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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 0-26022
SERENGETI EYEWEAR, INC.
(Name of Small Business Issuer in its Charter)
NEW YORK 65-0665659
(State or Other Jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
of Incorporation or Organization)
8125 25TH COURT EAST
SARASOTA, FLORIDA 34243
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Issuer's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (941) 359-3599
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
COMMON STOCK, $.001 PAR VALUE
REDEEMABLE COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANTS
(Title of Class)
-----------------------
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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 / /
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item
405 of Regulation S-B contained in this form, and no disclosure will be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB
or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. /X/
The issuer's revenues for the year ended December 31, 1997 were $32,458,362
The aggregate market value of the voting stock of the issuer held by
non-affiliates of the issuer as of March 30, 1998 was approximately $1,872,926.
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 30, 1998:
2,384,000
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format
Yes / / No /X/
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SERENGETI EYEWEAR, INC.
FORM 10-KSB
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PART I
Item 1. Description of Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Item 2. Description of Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Item 3. Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security-Holders . . . . . 14
PART II
Item 5. Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters. . . 15
Item 6. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation. . 15
Item 7. Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure. . . . . . . . . . . 22
PART III
Item 9. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons;
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. . . . 23
Item 10. Executive Compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Item 11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. . . . . . . . 31
Item 13. Exhibits, Lists and Reports on Form 8-K . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SIGNATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT CONCERNING, AMONG
OTHER THINGS, THE COMPANY'S ABILITY TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT ITS BUSINESS
STRATEGY, INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON
VARIOUS IMPORTANT FACTORS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SUCCESSFUL INTEGRATION
OF THE NEWLY ACQUIRED SERENGETI BUSINESS, THE COMPANY'S CONTINUED ABILITY TO
DEVELOP AND INTRODUCE INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS, CHANGING CONSUMER PREFERENCES,
ACTIONS BY COMPETITORS, MANUFACTURING CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS OF ITS OUTSIDE
SOURCES AND THE AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIALS, THE EFFECT OF ECONOMIC
CONDITIONS, DEPENDENCE ON CERTAIN CUSTOMERS AND OTHER RISKS IDENTIFIED FROM TIME
TO TIME IN THE COMPANY'S SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILINGS. GIVEN
THESE UNCERTAINTIES, UNDUE RELIANCE SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
THE COMPANY ALSO UNDERTAKES NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE THESE FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS.
Anglers-TM-, Boaters-TM-, Country Club-Registered Trademark-,
Drivers-Registered Trademark-, Eye-Candy-TM-, Fashion Featherweights-Registered
Trademark-, Femiluna-TM-, Flex-Grip-TM-, Flyers-TM-, Golfers-TM-, Grafix-TM- ,
H2Optix-Registered Trademark-, H2Optix Zero Tolerance-Registered Trademark-,
In-B-Teen-Registered Trademark-, Kinetix-Registered Trademark-, Mach
1-Registered Trademark-, Marine Vision Systems-TM-, Outa Limitz-Registered
Trademark-, Photo-Blues-TM-, Photo-Silver-TM-, Power Plus-Registered
Trademark-, Pyrofusion-TM-, Range & River-Registered Trademark-, S Design-TM-,
Sensor-X-TM-, Serengeti-Registered Trademark-, Skiers-TM-, Signia-Registered
Trademark-, Solar Barriers-Registered Trademark-, Solar-Mates-Registered
Trademark-, Solar*X-Registered Trademark-, Spectral Control-Registered
Trademark-, Sport Shields-Registered Trademark-, Strata-Registered Trademark-,
Sunglasses for the Waters of the World-TM-, Sunpets-Registered Trademark-, Surf
and Cycle-Registered Trademark-, The Best Sunglass Value Money Can
Buy-Registered Trademark-, Vision Mates-TM-, and Wickets-Registered Trademark-
are included among the Company's trademarks.
PART I
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc. (the "Company") is engaged in the business of
designing, manufacturing through outside sources, marketing and distributing a
wide array of quality sunglasses. On February 13, 1997, the Company acquired
for $27.5 million (the "Acquisition") in cash the assets of the Serengeti
Eyewear division of Corning Incorporated ("Corning") used in the design,
manufacture and distribution of Serengeti brand sunglasses.
