UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
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[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2000
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
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Commission file number: 0-21823
FIBERCORE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada 87-0445729
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation (I.R.S. Employer
or organization) Identification No.)
253 Worcester Road, P.O. Box 180
Charlton, MA 01507
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(Address and Zip Code of principal executive offices)
(508) 248-3900
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
--- ---
The number of shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding as of March
31, 2000 was 42,083,613.
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FIBERCORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
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Page
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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION............................................................................................. 3
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS..................................................................................... 3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AT MARCH 31, 2000 (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 31, 1999............................................. 3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 AND 1999 (UNAUDITED).......................................... 4
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME (LOSS) FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 AND 1999................................ 5
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR
THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 AND 1999 (UNAUDITED)...................................... 6
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)..................................................................................... 7
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS............................................................ 9
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK............................................... 10
PART II OTHER INFORMATION ................................................................................................ 11
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS........................................................................................ 11
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES.................................................................................... 11
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.......................................................................... 11
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS...................................................... 11
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION........................................................................................ 11
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS & REPORTS ON FORM 8-K........................................................................... 11
SIGNATURES ............................................................................................................... 12
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2
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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FIBERCORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in thousands except share data) March 31, December 31,
2000 1999
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(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
<S> <C> <C>
Cash ........................................................................... $ 1,274 $ 487
Accounts receivable - net........................................................... 1,848 2,013
Inventories......................................................................... 2,852 3,047
Prepaid and other current assets.................................................... 71 16
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Total current assets....................................................... 6,045 5,563
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Property and equipment - net................................................................. 3,497 4,062
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Other assets:
Notes receivable from joint venture partners........................................ 4,949 4,949
Restricted cash..................................................................... 1,884 1,981
Patents - net....................................................................... 4,636 4,762
Investments in joint ventures....................................................... 1,425 1,425
Other ........................................................................... 1,229 1,320
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Total other assets......................................................... 14,123 14,437
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Total assets............................................................... $ 23,665 $ 24,062
============= ===============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable....................................................................... $ 1,415 $ 2,006
Accounts payable.................................................................... 1,531 1,536
Accrued expenses.................................................................... 1,552 980
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Total current liabilities.................................................. 4,498 4,522
Long-term interest payable................................................................... 1,373 1,267
Long-term debt............................................................................... 8,125 8,296
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Total liabilities.......................................................... 13,996 14,085
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Minority interest ........................................................................... 3,264 3,263
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Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares;
no shares issued and outstanding.................................................. --- ---
Common stock, $.001 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares; shares
issued and outstanding: 42,083,613 at March 31, 2000 and 41,404,602 at
December 31, 1999............................................................. 42 42
Paid in capital..................................................................... 25,251 24,874
Accumulated deficit................................................................. (17,692) (17,196)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (deficit):
Foreign currency translation adjustment........................................... (1,196) (1,006)
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Total stockholders' equity................................................. 6,405 6,714
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Total liabilities and stockholders' equity................................. $ 23,665 $ 24,062
============= ==============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
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FIBERCORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands except share data)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
----------------------------
2000 1999
---- ----
Net sales ...................................... $ 3,453 $ 2,655
Cost of sales 2,721 2,337
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Gross profit .......................... 732 318
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses . 697 544
Research and development ..................... 237 111
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Loss from operations .................. (202) (337)
Interest income ................................ 72 84
Interest expense ............................... (226) (221)
Foreign exchange loss-net ...................... (86) (197)
Other income ................................... 4 16
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Loss before income taxes .............. (438) (655)
Provision for income taxes ..................... (58) --
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Net loss .............................. $ (496) $ (655)
============ ============
Basic and diluted loss per share of common stock $ (0.012) $ (0.018)
============ ============
Weighted average shares outstanding ............ 41,678,243 35,991,463
============ ============
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
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FIBERCORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands except share data)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
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2000 1999
---- ----
Net loss ............................................ $ (496) $ (655)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments........... (190) (351)
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Comprehensive loss................................... $ (686) $ (1,006)
======= =======
See accompanying notes to the condensed onsolidated financial statements.
5
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FIBERCORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in thousands except share data)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
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2000 1999
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Cash flows from operating activities:
<S> <C> <C>
Net loss.............................................................................. $ (496) $ (655)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization......................................................... 541 494
Deferred income tax provision......................................................... 49 ---
Other ............................................................................... (10) 182
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable................................................................. 68 (34)
Inventories......................................................................... 49 276
Prepaid and other current assets.................................................... (56) (15)
Accounts payable.................................................................... 25 (250)
Accrued expenses.................................................................... 164 93
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Net cash provided by operating activities........................................ 334 91
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Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment.................................................... (131) (334)
Reimbursement from government grant................................................... 168 261
Other ............................................................................... (38) (4)
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Net cash used in investing activities............................................. (1) (77)
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Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock................................................ 56 20
Proceeds from stock subscriptions..................................................... 532 ---
Repayment of notes-net................................................................ (337) (226)
Increase in long-term interest payable................................................ 106 95
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Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities............................... 357 (111)
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Effect of foreign exchange rate change on cash.......................................... 97 (3)
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Increase (decrease) in cash............................................................. 787 (100)
Cash, beginning of period............................................................... 487 150
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Cash, end of period..................................................................... $ 1,274 $ 50
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Supplemental disclosure:
Common stock issued for conversion of debt......................................... $ 321 $ ---
======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
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FIBERCORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in thousands except share data)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2000 and
related condensed consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income
(loss), and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999
included herein have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for reports on Form
10-Q. These statements are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all
adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements have
been included and such adjustments consist of normal recurring items.
