5,300 Leased
Burnsville, Minnesota..................... Upgrade, maintenance, inspection and repair 7,200 Leased
Woodville, Washington..................... Upgrade, maintenance, inspection and repair 26,800 Leased
Chesham, United Kingdom................... Upgrade, maintenance, inspection and repair 34,000 Owned
Toulouse, France.......................... Upgrade, maintenance, inspection and repair 400 Leased
Houston, Texas............................ Upgrade, maintenance, inspection and repair 45,000 Owned
Schiphol, The Netherlands................. Upgrade, maintenance, inspection and repair 3,600 Leased
SMR Technologies
Sharon Center, Ohio....................... Services, research and development, sales support,
finance and warehousing 16,282 Owned
Fenwick, West Virginia.................... Manufacturing, service and warehousing 132,600 Owned
Flight Structure and Integration
Group
Arlington, Washington..................... Manufacturing, service, research and
development, sales support, finance and
warehousing 130,164 Leased
Jacksonville, Florida..................... Manufacturing, service, engineering, and
warehousing 75,000 Owned
Wokingham, England........................ Manufacturing, service, research and
development, sales support, finance and
warehousing 70,000 Leased
Wales, United Kingdom..................... Manufacturing, service and warehousing 80,000 Owned
</TABLE>
The Company believes that its facilities are suitable for their present
intended purposes and adequate for the Company's present and anticipated level
of operations. As a result of recent conditions in the airline industry as
described in "--Industry Overview" and "--Recent Industry Conditions," B/E's
facilities have been substantially underutilized for the past several years. The
Company believes that its ongoing facility integration program, together with
anticipated continued growth in airline profitability, should result in
significant improvement in the degree of utilization in the Company's
facilities.
Legal Proceedings
The Company is not a party to litigation or other legal proceedings
which the Company believes could reasonably be expected to have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations.
69
<PAGE>
In January 1998, the Company entered into a settlement related to a
long-running dispute with the U.S. Government over export sales between 1992 and
1995 to Iran Air. The dispute centered on shipments of aircraft seats and
related spare parts for five civilian aircraft operated by Iran Air. Iran Air
purchased the seats in 1992 and arranged for them to be installed by a
contractor in France. At the time, Iran was not the subject of a U.S. trade
embargo. In connection with its sale of seats to Iran Air, B/E applied for and
was granted a validated export license by the U.S. Department of Commerce (the
"DOC"). The dispute with the U.S. Government centered on whether seats were
delivered to Iran Air before the formal license was issued by the DOC, some
seven months after B/E first applied for the license. The settlement resolved
all disputes between B/E Aerospace and the Department of Justice as well as the
DOC's Bureau of Export Enforcement. As part of the settlement, B/E plead guilty
to a violation of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act and was placed
on probation for a three-year period. In addition, B/E entered into a consent
order with the DOC under which the DOC has agreed to suspend the imposition of a
three-year export denial order on PTC Aerospace, a member of B/E's U.S. Seating
Products Group, provided no further violations of the export laws occur. The
consent order issued by the DOC applies solely to PTC Aerospace ("PTC"), a unit
of the Company's Seating Products Group. PTC is located in Litchfield,
Connecticut. Under the terms of the consent order, if PTC were to violate any
federal export laws during the three-year period ending in January 2001, PTC,
not B/E, would be subject to an order denying export privileges. Under the
Company's current organization, the Company believes that it is unlikely that
PTC would be in a position to engage in any export transactions that are not
reviewed and controlled at the Seating Products Group level. As part of the plea
agreement that was negotiated with the Office of the United States Attorney for
the District of Connecticut, B/E is subject to a three-year term of corporate
probation that began in January 1998. The probation is unsupervised and thus B/E
is not subject to monitoring or other conditions that impede or affect its
ability to conduct business. Under the probation, the Company must refrain from
violating any federal laws. The Company has taken steps to implement a legal
compliance program to prevent and detect any violations of law. The Company
recorded a charge of $4.7 million in its fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, which
ended February 28, 1998, related to fines, civil penalties and associated legal
fees arising from the settlement.
70
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth information regarding the directors and
executive officers of the Company. Officers of the Company are elected annually
by the Board of Directors.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Position
- ---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Amin J. Khoury............................................... 59 Chairman of the Board
Robert J. Khoury............................................. 56 Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer and Director
Paul E. Fulchino............................................. 52 President, Chief Operating Officer and
Director
Marco C. Lanza............................................... 42 Executive Vice President, Marketing and
Product Development
Thomas P. McCaffrey.......................................... 44 Corporate Senior Vice President of
Administration, Chief Financial Officer and
Assistant Secretary
E. Ernest Schwartz........................................... 62 Corporate Senior Vice President,
Development and Planning
Edmund J. Moriarty........................................... 54 Corporate Vice President--Law, General
Counsel and Secretary
Jeffrey P. Holtzman.......................................... 43 Corporate Vice President, Treasurer and
Assistant Secretary
Sam G. Ayoub................................................. 56 Group Vice President and General Manager,
Services Group
Roman G. Ptakowski........................................... 50 Group Vice President and General Manager,
Interior Systems Group
Louis Senunas................................................ 58 Group Vice President and General Manager,
Seating Products Group
Scott A. Smith............................................... 44 Group Vice President and General Manager,
In-Flight Entertainment Group
Jim C. Cowart................................................ 47 Director**
Richard G. Hamermesh......................................... 50 Director*
Brian H. Rowe................................................ 67 Director**
Hansjoerg Wyss............................................... 63 Director
</TABLE>
- --------
* Member, Audit Committee.
** Member, Stock Option and Compensation Committee.
The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that the
Board of Directors is divided into three classes, each nearly as equal in number
as possible, so that each director (in certain circumstances after a
transitional period) will serve for three years, with one class of directors
being elected each year. The Board is currently comprised of three Class I
Directors (Brian H. Rowe, Jim C. Cowart and Paul E. Fulchino), two Class II
Directors (Robert J. Khoury and Hansjoerg Wyss) and two Class III Directors
(Amin J. Khoury and Richard G. Hamermesh).
71
<PAGE>
The terms of the Class I, Class II and Class III Directors expire upon the
election and qualification of successor directors at annual meetings of
stockholders held following the end of fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The executive officers of the Company are elected annually by the
Board of Directors following the annual meeting of stockholders and serve at the
discretion of the Board of Directors.
Amin J. Khoury has been Chairman of the Board of the Company since July
1987 and was Chief Executive Officer until April 1, 1996. Since 1986, Mr. Khoury
has also been the Managing Director of The K.A.D. Companies, Inc., an
investment, venture capital and consulting firm. Mr. Khoury is currently the
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Applied Extrusion Technologies, Inc., a
manufacturer of oriented polypropylene films used in consumer products labeling
and packaging applications, and a member of the Board of Directors of Brooks
Automation, Inc., the leading manufacturer in the U.S. of vacuum central wafer
handling systems for semiconductor manufacturing. Mr. Khoury is employed by the
Company pursuant to an employment agreement extending through May 28, 2003. Mr.
Khoury is the brother of Robert J. Khoury.
Robert J. Khoury has been a Director of the Company since July 1987. Mr.
Khoury was elected Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer effective April 1,
1996. From July 1987 until that date, Mr. Khoury served as the Company's
President and Chief Operating Officer. From 1986 to 1987, Mr. Khoury was Vice
President of The K.A.D. Companies, Inc. The Company has entered into an
employment agreement with Mr. Khoury extending through May 28, 2003. Mr. Khoury
is the brother of Amin J. Khoury.
Paul E. Fulchino was elected a Director and President and Chief
Operating Officer of the Company effective April 1, 1996. From 1990 to 1996, Mr.
Fulchino served as President and Vice Chairman of Mercer Management Consulting,
Inc. ("Mercer"), an international general management consulting firm with over
1,100 employees. In addition to his management responsibilities as President of
Mercer, Mr. Fulchino also had responsibility for advising clients throughout the
world, particularly with respect to the transportation industry, including a
number of major airlines. The Company has entered into an employment agreement
with Mr. Fulchino extending through May 28, 2003.
Marco C. Lanza has been the Executive Vice President, Marketing and
Product Development since January 1994. From March 1992 through January 1994,
Mr. Lanza was Vice President and General Manager of the In-Flight Entertainment
Group of the Company. From 1987 through February 1992, Mr. Lanza was Vice
President, Marketing and Product Development of the Company. The Company has
entered into an Employment Agreement with Mr. Lanza extending through December
31, 1999.
Thomas P. McCaffrey has been Corporate Senior Vice President of
Administration, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary since May 1993.
From August 1989 through May 1993, Mr. McCaffrey was an Audit Director with
Deloitte & Touche LLP, and from 1976 through 1989 served in several capacities,
including Audit Partner, with Coleman & Grant. The Company has entered into an
employment agreement with Mr. McCaffrey extending through May 28, 2003.
E. Ernest Schwartz has been Corporate Senior Vice President--Development
and Planning since December 1997. From March 1992 through November 1997, Mr.
Schwartz was Group Vice President and General Manager of the Interior Systems
Group of the Company. From 1986 through February 1992, Mr. Schwartz was
President of Aircraft Products Company, which was acquired by the Company in
1992.
Edmund J. Moriarty has been Corporate Vice President--Law, General
Counsel and Secretary since November 16, 1995. From 1991 to 1995, Mr. Moriarty
served as Vice President and General Counsel to Rollins, Inc., a national
service company. From 1982 through 1991, Mr. Moriarty served as Vice President
and General Counsel to Old Ben Coal Company, a wholly owned coal subsidiary of
The Standard Oil Company.
Jeffrey P. Holtzman has been Treasurer since September 1993 and Vice
President since November 1996. From June 1986 to July 1993, Mr. Holtzman served
in several capacities at FPL Group, Inc., including Assistant Treasurer and
Manager of Financial Planning. Mr. Holtzman previously worked for Mellon Bank,
Gulf Oil and Arthur Young & Company.
Sam G. Ayoub has been Group Vice President and General Manager of the
Company's Services Group since May 1996 and from November 1994 through April
1996, was Executive Vice President--Services. From 1984 to 1994 Mr. Ayoub served
in several capacities with AAR Corp. including Corporate Vice President
Marketing and
72
<PAGE>
President--Technical Services Division. Prior to that Mr. Ayoub was with United
Airlines for 20 years with his last position being General Manager of their
Cargo Division.
Roman G. Ptakowski has been the Group Vice President and General Manager
of the Interior Systems Group since December 1997. From September 1995 through
December 1997, Mr. Ptakowski was Vice President, Sales and Marketing of the
Galley Products Group of the Company. From January 1995 through August 1995, Mr.
Ptakowski served as Senior Vice President, Marketing for Farrel Corporation.
Prior to that he was with the ABB Power T&D Company Inc. and Westinghouse
Electric Corp. for 25 years with his last position being General Manager of
their Protective Relay Division.
Louis Senunas has been Group Vice President and General Manger of the
Company's Seating Product Group since November 1998. From 1984 to 1998 Mr.
Senunas served as Vice President and General Manager of several internationally
based operating divisions of Johnson Control and as the Vice President of
Program Management and Quality. Prior to that Mr. Senunas served in a number of
management positions in product development and manufacturing at Ford Motor Co.
Scott A. Smith has been the Group Vice President and General Manager of
the In-Flight Entertainment Group since April 1998. From December 1995 through
March 1998, Mr. Smith was with Toshiba American Information Electronics with his
last position being Senior Vice President, Sales of the Americas. From December
1992 to February 1994, Mr. Smith served as Corporate Vice President of
Engineering and from February 1994 to September 1995 served as the General
Manager of the Desktop and Server Product Division of AST Research. Prior to
that, Mr. Smith was with IBM for 16 years and served in numerous capacities,
including Systems Manager of the engineering team which developed IBM's first PC
Server and advanced desktop, Staff Assistant to the Chairman of the Board and
Director of Visual Subsystems Group.
Jim C. Cowart has been a Director of the Company since November 1989.
Mr. Cowart is currently an independent investor and has been a principal of
Cowart & Co. L.L.C. and EOS Capital, Inc., private capital firms retained from
time to time by the Company for strategic planning, competitive analysis,
financial relations and other services. From October 1992 to April 1998, Mr.
Cowart was a Director, and from January 1993 to November 1997, Mr. Cowart was
the Chief Executive Officer of Aurora Electronics Inc. (now known as Cerplex
Group, Inc.). From 1987 until 1991, Mr. Cowart was a founding general partner of
Capital Resources Partners, a private investment capital manager. Prior to such
time, Mr. Cowart held various positions in investment banking and venture
capital with Lehman Brothers, Shearson Venture Capital and Kidder, Peabody & Co.
Richard G. Hamermesh has been a Director of the Company since July 1987.
Since August 1987, Dr. Hamermesh has been the Managing Partner of the Center for
Executive Development, an independent executive education consulting company,
and, from December 1986 to August 1987, Dr. Hamermesh was an independent
consultant. Prior to such time, Dr. Hamermesh was on the faculty at the Harvard
Business School. Dr. Hamermesh is also a Director of Applied Extrusion
Technologies, Inc.
Brian H. Rowe has been a Director of the Company since July 1995. He is
currently Chairman Emeritus of GE Aircraft Engines, a principal business unit of
the General Electric Company, where he also served as Chairman from September
1993 through January 1995 and as President from 1979 through 1993. Mr. Rowe is
also a Director of the following companies: January 1980--Fifth Third Bank, an
Ohio banking corporation; December 1994--Stewart & Stevenson Services, Inc., a
custom packager of engine systems; March 1995--Atlas Air, Inc., an air cargo
carrier; December 1995--Textron Inc., a manufacturer of aircraft, automobile
components, an industrial segment, systems and components for commercial
aerospace and defense industries, and financial services; March 1996--Canadian
Marconi Company, a manufacturer of aerospace, electronic communications products
and surface transportation electronics systems; and October 1996--Cincinnati
Bell Inc., a communications services company. From January 1996 to June 1998,
Mr. Rowe served as Executive Vice Chairman of American Regional Aircraft
Industries, Inc.
Hansjoerg Wyss has been a Director of the Company since October 1989.
Since 1977, Mr. Wyss has served as Director, President and is currently Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Synthes North America and Synthes Canada, Ltd.,
manufacturers and distributors of orthopedic implants and instruments. Mr. Wyss
formerly held management positions with Monsanto Europe in Belgium and
Schappe-Burlington and Chrysler International in Switzerland. Mr. Wyss earned
his MBA at Harvard Graduate School of Business and attained a Master of Science
from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Mr. Wyss presently
sits on numerous boards including
73
<PAGE>
Harvard Graduate School of Business, Norian Corporation, Boathouse Sports,
Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and the Grand Canyon Trust.