The Serengeti line entered the premium sunglass market in 1985 with the
introduction of Drivers sunglasses, which remain the core of the Serengeti
product line. Over the years, Serengeti sunglasses have developed a brand
identity which provides appeal to consumers in the premium market. The
Serengeti brand image is based upon superior lens technology, quality and
performance. As a result, Serengeti brand sunglasses presently rank fourth in
premium sunglass distribution
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in terms of market share, following Ray-Ban, Oakley and Gargoyles. The
Serengeti Drivers line of sunglasses, which accounted for approximately 95% of
plano (non-prescription lens) sales of the Serengeti line in 1997, is
principally responsible for this image. The Company intends to increase
Serengeti's market share by introducing new Serengeti signature styles that
exploit the Serengeti brand image.
Prior to the Acquisition, the Company primarily designed and marketed
selected non-premium lines of sunglasses targeted for distribution through the
mass merchandise market. The Company's Solar*X line of sunglasses is marketed to
mass merchandisers as a sunglass with quality comparable to that of optical
sunglasses at popular prices. Solar*X features a ground and polished lens which
provides virtually complete protection from harmful ultraviolet sun rays and
glare. The Company also markets to the mass merchandise market other sunglass
brands, each of which the Company believes creates a niche among popular priced
sunglasses of various categories. Sales of non-premium sunglasses accounted for
approximately 91% of the Company's total sales in 1996, with Solar*X sunglasses
accounting for approximately 69% of total sales. As a result of the
Acquisition, non-premium sunglass sales accounted for approximately 36% of total
sales in 1997. The Company intends to continue the marketing of its non-premium
sunglasses to the mass merchandise market.
In the latter part of 1995, with the proceeds of its initial public
offering completed in August 1995, the Company launched its H2Optix line of
sunglasses which is designed specifically for use in the water environment.
H2Optix utilizes a combination of characteristics which the Company believes
differentiates it from other competing sunglasses which target the water sports
market. The Company sought to emphasize sales of H2Optix, a premium sunglass
line, and thereby reduce its dependence upon mass merchandisers. The Company
also believes that premium products generate higher gross margins and offer
significant growth potential, as discussed in "Industry Background" below. The
Company experienced only limited sales of its H2Optix sunglasses in 1995 as it
commenced its marketing efforts to establish H2Optix brand name recognition and
broaden the distribution network for the H2Optix product line. In 1996 and
1997, the Company achieved more substantial sales of the H2Optix product line.
Since the Acquisition, the Company has included H2Optix within the Serengeti
line, thereby tapping into Serengeti's well-established distribution networks.
In 1996, the Company began broadening the distribution network for its
non-premium products and, as a result, sales to Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
("Wal-Mart") decreased to approximately 53% of the Company's total 1996 sales as
compared to approximately 92% for 1995. In addition, as a result of the
Acquisition, sales to Wal-Mart were further reduced in 1997 to 27% of the
Company's total sales.
The Company is a New York corporation formed in 1976. The Company
maintains its principal executive offices at 8125 25th Court East, Sarasota,
Florida 34243, and its telephone number is (941) 359-3599.
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INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
The sunglass industry is generally divided into two principal segments, the
under-$30 or "non-premium" market and the over-$30 or "premium" market. The
retail market for sunglasses in recent years has experienced the emergence of a
broader premium market, reflected by increased sales of higher-priced,
quality-oriented sunglass products. This premium sunglass market, the category
in which the Company's Serengeti products compete, showed an increase in sales
of 93%, from $825.6 million in 1989 to $1.6 billion in 1997.
Management of the Company believes that consumer willingness to pay more
for premium sunglass products results from increased awareness of the need for
quality eye protection, the continued growth of sunglasses as a fashion
accessory, an increased demand for specialized sunglasses for different sports
and activities and growing brand awareness. The Company seeks to capitalize on
these changes in the sunglass market by emphasizing sales of its premium
products which are designed to appeal to the quality conscious consumer and
which are marketed for use in specifically targeted sporting and recreational
activities in which participants tend to spend a significant amount of
disposable income on equipment and accessories.