The condensed consolidated financial statements do not contain certain
information included in the Company's annual audited financial statements. These
condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the annual audited financial statements and notes thereto for the year-ended
December 31, 1999 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2. INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following:
March 31, December 31,
2000 1999
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Raw materials $ 1,418 $ 1,745
Work-in-progress 411 361
Finished goods 1,024 941
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Total $ 2,853 $ 3,047
========= =========
3. RESTRICTED CASH
Restricted cash represents the German Mark (DM) 3,850 deposit with the
Berliner Bank securing the loan from the Berliner Bank of DM 7,700. The deposit
is reflected in the financial statements in the U.S. Dollar equivalent using the
exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The decrease of $97 in the
balance sheet amount from December 31, 1999 to March 31, 2000 is the result of
the exchange rate change. The change is accounted for as an unrealized foreign
exchange loss in the statement of operations.
4. ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities", which requires that an entity recognize all
derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets
and measure those instruments at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair
value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and its
resulting designation. The Company is evaluating the effect this new standard
will have on the Company's financial statements. The Company is required to
adopt this standard, as amended, by January 1, 2001.
7
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FIBERCORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in thousands except share data)
5. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Subsequent to March 31, 2000, the Company signed an agreement with
Algar S. A. to acquire Xtal Fibras Opticas S. A. for a cash purchase price of
$25,000. Xtal, located in Campinas, Brazil, manufactures primarily singlemode
fiber for the Brazilian market. The acquisition, which is scheduled to close on
June 30, 2000, is subject to the completion of due diligence, execution of
definitive agreements, and other conditions. The Company has engaged an
investment banker to assist in arranging financing for the acquisition.
(The remainder of this page intentionally left blank)
8
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 AND 1999
Sales for the three months ended March 31, 2000 were $3,453,000, more
than 30% greater than the sales of $2,655,000 for the same period in 1999. This
increase is attributable to an increase in the volume of product shipped to new
and continuing customers. In addition, market prices began to increase as the
demand for fiber has increased.
Gross profit more than doubled to $732,000 or 21.2% of sales for the
first quarter of 2000 from $318,000 or 12% of sales for the first quarter of
1999. The increase reflects the higher sales performance and production
efficiency improvements that resulted in lower production costs compared to the
first quarter of 1999. The Company anticipates that the gross margins will
continue to improve as prices strengthen and further cost reductions and process
improvements are implemented. In addition, the planned increase in production
volume is expected to further improve the gross margin.
Selling, general and administrative costs increased $153,000 or 28.1%
in the first quarter of 2000 compared to the first quarter of 1999. This
increase was primarily due to increases in personnel costs. Research and
development costs increased $126,000 or 113.5%. The increase in research and
development costs was due to increased spending on a new technology development
project and other process improvements. The Company intends to continue current
spending levels on research and development through the remainder of 2000.
Interest income decreased $12,000 or 14.3% during the first quarter of
2000 compared to the same period in 1999. This decrease is due to a decrease in
investment income on the security deposit with the Berliner Bank.
Foreign exchange losses were $86,000 in the first quarter of 2000
compared to $197,000 for the same period in 1999. The loss in 2000 is
principally due to the decline in the value of the Euro and the German Mark
versus the U. S. Dollar, although this decrease in value was lower in the first
quarter of 2000 compared to the first quarter of 1999.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company achieved a positive cash flow from operations of $334,000
in the first quarter of 2000, an increase of more than 267% compared to the
positive cash flow from operations of $91,000 in the first quarter of 1999. This
resulted from the loss for the period of $496,000 offset by depreciation and
amortization and other non-cash charges of $580,000 and changes in other working
capital items. The improvement in cash from operations is the result of the
higher sales and gross profit. Accrued expenses increased by $164,000
principally due to an increase in accrued salaries and interest payable.
The Company invested $131,000 in new equipment during the first quarter
of 2000 and received $168,000 in German government grants for investments.
Notes payable decreased by $337,000 in the first quarter of 2000
principally due to the repayment of amounts previously drawn on the working
capital credit lines at its German subsidiary, FiberCore Jena Gmbh. The Company
anticipates that the use of these credit lines will increase during the balance
of 2000 as the Company increases production to meet anticipated increases in
sales. The Company also received $532,000 from subscriptions for the purchase of
common stock. The proceeds are intended to be used for capacity expansion and
general purposes.
Long-term interest payable increased $106,000 during the first quarter
of 2000, due to the accrual of interest on the Tyco Electronics Corp. loans
wherein the interest is payable at maturity of these loans.
9
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company is exposed to market risks from changes in foreign currency
exchange rates and interest rates. The Company's principal operating subsidiary,
FiberCore Jena, is located in Germany and its functional currency is the EURO.
FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK. FiberCore Jena may, from time to time, purchase
short-term forward exchange contracts to hedge payments and/or receipts due in
currencies other than the Euro. At March 31, 2000, FiberCore Jena had
outstanding forward exchange contracts for the sale of U.S. Dollars totaling
$300,000 which mature at various dates in 2000. The weighted-average exchange
rate in these contracts is $1.0222 per Euro. A 10% change in the exchange rate
could result in a gain or loss on these contracts of approximately $25,000.
At March 31, 2000, the Company had a long-term loan denominated in
Deutsche Marks (DM) totaling DM 7,700,000. The principal of the loan is due at
maturity, September 2006. Interest on the loan is payable quarterly at the fixed
rate of 6.25% per annum. A 10% change in the DM exchange rate to the U.S. dollar
could increase or decrease the cash flow requirements of the Company by
approximately $24,000 for each of the years 1999 through 2005, and by
approximately $18,000 in 2006.