74
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table and notes thereto set forth certain information with
respect to the beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of December
16, 1998 by (i) each person who is known to the Company to beneficially own more
than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company; (ii) each of
the chief executive officer and the four other most highly paid executive
officers of the Company in fiscal 1998 (collectively, the "Named Executive
Officers") and each director of the Company; and (iii) all Named Executive
Officers and directors of the Company as a group. Except as otherwise indicated,
each of the stockholders named below has sole voting and investment power with
respect to the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
------------------------------
Percent of
Number Outstanding
Name of Shares Shares(1)
- ---- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Executive Officers, Directors and 5% Stockholders:
T. Rowe Price Associates....................................
100 East Pratt
Baltimore, MD 21202 2,019,500 7.91%
Amin J. Khoury+*............................................ 202,722 (2) **
Marco C. Lanza+............................................. 190,482 (3) **
Paul E. Fulchino+*.......................................... 167,381 (4) **
Hansjoerg Wyss*............................................. 151,109 (5) **
Robert J. Khoury+*.......................................... 131,223 (6) **
Thomas P. McCaffrey+........................................ 122,515 (7) **
Jim C. Cowart*.............................................. 61,750 (8) **
Brian H. Rowe*.............................................. 33,750 (9) **
Richard G. Hamermesh*....................................... 22,350 (10) **
All Directors and Executive Officers as a group
(15 Persons)................................................ 1,285,155 (11) 5.03%
</TABLE>
- ----------------
+ Named Executive Officer
* Director of the Company
** Less than 1 percent
(1) The number of shares of Common Stock deemed outstanding includes: (i)
24,447,963 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of December 16, 1998;
and (ii) 1,085,500 shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding stock
options which are exercisable by the named individual or group in the
next sixty days (commencing December 16, 1998).
(2) Includes 202,722 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable in the next sixty days and shares owned through Company
benefit plans. Excludes options to purchase 160,000 shares of Common
Stock which are not exercisable in the next sixty days.
(3) Includes 190,482 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable in the next sixty days and shares owned through Company
benefit plans. Excludes options to purchase 56,250 shares of Common
Stock which are not exercisable in the next sixty days.
(4) Includes 165,333 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable in the next sixty days and shares owned through Company
benefit plans. Excludes options to purchase 167,500 shares of Common
Stock which are not exercisable in the next sixty days.
(5) Includes 10,000 shares days issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable in the next sixty days. Excludes options to purchase 12,500
shares of Common Stock which are not exercisable in the next sixty days.
(6) Includes 131,223 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable in the next sixty days and shares owned through Company
benefit plans. Excludes options to purchase 135,000 shares of Common
Stock which are not exercisable in the next sixty days.
(7) Includes 118,113 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable in the next sixty days and shares owned through Company
benefit plans. Excludes options to purchase 90,000 shares of Common
Stock which are not exercisable in the next sixty days.
75
<PAGE>
(8) Includes 3,000 shares acquired by a profit sharing plan and 58,750
shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable in the
next sixty days. Excludes options to purchase 31,250 shares of Common
Stock which are not exercisable in the next sixty days.
(9) Includes 33,750 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable in the next sixty days. Excludes options to purchase 21,250
shares of Common Stock which are not exercisable in the next sixty days.
(10) Includes 13,750 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable in the next sixty days. Excludes options to purchase 12,500
shares of Common Stock which are not exercisable in the next sixty days.
(11) Includes 1,085,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
exercisable in the next sixty days. Excludes options to purchase 891,250
shares of Common Stock which are not exercisable in the next sixty days.
76
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS
The Bank Credit Facility consists of a $100.0 million revolving credit
facility and an acquisition facility of up to $100.0 million. An interim
revolving credit commitment of $120.0 million available for the irrevocable
letter of credit in connection with the SMR acquisition, which was added in
August 1998, was returned to The Chase Manhattan Book and canceled on November
2, 1998 when the SMR Shares were repurchase. The revolving credit facility
expires in April 2004 and the acquisition facility is amortizable over five
years beginning in April 1999.
The Bank Credit Facility is collateralized by the Company's accounts
receivable, inventories and by substantially all of its other personal property.
The Bank Credit Facility contains customary affirmative covenants, negative
covenants and conditions of borrowing, all of which were met by the Company as
of August 29, 1998. At August 29, 1998, indebtedness under the existing Bank
Credit Facility consisted of letters of credit aggregating approximately $124.0
million and outstanding borrowings under the revolving and acquisition credit
facilities aggregating $121.0 million bearing interest at LIBOR plus 1.50%.
Since August 29, 1998, the Company has borrowed an additional $40.0 million
under the revolving credit facility related to certain acquisitions and related
costs, repaid approximately $75.0 million of outstanding borrowings with
proceeds from the Offering and canceled the irrevocable letter credit in
connection with the SMR acquisition. Upon completion of the Offering and the
Company's use of the net proceeds from the Offering and giving effect to
borrowings relating to certain acquisitions and related costs, the Company would
have had $109.4 million available under the Bank Credit Facility as of August
29, 1998.
In addition to the Old Notes, the Company has outstanding the $100
million of 9 7/8% Notes which are unsecured senior subordinated obligations of
the Company and are subordinated to all senior indebtedness of the Company and
mature on February 1, 2006. Interest on the 9 7/8% Notes is payable semiannually
in arrears February 1 and August 1 of each year. The 9 7/8% Notes are redeemable
at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at any time after February 1,
2001 at predetermined redemption prices together with accrued and unpaid
interest through the date of redemption. Upon a chance of control (as defined),
each holder of the 9 7/8% Notes may require the Company to repurchase such
holder's 9 7/8% Notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
unpaid interest to the date of such purchase. The 9 7/8% Notes contain certain
restrictive covenants, all of which were met by the Company as of August 19,
1998, including limitations on future indebtedness, restricted payments,
transactions with affiliates, liens, dividends, mergers and transfers of assets.
In February 1998, the Company sold $250.0 million of 8% Notes. In
conjunction with the sale of the 8% Notes, the Company initiated a tender offer
for the $125.0 million of 9 3/4% Senior Notes due 2003 (the "9 3/4% Notes"). The
net proceeds from the offering of approximately $240.4 million were used (i) for
the tender offer (which expired on February 25, 1998) in which approximately
$101.8 million of the 9 3/4% Notes were retired, (ii) to call the remaining
9 3/4% Notes on March 16, 1998, and (iii) together with the proceeds from the
Bank Credit Facility, to fund the acquisitions of AMP and PBASCO. The Company
incurred an extraordinary charge of $9.0 million for unamortized debt issue
costs, tender and redemption premiums and fees and expenses related to the
repurchase of the 9 3/4% Notes.
The 8% Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the
Company and are subordinated to all senior indebtedness of the Company and
mature on March 1, 2008. Interest on the 8% Notes is payable semiannually in
arrears March 1 and September 1 of each year. The 8% Notes are redeemable at the
option of the Company, in whole or in part, at any time after March 1, 2003 at
predetermined redemption prices together with accrued and unpaid interest
through the date of redemption. Upon a change of control (as defined), each
holder of the 8% Notes may require the Company to repurchase such holder's 8%
Notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest
to the date of such purchase. The 8% Notes contain certain restrictive
covenants, all of which were met by the Company as of August 29, 1998, including
limitations on future indebtedness, restricted payments, transactions with
affiliates, liens, dividends, mergers and transfers of assets.
B/E Aerospace (UK) Limited ("B/E (UK)"), a subsidiary of the Company,
has a revolving line of credit agreement aggregating approximately $5.0 million
(the "UK Credit Agreement"). The UK Credit Agreement is collateralized by
accounts receivable and inventory of B/E (UK). There were no borrowings
outstanding under the UK Credit Agreement as of August 29, 1998.
Inventum, another subsidiary of the Company, has a revolving line of
credit agreement for approximately $1 million (the "Inventum Credit Agreement").
The Inventum Credit Agreement is collateralized by substantially all
77
<PAGE>
of the assets of Inventum. There were no borrowings outstanding under the
Inventum Credit Agreement as of August 29, 1998.
78
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW NOTES
The Old Notes were issued under an indenture dated as of November 2,
1998 (the "Indenture") between the Company, as issuer, and The Bank of New York,
as trustee (the "Trustee"), a copy of the form of which will be made available
upon request. Upon the issuance of the New Notes the Indenture will be subject
to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust
Indenture Act"). The following summary of the material provisions of the
Indenture does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in
its entirety by, reference to the provisions of the Indenture, including the
definitions of certain terms contained therein and those terms made part of the
Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act.
General
The New Notes will be unsecured, senior subordinated obligations of the
Company limited to $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount. The New Notes will
be issued solely in exchange for an equal principal amount of Old Notes pursuant
to the Exchange Offer. The form and terms of the New Notes will be identical in
all material respects to the form and terms of the Old Notes except that: (i)
the New Notes will have been registered under the Securities Act and (ii) the
Registration Rights and contingent interest reset provisions applicable to the
Old Notes are not applicable to the New Notes. The New Notes will be issued only
in registered form without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof. (Section 302) Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on
the Notes will be payable, and the Notes will be transferable (subject to
compliance with transfer restrictions imposed by applicable securities laws for
so long as the Notes are not registered for resale under the Securities Act), at
the principal corporate trust office or agency of the Trustee in The City of New
York maintained for such purposes at 101 Barclay Street, Floor 21W, New York,
New York 10286. (Sections 301 and 305) In addition, interest may be paid, at the
option of the Company, by check mailed to the Person entitled thereto as shown
on the Note Register. (Section 309) No service will be made for any transfer,
exchange or redemption of Notes, except in certain circumstances for any tax or
other governmental share that may be imposed in connection therewith. (Section
305)
Maturity, Interest and Principal Payments
The Notes will mature on November 1, 2008. Except as otherwise described
below, each Note will bear interest at the applicable rate set forth on the
cover page hereof from November 2, 1998 or from the most recent interest payment
date to which interest has been paid, payable in cash semiannually in arrears on
May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing May 1, 1999, to the Person in
whose name the Note (or any predecessor Note) is registered in the Note Register
at the close of business on the April 15 or October 15 next preceding such
interest payment date.
As discussed under "Exchange Offer; Registration Rights," pursuant to
the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has agreed for the benefit of the
holders of the Old Notes, at the Company's cost, either (i) to effect a
registered Exchange Offer under the Securities Act to exchange the Old Notes for
Exchange Notes (the "Exchange Offer"), which will have terms identical in all
material respects to the Old Notes (except that the Exchange Notes will not
contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions) (the "Exchange Notes") or
(ii) in the event that any changes in law or applicable interpretations of the
staff of the Commission do not permit the Company to effect the Exchange Offer,
or if for any other reason the Exchange Offer is not consummated within 150 days
following the date of the original issue of the Old Notes, or if any holder of
the Old Notes (other than the Initial Purchasers) is not eligible to participate
in the Exchange Offer, or upon the request of any Initial Purchaser in certain
circumstances, to register the Notes for resale under the Securities Act through
a shelf registration statement (the "Shelf Registration Statement"). In the
event that either (a) the registration statement with respect to the Exchange
Offer (the "Exchange Offer Registration Statement") is not filed with the
Commission on or prior to the 30th calendar day following the date of original
issue of the Old Notes, (b) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement has not
been declared effective on or prior to the 120th calendar day following the date
of original issue of the Old Notes or (c) the Exchange Offer is not consummated
or a Shelf Registration Statement is not declared effective on or prior to the
150th calendar day following the date of original issue of the Old Notes, the
interest rate borne by the Old Notes shall be increased by one-half of one
percent per annum following, such 30-day period in the case of (a) above,
following such 120-day period in the case of clause (b) above or following such
150-day period in the case of clause (c) above. The aggregate amount of such
increase from the original interest rate pursuant to these provisions will in no
event exceed one-half of one percent per annum. Upon (x) the filing of the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement after the 30-day period described in
clause (a) above, (y) the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement after the 120-day period described in clause (b) above or (z) the
consummation of the Exchange Offer or the
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effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be, after the
150-day period described in clause (c) above, the interest rate borne by the
Notes from the date of such filing, effectiveness or consummation, as the case
may be, will be reduced to the original interest if the Company is otherwise in
compliance with this paragraph. See "Exchange Offer; Registration Rights."
Notes that remain outstanding after the consummation of the Exchange
Offer and Exchange Notes issued in connection with the Exchange Offer will be
treated as a single class of securities under the Indenture.
Subordination
The payment of the principal of, premium, if any, interest on and all
other amounts owing in respect of, the Notes will be subordinated, as set forth
in the Indenture, in right of payment to the prior payment in full in cash or
cash equivalents of all Senior Indebtedness; provided, however, that the Notes
shall rank equal with, or prior to, all existing and future unsecured
indebtedness of the Company that is subordinated to any Senior Indebtedness.
(Section 1301)
In the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any
receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or proceeding in
connection therewith, relating to the Company or to its creditors, as such, or
its assets, or any liquidation, dissolution or other winding-up of the Company,
whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving insolvency or
bankruptcy, or any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other
marshalling of assets or liabilities of the Company (except in connection with
the consolidation or merger of the Company or its liquidation or dissolution
following the conveyance, transfer or lease of its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety upon the terms and conditions described under
"Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets, etc." below), the holders of Senior
Indebtedness will first be entitled to receive payment in full in cash or cash
equivalents of all amounts due on or in respect of all Senior Indebtedness, or
provision shall be made for such payment in cash or cash equivalents, before the
holders of the Notes will be entitled to receive any payment or distribution of
any kind or character (other than any payment or distribution in the form of
equity securities or subordinated securities of the Company or any successor
obligor provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment that, in the
case of any such subordinated securities, are subordinated in right of payment
to all Senior Indebtedness that may at the time be outstanding to at least the
same extent as the Notes are so subordinated (such equity securities or
subordinated securities hereinafter being "Permitted Junior Securities")) on
account of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on the Notes; and any
payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character,
whether in cash, property or securities (other than a payment or distribution in
the form of Permitted Junior Securities) by set-off or otherwise, to which the
holders or the Trustee would be entitled but for the provisions of the Indenture
shall be paid by the liquidating trustee or agent or other person making such
payment or distribution, whether a trustee in bankruptcy, a receiver or
liquidating trustee or otherwise, directly to the holders of Senior Indebtedness
or their representative or representatives ratably according to the aggregate
amounts remaining unpaid on account of the Senior Indebtedness to the extent
necessary to make payment in full in cash or cash equivalents of all Senior
Indebtedness remaining unpaid, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or
distribution to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness. (Section 1302)
No payment (other than any payments made pursuant to the provisions
described under "--Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance of Indenture" from monies
or U.S. Government Obligations previously deposited with the Trustee) or
distribution of any assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in
cash, property or securities (other than Permitted Junior Securities), may be
made by or on behalf of the Company on account of principal of (or premium, if
any) or interest on the Notes or on account of the purchase, redemption or other
acquisition of Notes upon the occurrence of any default in payment of Designated
Senior Indebtedness (a "Payment Default") until such Payment Default shall have
been cured or waived in writing or shall have ceased to exist or such Designated
Senior Indebtedness shall have been discharged or paid in full in cash or cash
equivalents. (Section 1303(a))
No payment (other than any payments made pursuant to the provisions
described under "--Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance of Indenture" from monies
or U.S. Government Obligations previously deposited with the Trustee) or
distribution of any assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in
cash, property or securities (other than Permitted Junior Securities), may be
made by or on behalf of the Company on account of principal (or premium, if any)
or interest on the Notes or on account of the purchase, redemption or other
acquisition of Notes for the period specified below (a "Payment Blockage
Period") upon the occurrence of any default or event of default with respect to
any Designated Senior Indebtedness other than any Payment Default pursuant to
which the maturity
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thereof may be accelerated (a "Non-payment Default") and after the receipt by
the Trustee of written notice thereof from the Agent Bank or any other
representative of a holder of Designated Senior Indebtedness. (Section 1303(b))
The Payment Blockage Period will commence upon the date of receipt by
the Trustee of written notice from the Agent Bank or such other representative
of the Designated Senior Indebtedness in respect of which the Non-payment
Default exists and shall end on the earliest of (i) 179 days thereafter
(provided any Designated Senior Indebtedness as to which notice was given shall
not theretofore have been accelerated), (ii) the date on which such Non-payment
Default is cured, waived or ceased to exist or such Designated Senior
Indebtedness is discharged or paid in full in cash or cash equivalents or (iii)
such Payment Blockage Period shall have been terminated by written notice to the
Company or the Trustee from the Agent Bank or such other representative
initiating such Payment Blockage Period, after which the Company will resume
making any and all required payments in respect of the Notes, including any
missed payments. In any event, not more than one Payment Blockage Period may be
commenced during any period of 365 consecutive days. No event of default with
respect to Designated Senior Indebtedness that existed or was continuing on the
date of the commencement of any Payment Blockage Period will be, or can be made,
the basis for the commencement of a subsequent Payment Blockage Period, unless
such default has been cured or waived for a period of not less than 90
consecutive days subsequent to the commencement of such initial Payment Blockage
Period (it being acknowledged that any breach of any financial covenant for a
period commencing after the date of commencement of such Payment Blockage Period
which would give rise to a Non-payment Default pursuant to any provision under
which a Non-payment Default previously existed or was continuing shall
constitute a new Non-payment Default for this purpose).