The under-$30 market is primarily served by mass merchandisers, such as
Wal-Mart, chain drug stores and discount department stores. These outlets
generally offer sunglasses in the $8 to $25 price range. The Company currently
serves the top of the retail price range in the under-$30 market primarily with
its Solar*X, Sensor-X and Grafix brands of sunglasses.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
The Company's objective is to become a leading designer and distributor of
premium sunglass products. The Company believes that its success will depend
upon its ability to control, protect and enhance the Serengeti brand image.
Accordingly, the Company has adopted a growth-oriented business strategy which
includes the following key elements:
MAINTAIN BRAND NAME RECOGNITION. The Company believes that a brand name
provides instant appeal for many consumers. The Company intends to continue
developing Serengeti signature styles that incorporate superior lens technology,
quality and performance, factors which the Company believes differentiate its
products from those of its competitors and increase brand recognition among
consumers.
FOCUS ON SELECTIVE DISTRIBUTION. It is the policy of the Company to
maintain strict control over the distribution of its Serengeti products to avoid
overexposure of the brand. The Company sells its Serengeti products through
carefully selected retailers that will be routinely assessed to ensure they
conform with the Company's standards. The Company believes this selective
distribution policy will promote a high degree of loyalty from retailers and a
stable retail price environment, while increasing the Company's control over
diversion and counterfeiting of its products.
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AGGRESSIVELY PROTECT ITS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. The Company will
rely on patent, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and copyright law to
protect its rights to certain aspects of its products, including product
designs, proprietary manufacturing processes and technologies, product research
and concepts and recognized trademarks and trade dress.
INTRODUCING INNOVATIVE NEW PRODUCTS. The Company intends to capitalize on
Serengeti's strong brand identity by introducing new Serengeti signature styles.
The new styles will incorporate the Serengeti name and logo into the frame decor
with logo plaques and lens decoration. The Company anticipates that existing
Serengeti accounts will provide the new Serengeti signature styles with retail
space without replacing strong performing existing products. The Company will
seek to obtain any additional space with price incentives, if required.
The Company will utilize its existing relationships with European and Asian
designers to design the new styles. The Company has an existing relationship
with a renowned European design team that has worked with the Company for the
past three years and which has developed new products for well-known sunglass
distributors, including Ray-Ban, Arnet, Fila and the Benneton Group. The
Company believes that this team has consistently demonstrated the ability to
create top selling styles
Advances in frame technology have not kept pace with advances in lens
technology. Frame development has focused primarily on improving appearance
rather than performance. As a result, sunglasses do not offer both a high
performance lens and frame. The Company believes that it has an opportunity to
create innovative high-performance sunglasses by combining new frame designs,
materials and other features with the existing and planned Serengeti lenses.
REDUCE RETAIL PRICE POINTS OF PRODUCTS. The Company intends to align the
retail prices of its Serengeti products to reflect the lower prices which it
believes consumers demand. In conjunction with this strategy, the Company will
seek to obtain price concessions from its suppliers to reduce the costs of the
Serengeti products to maintain acceptable gross margin percentages.
FOCUS ON INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION. The Company believes that wider
international distribution also represents a significant opportunity for
expansion of sales. Sales outside North America represented approximately 22%
of total sales of the Serengeti line in 1997. To improve the consistency of its
image and operating strategy worldwide, the Company is establishing closer
working relationships with its international distributors and plans to increase
its use of direct sales representatives in those locations where such an
approach is advantageous. The Company believes that concentrating its efforts
in existing regions and introduction of Serengeti to new regions abroad provide
a significant opportunity for increased growth. The Company also expects to
continue benefiting from the global expansion of its retail accounts,
particularly Sunglass Hut International ("Sunglass Hut"), the largest customer
for the Serengeti line.
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DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCT LINES
PREMIUM PRODUCTS
The Serengeti line is presently comprised of two distinct products, Drivers
and Kinetix, each of which is targeted at a different portion of the premium
segment of the sunglass market. The Company has also integrated its H2Optix
products into the Serengeti line. The premium product line accounted for
approximately 64% of the Company's total sales in 1997 as compared to 9% in
1996.
DRIVERS
Drivers, which is a general purpose sunglass, is the core Serengeti product
line, accounting for approximately 95% of 1997 plano sales of the Serengeti
product line. Several popular Drivers models have been marketed since the
mid-1980s. Independent marketing surveys have indicated that Drivers inspire
exceptional customer loyalty. All Drivers lenses are photochromic and have
"Spectral Control" technology. Photochromic lenses automatically darken to
adjust to bright daylight conditions and lighten to adjust to darker daylight
conditions thereby adjusting the amount of light being transmitted to the user.