Substantially all of the Company's sales are through its German
subsidiary. Additionally, at March 31, 2000, 39% and 22% of the Company's assets
are at its German subsidiary and Malaysian joint venture, respectively. The
Company, therefore, is subject to foreign currency translation gains or losses
in reporting its consolidated financial position and results of operations.
INTEREST RATE RISK. At March 31, 2000, the Company had short and long-term loans
with interest rates based on the prime rate and LIBOR which are adjusted
quarterly based on the prevailing market rates. A 10% change in the interest
rates on these loans would have increased or decreased the first quarter 2000
interest expense by approximately $17,000.
10
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEMS 1 - 4.
None
ITEM 5.
On April 26, 2000, FiberCore, Inc. entered into an agreement
to acquire the optical fiber manufacturing facilities operated by Xtal Fibras
Opticas S. A., located in Campinas, Brazil, as described in the attached press
release.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A) EXHIBITS
10.1 Agreement for the Acquisition of Xtal Fibras Opticas
S.A. by FiberCore, Inc.
27 Financial Data Schedule
99.1 Press Release, dated April 28, 2000
(B) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
None.
11
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
FiberCore, Inc.
---------------
(Registrant)
Date: May 4, 2000 /s/ Mohd Aslami
-------------------------------------------------
Dr. Mohd A. Aslami
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer)
Date: May 4, 2000 /s/ Michael J. Beecher
-------------------------------------------------
Michael J. Beecher
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
12
EXHIBIT 10.1
Agreement for the Acquisition of Xtal Fibras Opticas S.A. by FiberCore, Inc.
This Agreement for the Acquisition of Xtal Fibras Opticas S.A. by FiberCore Inc,
dated as of April 26, 2000 is entered into by and among:
I. FiberCore, Inc. ("FCI"), a company duly organized and validity existing
under the laws of the United States of America, with its head office at
253, Worcester Road, Charlton, MA, here represented by its duly
authorized representative, (or a subsidiary of FCI (FCI and such
subsidiary of FCI being collectively hereinafter referred to as the
"Buyer");
II. Algar S.A. - Empreendimentos e Participacoes, a company duly organized
and validity existing under the laws of Brazil, with its head office at
Avenida Alexandrino Garcia, 2689, Distrito Industrial, Uberlandia-MG,
here represented by its duly authorized representative (hereinafter
referred to as the "Seller"); and
III. Xtal Fibras Opticas S.A., a company duly organized and validity
existing under the laws of Brazil, with its head office at Avenida
Alexandrino Garcia, 2689, Suite 8, Distrito Industrial, Uberlandia-MG,
here represented by its duly authorized representative (hereinafter
referred to as "Xtal");
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree to enter into this Agreement for the
Acquisition of Xtal Fibras Opticas S.A. by FiberCore, Inc. (the "Agreement"),
which will be governed by the following terms and conditions:
SECTION 1 PURPOSE: This Agreement sets forth a summary of the terms and
conditions pursuant to which FCI or a subsidiary of FCI is interested in
purchasing (i) 100% (one hundred percent) of the outstanding stock of or (ii)
substantially all the assets and specified liabilities of Xtal from Seller. The
form in which the sale is effected will be decided as part of the due diligence
to be undertaken by Buyer pursuant to Section 7 hereof. Subject to the
provisions of Section 13 hereof, Buyer expects to close this transaction at the
earliest in 60 (sixty) days after the acceptance by Seller of the terms and
conditions herein established and the return of a signed copy of this Agreement
or June 30, 2000 (the "Closing Date"), whichever date comes later.
Notwithstanding the provisions below but subject to the time schedule
established herein, the Buyer and Seller agree to use their best efforts to
structure the transaction contemplated hereby in a tax efficient manner
acceptable to Seller and Buyer.