Failure by the Company to make any required payment in respect of the
Notes when due or within any applicable period, whether or not occurring during
a Payment Blockage Period, would result in an Event of Default and, thereafter,
holders of the Notes would have the right to accelerate the maturity thereof.
See "--Events of Default."
By reason of such subordination, in the event of liquidation,
receivership, reorganization or insolvency of the Company, creditors of the
Company who are holders of Senior Indebtedness may recover more, ratably, than
the holders of the Notes, and assets which would otherwise be available to pay
obligations in respect of the Notes will be available only after all Senior
Indebtedness has been paid in full in cash or cash equivalents, at which time
there may not be sufficient assets remaining to pay any amounts due on any or
all of the Notes.
"Senior Indebtedness" means the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on (including interest accruing after the filing of a petition by or
against the Company under any bankruptcy laws) and all other amounts due on or
in connection with any Indebtedness of the Company, whether outstanding on the
date of the Indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, unless, in the
case of any particular Indebtedness, the instrument creating or evidencing the
same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding expressly provides that such
Indebtedness shall not be senior in right of payment to the Notes. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, "Senior Indebtedness" shall include
the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest (including interest
accruing after the occurrence of an event of default or after the filing of a
petition by or against the Company under any bankruptcy law) on all
Indebtedness, and all other amounts and obligations of every nature of the
Company, from time to time owed, under the Bank Credit Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, "Senior Indebtedness" shall not include (i)
Indebtedness evidenced by the Notes, the 8% Notes and the 9 7/8% Notes, (ii)
Indebtedness of the Company that is expressly subordinated in right of payment
to any Indebtedness of the Company, (iii) Indebtedness of the Company that by
operation of law is subordinate to any general unsecured obligations of the
Company, (iv) that portion of any Indebtedness of the Company that at the time
of incurrence is incurred in violation of any covenant of the Indenture, (v) any
liability for federal, state or local taxes or other taxes, owed or owing by the
Company, (vi) trade accounts payable owed or owing by the Company, (vii)
Indebtedness of the Company to any Subsidiary or any other Affiliate of the
Company, (viii) Redeemable Capital Stock of the Company and (ix) Indebtedness
which when incurred and without respect to any election under Section 1111(b) of
Title 11 of the United States Code is without recourse to the Company or any
Subsidiary.
"Designated Senior Indebtedness" means (i) all Senior Indebtedness under
the Bank Credit Agreement and (ii) following the full repayment of indebtedness
under the Bank Credit Agreement and the termination of the commitments
thereunder, any other Senior Indebtedness which, at the time of determination,
has an aggregate principal amount outstanding of at least $17 million and is
specifically designated in the instrument evidencing such Senior Indebtedness as
"Designated Senior Indebtedness" by the Company.
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Sinking Fund
The Notes will not be entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund.
Redemption
Optional Redemption. The Notes will be redeemable at the option of the
Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or after November 1, 2003, at the
redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth
below, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, if redeemed
during the 12-month period beginning on March 1 of the years indicated below:
Redemption
Year Price
- ---- ------
2003...................................................... 104.750%
2004...................................................... 103.167%
2005...................................................... 101.583%
2006 and thereafter....................................... 100.000%
In addition, at any time or from time to time, on or prior to November
1, 2001, the Company may, at its option, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate
principal amount of Notes originally issued under the Indenture at a redemption
price equal to 109 1/2% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued
and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the redemption date, with the net cash
proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings; provided that at least 65% of the
aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under the Indenture on the Issuance
Date remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption;
provided further such redemption occurs within 60 days of the date of closing of
each such Equity Offering. The Trustee shall select the Notes to be purchased in
the manner described under "--Selection and Notice."
As described below, (a) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the
Company is obligated to make an offer to purchase all outstanding Notes at a
redemption price of 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
unpaid interest to the date of purchase and (b) upon certain sales or other
dispositions of assets, the Company may be obligated to make offers to purchase
Notes with a portion of the Net Cash Proceeds of such sales or other
dispositions at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof plus
accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. See "Certain
Covenants--Change of Control" and "--Limitation on Disposition of Proceeds of
Asset Sales." (Section 1101)
Selection and Notice. In the event that less than all of the Notes are
to be redeemed at any time, selection of such Notes for redemption will be made
by the Trustee on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such method as the Trustee
shall deem fair and appropriate; provided, however, that no Note of a principal
amount of $1,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. Notice of redemption shall
be mailed by first-class mail least 30 but not more than 60 days before the
redemption date to each holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered
address. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption
that relates to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount
thereof to be redeemed. A new Note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed
portion thereof will be issued in the name of the holder thereof upon
cancellation of the original Note. On and after the redemption date, interest
will cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption and
accepted for payment. (Sections 1104, 1105, 1107 and 1108)
Certain Covenants
The Indenture will contain, among others, the covenants described below.
Limitation on Indebtedness. (a) The Indenture will provide that the
Company will not create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or in any manner become
directly or indirectly liable for the payment of, or otherwise incur
(collectively, "incur"), any Indebtedness (including any Acquired Indebtedness),
other than Permitted Indebtedness, unless (x) the Company's Consolidated Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio for the four full fiscal quarters immediately preceding
the incurrence of such Indebtedness, taken as one period (and after giving pro
forma effect to: (i) the incurrence of such Indebtedness and (if applicable) the
application of the net proceeds therefrom, including to refinance other
Indebtedness, as if such Indebtedness was incurred and the application of such
proceeds occurred at the beginning of such four-quarter period; (ii) the
incurrence, repayment or retirement of any other Indebtedness by
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the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries since the first day of such
four-quarter period as if such Indebtedness was incurred, repaid or retired at
the beginning of such four-quarter period; and (iii) notwithstanding clause (d)
of the definition of Consolidated Adjusted Net Income, the acquisition (whether
by purchase, merger or otherwise) or disposition (whether by sale, merger or
otherwise) of any company, entity or business acquired or disposed of by the
Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, since the first day
of such four-quarter period, as if such acquisition or disposition occurred at
the beginning of such four-quarter period, reflecting, in the case of such an
acquisition, any amount attributable to operating expense that will be
eliminated or cost reduction that will be realized (in each case, net of any
operating expense or other cost increase) in connection with such acquisition,
as determined in good faith by the chief financial officer of the Company in
accordance with GAAP and the rules, regulations and guidelines of the
Commission, as if such elimination of operating expense or the realization of
such cost reduction were achieved at the beginning of such four-quarter period),
would have been at least equal to 2.0 to 1 and (y) if such Indebtedness is
Subordinated Indebtedness, such Indebtedness shall have an Average Life longer
than the Average Life of the Notes and a final Stated Maturity of principal
later than the final Stated Maturity of principal of the Notes.
(b) The Company will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to incur any
Indebtedness (including any Acquired Indebtedness), other than Permitted
Subsidiary Indebtedness, unless (x) the Company's Consolidated Fixed Charge
Coverage Ratio for the four full fiscal quarters immediately preceding the
incurrence of such Indebtedness, taken as one period (and after giving pro forma
effect to the matters referred to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) in the
parenthetical in paragraph (a) of the "Limitation on Indebtedness" covenant),
would have been at least equal to 3.0 to 1, and (y) any Restricted Subsidiary
which incurs any Indebtedness pursuant to clause (x) of this paragraph (b) shall
Guarantee the Notes in compliance with clause (i) of paragraph (b) and clauses
(i)(A), (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (a) of the "Limitation on Guarantees of
Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries" covenant. (Section 1010)
Limitation on Other Senior Subordinated Indebtedness. The Indenture will
provide that the Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary
to, incur, create, assume, guarantee or in any other manner become directly or
indirectly liable with respect to or responsible for, or permit to remain
outstanding, any Indebtedness that is subordinate or junior in right of payment
to any Senior Indebtedness unless such Indebtedness is also pari passu with, or
subordinate in right of payment to, the Notes pursuant to subordination
provisions substantially similar to those contained in the Indenture. (Section
1019)
Limitation on Restricted Payments. (a) The Indenture will provide that
the Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly
or indirectly, take the following actions:
(i) declare or pay any dividend on, or make any distribution to
holders of, any shares of the Company's Capital Stock (other than
dividends or distributions payable in shares of its Capital Stock or in
options, warrants or other rights to purchase such Capital Stock, but
excluding dividends or distributions payable in Redeemable Capital Stock
or in options, warrants or other rights to purchase Redeemable Capital
Stock),
(ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any
Capital Stock of the Company or any options, warrants or other rights to
acquire such Capital Stock,
(iii) make any principal payment on or repurchase, redeem, defease
or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to a scheduled principal
payment, scheduled sinking fund payment or maturity, any Subordinated
Indebtedness,
(iv) make any Investment (other than any Permitted Investment) in
any Person, or
(v) incur any guarantee of Indebtedness of any Affiliate,
including any Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than with respect to (a)
guarantees of Indebtedness of any wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary by
the Company or (b) guarantees of Indebtedness of the Company by any
Restricted Subsidiary),
(such payments or other actions described in (but not excluded from) clauses (i)
through (v) are collectively referred to as "Restricted Payments"), unless at
the time of and after giving effect to the proposed Restricted Payment (the
amount of any such Restricted Payment, if other than cash, as determined by the
Board of Directors of the Company, whose determination shall be conclusive and
evidenced by a Board Resolution), (1) no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, (2) the Company could incur $1.00 of additional
Indebtedness (other than
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Permitted Indebtedness) pursuant to the "Limitation on Indebtedness" covenant,
and (3) the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments declared or made after
the date of the 9 7/8% Notes Indenture shall not exceed the sum of (A) 50% of
the aggregate cumulative Consolidated Adjusted Net Income of the Company accrued
on a cumulative basis during the period beginning on the first day after the
date of the 9 7/8% Notes Indenture and ending on the last day of the Company's
last fiscal quarter ending prior to the date of such proposed Restricted Payment
(or, if such aggregate cumulative Consolidated Adjusted Net Income shall be a
loss, minus 100% of such loss), plus (B) the aggregate net cash proceeds
received after the date of the 9 7/8% Notes Indenture by the Company from the
issuance or sale (other than to any Restricted Subsidiary) of shares of Capital
Stock of the Company (other than Redeemable Capital Stock) or warrants, options
or rights to purchase such shares of Capital Stock of the Company, plus (C) the
aggregate net cash proceeds received after the date of the 9 7/8% Notes
Indenture by the Company from the issuance or sale (other than to any Restricted
Subsidiary) of debt securities that have been converted into or exchanged for
Capital Stock of the Company (other than Redeemable Capital Stock) to the extent
such debt securities were originally sold for cash, together with the aggregate
cash received by the Company at the time of such conversion or exchange, plus
(D) to the extent not otherwise included in the Company's Consolidated Adjusted
Net Income, the net reduction in Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries
resulting from the payments of interest on Indebtedness, dividends, repayments
of loans or advances, or other transfers of assets, in each case to the Company
or a Restricted Subsidiary after the date of the 9 7/8% Notes Indenture from any
Unrestricted Subsidiary or from the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary
as a Restricted Subsidiary (valued in each case as provided in the definition of
"Investment"), not to exceed in the case of any Unrestricted Subsidiary the
total amount of Investments (other than Permitted Investments), after the date
of the 9 7/8% Notes Indenture in such Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries, plus (E) $10 million.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) above, the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries may take the following actions so long as (with respect to clauses
(ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) below) no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing:
(i) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of
declaration thereof, if at such declaration date such declaration
complied with the provisions of paragraph (a) above;
(ii) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement
for value of any shares of Capital Stock of the Company, in exchange
for, or out of the net cash proceeds of, a substantially concurrent
issuance and sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary) of shares of
Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Capital Stock) of the Company;
(iii) the purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or
retirement for value of any Subordinated Indebtedness (other than
Redeemable Capital Stock) in exchange for or out of the net cash
proceeds of a substantially concurrent issuance and sale (other than to
a Restricted Subsidiary) of shares of Capital Stock (other than
Redeemable Capital Stock) of the Company;
(iv) the repurchase of any Subordinated Indebtedness of the
Company at a purchase price not greater than 101% of the principal
amount of such Subordinated Indebtedness in the event of a Change of
Control pursuant to a provision similar to the "Change of Control"
covenant; provided that prior to such repurchase the Company has made
the Change of Control Offer as provided in such covenant with respect to
the Notes and has repurchased all Notes validly tendered for payment in
connection with such Change of Control Offer;
(v) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement
for value of Subordinated Indebtedness (other than Redeemable Capital
Stock) in exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds of a
substantially concurrent incurrence (other than to a Restricted
Subsidiary) of, Indebtedness of the Company so long as (A) the principal
amount of such new Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount
(or, if such Indebtedness being refinanced provides for an amount less
than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a
declaration of acceleration thereof, such lesser amount as of the date
of determination) of the Indebtedness being so purchased, redeemed,
acquired or retired, plus the amount of any premium required to be paid
in connection with such refinancing pursuant to the terms of the
Subordinated Indebtedness refinanced or the amount of any premium
reasonably determined by the Company as necessary to accomplish such
refinancing, plus the amount of expenses of the Company incurred in
connection with such refinancing, (B) such new Indebtedness is
subordinated to the Notes to the same extent as the Notes are
subordinated to Senior Indebtedness and (C) such new Indebtedness has an
Average Life longer than the Average Life of the Notes and a final
Stated Maturity of principal later than the final Stated Maturity of
principal of the Notes; and
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(vi) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement
for value of shares of Common Stock of the Company issued pursuant to
non-qualified options granted under stock option plans of the Company,
in order to pay withholding taxes due as a result of income recognized
upon the exercise of such options, provided that (1) the Company is
required, by the terms of such plans, to effect such purchase,
redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of such shares
and (2) the aggregate consideration paid by the Company for such shares
so purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired or retired for value does
not exceed $2 million during any fiscal year of the Company.
The actions described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (vi) of this
paragraph (b) shall be Restricted Payments that shall be permitted to be taken
in accordance with this paragraph (b) but shall reduce the amount that would
otherwise be available for Restricted Payments under clause (3) of paragraph (a)
(provided that any dividend paid pursuant to clause (i) of this paragraph (b)
shall reduce the amount that would otherwise be available under clause (3) of
paragraph (a) when declared, but not also when subsequently paid pursuant to
such clause (i)) and the actions described in clause (v) of this paragraph (b)
shall be Restricted Payments that shall be permitted to be taken in accordance
with this paragraph (b) and shall not reduce the amount that would otherwise be
available for Restricted Payments under clause (3) of paragraph (a).