Proprietary Spectral Control filters are then created by "hydrogen firing" a
photochromic lens. The resultant lens filters out 95% of blue light, cutting
glare, boosting contrast and reducing eye fatigue in fog and haze without
distorting the colors seen through the lens. The combination of a special base
glass and hydrogen firing give Drivers lenses a lustrous copper color. Drivers
lenses are available in a single-gradient lens that reduces glare from above and
are also available in a darker, non-gradient version known as Drivers Sienna.
The Company presently offers 13 collections and 148 products within the Drivers
line.
KINETIX
Kinetix, Serengeti's specialty, active line, is equipped with photochromic,
Spectral Control lenses of specific colors to enhance their performance in
particular sports environments. Distinct Kinetix collections are designed
specifically for boaters, skiers, drivers, golfers, hunters and target shooters.
The Company presently offers 22 products within the Kinetix line.
H2OPTIX
Although there are a number of sunglasses currently marketed that can be
used by water sports enthusiasts, they are not designed specifically for use in
the water environment. The Company believes that each of the existing sunglass
product lines distributed to the water sports market has significant drawbacks
or technical omissions. The H2Optix line has been designed by the Company to
differentiate it from other competing sunglasses which target the water sports
market. The Company believes that its H2Optix product incorporates a
distinctive combination of elements that work together to provide a total
optical system for all of the needs of the water sports enthusiast. The base
material for the H2Optix lens is polycarbonate, which exhibits both optical
clarity and extraordinary strength. The lamination of polarized film between
two such lenses results in a lens
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ideally suited for any water sport activity. The Company presently offers
approximately 30 products within the H2Optix line.
NON-PREMIUM PRODUCTS
The Company also markets a variety of non-branded sunglasses to mass
merchandisers. The Company's Solar*X, Sensor-X, Grafix and Mach 1 lines of
sunglasses have been marketed by the Company as a high quality line of
sunglasses with a ground and polished lens. Although these sunglasses retail at
approximately $20, the Company believes that their quality makes them
competitive with higher priced premium sunglasses in the premium market. They
are available in a variety of popular, classic and contemporary frame styles.
The non-premium product line accounted for approximately 36% of the Company's
total sales in 1997 as compared to 91% in 1996.
DISTRIBUTION
PREMIUM DISTRIBUTION
The Company's principal customers are national and regional optical
distributors, sunglass specialty stores and optical chains. The Company intends
to keep its current distribution network in place as well as to add new
distributors in regions which warrant it. The Company also intends to target
the Serengeti brand to sporting goods stores through direct sales
representatives, and quality discount retailers. Regional sales managers are
responsible for maintaining relationships with optical distributors in their
region, as well as direct accounts with optical and sunglass chains.
OPTICAL DISTRIBUTORS
The network of optical distributors for the Serengeti line is comprised of
13 regional optical distributors and 2 national distributors which distribute to
optical chains, independent optical retailers and specialty sunglass stores in
the United States and Canada. Optical distributors are encouraged to distribute
exclusively to premium retailers. Each regional distributor has a specifically
defined region, while national distributors sell throughout the nation, so that
no optical independent retailer is forced to buy from a sole source.
The present structure of this distribution channel arose from fundamental
changes implemented by Corning's Serengeti Eyewear division in 1994 to preserve
and enhance the Serengeti brand name. In late 1994, Corning reviewed its then
89 distributors and selected the 14 most appropriate distributors for Serengeti
eyewear. Corning ended its relationship with the others and successfully
retained every distributor with which it desired to continue its relationship.
These remaining distributors have been granted regional exclusivity and are
limited to selling Serengeti products to specific retailers.
In 1997, the top five distributors for the Serengeti line accounted for
approximately 30% of total sales of the Serengeti product line to independent
optical retailers. The Company believes that significant opportunities for
growth lie in increasing Serengeti sales to independent optical retailers,
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for which it has achieved an approximately 60% penetration in 1997. The Company
intends to increase distribution through independent optical retailers with
prescription Serengeti lenses. In addition, the Company intends to seek out
additional quality distributors that operate in regions in which Serengeti sales
are under-represented, such as the West and Southwest.