The terms and conditions pursuant to which Buyer would be interested in
acquiring Xtal from Seller are as follows:
SECTION 2 PURCHASE PRICE: The purchase price for Xtal shall be US$25,000,000
(twenty-five million US dollars) (the "Purchase Price"), payable as follows and
subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a) The Buyer shall initially acquire 90% (ninety percent) of the stock
of Xtal or substantially all of the assets of Xtal and specified liabilities of
Xtal subject to Seller holding a 10% (ten percent) equity interest in the
purchasing entity, under the following payment conditions:
(i) US$2,000,000 (two million US dollars) shall be
paid in cash within 30 (thirty) days after the execution of this
Agreement or on May 31, 2000, whichever date is later, which
amount shall be held as a deposit pursuant to the terms hereof and
pursuant to an escrow agreement to be executed among Buyer, Seller
and a first class bank, acceptable to FCI and Seller, The deposit
plus accrued interest is to be paid to Seller or returned to Buyer
as provided in Section 10 hereof;
(ii) an additional US$8,000,000 (eight million US
dollars) shall be paid in cash on the Closing Date, which is to be
60 (sixty) days from the execution of this Agreement or June 30,
2000, whichever date is later;
13
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(iii) US$10,000,000 (ten million US dollars) through
a promissory note (the "US$10,000,000 Promissory Note") of an
equivalent amount bearing interests at the rate of 6% (six
percent) per annum calculated from the Closing Date until the date
such payment is made, such promissory note to be delivered on the
Closing Date; the promissory note shall be payable 180 (one
hundred and eighty) days following the Closing Date or on December
31, 2000, whichever date is later (the "maturity date"); provided,
however, that the principal amount of such note shall be reduced
to US$7,500,000 (seven million, five hundred thousand US dollars)
in the event Seller does not deliver to Buyer on the Closing Date
an executed non-cancelable 3 (three) year purchase order
("Purchase Order") at prevailing market prices covering a minimum
of 50% (fifty percent) of the optical fiber requirements of Seller
and/or its affiliated companies and, provided further, that the
principal amount of such note shall be reduced to US$9,000,000
(nine million US dollars) (or US$6,500,000 (six million, five
hundred thousand US dollars) in the event that the Purchase Order
referred to above is not executed by Seller) in the event that the
Buyer makes all payments due thereunder on or before August 31,
2000;
(iv) in the event that the Buyer does not make the
payment due under the promissory note referred to in 2(a)(iii)
above by its maturity date, the maturity date shall be extended to
the date which is 3 (three) months following the original maturity
date or to March 31, 2001, whichever is later (the "extended
maturity date"), and, in addition to the original interest rate of
6% (six percent) per annum, the Buyer shall pay an additional
interest of 3% (three percent) per month, calculated from the date
of extension until the date the promissory note is paid in full;
(v) US$1,250,000 (one million, two hundred and fifty
thousand US dollars) through a promissory note of an equivalent
amount bearing interest at the rate of 6% (six percent) per annum,
calculated from the Closing Date until the date such payment is
made, such promissory note to be delivered on the Closing Date;
such note shall be payable 450 (four hundred and fifty) days
following the Closing Date, provided that the principal amount and
interest of such promissory note shall be proportionately reduced
in the event that Gross Profit of Xtal or the purchasing entity
for the year 2000 does not achieve certain levels, as defined on
Annex A; and
(vi) US$1,250,000 (one million, two hundred and fifty
thousand US dollars) through a promissory note of an equivalent
amount bearing interest at the rate of 6% (six percent) per annum,
calculated from the Closing Date until the date such payment is
made, such promissory note to be delivered on the Closing Date;
such note shall be payable 810 (eight hundred and ten) days
following the Closing Date, provided that the principal amount and
interest of such promissory note shall be proportionately reduced
in the event that Gross Profit of Xtal or the purchasing entity
for the year 2001 does not achieve certain levels, as defined on
Annex A.
(b) On the date which is 1080 (one thousand and eighty) days following
the Closing Date, the Buyer shall, pursuant to the Buyer's Call Option (as
described below), acquire all the remaining shares held by Seller in Xtal or in
the purchasing entity upon a payment in cash of US$2,500,000 (two million, five
hundred thousand US dollars) plus interest at the rate of 6% (six percent) per
annum, calculated from the Closing Date until the date such payment is made. The
Buyer, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, reserves the
right to prepay this amount at any time without penalty.
(c) Notwithstanding the above, the total of the 2 (two) payments due by
the Buyer as provided for in Sections 2(a)(v) and (vi) above shall not exceed
under any circumstances an amount equal to principal amount of US$ 2,500,000
(two million, five hundred thousand US dollars) as increased by accrued
interests on such principal amount. Seller shall not be required to make any
payments to Buyer under Sections 2(a)(v) and (vi) above in the event that the
Gross Profit of Xtal or the purchasing entity is negative for the years 2000 and
2001.
(d) In the event that the Buyer fails to comply with any of its payment
obligations referred to above, the Buyer shall pay to Seller a penalty of 10% of
the payment due, plus legal and courts fees incurred by Algar in the process of
enforcing its rights provided for in the Purchase Agreement.
14
<PAGE>
(e) For purposes of this Section 2 "Gross Profit" means the gross
profit of Xtal for a specific year determined in accordance with the Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles used in Brazil ("Brazilian GAAP") based on the
conditions and assumptions contained in the projections attached hereto as Annex
B. Seller shall have the right to appoint an independent accountant of its
choice to verify and confirm the Gross Profit presented by Xtal. In the event
that there is any discrepancy in the Gross Profit presented by Xtal and the
Gross Profit determined by the independent accountant selected by Seller and
that the Gross Profit in either year is lower than as projected due to actions
taken by Xtal at the direction of FCI, its management and/or employees, then the
parties mutually agree to jointly appoint a third party independent accountant
(whose costs, fees and expenses shall be equally divided between the parties) to
make an independent evaluation of the Gross Profit and to evaluate the effect on
Gross Profit caused by such actions. The actual Gross Profit shall be adjusted
based on the evaluation performed by such independent accountant jointly
appointed by the parties disregarding the effects of such actions (the "Adjusted
Gross Profit") and such Adjusted Gross Profit shall be used in determining the
payments due pursuant to Section s 2(a)(v) and (vi) above.
SECTION 3 FINANCIAL INFORMATION: The purchase price for Xtal referred to in
Section 2 above is derived from an evaluation of the financial statements of
Xtal as of December 31, 1999 and other financial information and projections of
Xtal as of such date, as well as other information that has been furnished to
Buyer. It will be a condition to closing that there has been no material adverse
change in the business, properties, condition (financial or other) or prospects
of Xtal or Xtal's local economic environment since December 31, 1999.