(c) In computing Consolidated Adjusted Net Income of the Company under
clause (3)(A) of paragraph (a) above, (1) the Company shall use audited
financial statements for the portions of the relevant period for which audited
financial statements are available on the date of determination and unaudited
financial statements and other current financial data based on the books and
records of the Company for the remaining portion of such period and (2) the
Company shall be permitted to rely in good faith on the financial statements and
other financial data derived from the books and records of the Company that are
available on the date of determination. If the Company makes a Restricted
Payment which, at the time of the making of such Restricted Payment would in the
good faith determination of the Company be permitted under the requirements of
the Indenture, such Restricted Payment shall be deemed to have been made in
compliance with the Indenture notwithstanding any subsequent adjustments made in
good faith to the Company's financial statements affecting Consolidated Adjusted
Net Income of the Company for any period. (Section 1011)
Limitation on Issuances and Sales of Restricted Subsidiary Stock. The
Indenture will provide that the Company (i) will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to issue any Capital Stock (other than to the Company or a
wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary) and (ii) will not permit any Person (other
than the Company or a wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary) to own any Capital
Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that this covenant shall
not prohibit (1) the issuance and sale of all, but not less than all, of the
issued and outstanding Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary owned by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in compliance with the other
provisions of the Indenture, (2) the ownership by directors of director's
qualifying shares or the ownership by foreign nationals of Capital Stock of any
Restricted Subsidiary, to the extent mandated by applicable law or (3) the
issuance and sale of Capital Stock by a Restricted Subsidiary, or the ownership
by any Person of any Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary, if, in each case,
the Company has made, or is making, an Investment in such Restricted Subsidiary
pursuant to clause (v) of the definition of "Permitted Investment." (Section
1012)
Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates. The Indenture will provide
that the Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to,
directly or indirectly, enter into or suffer to exist any transaction with, or
for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Company or any beneficial owner of 5%
or more of any class of the Company's Capital Stock at any time outstanding
("Interested Persons"), unless (i) such transaction is among the Company and
wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiaries or (ii) (A) such transaction is on terms
that are no less favorable to the Company, or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the
case may be, than those which could have been obtained in an arm's length
transaction with third parties who are not Interested Persons, (B) with respect
to any transaction involving aggregate consideration equal to or greater than $2
million, the Company has delivered an Officers' Certificate to the Trustee
certifying that such transaction complies with clause (ii)(A) above, and (C)
with respect to any transaction involving aggregate consideration equal to or
greater than $5 million, such transaction has been approved by the Board of
Directors (including a majority of the Disinterested Directors); provided,
however, that this covenant will not restrict the Company from paying reasonable
and customary regular compensation and fees to directors of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary who are not employees of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary. (Section 1013)
Limitation on Liens Securing Pari Passu Indebtedness or Subordinated
Indebtedness. (a) The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to
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exist any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) securing Pari Passu Indebtedness or
Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company on or with respect to any of its
property or assets, including any shares of stock or indebtedness of any
Restricted Subsidiary, whether owned at the date of the Indenture or thereafter
acquired, or any income, profits or proceeds therefrom, or assign or otherwise
convey any right to receive income thereon, unless (x) in the case of any Lien
securing Pari Passu Indebtedness of the Company, the Notes are secured by a Lien
on such property, assets or proceeds that is senior in priority to or pari passu
with such Lien and (y) in the case of any Lien securing Subordinated
Indebtedness of the Company, the Notes are secured by a Lien on such property,
assets or proceeds that is senior in priority to such Lien.
(b) The Company will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly
or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (other than
Permitted Liens) securing Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary that is
pari passu or subordinate in right of payment to the Guarantee of such
Subsidiary, on or with respect to any of such Restricted Subsidiary's properties
or assets, including any shares of stock or Indebtedness of any Subsidiary of
such Restricted Subsidiary, whether owned at the date of the Indenture or
thereafter acquired, or any income, profits or proceeds therefrom, or assign or
otherwise convey any right to receive income thereon, unless (x) in the case of
any Lien securing Indebtedness of the Restricted Subsidiary that is pari passu
in right of payment to the Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary, such
Guarantee is secured by a Lien on such property, assets or proceeds that is
senior in priority to or pari passu with such Lien and (y) in the case of any
Lien securing Indebtedness of the Restricted Subsidiary that is subordinate in
right of payment to the Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary, such Guarantee
is secured by a Lien on such property, assets or proceeds that is senior in
priority to such Lien. (Section 1014)
Change of Control. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the
Company shall be obligated to make an offer to purchase all of the then
outstanding Notes (a "Change of Control Offer"), and shall purchase, on a
business day (the "Change of Control Purchase Date") not more than 70 nor less
than 60 days following the Change of Control, all of the then outstanding Notes
validly tendered pursuant to such Change in Control Offer, at a purchase price
(the "Change of Control Purchase Price") equal to 101% of the principal amount
thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the Change of Control
Purchase Date. The Change of Control Offer is required to remain open for at
least 20 Business Days and until the close of business on the Change of Control
Purchase Date.
In order to effect such Change of Control Offer, the Company shall, not
later than the 30th day after the Change of Control, mail to each Noteholder and
the Banks notice of the Change of Control Offer, which notice shall govern the
terms of the Change of Control Offer and shall state, among other things, the
procedures that Noteholders must follow to accept the Change of Control Offer.
If a Change of Control Offer is made, there can be no assurance that the
Company will have available funds sufficient to pay the Change of Control
Purchase Price for all of the Notes that might be delivered by Noteholders
seeking to accept the Change of Control Offer. The Bank Credit Agreement
prohibits the purchase of the Notes by the Company prior to full repayment of
indebtedness under the Bank Credit Agreement and the termination of the
commitments thereunder and, upon a Change of Control, all amounts outstanding
under the Bank Credit Agreement may become due and payable. In addition, under
the terms of the indenture governing the Senior Notes, the repurchase of the
Notes by the Company would constitute a restricted payment that may be
prohibited at the time of a Chance of Control. There can be no assurance that in
the event of a Change of Control the Company will be able to obtain the
necessary consents from the lenders under the Bank Credit Agreement, or, if
necessary, from the holders of the Senior Notes, to consummate a Change of
Control Offer. The failure of the Company to make or consummate the Change of
Control Offer or pay the Change of Control Purchase Price when due would result
in an Event of Default and would give the Trustee and the holders of the Notes
the rights described under "--Events of Default."
One of the events which constitutes a Change of Control under the
Indenture is the disposition of "all or substantially all" of the Company's
assets. This term has not been interpreted under New York law (which is the
governing law of the Indenture) to represent a specific quantitative test. As a
consequence, in the event holders of the Notes elect to require the Company to
purchase the Notes and the Company elects to contest such election, there can be
no assurance as to how a court interpreting New York law would interpret the
phrase.
The existence of a holder's right to require the Company to purchase
such holder's Notes upon a Change of Control may deter a third party from
acquiring the Company in a transaction which constitutes a Change of Control.
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The definition of "Change of Control" in the Indenture is limited in
scope. The provisions of the Indenture may not afford holders of Notes the right
to require the Company to purchase such Notes in the event of a highly leveraged
transaction or certain transactions with the Company's management or its
affiliates, including a reorganization, restructuring, merger or similar
transaction involving the Company (including, in certain circumstances, an
acquisition of the Company by management or its affiliates) that may adversely
affect holders of the Notes, if the transaction is not a transaction defined as
a Change of Control. See "--Certain Definitions" for the definition of "Change
of Control."
The Company will comply with Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any
other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and
regulations are applicable, in the event that a Change of Control occurs and the
Company is required to purchase Notes as described above. (Section 1015)
Limitation on Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales. (a) The Indenture
will provide that the Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, engage in any Asset Sale unless (i) such Asset Sale is for not
less than the Fair Market Value of the assets sold (as determined by the Board
of Directors of the Company, whose determination shall be conclusive and
evidenced by a Board Resolution) and (ii) the consideration received by the
Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary in respect of such Asset Sale
consists of at least 75% cash or Cash Equivalents; provided that the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries may engage in Asset Sales for consideration not in
the form of cash or Cash Equivalents in amounts in excess of that permitted in
this clause (ii), so long as (x) such excess consideration is in the form of
Fully Traded Common Stock, (y) the aggregate Fair Market Value of such Fully
Traded Common Stock received by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
(measured as of the date of receipt) from all Asset Sales in reliance on this
proviso since the date of the Indenture that has not been converted into cash or
Cash Equivalents does not exceed $10 million and (z) any Fully Traded Common
Stock that is converted into cash or Cash Equivalents shall be applied as
provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this "Limitation on Disposition of
Proceeds of Asset Sales" covenant.
(b) If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary engages in an Asset
Sale, the Company may use the Net Cash Proceeds thereof, within 12 months after
such Asset Sale, to (i) repay or prepay any then outstanding Senior Indebtedness
of the Company or Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary or Indebtedness
represented by the 8% Notes or the 9 7/8% Notes or (ii) invest (or enter into a
legally binding agreement to invest) in properties and assets to replace the
properties and assets that were the subject of the Asset Sale or in properties
and assets that will be used in businesses of the Company or its Restricted
Subsidiaries, as the case may be, existing on the Closing Date or in businesses
reasonably related thereto. If any such legally binding agreement to invest such
Net Cash Proceeds is terminated, then the Company may, within 90 days of such
termination or within 12 months of such Asset Sale, whichever is later, invest
such Net Cash Proceeds as provided in clause (i) or (ii) (without regard to the
parenthetical contained in such clause (ii)) above. The amount of such Net Cash
Proceeds not so used as set forth above in this paragraph (b) constitutes
"Excess Proceeds."
(c) When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $10 million,
the Company shall, within 15 business days, make an Offer to Purchase (an
"Excess Proceeds Offer") from all holders of Notes, on a pro rata basis, in
accordance with the procedures set forth below, the maximum principal amount
(expressed as a multiple of $1,000) of Notes that may be purchased with the
Excess Proceeds. The offer price as to each Note shall be payable in cash in an
amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Note plus accrued and
unpaid interest, if any, to the date such Excess Proceeds Offer is consummated.
To the extent that the aggregate principal amount of Notes tendered pursuant to
an Excess Proceeds Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Company may use
such deficiency for general corporate purposes. If the aggregate principal
amount of Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by holders thereof exceeds
the Excess Proceeds, Notes to be purchased will be selected on a pro rata basis.
Upon completion of such offer to purchase, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall
be reset to zero. (Section 1016)
Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries. (a)
The Indenture will provide that the Company will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to guarantee the payment of any Indebtedness of the Company or any
Indebtedness of any other Restricted Subsidiary unless (i) such Restricted
Subsidiary simultaneously executes and delivers a supplemental indenture to the
Indenture providing for a Guarantee of payment of the Notes by such Restricted
Subsidiary except that (A) if the Notes are subordinated in right of payment to
such Indebtedness, the Guarantee under the supplemental indenture shall be
subordinated to such Restricted Subsidiary's guarantee with respect to such
Indebtedness substantially to the same extent as the Notes are subordinated to
such Indebtedness under the Indenture and (B) if such Indebtedness is by its
express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, any such guarantee
of such Restricted Subsidiary with respect to such Indebtedness shall be
subordinated in
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right of payment to such Restricted Subsidiary's Guarantee with respect to the
Notes substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to
the Notes; (ii) such Restricted Subsidiary waives and will not in any manner
whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any rights of
reimbursement, indemnity or subrogation or any other rights against the Company
or any other Restricted Subsidiary as a result of any payment by such Restricted
Subsidiary under its Guarantee; (iii) such Restricted Subsidiary shall appoint
CT Corporation in New York City as its agent for the service of process; and
(iv) such Restricted Subsidiary shall deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of
Counsel to the effect that (A) such appointment of CT Corporation is valid, (B)
such Guarantee of the Notes has been duly executed and authorized and (C) such
Guarantee of the Notes constitutes a valid, binding and enforceable obligation
of such Restricted Subsidiary, except insofar as enforcement thereof may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws (including, without
limitation, all laws relating to fraudulent transfers) and except insofar as
enforcement thereof is subject to general principles of equity; provided that
this paragraph (a) shall not be applicable to any Guarantee of any Restricted
Subsidiary that (x) existed at the time such Person became a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company and (y) was not incurred in connection with, or in
contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing and the other provisions of the
Indenture, any Guarantee by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Notes shall provide
by its terms that it shall be automatically and unconditionally released and
discharged upon (i) any sale, exchange or transfer, to any Person not an
Affiliate of the Company, of all of the Company's Capital Stock in, or all or
substantially all the assets of, such Restricted Subsidiary (which sale,
exchange or transfer is not prohibited by the Indenture) or (ii) the release or
discharge of the Guarantee which resulted in the creation of such Guarantee,
except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such Guarantee.
(Section 1017)
Limitation on Dividends and other Payment Restrictions Affecting
Restricted Subsidiaries. The Indenture will provide that the Company will not,
and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create
or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or
restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to (a)
pay dividends, in cash or otherwise, or make any other distributions on or in
respect of its Capital Stock or any other interest or participation in, or
measured by, its profits, (b) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any
other Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, (c) make loans or advances to the
Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, (d) transfer any of
its properties or assets to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company or (e) guarantee any Indebtedness of the Company or any other
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, except for such encumbrances or
restrictions existing under or by reason of (i) applicable law, (ii) customary
nonassignment provisions of any lease governing a leasehold interest of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, (iii) any agreement or
other instrument of a Person acquired by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company in existence at the time of such acquisition (but not
created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not
applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than
the Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired, (iv) any
agreement in existence on the Closing Date (to the extent of any encumbrances or
restrictions in existence thereunder on the Closing Date) and (v) any agreement
providing for the incurrence of Indebtedness of Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant
to either clause (x) of paragraph (b) of the "Limitation of Indebtedness"
covenant or clause (vii) of the definition of Permitted Subsidiary Indebtedness;
provided that any Restricted Subsidiary that becomes subject to any such
encumbrances or restrictions pursuant to this clause (v) shall Guarantee the
Notes in compliance with the provisions of clause (i) of paragraph (b) and
clauses (i)(A), (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (a) of the "Limitation on Guarantees
of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries" covenant. (Section 1018)
Reports. The Indenture will require that the Company file on a timely
basis with the Commission, to the extent such filings are accepted by the
Commission and whether or not the Company has a class of securities registered
under the Exchange Act, the annual reports, quarterly reports and other
documents that the Company would be required to file if it were subject to
Section 13 or 15 of the Exchange Act. The Company will also be required (a) to
file with the Trustee, and provide to each holder of Notes, without cost to such
holder, copies of such reports and documents within 15 days after the date on
which the Company files such reports and documents with the Commission or the
date on which the Company would be required to file such reports and documents
if the Company were so required and (b) if filing such reports and documents
with the Commission is not accepted by the Commission or is prohibited under the
Exchange Act, to supply at the Company's cost copies of such reports and
documents to any prospective holder of Notes promptly upon written request.
(Section 1009)
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Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets, Etc.