SPECIALTY SUNGLASS RETAILERS
The principal specialty sunglass retailer of the Serengeti product line is
Sunglass Hut, the world's largest sunglass retailer, which has more than 2,000
stores worldwide. The Company believes that the Serengeti-Sunglass Hut
relationship improved as a result of the restructuring of the Serengeti
distributor network, as described above. In addition, during the fourth quarter
of 1997 the Company agreed to remerchandise the Sunglass Hut stores with a
product mix which it believes will generate higher sell through rates at the
consumer level. Sunglass Hut, which is serviced directly by the Company's
in-house sales staff, accounted for approximately 11% of total sales of the
Serengeti product line in 1997.
OPTICAL CHAINS
In 1997, approximately 13% of North American sales of the Serengeti
product line were to optical chains. Of these optical chains, Lenscrafters
was the most significant customer. The Serengeti brand also has long-standing
relationships with other large chains, including Pearle Incorporated, Eyecare
Centers of America, National Vision, Wal-Mart Optical and DOC Optics Inc. The
Company believes that optical chains present significant opportunities for
increased penetration; specifically, that the Company may be able to leverage
the Serengeti reputation for high performance lenses with the optical chains in
order to help create and grow a substantial prescription sunglass business.
INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION
Sales outside North America accounted for approximately 22% of total sales
of the Serengeti product line in 1997. Sales in each region are conducted
through distributors and, in certain countries, directly to large retail chains
or buying groups. European sales accounted for approximately 15% of the total
Serengeti sunglass sales in 1997. The Serengeti line is sold in a number of
markets, including The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and Finland, with very
limited advertising support. The Asia Pacific region represented approximately
7% of total 1997 sales of the Serengeti product line. The Company has
identified the Latin American region as an opportunity for increased growth.
This region represented approximately 1% of 1997 sales of the Serengeti
products, and the Serengeti sales force has only recently begun to introduce
Serengeti to certain of the major countries in Latin America.
NON-PREMIUM DISTRIBUTION
During 1995, the Company had sales of approximately $9.6 million to
Wal-Mart, a major national retailer and a principal customer of the Company for
over ten years, representing
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approximately 92% of the Company's total sales. As a result of the Company's
strategy to broaden its distribution network for its non-premium products, in
1996, the Company had sales of approximately $7.2 million to Wal-Mart,
representing approximately 53% of the Company's total sales. With the
acquisition of the Serengeti business in February 1997, the Company's dependence
upon Wal-Mart was further reduced, with sales to Wal-Mart of approximately $9.2
million accounting for approximately 27% of the Company's total sales.
Sales volume to Wal-Mart is generally higher toward the end of the year due
to seasonal consumer buying patterns. The Company has not experienced any
collection difficulties with its Wal-Mart account. Under its new strategy, the
Company sells its premium products through a nationwide network of sales
representatives and distributors, but intends to continue to sell its
non-premium products directly to mass merchandisers such as Wal-Mart.
Although the Company does not intend to target the marketing of its premium
products lines to the mass merchandise market, the loss of Wal-Mart as a
customer would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business as
presently conducted. The Company does not presently have any formal written
contract with Wal-Mart, but rather receives individual purchase orders from
Wal-Mart for the Company's products.
The Company utilizes independent sales representatives throughout the
United States to generate its non-premium sales. The Company's sales
representatives are each responsible for soliciting, selecting and securing
accounts within a particular regional territory. Such sales representatives are
paid on a commission basis, with commissions depending on the product line and
terms of the sale. The Company provides service and support to its sales
representatives, including advertising and sales literature.
As a result of recent strategy changes by retailers, including
consolidations and increases in the size of retail locations, retailers have
imposed additional requirements on their merchandisers. The Company has
increased the services provided to its mass merchandise customers, particularly
Wal-Mart, in many areas including the sourcing of products necessary to fill a
specific demand, the tracking of supply inventory by direct computer link-up,
and the implementation of specifically tailored systems for the shipment of
inventory.