SECTION 4 AGREEMENTS:
(a) Purchase Agreement. Subject to the tax structure to be agreed
between the Seller and the Buyer, the Purchase Agreement with respect to the
transaction contemplated hereby shall be in customary form for similar
transactions between parties similarly situated, in form and substance mutually
satisfactory to the parties, containing standard representations and warranties,
standard conditions to closing (in addition to those conditions set forth
herein) and standard indemnities. Conditions to closing would also include the
conditions that (i) there are no legal actions or proceedings (including related
to environmental issues) pending or threatened which materially adversely affect
the business or properties of Xtal or the proposed sale to Buyer, (ii) Xtal has
all material licenses and permits required for the conduct of its business, all
of which licenses and permits may be transferred to Buyer as part of the
proposed sale, (iii) all requisite governmental and other third party consents
have been obtained (other than the approval of the Antitrust Authorities
referred to in Section 8 below), and (iv) the purchase agreement and related
agreements have been approved by the respective Boards of Directors of the
parties, which approvals shall be obtained no latter than May 30, 2000. The
Purchase Agreement and all related agreements and documents shall be governed by
the laws of the Federative Republic of Brazil and shall be written in the
English language or shall be accompanied by a certified English translation
thereof. The English text of all documents shall govern.
(b) Shareholders' Agreement: On the Closing Date, Seller and the Buyer
shall enter into a Shareholders' Agreement (the "Shareholders' Agreement")
providing for substantially the following:
(i) the Shareholders' Agreement shall be valid as long as Seller
remains as a shareholder of Xtal or the purchasing entity;
(ii) the Board of Directors of Xtal or the purchasing entity shall be
comprised of 3 (three) members;
(iii) Seller shall have the right to appoint 1 (one) member of the
Board of Directors and Buyer shall have the right to appoint the
other 2 (two) members of the Board of Directors;
(iv) the Buyer shall be responsible for the operations of Xtal or the
purchasing entity and shall be entitled to appoint the management
of Xtal or the purchasing entity;
(v) the unanimous vote of the Board of Directors or of the
shareholders of Xtal or the purchasing entity, as the case may
be, shall be required to approve (a) any incurrence of financial
debt in an aggregate principal amount exceeding US$5,000,000
(five million US dollars), during the period between the Closing
Date and the payment in full of the US$10,000,000 Promissory Note
(the "Promissory Note Payment Date"), and, thereafter, any
incurrence of financial debt in an aggregate principal amount
exceeding US$15,000,000 (fifteen million US dollars) over a
period of 3 (three) years counted from the Closing Date, (b)
capital expenditures in excess of
15
<PAGE>
US $500,000 (five hundred thousand US dollars), during the
period between the Closing Date and the Promissory Note
Payment Date, and US$15,000,000 (fifteen million US dollars)
over a period of 3 (three) years counted from the Closing
Date, (c) sale of assets not in the ordinary course of
business in excess of US$200,000 (two hundred thousand US
dollars), during the period between the Closing Date and the
Promissory Note Payment Date, and US$500,000 (five hundred
thousand US dollars) over a period of 3 (three) years counted
from the Closing Date, (d) any transaction between Xtal, Buyer
and any related party and any transaction not in the ordinary
course of business, except for the Technology Transfer and
Licensing Agreement in the course entered into by Xtal, Buyer
and any related party; (e) the liquidation, spin-off or
winding-up of Xtal or the purchasing entity; and (f) any
amendments to the by-laws of Xtal or the purchasing entity
which may affect the rights granted to the shares held by
Seller; (g) during the period between the Closing Date and the
Promissory Note Payment Date, the merger, consolidation, any
corporate restructuring of Xtal or the purchasing entity; and
(h) during the period between the Closing Date and the
Promissory Note Payment Date, any amendments to the by-laws of
Xtal or the purchasing entity;
(vi) in the event that the Buyer decides to, directly or
indirectly, sell, dispose or otherwise transfer any portion of
its interest in Xtal or in the purchasing entity to a third
party, or a substantial portion of the assets of Xtal or the
purchasing entity, Seller shall (i) have the right of first
refusal in relation to such sale on the same price and payment
conditions as such third party or (b) demand the acceleration
of the payment due pursuant to Section 2(b) above;
(vii) Seller shall not be required in any event to participate or
contribute in any form in any capital increase or investment
plan carried out by the Buyer in connection with Xtal or the
purchasing entity. In the event that the Buyer implements any
capital increase in Xtal or in the purchasing entity which
causes the interest held by Seller to be diluted, the amounts
due by the Buyer pursuant to Section 2(b) above shall not be
changed and the Buyer shall remain obliged to acquire all the
remaining shares held by Seller in Xtal or in the purchasing
entity for a payment in cash equivalent to US$2,500,000 (two
million, five hundred thousand US dollars) plus interest at
the rate of 6% (six percent) per annum, calculated from the
Closing Date until the date such payment is made;
(viii) the Seller shall not be entitled to claim any dividend
distribution in relation to its shares in Xtal or in the
purchasing entity;
(ix) pursuant to a call option (the "Buyer's Call Option") and a
put option, the Buyer shall have the right to acquire from the
Seller and the Seller shall have the right to sell to the
Buyer all the remaining shares held by Seller in Xtal or in
the purchasing entity in accordance with the terms and
conditions set forth in Section 2(b) above;
(x) in the event that the Buyer does not pay the US$10,000,000
Promissory Notes in full at the extended maturity date (March
31, 2001), the Seller shall have a call option against the
Buyer (the "Seller's Call Option") pursuant to which the
Seller shall have the right to acquire from the Buyer and the
Buyer shall be obliged to sell to the Seller, at the exclusive
option of the Seller, either (A) such amount of shares of Xtal
or the purchasing entity, upon a payment of US$9,000,000 (nine
million US dollars), as required to, following any acquisition
pursuant to this Section 4(b)(x)(A), result in Seller
retaining a 100% (one hundred percent)] interest in Xtal or in
the purchasing, in which case the Buyer shall forfeit all its
rights related to the Xtal's shares or the shares of the
purchasing entity and the Seller shall have the right to
immediately remove and replace all of the members of the Board
of Directors appointed by the Buyer and to resume in full the
management of the Xtal or the purchasing entity; or (B) such
amount of shares of Xtal or the purchasing entity, upon a
payment of R$1,00 (one real), as required to, following any
acquisition pursuant to this Section 4(b)(x)(B), result in
Seller retaining a 60% (sixty percent)] interest in Xtal or in
the purchasing entity, in which case the Buyer shall have the
right to retain a minority board position in the new Board of
Directors appointed by Seller;
(xi) in the event that the Seller exercise the Seller's Call Option
pursuant to Section 4(b)(x)(B) above, the Buyer shall have the
right of first refusal in relation to any subsequent sale by
Seller of its interest in Xtal or in the purchasing entity to
a third party on the same price and payment conditions as such
third party; and
(xii) the Seller shall have the right to exercise the Seller's Call
Option mentioned in item (x) above during the period of 30
(thirty) days counted as from the extended maturity date
(March 31,
16
<PAGE>
2001) of the US$10,000,000 Promissory Note, upon payment of
the amount mentioned in (x) above in cash. In the event the
Buyer accomplishes its obligations of payment to the
US$10,000,000 Promissory Note plus accrued interests during
such 30-day period prior to the payment by the Seller of the
amount related to the Seller's Call Option, upon notification
to the Seller, then the Seller's Call Option shall be null and
void.