The Company will not, in any transaction or series of transactions,
merge or consolidate with or into, or sell, assign, transfer, lease or otherwise
dispose of all or substantially all of its properties and assets as an entirety
to, any Person or Persons, and the Company will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to enter into any such transaction or series of transactions if such
transaction or series of transactions, in the aggregate, would result in a sale,
assignment, transfer, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of
the properties and assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis to any other Person or Persons, unless at the time and after
giving effect thereto (i) either (A) if the transaction or transactions is a
merger or consolidation, the Company shall be the surviving Person of such
merger or consolidation, or (B) the Person formed by such consolidation or into
which the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is merged or to which the
properties and assets of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case
may be, substantially as an entirety, are sold, assigned, transferred, leased or
otherwise disposed of (any such surviving Person or transferee Person being the
"Surviving Entity") shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws
of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia
and shall expressly assume by a supplemental indenture executed and delivered to
the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the
Company under the Notes and the Indenture, and, in each case, the Indenture
shall remain in full force and effect; (ii) immediately before and immediately
after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma
basis (including, without limitation, any Indebtedness incurred or anticipated
to be incurred in connection with or in respect of such transaction or series of
transactions), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing and the Company or the Surviving Entity, as the case may be, after
giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma
basis, could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted
Indebtedness) pursuant to the "Limitation on Indebtedness" covenant; and (iii)
immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions on
a pro forma basis, the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company or the Surviving
Entity, as the case may be, is at least equal to the Consolidated Net Worth of
the Company immediately before such transaction or series of transactions.
(Section 801)
In connection with any consolidation, merger, transfer, lease or other
disposition contemplated hereby, the Company shall deliver, or cause to be
delivered, to the Trustee, in the form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
the Trustee, an Officers' Certificate stating that such consolidation, merger,
transfer, lease or other disposition and the supplemental indenture in respect
thereto comply with the requirements under the Indenture and an Opinion of
Counsel stating that the requirements of clause (i) of the preceding paragraph
have been complied with.
Upon any consolidation or merger or any sale, assignment, conveyance,
transfer, lease or disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and
assets of the Company in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraphs in
which the Company is not the continuing obligor under the Indenture, the
Surviving Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise
every right and power of, the Company under the Indenture with the same effect
as if such successor had been named as the Company therein. When a successor
assumes all the obligations of its predecessor under the Indenture or the Notes,
the predecessor shall be released from those obligations; provided that in the
case of a transfer by lease, the predecessor shall not be released from the
payment of principal and interest on the Notes.
Events of Default
The following will be "Events of Default" under the Indenture:
(i) default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any,
when due and payable, on any of the Notes; or
(ii) default in the payment of an installment of interest on any
of the Notes, when due and payable, for 30 days; or
(iii) default in the performance or breach of the provisions of
the "Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets" section of the Indenture,
the failure to make or consummate a Change of Control Offer in
accordance with the provisions of the "Change of Control" covenant or
the failure to make or consummate an Excess Proceeds Offer in accordance
with the provisions of the "Limitation on Disposition of Proceeds of
Asset Sales" covenant; or
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(iv) the Company or any Guarantor shall fail to perform or observe
any other term, covenant or agreement contained in the Notes, any
Guarantee or the Indenture (other than a default specified in (i), (ii)
or (iii) above) for a period of 30 days after written notice of such
failure requiring the Company to remedy the same shall have been given
(x) to the Company by the Trustee or (y) to the Company and the Trustee
by the holders of 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding; or
(v) default or defaults under one or more mortgages, bonds,
debentures or other evidences of Indebtedness under which the Company or
any Significant Subsidiary then has outstanding Indebtedness in excess
of $5 million, individually or in the aggregate, and either (a) such
Indebtedness is already due and payable in full or (b) such default or
defaults have resulted in the acceleration of the maturity of such
Indebtedness; or
(vi) one or more final judgments, orders or decrees of any court
or regulatory or administrative agency of competent jurisdiction for the
payment of money in excess of $5 million, either individually or in the
aggregate, shall be entered against the Company or any of its
Significant Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties and shall
not be discharged or fully bonded and there shall have been a period of
60 days after the date on which any period for appeal has expired and
during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, order or decree
shall not be in effect; or
(vii) (A) any holder of at least $5 million in aggregate principal
amount of secured Indebtedness of the Company or of any Significant
Subsidiary as to which a default has occurred and is continuing shall
commence judicial proceedings (which proceedings shall remain unstayed
for 5 Business Days) to foreclose upon assets of the Company or any
Significant Subsidiary having an aggregate Fair Market Value,
individually or in the aggregate, in excess of $5 million or shall have
exercised any right under applicable law or applicable security
documents to take ownership of any such assets in lieu of foreclosure or
(B) any action described in the foregoing clause (A) shall result in any
court of competent jurisdiction issuing any order for the seizure of
such assets; or
(viii) any Guarantee ceases to be in full force and effect or is
declared null and void or any Guarantor denies that it has any further
liability under any Guarantee, or gives notice to such effect (other
than by reason of the termination of the Indenture or the release of any
such Guarantee in accordance with the Indenture) and such condition
shall have continued for a period of 30 days after written notice of
such failure requiring the Guarantor and the Company to remedy the same
shall have been given (x) to the Company by the Trustee or (y) to the
Company and the Trustee by the holders of 25% in aggregate principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding; or
(ix) the occurrence of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization with respect to the Company or any Significant
Subsidiary. (Section 501)
If an Event of Default (other than as specified in clause (ix) above)
shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee, by notice to the Company, or the
holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding, by notice to the Trustee and the Company, may declare the principal
of, premium, if any, and accrued interest on all of the outstanding Notes due
and payable immediately, upon which declaration all amounts payable in respect
of the Notes shall be immediately due and payable, provided, however, that, for
so long as the Bank Credit Agreement is in effect, such declaration shall not
become effective until the earlier of (i) five Business Days following delivery
of notice to the Agent Bank of the intention to accelerate the Notes or (ii) the
acceleration of any Indebtedness under the Bank Credit Agreement. If an Event of
Default specified in clause (ix) above occurs and is continuing, then the
principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest on all of the outstanding
Notes shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any
declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any holder of Notes.
(Section 502)
After a declaration of acceleration under the Indenture, but before a
judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the
Trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind
such declaration if (a) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum
sufficient to pay (i) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee under the
Indenture and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances
of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, (ii) all overdue interest on all Notes,
(iii) the principal of and premium, if any, on any Notes which have become due
otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the
rate borne by
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the Notes, and (iv) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful,
interest upon overdue interest at the rate borne by the Notes which has become
due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration; (b) the rescission would
not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction;
and (c) all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Notes that has become due solely by such
declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived. (Section 502)
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, in the event of a declaration
of acceleration in respect of the Notes because an Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, such declaration of acceleration shall be
automatically annulled if the Indebtedness that is the subject of such Event of
Default has been discharged or the holders thereof have rescinded their
declaration of acceleration in respect of such Indebtedness, and written notice
of such discharge or rescission, as the case may be, shall have been given to
the Trustee by the Company and countersigned by the holders of such Indebtedness
or a trustee, fiduciary or agent for such holders, within 30 days after such
declaration of acceleration in respect of the Notes, and no other Event of
Default has occurred during such 30-day period which has not been cured or
waived during such period. (Section 502)
The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding Notes may on behalf of the holders of all the Notes waive any
past defaults under the Indenture, except a default in the payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note, or in respect of a
covenant or provision which under the Indenture cannot be modified or amended
without the consent of the holder of each Note outstanding. (Section 513)
No holder of any of the Notes has any right to institute any proceeding
with respect to the Indenture or any remedy thereunder, unless the holders of at
least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes have made
written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee to institute
such proceeding as Trustee under the Notes and the Indenture, the Trustee has
failed to institute such proceeding within 15 days after receipt of such notice
and the Trustee, within such 15-day period, has not received directions
inconsistent with such written request by holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding Notes. Such limitations do not apply,
however, to a suit instituted by a holder of a Note for the enforcement of the
payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on such Note on or
after the respective due dates expressed in such Note. (Section 507)
During the existence of an Event of Default, the Trustee is required to
exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the Indenture and use the
same degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof as a prudent person would
exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person's own affairs.
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee, in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee
under the Indenture is not under any obligation to exercise any of its rights or
powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Noteholders
unless such holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or
indemnity. Subject to certain provisions concerning the rights of the Trustee,
the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes
have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power
conferred on the Trustee under the Indenture. (Sections 512 and 602)
If a Default or an Event of Default occurs and is continuing and is
actually known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to each holder of the
Notes notice of the Default or Event of Default within five days after the
occurrence thereof. Except in the case of a Default or an Event of Default in
payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Notes, the Trustee
may withhold the notice to the holders of such Notes if a committee of its Trust
Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interest
of the Noteholders. (Section 601)
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annual and quarterly
statements as to the performance by the Company and the Guarantors of their
respective obligations under the Indenture and as to any default in such
performance. The Company is also required to notify the Trustee within ten days
of any Default.
Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance of Indenture
The Company may, at its option and at any time, terminate the
obligations of the Company and the Guarantors with respect to the outstanding
Notes ("defeasance"). Such defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to
have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding
Notes, except for (i) the rights of holders of outstanding Notes to receive
payment in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such
Notes when such payments are due, (ii) the Company's obligations to issue
temporary Notes, register the transfer or exchange of any Notes, replace
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and maintain an office or agency
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for payments in respect of the Notes, (iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties
and immunities of the Trustee, and (iv) the defeasance provisions of the
Indenture. In addition, the Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to
terminate the obligations of the Company and any Guarantor with respect to
certain covenants that are set forth in the Indenture, some of which are
described under "Certain Covenants" above, and any omission to comply with such
obligations shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default with respect
to the Notes ("covenant defeasance"). The Company is permitted to exercise
defeasance or covenant defeasance only with the consent of the Banks.
(Sections 1202 and 1203)
In order to exercise either defeasance or covenant defeasance, (i) the
Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of
the holders of the Notes, cash in United States dollars, U.S. Government
Obligations (as defined in the Indenture), or a combination thereof, in such
amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of
independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on the outstanding Notes to redemption or maturity; (ii) the Company
shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the
holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for
federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant
defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the
same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance
or covenant defeasance had not occurred (in the case of defeasance, such opinion
must refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a
change in applicable federal income tax laws); (iii) no Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit; (iv)
such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a
conflicting interest with respect to any securities of the Company or any
Guarantor; (v) such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a
breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or
instrument to which the Company or any Guarantor is a party or by which it is
bound; (vi) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of
Counsel to the effect that after the 91st day following the deposit, the trust
funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally; and (vii) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel satisfactory to the Trustee,
which, taken together, state that all conditions precedent under the Indenture
to either defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, have been
complied with. (Section 1204)
Satisfaction and Discharge
The Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect
(except as to surviving rights or registration of transfer or exchange of the
Notes, as expressly provided for in the Indenture) as to all outstanding Notes
when (i) either (a) all the Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered
(except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid and
Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or
segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company
or discharged from such trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation or (b) all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation have become due and payable and the Company or any Guarantor has
irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in an
amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not
theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Notes to the date of deposit together with
irrevocable instructions from the Company directing the Trustee to apply such
funds to the payment thereof at maturity or redemption, as the case may be; (ii)
the Company has paid all other sums payable under the Indenture by the Company;
and (iii) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and
an Opinion of Counsel satisfactory to the Trustee, which, taken together, state
that all conditions precedent under the Indenture relating to the satisfaction
and discharge of the Indenture have been complied with.
(Section 401)
Amendments and Waivers
From time to time, the Company and the Trustee may, without the consent
of the Noteholders, amend, waive or supplement the Indenture or the Notes for
certain specified purposes, including, among other things, curing ambiguities,
defects or inconsistencies, qualifying, or maintaining the qualification of, the
Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, or making any change that does
not adversely affect the rights of any Noteholder; provided, however, that the
Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating, in certain
cases, that such change does not adversely affect the rights of any Noteholder.
Other amendments and modifications of the Indenture or the Notes may be made by
the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the holders of not less than a
majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; provided,
however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the
holder of each outstanding Note affected thereby, (i) reduce the principal
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amount of, extend the fixed maturity of or alter the redemption provisions of,
the Notes, (ii) change the currency in which any Notes or any premium or the
interest thereon is payable, (iii) reduce the percentage in principal amount of
outstanding Notes that must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver or
consent to take any action under the Indenture or the Notes, (iv) modify the
"Limitation on Other Senior Subordinated Indebtedness" covenant or any of the
provisions in the Indenture relating to the subordination of the Notes in a
manner adverse to the holders, (v) impair the right to institute suit for the
enforcement of any payment on or with respect to the Notes, (vi) waive a default
in payment with respect to the Notes, (vii) alter the Company's obligation to
purchase the Notes in accordance with the Indenture or waive any default in the
performance thereof, (viii) reduce or change the rate or time for payment of
interest on the Notes, or (ix) release any Guarantor from any of its obligations
under its Guarantee or the Indenture other than in accordance with the terms of
the Indenture. (Sections 901 and 902) The ability of the Company to amend the
Indenture will be restricted by the terms of the Bank Credit Agreement.
The Trustee
The Indenture provides that, except during the continuance of an Event
of Default, the Trustee thereunder will perform only such duties as are
specifically set forth in the Indenture. If an Event of Default has occurred and
is continuing, the Trustee will exercise such rights and powers vested in it
under the Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as
a prudent Person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such
Person's own affairs. (Section 602)
The Indenture and provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, incorporated by reference therein contain limitations on the rights of
the Trustee thereunder, should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain
payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received by
it in respect of any such claims, as security or otherwise. The Trustee is
permitted to engage in other transactions; provided, however, that if it
acquires any conflicting interest (as defined) it must eliminate such conflict
or resign.
Governing Law
The Indenture and the Notes will be governed by the laws of the State of
New York, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law.
Certain Definitions
"Acquired Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of a Person (a) assumed in
connection with an Asset Acquisition from such Person or (b) existing at the
time such Person becomes a subsidiary of any other Person (other than any
Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Asset
Acquisition or such Person becoming such a subsidiary).
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any specified Person, any other
Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or
indirect common control with such specified Person and, in the case of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, also means AET and The K.A.D.
Companies, Inc.
"Asset Acquisition" means (a) an Investment by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary in any other Person pursuant to which such Person shall
become a Restricted Subsidiary or any Restricted Subsidiary shall be merged with
or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or (b) the acquisition by the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the assets of any Person which
constitute all or substantially all of the assets of such Person or any division
or line of business of such Person.
"Asset Sale" means any sale, issuance, conveyance, transfer, lease or
other disposition to any Person other than the Company or a wholly-owned
Restricted Subsidiary, in one or a series of related transactions, of (a) any
Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary held by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary; (b) all or substantially all of the properties and assets of any
division or line of business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; or (c)
any other properties or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary other
than in the ordinary course of business. For the purposes of this definition,
the term "Asset Sale" shall not include any sale, issuance, conveyance,
transfer, lease or other disposition of properties or assets (i) that is
governed by the provisions of the Indenture governing "Merger, Consolidation and
Sale of Assets," (ii) to an Unrestricted Subsidiary, if permitted under the
"Limitation on Restricted Payments" covenant or (iii) having a Fair Market Value
of less than $250,000.
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"Average Life" means, with respect to any Indebtedness, as at any date
of determination, the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the sum of the products
of (i) the number of years from such date to the date or dates of each
successive scheduled principal payment (including, without limitation, any
sinking fund requirements) of such Indebtedness multiplied by (ii) the amount of
each such principal payment by (b) the sum of all such principal payments.
"Bank Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement dated as of October
29, 1993, amended and restated as of August 7, 1998, between the Company and the
Banks as in effect on the date hereof and as such Agreement may be amended,
restated, supplemented, replaced, refinanced, substituted or otherwise modified
from time to time.
"Banks" means the banks and other financial institutions from time to
time that are lenders under the Bank Credit Agreement.
"BEAH (UK)" means BE Aerospace Holdings (UK) Limited (Company number
516846).
"Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares,
interests, participations, rights in or other equivalents (however designated)
of such Person's capital stock, and any rights (other than debt securities
convertible into capital stock), warrants or options exchangeable for or
convertible into such capital stock.
"Capitalized Lease Obligation" means any obligation under a lease of (or
other agreement conveying the right to use) any property (whether real, personal
or mixed) that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease
obligation under GAAP, and, for the purpose of the Indenture, the amount of such
obligation at any date shall be the capitalized amount thereof at such date,
determined in accordance with GAAP.
"Cash Equivalents" means (i) any evidence of Indebtedness with a
maturity of 180 days or less issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured
by the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof
(provided that the full faith and credit of the United States of America is
pledged in support thereof); (ii) certificates of deposit or acceptances with a
maturity of 180 days or less of any financial institution that is a member of
the Federal Reserve System having combined capital and surplus and undivided
profits of not less than $500,000,000; and (iii) commercial paper with a
maturity of 180 days or less issued by a corporation that is not an Affiliate of
the Company and is organized under the laws of any state of the United States or
the District of Columbia and rated at least A-1 by S&P or at least P-1 by
Moody's.
"Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(a) any "person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)
of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rules
13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a Person shall be deemed to
have "beneficial ownership" of all securities that such Person has the right to
acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage
of time), directly or indirectly, of more than 40% of the total Voting Stock of
the Company; (b) the Company consolidates with, or merges with or into, another
Person or sells, assigns, conveys, transfers, leases or otherwise disposes of
all or substantially all of its assets to any Person, or any Person consolidates
with, or merges with or into, the Company, in any such event pursuant to a
transaction in which the outstanding Voting Stock of the Company is converted
into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such
transaction where (i) the outstanding Voting Stock of the Company is converted
into or exchanged for (1) Voting Stock (other than Redeemable Capital Stock) of
the surviving or transferee corporation or (2) cash, securities and other
property in an amount which could be paid by the Company as a Restricted Payment
under the Indenture and (ii) immediately after such transaction no "person" or
"group" (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act)
is the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the
Exchange Act, except that a Person shall be deemed to have "beneficial
ownership" of all securities that such Person has the right to acquire, whether
such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time),
directly or indirectly, of more than 40% of the total Voting Stock of the
surviving or transferee corporation; (c) during any consecutive two-year period,
individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of
Directors of the Company (together with any new directors whose election by such
Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the stockholders of the
Company was approved by a vote of 66 2/3% of the directors then still in office
who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or
nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to
constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company then in office;
or (d) any final order, judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction
shall be entered against the Company decreeing the dissolution or liquidation of
the Company.
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"Closing Date" means the date of the closing of the offering of the
Notes.
"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Common Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares,
interests or other participations in, and other equivalents (however designated
and whether voting or nonvoting) of, such Person's common stock, whether
outstanding at the Closing Date or issued after the Closing Date, and includes,
without limitation, all series and classes of such common stock.
"Consolidated Adjusted Net Income" means, for any period, the
consolidated net income (or loss) of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
for such period as determined in accordance with GAAP, adjusted by excluding (a)
net after-tax extraordinary gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating
thereto), (b) net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating
thereto) attributable to asset dispositions, (c) the net income (or net loss) of
any Person (other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary), including
Unrestricted Subsidiaries, in which the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries has an ownership interest, except to the extent of the amount of
dividends or other distributions actually paid to the Company or its Restricted
Subsidiaries in cash by such other Person during such period, (d) net income (or
net loss) of any Person combined with the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries on a "pooling of interests" basis attributable to any period prior
to the date of combination, (e) the net income of any Restricted Subsidiary to
the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions
by that Restricted Subsidiary of that net income is not at the date of
determination permitted, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of
its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule
or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its
stockholders and (f) income resulting from transfers of assets received by the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
"Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" of any Person means, for any
period, the ratio of (a) the sum of Consolidated Adjusted Net Income,
Consolidated Interest Expense, Consolidated Income Tax Expense and Consolidated
Noncash Charges, in each case, for such period, of such Person and its
subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, all determined in accordance with GAAP, to
(b) the sum of such Consolidated Interest Expense for such period; provided that
(i) in making such computation, the Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person
attributable to interest on any Indebtedness computed on a pro forma basis and
bearing a floating interest rate shall be computed as if the rate in effect on
the date of computation had been the applicable rate for the entire period, (ii)
in making such computation, the Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person
attributable to interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility
computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily
balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period, and (iii)
notwithstanding clauses (i) and (ii) above, interest on Indebtedness determined
on a fluctuating basis, to the extent such interest is covered by agreements
relating to Interest Rate Protection Obligations, shall be deemed to have
accrued at the rate per annum resulting after giving effect to the operation of
such agreements. If such Person or any of its subsidiaries directly or
indirectly guarantees Indebtedness of a third Person, the above clause shall
give effect to the incurrence of such guaranteed Indebtedness as if such Person
or such subsidiary had directly incurred or otherwise assumed such Guaranteed
Indebtedness.
"Consolidated Income Tax Expense" means, with respect to any Person for
any period, the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes of
such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period as determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
"Consolidated Interest Expense" means, with respect to any Person for
any period, without duplication, the sum of (i) the interest expense of such
Person and its Subsidiaries for such period as determined on a consolidated
basis in accordance with GAAP, including, without limitation, (a) any
amortization of debt discount, (b) the net cost under Interest Rate Protection
Obligations (including any amortization of discounts), (c) the interest portion
of any deferred payment obligation, (d) all commissions, discounts and other
fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance
financing and (e) all accrued interest, (ii) the interest component of
Capitalized Lease Obligations paid, accrued and/or scheduled to be paid or
accrued by such Person and its Subsidiaries during such period as determined on
a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP and (iii) the aggregate dividends
paid or accrued on Preferred Stock of such Person or its Subsidiaries, to the
extent such Preferred Stock is owned by Persons other than such Person and its
Subsidiaries.
"Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" of any Person means, as of any date,
(a) all amounts that would be shown on the latest consolidated balance sheet of
such Person and its Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP, at
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the date of determination less (b) the amount thereof constituting goodwill and
other intangible assets as calculated in accordance with GAAP.
"Consolidated Net Worth" means, with respect to any Person at any date,
the consolidated stockholders' equity of such Person less the amount of such
stockholders' equity attributable to Redeemable Capital Stock or treasury stock
of such Person and its Subsidiaries, as determined in accordance with GAAP.
"Consolidated Noncash Charges" means, with respect to any Person for any
period, the aggregate depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses of
such Person and its Subsidiaries reducing Consolidated Adjusted Net Income of
such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated
basis in accordance with GAAP.
"Default" means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time or
both would be, an Event of Default.
"Disinterested Director" means, with respect to any transaction or
series of transactions in respect of which the Board of Directors is required to
deliver a resolution of the Board of Directors under the Indenture, a member of
the Board of Directors who does not have any material direct or indirect
financial interest in or with respect to such transaction or series of
transactions.
"Eligible Inventories" as of any date means the consolidated inventories
of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (net of any reserve) on the basis
of the method of accounting (either last in/first out or first in/first out)
used by the Company in the preparation of its financial statements included in
the latest Form 10-K filed by the Company under the Securities Act, as shown on
a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, all
in accordance with GAAP.
"Eligible Receivables" as of any date means the consolidated accounts
receivables (net of any reserve) of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
that are not more than 60 days past their due date and that were entered into on
normal payment terms as shown on a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries, all in accordance with GAAP.
"Equity Offering" means any public or private sale of common stock of
the Company, other than (i) any public offerings with respect to the Company's
Common Stock registered on Form S-8 or Form S-4 and (ii) any private placement
occurring in connection with or after the occurrence of a Change of Control when
the Company's Common Stock is eligible for delisting from a national securities
exchange or automated quotation dealer system on which such Common Stock was
trading or quoted prior to such Change of Control.
"Event of Default" has the meaning set forth under "Events of Default"
herein.
"Fair Market Value" means, with respect to any asset, the price which
could be negotiated in an arm's-length free market transaction, for cash,
between a willing seller and a willing buyer, neither of which is under pressure
or compulsion to complete the transaction.
"Fully Traded Common Stock" means Common Stock issued by any corporation
if (A) such Common Stock is listed on either The New York Stock Exchange, The
American Stock Exchange, The London Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq National
Market; provided that such Common Stock is freely tradeable under the Securities
Act (or, in the case of The London Stock Exchange, any applicable law, rule or
regulation) upon issuance; and (B) such Common Stock does not constitute more
than 15% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock of such corporation held by
Persons other than 10% holders of such Common Stock and Affiliates and insiders
of such corporation.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles, consistently
applied, that are set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting
Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and
statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in
such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant
segment of the accounting profession of the United States of America, which are
applicable as of the Closing Date.
"guarantee" means, as applied to any obligation, (i) a guarantee (other
than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary
course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner, of any part or all of
such obligation and (ii) an agreement, direct or indirect, contingent or
otherwise, the practical effect of which is to
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assure in any way the payment or performance (or payment of damages in the event
of nonperformance) of all or any part of such obligation, including, without
limiting the foregoing, the payment of amounts drawn down by letters of credit.
"Guarantee" means any guarantee of any Indebtedness of the Company
incurred by any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to (1) paragraph (a) of the
"Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries" covenant,
(2) clause (v) of the "Limitation on Dividends and other Payment Restrictions
Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries" covenant, (3) clause (y) of paragraph (b) of
the "Limitation on Indebtedness" covenant, or (4) clause (ii) of the definition
of Permitted Investment. When used as a verb, "Guarantee" shall have a
corresponding meaning.
"Guarantor" means any Restricted Subsidiary which incurs a Guarantee.
"Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, without duplication,
(a) all liabilities of such Person for borrowed money or for the deferred
purchase price of property or services, excluding any trade payables and other
accrued current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business, but
including, without limitation, all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such
Person in connection with any letters of credit, bankers' acceptance or other
similar credit transaction and in connection with any agreement to purchase,
redeem, exchange, convert or otherwise acquire for value any Capital Stock of
such Person, or any warrants, rights or options to acquire such Capital Stock,
now or hereafter outstanding, if, and to the extent, any of the foregoing would
appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance
with GAAP, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, notes,
debentures or other similar instruments, if, and to the extent, any of the
foregoing would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such Person
prepared in accordance with GAAP, (c) all indebtedness of such Person created or
arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with
respect to property acquired by such Person (even if the rights and remedies of
the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to
repossession or sale of such property), but excluding trade accounts payable
arising in the ordinary course of business, (d) all Capitalized Lease
Obligations of such Person, (e) all Indebtedness referred to in the preceding
clauses of other Persons and all dividends of other Persons, the payment of
which is secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an
existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien upon
property (including, without limitation, accounts and contract rights) owned by
such Person, even though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the
payment of such Indebtedness (the amount of such obligation being deemed to be
the lesser of the value of such property or asset or the amount of the
obligation so secured), (f) all guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness
referred to in this definition, (g) all Redeemable Capital Stock of such Person
valued at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary maximum fixed repurchase
price plus accrued dividends, (h) all obligations of such Person under or in
respect of currency exchange contracts and Interest Rate Protection Obligations
and (i) any amendment, supplement, modification, deferral, renewal, extension or
refunding of any liability of such Person of the types referred to in clauses
(a) through (h) above. For purposes hereof, the "maximum fixed repurchase price"
of any Redeemable Capital Stock which does not have a fixed repurchase price
shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Redeemable Capital
Stock as if such Redeemable Capital Stock were purchased on any date on which
Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to the Indenture, and
if such price is based upon, or measured by, the fair market value of such
Redeemable Capital Stock, such fair market value shall be determined in good
faith by the board of directors of the issuer of such Redeemable Capital Stock.
"Interest Rate Protection Obligations" means the obligations of any
Person pursuant to any arrangement with any other Person whereby, directly or
indirectly, such person is entitled to receive from time to time periodic
payments calculated by applying either a floating or a fixed rate of interest on
a stated notional amount in exchange for periodic payments made by such Person
calculated by applying a fixed or a floating rate of interest on the same
notional amount and shall include, without limitation, interest rate swaps,
caps, floors, collars and similar agreements.
"Investment" means, with respect to any Person, any direct or indirect
loan or other extension of credit or capital contribution to (by means of any
transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or
services for the account or use of others), or any purchase or acquisition by
such Person of any Capital Stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other securities
or evidences of Indebtedness issued by, any other Person. In addition, the Fair
Market Value of the net assets of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company at
the time that such Restricted Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted
Subsidiary shall be deemed to be an "Investment" made by the Company in such
Unrestricted Subsidiary at such time. "Investments" shall exclude extensions of
trade credit on commercially reasonable terms in accordance with normal trade
practices.
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"Lien" means any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien (statutory or other),
security interest, hypothecation, assignment for security, claim, or preference
or priority or other encumbrance upon or with respect to any property of any
kind. A Person shall be deemed to own subject to a Lien any property which such
Person has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under
any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention
agreement.
"Maturity" means, with respect to any Note, the date on which any
principal of such Note or an installment of interest becomes due and payable as
therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity with respect to such
principal or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or purchase or
otherwise.
"Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and its successors.
"Net Cash Proceeds" means, with respect to any Asset Sale, the proceeds
thereof in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents including payments in respect of
deferred payment obligations when received in the form of cash or Cash
Equivalents (except to the extent that such obligations are financed or sold
with recourse to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary), net of (i) brokerage
commissions and other fees and expenses (including fees and expenses of legal
counsel and investment banks) related to such Asset Sale, (ii) provisions for
all taxes payable as a result of such Asset Sale, (iii) amounts required to be
paid to any Person (other than the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary) owning
a beneficial interest in the assets subject to the Asset Sale and (iv)
appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary,
as the case may be, as a reserve required in accordance with GAAP consistently
applied against any liabilities associated with such Asset Sale and retained by
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, after such Asset
Sale, including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit
liabilities, liabilities related to environmental matters and liabilities under
any indemnification obligations associated with such Asset Sale, all as
reflected in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee.
"Pari Passu Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the Company which is
pari passu with the Notes.
"Permitted Indebtedness" means any of the following:
(i) Indebtedness of the Company in an aggregate principal amount
at any one time outstanding not to exceed the greater of (i) $200
million and (ii) the sum of 80% of the aggregate amount of Eligible
Receivables and 50% of the aggregate amount of Eligible Inventory,
measured as of the most recent fiscal quarter preceding the time such
Indebtedness is incurred;
(ii) Indebtedness of the Company under the Notes;
(iii) Indebtedness of the Company outstanding on the date of the
Indenture (other than Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clause (i) of
this definition);
(iv) obligations of the Company pursuant to Interest Rate
Protection Obligations, which obligations do not exceed the aggregate
principal amount of the Indebtedness covered by such Interest Rate
Protection Obligations and obligations under currency exchange contracts
entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(v) Indebtedness of the Company to any wholly-owned Restricted
Subsidiaries;
(vi) Indebtedness of the Company consisting of guarantees,
indemnities or obligations in respect of purchase price adjustments in
connection with the acquisition or disposition of assets, including,
without limitation, shares of Capital Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries;
(vii) any renewals, extensions, substitutions, refinancings or
replacements (each, for purposes of this clause, a "refinancing") by the
Company of any Indebtedness of the Company incurred pursuant to the
"Limitation on Indebtedness" covenant or clauses (ii) and (iii) of this
definition, including any successive refinancings by the Company, so
long as (A) any such new Indebtedness shall be in a principal amount
that does not exceed the principal amount (or, if such Indebtedness
being refinanced provides for an amount less than the principal amount
thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration
thereof, such lesser amount as of the date of determination) so
refinanced plus the amount of any premium required to be paid in
connection with such refinancing pursuant to the terms of the
Indebtedness refinanced or the amount of any
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<PAGE>
premium reasonably determined by the Company as necessary to accomplish
such refinancing, plus the amount of expenses of the Company incurred in
connection with such refinancing, (B) in the case of any refinancing of
Pari Passu Indebtedness or Subordinated Indebtedness, such new
Indebtedness is made pari passu with or subordinate to the Notes at
least to the same extent as the Indebtedness being refinanced and (C)
such new Indebtedness has an Average Life longer than the Average Life
of the Notes and a final Stated Maturity later than the final Stated
Maturity of the Notes; and
(viii) Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not in excess
of $30 million at any one time outstanding, less the amount of Permitted
Subsidiary Indebtedness then outstanding pursuant to clause (vii) of the
definition thereof.