MARKETING
The Company's marketing and promotion strategies for its Serengeti products
are focused on building and maintaining a high-quality image, and providing
multiple price points to meet the needs of the retailer and consumer. The
Company seeks to maintain high visibility for its Serengeti products through the
efforts of its in-house marketing staff which coordinates and oversees the sales
efforts of the Company's distributors and develops programs to help retailers
increase their sales of Serengeti products. The marketing staff also designs,
develops and produces sales materials for use by distributors. These sales
materials include point-of-purchase materials, packaging, photography,
advertising layouts, signage, logo designs and catalogs.
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The Company intends to continue advertising and marketing Serengeti
products with point-of-purchase displays and through high quality general
publications and radio promotions, as well as through catalogs, billboards,
event sponsorships, product promotions, trade and consumer publications and
trade shows. The Company, through its "co-op" advertising program, intends to
assist in the funding and preparation of advertising campaigns initiated by
retailers. The Company also intends to promote the Serengeti brand name by
utilizing high visibility sports and celebrity figures to provide product
exposure to the consumer.
Trade shows are a retailer's primary source for information about new
products and provide retailers with a chance to meet personally with
representatives of a company. Accordingly, the Company attends trade shows
targeting specific activities to increase retailer awareness and enthusiasm for
its products which relate to such activities. The Company also intends to
promote Serengeti through the sponsorship of sporting activities on both a
national and local level, and by providing decals and posters.
The Company seeks to establish a value purchase for the quality-and
price-conscious consumer by maintaining a premium quality product at a price
more attractive than that of competing brands, providing a significant value to
the consumer. The Company provides counter cards to retailers which compare the
features and price of Serengeti sunglasses with those of the competition,
exploiting the price/value advantage of Serengeti. The Company determines
prices with the goal of providing both the Company and the trade with the
opportunity for significant margins.
MANUFACTURING
The Company currently obtains photochromic glass lens blanks for the
existing Serengeti lines pursuant to a three-year supply agreement entered into
with Corning upon the closing of the Acquisition. Pursuant to the supply
agreement, the Company is required to purchase such Serengeti lens blanks
exclusively from Corning only to the extent that Corning is able to provide such
lenses in the quantities and within the time periods required by the Company.
The lens blanks are currently manufactured by Corning in the United States,
Brazil and France and then shipped to Italy and other locations overseas for
finishing. All lenses currently mounted in the Drivers and Kinetix lines are
then subjected to the Company's proprietary hydrogen firing process at a Corning
facility in France and at a manufacturer in Italy. Lenses are cut, edged,
tempered, coated, drop ball tested and inserted into the frames by third-party
contractors in Japan, Italy and the United States. Pursuant to a settlement
agreement between the Company and Corning, the Company may defer payment,
without interest, until December 31, 1999 for up to 250,000 lens blanks
purchased during the next 12 months. See "Legal Proceedings."
The Company currently sources all of its sunglass frames from third-party
suppliers. The Company intends to retain cost-effective frame suppliers
worldwide for the manufacture of the Serengeti frames. The Company believes
that there are a number of suppliers with the ability to manufacture such
frames.
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Upon completion of the manufacturing process, the finished sunglasses are
shipped to the Company's facility in Sarasota, Florida from where distribution
takes place.
The Company has developed long-standing collaborative relationships with
established manufacturers of sunglasses throughout the Far East for the
manufacture of its non-premium products and component parts. The Company
actively participates in the development and refining processes relating to the
manufacture of its products. To date, the Company's principal manufacturing
relationship has been with Swank, a leading manufacturer of sunglasses
worldwide, which primarily produces the Company's non-premium sunglasses. The
Company has also established a relationship with Wintec Corporation based in
Japan for the production of the polarized polycarbonate lenses used for the
Company's H2Optix product line. The frames for certain of the H2Optix models are
manufactured in Europe by Bensol SRL.
The manufacturers of the Company's products also manufacture sunglasses for
other companies, including competitors of the Company. Although the Company has
never experienced any difficulties in obtaining the necessary supplies of its
products, its manufacturers could choose to prioritize production for other
companies or cease production for the Company's products on short notice.