SECTION 5 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS: Seller agrees to use its commercial reasonable
efforts to assist Buyer in reaching agreements with key employees as to their
continued employment by Xtal or the purchasing entity for not less than 1 (one)
year, on customary terms and conditions, including, where appropriate,
non-compete, confidentiality and non-solicitation of customers agreements, and
to otherwise assist Buyer in continuing the employment of all other current
employees of Xtal.
SECTION 6 COVENANT NOT-TO-COMPETE: NON-SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES.
(a) Consistent with the intention of Seller to withdraw from the
manufacture of optical fiber, at the closing, Seller shall enter into an
agreement (the "Non-compete Agreement") with Buyer pursuant to which Seller will
agree not to compete with Buyer (including Xtal), for a period of three (3)
years, in the business of Xtal as it exists on the closing date (the "Competing
Business"). The Non-compete Agreement shall incorporate the terms set forth in
this Section 6 and shall be in customary form for similar transactions between
parties similarly situated.
(b) Given the importance of Xtal's employees and their value to Buyer,
which is reflected in the purchase price, during the period of the Non-compete
Agreement, Seller will agree (i) not to induce any person to leave the employ of
Xtal and (ii) not to hire any person who was an employee of Xtal within twelve
(12) months prior to the date of hire by Seller, unless consented to by Buyer,
which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
SECTION 7 DUE DILIGENCE; CAPITAL EXPENDITURES; CURRENT NEGOTIATIONS: The Buyer
expects to promptly proceed with its due diligence investigation, which it will
use its best efforts to complete within 30 (thirty) days of the signing of this
Agreement or May 31, 2000, whichever date is later. Seller will provide to Buyer
complete and accurate copies of all books, records, date and other information
of Xtal as Buyer may reasonably request. Buyer may make direct contact with
existing customers, suppliers and employees of Xtal with the prior consent of
Seller with respect to the entity contacted and the manner of such contact
(which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, in connection with its
evaluation of the business of Xtal). In the event that, upon completion of the
due diligence process, the Buyer discovers any material discrepancies in any of
the information previously submitted to Buyer, the Buyer shall immediately
notify Seller about such discrepancy. Seller shall then have 5 (five) business
days to respond to such notification by either agreeing with the discrepancy or
disagreeing with the discrepancy indicating the amount in which it believes such
discrepancy should be. If Seller agrees with the discrepancy, it shall have the
option to remedy such material discrepancy within a reasonable period of time
(not to exceed 30 days). If Seller does not agree with the discrepancy, the
Buyer shall have 5 (five) business days to respond to Seller's prior response by
either (i) agreeing with the amount suggested by Seller, in which case Seller
shall have the option to remedy such material discrepancy within a reasonable
period of time (not to exceed 30 days), or (ii) disagreeing with the amount
suggested by Seller, in which case both parties shall jointly appoint an
independent expert to determine the amount of the discrepancy. Upon final
determination of the discrepancy by the independent expert (whose costs, fees
and expenses shall be equally divided between the parties), Seller shall have
the option to remedy such material discrepancy within a reasonable period of
time (not to exceed 30 days). In the event that, in any of the preceding
situations, Seller decides not to remedy the material discrepancy, Buyer may
terminate this Agreement or Buyer and Seller may in mutual agreement renegotiate
the terms and conditions of the transaction. For purposes of this Section 7, a
"material discrepancy" shall mean any discrepancy which reduces the net worth of
Xtal by over US$500,000 (five hundred thousand US dollars) as calculated in
accordance with Brazilian GAAP (based on the financial statements of Xtal as of
December 31, 1999). Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, Buyer will be
entitled to approve all proposals for Xtal to make any capital expenditures or
to enter into other financial commitments involving expenditures in excess of
U$50,000 (fifty thousand US dollars), provided that such approval shall not be
required for the capital expenditures and financial commitments listed in Annex
C hereto.