"Permitted Investments" means any of the following:
(i) Investments in Cash Equivalents;
(ii) Investments in the Company or wholly-owned Restricted
Subsidiaries;
(iii) Investments in an amount not to exceed $15 million at any
one time outstanding;
(iv) Investments by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company in another Person, if as a result of such Investment (A)
such other Person becomes a wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary or (B)
such other Person is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers
or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, the Company or a
wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary; or
(v) Investments from the date of the Indenture in a Restricted
Subsidiary that is less than wholly-owned in an aggregate amount
measured at the time of Investment (less payments of interest on
Indebtedness, dividends, repayments of loans or advances, or other
transfers of assets, in each case to the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary, to the extent not included in clause (D) of the last
paragraph of Subsection (a) of the "Limitation on Restricted Payments"
covenant) not to exceed 5% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the
Company. In connection with any assets or property contributed or
transferred to any Person as an Investment, such property and assets
shall be equal to the Fair Market Value (as determined by the Company's
Board of Directors) at the time of Investment.
"Permitted Liens" means the following types of Liens:
(a) Liens on any property or assets of a Restricted Subsidiary
granted in favor of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(b) Liens securing the Notes;
(c) Liens securing the Guarantees;
(d) Liens securing Acquired Indebtedness created prior to (and not
in connection with or in contemplation of) the incurrence of such
Indebtedness by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided that
any such Lien does not extend to any property or assets of the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary other than the assets acquired in
connection with the incurrence of such Acquired Indebtedness; and
(e) any extension, renewal or replacement, in whole or in part, of
any Lien described in the foregoing clauses (a) through (d); provided
that any such extension, renewal or replacement shall be no more
restrictive in any material respect that the Lien so extended, renewed
or replaced and shall not extend to any additional property or assets.
"Permitted Subsidiary Indebtedness" means any of the following:
(i) Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary outstanding on the
date of the Indenture;
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(ii) obligations of any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to Interest
Rate Protection Obligations, which obligations do not exceed the
aggregate principal amount of the Indebtedness covered by such Interest
Rate Protection Obligations;
(iii) Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary to any
wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or to the Company;
(iv) Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary consisting of
guaranties, indemnities or obligations in respect of purchase price
adjustments in connection with the acquisition or disposition of assets,
including, without limitation, shares of Capital Stock of Restricted
Subsidiaries;
(v) any renewals, extensions, substitutions, refinancings or
replacements (each, for purposes of this clause, a "refinancing") by any
Restricted Subsidiary of any Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary
incurred pursuant to clause (i) of this definition, including any
successive refinancings by such Restricted Subsidiary, so long as any
such new Indebtedness shall be in a principal amount that does not
exceed the principal amount (or, if such Indebtedness being refinanced
provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due
and payable upon a declaration of acceleration thereof, such lesser
amount as of the date of determination) so refinanced plus the amount of
any premium required to be paid in connection with such refinancing
pursuant to the terms of the Indebtedness refinanced or the amount of
any premium reasonably determined by such Restricted Subsidiary as
necessary to accomplish such refinancing, plus the amount of expenses of
such Restricted Subsidiary incurred in connection with such refinancing
and such new Indebtedness has an Average Life longer than the Average
Life of the Notes and a final Stated Maturity later than the final
Stated Maturity of the Notes;
(vi) Indebtedness (as defined in clauses (e) and (f) of the
definition of Indebtedness) to the Noteholders incurred pursuant to
provisions of the Indenture;
(vii) Indebtedness in an amount not to exceed $30 million at any
one time outstanding, less the amount of Permitted Indebtedness then
outstanding pursuant to clause (viii) of the definition thereof; and
(viii) Guarantees of Indebtedness of the Company permitted under
the "Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted
Subsidiaries" covenant.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"Preferred Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares,
interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of such
Person's preferred or preference stock whether now outstanding, or issued after
the Closing Date, and including, without limitation, all classes and series of
preferred or preference stock of such Person.
"Redeemable Capital Stock" means any class or series of Capital Stock
that, either by its terms, by the terms of any security into which it is
convertible or exchangeable or by contract or otherwise, is, or upon the
happening of an event or passage of time would be, required to be redeemed prior
to the final Stated Maturity of the Notes or is redeemable at the option of the
holder thereof at any time prior to such final Stated Maturity, or is
convertible into or exchangeable for debt securities at any time prior to such
final Stated Maturity.
"Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company other than
an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
"S&P" means Standard and Poor's Ratings Group, a division of
McGraw-Hill, Inc. and its successors.
"Significant Subsidiary" of the Company means any Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company that is a "significant subsidiary" as defined in Rule 1.02(v) of
Regulation S-X under the Securities Act, and in any event shall include any
Guarantor.
"Stated Maturity" means, when used with respect to any Note or any
installment of interest thereon, the date specified in such Note as the fixed
date on which the principal of such Note or such installment of interest is due
and payable, and, when used with respect to any other Indebtedness, means the
date specified in the instrument governing
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<PAGE>
such Indebtedness as the fixed date on which the principal of such Indebtedness,
or any installment of interest thereon, is due and payable.
"Subordinated Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the Company which is
expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (i) a corporation a
majority of whose Voting Stock is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by
such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and
one or more Subsidiaries thereof or (ii) other Person (other than a
corporation), including, without limitation, a joint venture, in which such
Person, one or more Subsidiaries thereof or such Person and one or more
Subsidiaries thereof, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination
thereof, has at least majority ownership interest entitled to vote in the
election of directors, managers or trustees thereof (or other Person performing
similar functions). Unless specifically provided to the contrary herein,
Unrestricted Subsidiaries shall not be included in the definition of
Subsidiaries for any purpose of the Indenture (other than for the purposes of
the definition of "Unrestricted Subsidiary" herein).
"Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (1) any Subsidiary of the Company which
at the time of determination shall be an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated
by the Board of Directors of the Company, as provided below) and (2) any
Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of the Company
may designate any Subsidiary of the Company (including any newly acquired or
newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary
owns any Capital Stock of, or owns, or holds any Lien on, any property of the
Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company which is not a Subsidiary of the
Subsidiary to be so designated; provided that either (x) the Subsidiary to be
designated has total assets of $1,000 or less at the time of its designation or
(y) immediately after giving effect to such designation, the Company could incur
$1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness) pursuant to
the "Limitation on Indebtedness" covenant. The Board of Directors may designate
any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Subsidiary; provided that immediately after
giving effect to such designation, the Company could incur $1.00 of additional
Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness) pursuant to the "Limitation on
Indebtedness" covenant.
"Voting Stock" means any class or classes of Capital Stock pursuant to
which the holders thereof have the general voting power under ordinary
circumstances to elect at least a majority of the board of directors, managers
or trustees of any Person (irrespective of whether or not, at the time, stock of
any other class or classes shall have, or might have, voting power by reason of
the happening of any contingency).
"wholly owned" with respect to any Subsidiary, means any Subsidiary of
any Person of which at least 99% of the outstanding Capital Stock is owned by
such Person or another wholly-owned Subsidiary of such Person. For purposes of
this definition, any directors' qualifying shares or investments by foreign
nationals mandated by applicable law shall be disregarded in determining the
ownership of a Subsidiary.
"8% Notes" means the Company's 8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.
"9 7/8% Notes" means the Company's 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due
2006.
Book-Entry Delivery and Form
The certificates representing the Notes will be issued in fully
registered form, without coupons. Except as described in the next paragraph, the
Notes will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New
York, New York ("DTC"), and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as DTC's
nominee in the form of a global Note certificate (the "Global Certificate") or
will remain in the custody of the Trustee pursuant to a FAST Balance Certificate
Agreement between DTC and the Trustee.
101
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant
to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in
connection with any resale of such New Notes. This Prospectus, as it may be
amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in
connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes where
such Old Notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities. The Company has agreed that for a period of 180 days after
the Expiration Date, it will make this Prospectus, as amended or supplemented,
available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resales. In
addition, the Company agreed that it would not for a period of 120 days from
October 28, 1998, the date of the Offering Memorandum distributed in connection
with the sale of the Old Notes, directly or indirectly offer, sell, grant any
options to purchase or otherwise dispose of any debt securities other than in
connection with this Exchange Offer.
The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of New Notes by
broker-dealers. New Notes received by broker-dealers for their own account
pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or more
transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through
the writing of options on the New Notes or a combination of such methods of
resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to
such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made
directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive
compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such
broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such New Notes. Any broker-dealer
that resells New Notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to
the Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution
of such New Notes may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the
Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of New Notes and any
commissions or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be
underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The Letter of Transmittal
states that by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a
prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
We have been advised by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, BT Alex. Brown Incorporated, Chase Securities Inc., Credit Suisse
First Boston Corporation, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Paine Webber
Incorporated, the Initial Purchasers of the Old Notes, that following completion
of the Exchange Offer they intend to make a market in the New Notes to be issued
in the Exchange Offer; however, such entities are under no obligation to do so
and any market activities with respect to the New Notes may be discontinued at
any time.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to the legality of the issuance of
the New Notes offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Shearman &
Sterling, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and the related consolidated
financial statement schedule incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 1998,
have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in
their report, which is incorporated herein by reference, and have been so
incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority
as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated and combined financial statements of SMR as of December
31, 1997 and 1996 and for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, have been
audited by Zalick, Torok, Kirgesner, Cook & Co., independent auditors, as stated
in their reports incorporated herein by reference and have been included in
reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in
accounting and auditing.
102
<PAGE>
================================================================================
$200,000,000
EXCHANGE OFFER
BE Aerospace, Inc.
[LOGO]
9 1/2% Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2008
----------
PROSPECTUS
----------
, 1999
================================================================================
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL") provides
that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding whether civil, criminal or investigative (other than an
action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he is
or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was
serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection
with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner
he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, and, with respect to any action or proceeding, had no reasonable
cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Section 145 further provides that a
corporation similarly may indemnify any such person serving in any such capacity
who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a part to any threatened,
pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to
procure a judgment in its favor, against expenses actually and reasonably
incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if
he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no
indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to
which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation
unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other
court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application
that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances
of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such
expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL permits a corporation to include in its
certificate of incorporation a provision eliminating or limiting the personal
liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision
shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director: (i) for any breach of
the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for
acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL (relating to
unlawful payment of dividends and unlawful stock purchase and redemption) or
(iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit.
The Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the
"Certificate") provides that the Company's directors shall not be liable to the
Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty
as a director except to the extent that exculpation from liabilities is not
permitted under the DGCL as in effect at the time such liability is determined.
The Registrant's Certificate further provides that the Registrant shall
indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the
DGCL.
The directors and officers of the Company are covered under directors'
and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company.
Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) The following exhibits are filed herewith or to be filed by
amendment:
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------ -----------
Exhibit 1 Underwriting Agreement
1.1 Purchase Agreement dated October 28, 1998 by and among the
Registrant, Merrill Lynch & Co., BT Alex. Brown, Chase
Securities Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston, Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter and Paine Webber Incorporated*
II-1
<PAGE>
Exhibit 3 Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation*
3.2 Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation*
3.3 Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation*
3.4 Amended and Restated By-Laws*
Exhibit 4 Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders,
including debentures
4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate*
4.2 Form of Note for the Registrant's 9 1/2% Senior
Subordinated Notes (included in Exhibit 4.3)
4.3 Indenture dated November 2, 1998 between The Bank of New
York, as trustee, and the Registrant relating to the
Registrant's 9 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes*
4.4 Form of Note for the Registrant's Series B 9 7/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes (included in Exhibit 4.5)
4.5 Indenture dated January 24, 1996 between Fleet National
Bank, as trustee, and the Registrant relating to the
Registrant's 9-7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes and Series B
9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes*
4.6 Form of Note for the Registrant's 8% Series B Senior
Subordinated Notes (included in Exhibit 4.7)
4.7 Indenture dated February 13, 1998 for the Registrant's
issue of 8% Senior Subordinated Notes*
4.8 Form of Stockholders' Agreement by and among the
Registrant, Summit Ventures II, L.P., Summit Investors II,
L.P. and Wedbush Capital Partners*
4.9 Rights Agreement between the Registrant and BankBoston,
N.A., as rights agent, dated as of November 12, 1998*
Exhibit 5 Opinion Re Legality
5.1 Opinion of Shearman & Sterling**
Exhibit 10(i) Material Contracts
10.1 Supply Agreement dated as of April 17, 1990 between the
Registrant and Applied Extrusion Technologies, Inc.*
10.2 Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated August
7, 1998*
10.3 Receivables Sales Agreement dated January 24, 1996 among
the Registrant, First Trust of Illinois, N.A. and
Centrally Held Eagle Receivables Program, Inc.*
10.4 Escrow Agreement dated January 24, 1996 among the
Registrant, Eagle Industrial Product Corporation and First
Trust of Illinois, N.A. as Escrow Agent*
10.5 Acquisition Agreement dated as of December 14, 1995 by and
among the Registrant, Eagle Industrial Products
Corporation, Eagle Industries, Inc. and Great American
Management and Investment, Inc.*
10.6 Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of April 16, 1998 by and
between Stanford Aerospace Group, Inc. and the Registrant*
10.7 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of March 31, 1998 by and
between the Registrant and Puritan Bennet Corporation*
10.8 Acquisition Agreement dated July 21, 1998 among the
Registrant and Sellers named therein*
Exhibit 10(ii) Leases
10.9 Lease dated May 15, 1992 between McDonnell Douglas
Company, as lessor, and the Registrant, as lessee,
relating to the Irvine, California property*
10.10 Lease dated September 1, 1992 relating to the Wellington,
Florida property*
10.11 Chesham, England Lease dated October 1, 1973 between
Drawheath Limited and the Peninsular and Oriented Stem
Navigation Company (assigned in February 1985)*
10.12 Utrecht, The Netherlands Lease dated December 15, 1988
between the Pension Fund Foundation for Food Supply
Commodity Boards and Inventum*
10.13 Utrecht, The Netherlands Lease dated January 31, 1992
between G.W. van de Grift Onroerend Goed B.V. and
Inventum*
10.14 Lease dated October 25, 1993 relating to the property in
Longwood, Florida*
Exhibit 10(iii) Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements
II-2
<PAGE>
10.15 Amended and Restated 1989 Stock Option Plan*
10.16 Directors' 1991 Stock Option Plan*
10.17 1990 Stock Option Agreement with Richard G. Hamermesh*
10.18 1990 Stock Option Agreement with B. Martha Cassidy*
10.19 1990 Stock Option Agreement with Jim C. Cowart*
10.20 1990 Stock Option Agreement with Petros A. Palandjian*
10.21 1990 Stock Option Agreement with Hansjorg Wyss*
10.22 1991 Stock Option Agreement with Amin J. Khoury*
10.23 1991 Stock Option Agreement with Jim C. Cowart*
10.24 1992 Stock Option Agreement with Amin J. Khoury*
10.25 1992 Stock Option Agreement with Jim C. Cowart*
10.26 1992 Stock Option Agreement with Paul W. Marshall*
10.27 1992 Stock Option Agreement with David Lahar*
10.28 United Kingdom 1992 Employee Share Option Scheme*
10.29 1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan*
10.30 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement as of May 29,
1998 between the Registrant and Amin J. Khoury*
10.31 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement as of May 29,
1998 between the Registrant and Robert J. Khoury*
10.32 Employment Agreement dated as of March 1, 1992 between the
Registrant and Marco Lanza (the "Lanza Agreement")*
10.33 Amendment No. 1 dated as of January 1, 1996 to the Lanza
Agreement*
10.34 Employment Agreement dated as of April 1, 1992 between the
Registrant and G. Bernard Jewel*
10.35 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of May
29, 1998 between the Registrant and Thomas P. McCaffrey*
10.36 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of May
29, 1998 between the Registrant and Paul E. Fulchino*
10.37 BE Aerospace, Inc. Savings and Profit Sharing Plan and
Trust-- Financial Statements for the Ten Months Ended
December 31, 1995 and the Year Ended February 28, 1995,
Supplemental Schedules and Independent Auditors' Report*
10.38 BE Aerospace, Inc. 1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Financial Statements as of February 29, 1996 and February
26, 1995; and for the Year Ended February 29, 1996 and the
period from May 15, 1994 (inception) to February 28, 1995
and Independent Auditors' Report*
10.39 Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement dated November 12,
1998 between the Registrant and Amin J. Khoury*
10.40 Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement dated November 12,
1998 between the Registrant and Robert J. Khoury*
10.41 Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Employment
Agreement dated November 12, 1998 between the Registrant
and Thomas P. McCaffrey*
10.42 Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Employment
Agreement dated November 12, 1998 between the Registrant
and Paul E. Fulchino*
10.43 Amendment No. 2 dated as of November 12, 1998 to the Lanza
Agreement*
Exhibit 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant
21.1 Subsidiaries*
Exhibit 23 Consents of Experts and Counsel
23.1 Consent of Independent Accountants -Deloitte & Touche
LLP**
23.2 Consent of Shearman & Sterling (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.3 Consent of Independent Accountants - Zalick, Torok,
Kirgesner, Cook & Co.**
Exhibit 24 Power of Attorney
24.1 Power of Attorney (Included on page II-5)
II-3
<PAGE>
Exhibit 25 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee
25.1 Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York,
Trustee*
- --------------
* Previously filed as an Exhibit to this Registration Statement or
incorporated by reference herein. See Exhibit Index.