SECTION 8 EXPENSES; BROKERAGE; ANTI-TRUST APPROVALS; LIABILITY: Each of the
parties hereto shall pay its own expenses, including, but not limited to, fees
and disbursements of attorneys and financial or other advisors incurred in
connection with the execution of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby. Any and all costs, expenses or liabilities incurred in connection with
the presentation of the transaction contemplated herein
17
<PAGE>
before the Brazilian Antitrust Authorities, including, but not limited to, legal
consultant's fees, filling fees and governmental expenses, shall be exclusively
borne by the Buyer. Seller shall or Seller shall cause Xtal to assist the Buyer,
without any charge, in preparing necessary documents which are required to be
submitted to the Antitrust Authorities. In the event of any actions or approvals
by the Anti-Trust authorities (other than the actions and approvals referred to
in the preceding sentence) is required to be initiated by the Buyer in relation
to or in connection with the anti-trust approvals required for the completion of
the transactions solely by reason of any particular situation attributable
exclusively to Seller, Seller shall bear the reasonable expenses including, but
not limited to, fees and disbursements of attorneys and financial or other
advisors associated with such proceeding up to the maximum amount of US$50,000
(fifty thousand US dollars). Each party shall hold harmless the other for any
broker's or finder's fee. The Buyer agrees that Seller and Xtal shall not have
any liability to third parties of any nature whatsoever with respect to the
transactions contemplated herein by virtue of the execution of this Agreement or
otherwise.
SECTION 9 EXCLUSIVITY: From the date hereof until the earlier of June 30, 2000
or the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 15, Seller will not
directly or indirectly solicit or consider inquiries or proposals or enter into
an agreement or negotiate with any other party to sell or enter into any merger
or consolidation with respect to the business or assets of Xtal or any shares of
any class of capital stock of Xtal, and Seller will not permit Xtal to engage in
any transaction not in the ordinary course of business, provided that Seller
shall be released from the exclusivity commitment provided for herein in the
event that (i) the Board of Directors of the Buyer does not approve the
transaction contemplated herein by May 31, 2000 or (ii) the deposit referred to
in Section 10 below is not made within 30 (thirty) days of the signing of this
Agreement or May 31, 2000, whichever date is later.
SECTION 10 TERMS AND CONDITIONS RELATING TO BUYER'S DEPOSIT. Within 30 (thirty)
days of the signing of this Agreement or May 31, 2000, whichever date is later,
Buyer shall pay the sum of US$2,000,000 (two million US dollars) into an
offshore escrow account at a first class bank, acceptable to FCI and Seller. The
deposit (including accrued interest) shall be paid to Seller on the Closing Date
or in the event a closing does not occur, in 60 (sixty) days after the signing
of this Agreement or June 30, 2000, whichever date is later on; provided,
however, the deposit (including accrued interest) shall not be paid to Seller
but instead shall be returned to Buyer in 60 (sixty) days after the signing of
this Agreement or June 30, 2000, whichever date is later, in the event of the
following:
a. Any of the closing conditions set forth in Sections 3, 4, 6
and 7 hereof or in the definitive Purchase Agreement are not satisfied, other
than as a result of Buyer's action or inaction; or
b. Litigation or a regulatory proceeding is commenced or
threatened which may block or delay the consummation of this transaction, other
than litigation initiated by or on behalf of the Buyer.
SECTION 11 IRREVOCABILITY; BINDING EFFECT: This Agreement is executed by the
Seller and the Buyer on an irrevocable basis and shall bind the Seller and the
Buyer and their successors of any kind.
SECTION 12 CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to or simultaneously with the execution of
this Letter of Intent, the parties have executed mutual Confidentiality
Agreements, in the form of Annex D hereto. In addition, none of the parties
shall issue any press release or make any similar public disclosure intended for
mass distribution pertaining to the existence of this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated herein without the prior written consent of the other
party; provided, however, that each party shall be permitted to make such
disclosures as its counsel deems necessary to comply with, and to prevent
violation of, applicable laws, rules or regulations.
SECTION 13 FORCE MAJEURE. Seller and Buyer shall not be liable for any delays
caused by reasons beyond their reasonable control. Any dates in this Agreement
shall be extended for reasonable periods to reflect delays caused by such
factors.
SECTION 14 GOVERNING LAW. Dispute Resolution. This Agreement shall be governed
and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federative Republic of Brazil.
Any disputes arising under this Agreement which cannot be settled amicably
between the parties and shall not be ruled by legal provisions of Brazilian
public law shall be referred to arbitration in New York, New York, United States
of America under the auspices of the American Arbitration Association, before a
single arbitrator appointed by the American Arbitration Association.
18
<PAGE>
The arbitrator shall be a practicing attorney having a minimum of twenty (20)
years' experience in international business transactions. Each of the parties
retains the rights to seek judicial assistance: (a) to compel arbitration; (b)
to obtain interim measures of protection rights prior to institution of pending
arbitration and any such action shall not be construed as a waiver of the
arbitration proceedings by the parties; and (c) to enforce any decision of the
arbitrators, including the final award. In case the parties seek judicial
assistance, the Central Courts of the City of Sao Paulo shall have jurisdiction,
and the provisions of Article 639 of the Brazilian Civil Procedure Code shall be
applicable.
SECTION 15 TERMINATION OF THE AGREEMENT. This Agreement shall terminate upon the
earliest to occur of the following: (i) written notice from Buyer to Seller that
Buyer's due diligence has failed to confirm the information previously provided
to Buyer by Seller and Seller has failed to remedy the discrepancy; (ii) the
execution of definitive agreements in connection with the closing of the sale;
(iii) the distribution of the deposit to the Seller or the Buyer pursuant to
Section 10, (iv) the Board of Directors of the Buyer does not approve the
transaction contemplated herein by May 31, 2000 or (v) the deposit referred to
in Section 10 above is not made in 30 (thirty) days of the signing of this
Agreement or by May 31, 2000, whichever date is later.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties sign this Agreement in four (4) counterparts of
equal form and content, together with the two (2) undersigned witnesses.