** Filed herewith.
Item 22. Undertakings.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for the purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant, pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by any such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will,
unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether
or not such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication to such
issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests
for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant
to Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the
date of responding to the request.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
II-4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
registrant has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City
of Wellington and the State of Florida, on the 7th day of January, 1999.
BE AEROSPACE, INC.
By: *
--------------------------------
Amin J. Khoury
Chairman of the Board
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities indicated on the 7th day of January, 1999.
Signature Title
--------- -----
* Chairman of the Board of Directors
- ---------------------------------
Amin J. Khoury
* Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
- --------------------------------- and Chief Executive Officer (principal
Robert J. Khoury executive officer)
* President, Chief Operating Officer and
- --------------------------------- Director
Paul E. Fulchino
* Corporate Senior Vice President of
- --------------------------------- Administration, Chief Financial Officer
Thomas P. McCaffrey and Assistant Secretary (principal
financial and accounting officer)
* Director
- ---------------------------------
Jim C. Cowart
Director
- ---------------------------------
Richard G. Hamermesh
* Director
- ---------------------------------
Brian H. Rowe
Director
- ---------------------------------
Hansjoerg Wyss
* By: /s/ Thomas P. McCaffrey
---------------------------
Thomas P. McCaffrey
Attorney-in-fact
II-5
<PAGE>
Exhibit Index
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------ -----------
Exhibit 1 Underwriting Agreement
1.1 Purchase Agreement dated October 28, 1998 by and among the
Registrant, Merrill Lynch & Co., BT Alex. Brown,
ChaseSecurities Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston, Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter and Paine Webber Incorporated*
Exhibit 3 Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (1)
3.2 Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation (2)
3.3 Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation (17)
3.4 Amended and Restated By-Laws (18)
Exhibit 4 Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders,
including debentures
4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate (1)
4.2 Form of Note for the Registrant's 9 1/2% Senior Subordinated
Notes (included in Exhibit 4.3)*
4.3 Indenture dated November 2, 1998 between The Bank of New
York, as trustee, and the Registrant relating to the
Registrant's 9 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes*
4.4 Form of Note for the Registrant's Series B 9 7/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes (3)
4.5 Indenture dated January 24, 1996 between Fleet National Bank,
as trustee, and the Registrant relating to the Registrant's
9-7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes and Series B 9 7/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes (3)
4.6 Form of Note for the Registrant's 8% Series B Senior
Subordinated Notes (4)
4.7 Indenture dated February 13, 1998 for the Registrant's issue
of 8% Senior Subordinated Notes (4)
4.8 Form of Stockholders' Agreement by and among the Registrant,
Summit Ventures II, L.P., Summit Investors II, L.P. and
Wedbush Capital Partners (5)
4.9 Rights Agreement between the Registrant and BankBoston, N.A.,
as rights agent, dated as of November 12, 1998 (18)
Exhibit 5 Opinion Re Legality
5.1 Opinion of Shearman & Sterling**
Exhibit 10(i) Material Contracts
10.1 Supply Agreement dated as of April 17, 1990 between the
Registrant and Applied Extrusion Technologies, Inc. (1)
10.2 Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated August 7,
1998 (17)
10.3 Receivables Sales Agreement dated January 24, 1996 among the
Registrant, First Trust of Illinois, N.A. and Centrally Held
Eagle Receivables Program, Inc. (3)
10.4 Escrow Agreement dated January 24, 1996 among the Registrant,
Eagle Industrial Product Corporation and First Trust of
Illinois, N.A. as Escrow Agent (3)
10.5 Acquisition Agreement dated as of December 14, 1995 by and
among the Registrant, Eagle Industrial Products Corporation,
Eagle Industries, Inc. and Great American Management and
Investment, Inc. (8)
10.6 Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of April 16, 1998 by and
between Stanford Aerospace Group, Inc. and the Registrant (9)
10.7 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of March 31, 1998 by and
between the Registrant and Puritan Bennet Corporation (10)
10.8 Acquisition Agreement dated July 21, 1998 among the
Registrant and Sellers named therein (16) Exhibit 10(ii)
Leases
10.9 Lease dated May 15, 1992 between McDonnell Douglas Company,
as lessor, and the Registrant, as lessee, relating to the
Irvine, California property (2)
10.10 Lease dated September 1, 1992 relating to the Wellington,
Florida property (2)
10.11 Chesham, England Lease dated October 1, 1973 between
Drawheath Limited and the Peninsular and Oriented Stem
Navigation Company (assigned in February 1985) (14)
10.12 Utrecht, The Netherlands Lease dated December 15, 1988
between the Pension Fund Foundation for Food Supply Commodity
Boards and Inventum (14)
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<PAGE>
10.13 Utrecht, The Netherlands Lease dated January 31, 1992 between
G.W. van de Grift Onroerend Goed B.V. and Inventum (14)
10.14 Lease dated October 25, 1993 relating to the property in
Longwood, Florida(6)
Exhibit 10(iii) Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements
10.15 Amended and Restated 1989 Stock Option Plan (11)
10.16 Directors' 1991 Stock Option Plan (11)
10.17 1990 Stock Option Agreement with Richard G. Hamermesh (11)
10.18 1990 Stock Option Agreement with B. Martha Cassidy (11)
10.19 1990 Stock Option Agreement with Jim C. Cowart (11)
10.20 1990 Stock Option Agreement with Petros A. Palandjian (11)
10.21 1990 Stock Option Agreement with Hansjorg Wyss (11)
10.22 1991 Stock Option Agreement with Amin J. Khoury (11)
10.23 1991 Stock Option Agreement with Jim C. Cowart (11)
10.24 1992 Stock Option Agreement with Amin J. Khoury (11)
10.25 1992 Stock Option Agreement with Jim C. Cowart (11)
10.26 1992 Stock Option Agreement with Paul W. Marshall (11)
10.27 1992 Stock Option Agreement with David Lahar (11)
10.28 United Kingdom 1992 Employee Share Option Scheme (2)
10.29 1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (12)
10.30 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement as of May 29, 1998
between the Registrant and Amin J. Khoury (15)
10.31 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement as of May 29, 1998
between the Registrant and Robert J. Khoury (15)
10.32 Employment Agreement dated as of March 1, 1992 between the
Registrant and Marco Lanza (the "Lanza Agreement") (14)
10.33 Amendment No. 1 dated as of January 1, 1996 to the Lanza
Agreement (13)
10.34 Employment Agreement dated as of April 1, 1992 between the
Registrant and G. Bernard Jewel (14)
10.35 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of May 29,
1998 between the Registrant and Thomas P. McCaffrey (15)
10.36 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of May 29,
1998 between the Registrant and Paul E. Fulchino (15)
10.37 BE Aerospace, Inc. Savings and Profit Sharing Plan and
Trust-- Financial Statements for the Ten Months Ended
December 31, 1995 and the Year Ended February 28, 1995,
Supplemental Schedules and Independent Auditors' Report (14)
10.38 BE Aerospace, Inc. 1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Financial Statements as of February 29, 1996 and February 26,
1995; and for the Year Ended February 29, 1996 and the period
from May 15, 1994 (inception) to February 28, 1995 and
Independent Auditors' Report (14)
10.39 Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement dated November 12,
1998 between the Registrant and Amin J. Khoury*
10.40 Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement dated November 12,
1998 between the Registrant and Robert J. Khoury*
10.41 Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement
dated November 12, 1998 between the Registrant and Thomas P.
McCaffrey*
10.42 Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement
dated November 12, 1998 between the Registrant and Paul E.
Fulchino*
10.43 Amendment No. 2 dated as of November 12, 1998 to the Lanza
Agreement*
Exhibit 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant
21.1 Subsidiaries (14)
Exhibit 23 Consents of Experts and Counsel
23.1 Consent of Independent Accountants -Deloitte & Touche LLP**
23.2 Consent of Shearman & Sterling (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.3 Consent of Independent Accountants - Zalick, Torok,
Kirgesner, Cook & Co.**
Exhibit 24 Power of Attorney
24.1 Power of Attorney (Included on page II-5)*
i-2
<PAGE>
Exhibit 25 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee
25.1 Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York, Trustee*
- -------------
* Previously filed.
** Filed herein.
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-1, as amended (No. 33-33689), filed with the Commission on March 7,
1990.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-1, as amended (No. 33-54146), filed with the Commission on November 3,
1992.
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-4 (No. 333-00433), filed with the Commission on January 26, 1996.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-4 (No. 333-47649), filed with the Commission on March 10, 1998.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-2 (No. 33-66490), filed with the Commission on July 23, 1993.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as
amended for the Fiscal year ended February 26, 1994, filed with the
Commission on May 25, 1994.
(7) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as
amended for the Fiscal year ended February 25, 1995, filed with the
Commission on May 26, 1995.
(8) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated December 14, 1995, filed with the Commission on December 28, 1995.
(9) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated May 8, 1998, filed with the Commission on May 8, 1998.
(10) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated March 31, 1998, filed with the Commission on April 27, 1998.
(11) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-8 (No. 33-48119), filed with the Commission on May 26, 1992.
(12) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-8 (No. 33-82894), filed with the Commission on August 16, 1994.
(13) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated March 26, 1996, filed with the Commission on April 5, 1996.
(14) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as
amended for the Fiscal year ended February 28, 1998, filed with the
Commission on May 29, 1998.
(15) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended May 30, 1998, filed with the Commission on July 14,
1998.
(16) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated August 24, 1998, filed with the Commission on August 24, 1998.
(17) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (No. 333-60209), filed with the Commission on July 30, 1998.
(18) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated November 12, 1998, filed with the Commission on November 18, 1998.
i-3
[LETTERHEAD OF SHEARMAN & STERLING]
December 17, 1998
BE Aerospace, Inc.
1400 Corporate Center Way
Wellington, Florida 33414
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to BE Aerospace, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), in connection with the preparation and filing by the Company
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), of a Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-67703), as it may be amended (the
"Registration Statement") including the prospectus included therein at the time
the Registration Statement is declared effective (the "Prospectus"), relating to
the exchange offer (the "Exchange Offer") by the Company of the Company's 9 1/2%
Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (the "New Notes") for the Company's
9 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (the "Old Notes"), originally issued
by the Company pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The Old Notes
were, and the New Notes are to be, issued pursuant to the terms of an Indenture
(the "Indenture") between the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee (the
"Trustee"). The form of the Indenture is filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.
In this capacity, we have examined the Registration Statement, the form
of the Indenture and the originals, or copies, identified to our satisfaction,
of such corporate records of the Company and its subsidiaries and other persons,
and such other documents, agreements and instruments, as we have deemed
necessary as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed. In our
examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to
originals of all documents submitted to us as copies thereof. In rendering the
opinions expressed below, we have relied as to certain factual matters upon
certificates of officers of the Company and certificates of public officials.
<PAGE>
2
For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed that the Indenture will
be valid and binding on the Trustee and enforceable against the Trustee in
accordance with its terms.
Our opinions set forth below are limited to the laws of the State of
New York, the federal laws of the United States of America and the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, and we do not express any opinions
herein concerning any other laws.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
When the New Notes have been duly executed by the Company and
authenticated by the Trustee as provided in the Indenture, and
delivered in exchange for the Old Notes as described in the
Registration Statement, the New Notes will be duly issued and
delivered by the Company and will constitute valid and binding
obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits of the
Indenture and will be enforceable against the Company in
accordance with their terms, except as enforcement thereof may
be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency (including, without
limitation, all laws relating to fraudulent transfers),
reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting
enforcement of creditors' rights generally and except as
enforcement thereof is subject to general principles of equity
(regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a
proceeding in equity or at law).
We hereby consent to the filling of this opinion as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name therein and in the
related prospectus under the captions "The Exchange Offer -- Federal Income Tax
Consequences" and "Legal Matters".
Very truly yours,
/s/ Shearman & Sterling
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 1 to
Registration Statement No. 333-67703 of BE Aerospace, Inc. on Form S-4 of our
report dated April 15, 1998, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of BE
Aerospace, Inc. for the year ended February 28, 1998 and to the reference to us
under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this
Registration Statement.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Costa Mesa, California
January 7, 1999
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-4 of our report dated February 7, 1998, except for Note 20,
as to which the date is August 7, 1998, relating to the consolidated and
combined financial statements of SMR Aerospace, Inc. (an S Corporation), its
affiliates, and subsidiaries, which appears in the Form 8-K of B/E Aerospace,
Inc. dated August 7, 1998, and to the reference to our Firm under the caption
"Experts" in the Form S-4.
/s/ ZALICK, TOROK, KIRGESNER, COOK & CO.
Cleveland, Ohio
January 7, 1999