/s/ Jose Mauro Leal Costa
-------------------------
Algar S.A.
By: Jose Mauro Leal Costa
Title: Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Nelson Cascelli Reis
------------------------
Algar S.A.
By: Nelson Cascelli Reis
Title: Attorney-in-fact
/s/ Antonio Carlos De Campos
----------------------------
Xtal Fibras Opticas S.A.
By: Antonio Carlos De Campos
Title: Executive Director
/s/ Mohd A. Aslami
------------------
FiberCore, Inc.
By: Mohd A. Aslami
Title: President and CEO
Witnesses:
1. - /s/ Ali Seraj
-------------
Name: Ali Seraj
R.G.:
2. - /s/ Francisco Smolka
--------------------
Name: Francisco Smolka
R.G.
19
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE UNAUDITED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000917770
<NAME> FIBERCORE, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> US DOLLARS
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-2000
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 1
<CASH> 1,274
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 2,067
<ALLOWANCES> (219)
<INVENTORY> 2,852
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 6,045
<PP&E> 6,720
<DEPRECIATION> (3,223)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 23,665
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 4,498
<BONDS> 9,498
0
0
<COMMON> 42
<OTHER-SE> 6,363
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 23,665
<SALES> 3,453
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 3,529
<CGS> 2,721
<TOTAL-COSTS> 3,665
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 86
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 226
<INCOME-PRETAX> (438)
<INCOME-TAX> 58
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (496)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (496)
<EPS-BASIC> (0.01)
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
EXHIBIT 99.1
NEWS RELEASE
------------
APRIL 28, 2000
FiberCore Signs Agreement to Acquire Algar's Optical Fiber
Manufacturing Facility
CHARLTON, MA-- (BUSINESS WIRE)--FiberCore, Inc. (Symbol FBCE).
FiberCore, a leading manufacturer of optical fiber and preform for the
telecommunication and data communications market, announced today that it has
signed an agreement with Algar S.A to acquire Xtal Fibras Opticas S.A, its
optical fiber manufacturing facility, located in Campinas, Brazil, for a cash
purchase price of $25 million.
"This acquisition will be a significant step forward for both FiberCore and
Xtal," said Dr. Mohd Aslami, President and CEO of FiberCore. "We have been
seeking to expand our capacity to meet increasing customer demand, and this
acquisition provides another strong building block upon which we can grow our
business and achieve our goal of increasing shareholder value. Xtal currently
has sales of approximately $25 million, primarily from single-mode optical fiber
in Brazil. With the integration of both FiberCore's and Xtal's technologies, we
expect manufacturing capacity to increase significantly. Investment in new
capital equipment will further increase production volume. Xtal currently enjoys
the largest market share in Brazil, at approximately 35%. We plan to increase
that position in Brazil, which is a rapidly growing market, as well as to export
product manufactured in Brazil to satisfy the requirements of our global
customers."
"Algar Group is selling Xtal as a result of a strategic decision, to divest
from product manufacturing facilities in telecommunications. We are
focusing more and more our business in the areas of telecommunication
services," said Algar's CEO Jose Mauro Leal Costa.
The Algar Group is one of the most important private conglomerates in
Brazil with 23 companies grouped around four divisions: telecommunications,
agribusiness, services and entertainment. Algar Telecom, the Group's
holding company for the activities in the area of telecommunication
services, covers through its subsidiaries a population of 36 million people
in its area of influence. Among its main subsidiaries is CTBC Telecom
(Companhia de Telecomunicacoes do Brasil Central) operating since 1954.
Another company, ATL (Algar Telecom Leste) is in charge for operating B
band cellular phone in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo
adding more than 900,000 wireless subscribers in its first year of
operation.
<PAGE>
The acquisition, which has a scheduled closing date of June 30, 2000, is subject
to satisfactory completion of due diligence, execution of definitive agreements
and other specified conditions. FiberCore has retained an investment banker to
assist in arranging the financing for the acquisition.
For more information about FiberCore: (www.FiberCoreUSA.com) Phone - (508)
248-3900 or by FAX - (508) 248-5588, eFax (603) 250-5369 or E-Mail
[email protected].
For more information about Algar Group: (www.algar.com.br) E-mail
[email protected]. Phone: 55-34-218-3101 / Fax: 55-34 212-0293
EXCEPT FOR THE HISTORICAL MATTERS DISCUSSED ABOVE, THE STATEMENTS IN THIS PRESS
RELEASE ARE FORWARD LOOKING AND ARE MADE PURSUANT TO THE "SAFE HARBOR"
PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. ACTUAL
RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE PROJECTED AS A RESULT OF CERTAIN
GENERAL ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS CONDITIONS; ABILITY TO OBTAIN REQUIRED FINANCING
LOSS OF MARKET SHARE THROUGH COMPETITION; INTRODUCTION OF COMPETING PRODUCTS BY
OTHER COMPANIES; CHANGES IN INDUSTRY CAPACITY; ABILITY TO OBTAIN REQUIRED
FINANCING; DEPENDENCE ON A SINGLE MANUFACTURING FACILITY; PRESSURE ON PRICES
FROM COMPETITION OR FROM PURCHASERS OF THE COMPANY'S PRODUCTS; AVAILABILITY OF
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL; THE LOSS OF ANY SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS; AND OTHER FACTORS
DETAILED FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE COMPANY'S FILINGS WITH THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION.