Although the Company believes it can find other manufacturers of its products,
there can be no assurance that it will be able to discover new manufacturers for
its products in a timely manner or that such new manufacturers would be able to
meet the Company's supply requirements. While the Company believes it has
available to it manufacturers with the capability of fabricating Serengeti
lenses utilizing the hydrogen firing process, there can be no assurance that an
alternative manufacturer with such capability will be identified. Termination
or disruption of supplies from these sources could result in production delays,
reductions in shipments, or increased costs that could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's operations. While the Company continually explores ways
to reduce its dependence on these limited source suppliers, there can be no
assurance that the Company will be successful in doing so.
Although the Company's policy is to work closely with its manufacturing
sources, there are certain risks associated with the use of outside
manufacturers, including foreign manufacturers. Risks inherent in the use of
such manufacturers include the absence of an adequate guaranteed supply,
unavailability of or delays in obtaining access to transportation of products
from the manufacturer, destruction, damage, loss or theft at the manufacturer's
facility, delay in delivery of orders, bankruptcy and other financial problems
of the manufacturer as well as potential misappropriation of proprietary
intellectual property. Risks arising in connection with the use of a foreign
manufacturer include foreign governmental regulation, economic instability in
the country of manufacture, labor strikes and the implementation of additional
United States legislation and regulations relating to imports, including the
imposition of duties, taxes and other charges or restrictions on imports.
COMPETITION
The Company faces significant competition in the sunglass business. The
Company competes with a number of established manufacturers, importers and
distributors whose brand names enjoy
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recognition which exceeds that of the Company's brand names. The Company
competes with several manufacturers, importers and distributors who have
significantly greater financial, distribution, advertising and marketing
resources than the Company. The Company competes primarily on the basis of
performance features, quality, brand name recognition and price.
The Company believes that its continued success will depend upon its
ability to remain competitive in its product areas. The failure to compete
successfully in the future could result in a material deterioration of customer
loyalty and the Company's image and could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The Company intends to aggressively assert its rights under patent, trade
secret, unfair competition, trademark and copyright laws to protect its
intellectual property, including product designs, proprietary manufacturing
processes and technologies, product research and concepts and recognized
trademarks. These rights are protected through the acquisition of patents and
trademark registrations, the maintenance of trade secrets, the development of
trade dress, and, where appropriate, litigation against those who are, in the
Company's opinion, infringing these rights.
PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND LICENSES
The following are the principal patents owned by the Company relating to
Serengeti sunglasses:
HYDROGEN FIRING PROCESS. The Company owns a patent
governing the hydrogen firing process, which expires
November 19, 1999 (Patent No. 4,290,794). This patent
covers the process by which Spectral Control filters are
created within a lens. The patent affects all Drivers and
Kinetix lenses.
DRIVER GLASS. The Company owns a patent for colored
photochromic lenses relating to Drivers and certain Kinetix
lenses (Patent No. 4,240,836) which expires November 19,
1999. This patent covers color spaces that provide glare
control.
The Company owns eight additional patents, which expire at various dates through
July 15, 2017.
As of March 31, 1998, the Company had 18 trademark registrations in the
United States and 135 trademark registrations in foreign countries, including
those for Serengeti, Drivers, Kinetix and H2Optix. As of such date, the Company
had 21 trademark applications pending in the United States and 21 trademark
applications pending in foreign countries. No trademarks are licensed by the
Company for use on eyewear products due to the Company's strict quality control
standards and the desire to protect its proprietary technology and prevent
overexposure of the Company's trademarks. In connection with the Acquisition,
the Company granted to Corning a royalty-free, world-wide
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license to utilize the hydrogen firing process technology and other proprietary
technology of the Company in connection with the manufacture and marketing of
lenses, lens blanks and other optical materials or prescription eyeglasses or
lenses used to treat or mitigate medical conditions or symptoms such as light
sensitivity, as well as in connection with other products manufactured or
practices engaged in by Corning prior to the Acquisition unrelated to the
Serengeti business and that do not relate to plano or prescription sunglass
lenses.
While there can be no assurance that the Company's patents or trademarks
protect the Company's proprietary information and technologies, the Company
intends to assert its intellectual property rights against any infringer.
Although the Company's assertion of its rights can result in a substantial cost
to, and diversion of effort by, the Company, management believes that the
protection of the Company's intellectual property rights is a key component of
the Company's operating strategy.
REGULATORY MATTERS
The Company's products, which are imported to the United States, are
subject to United States customs duties, and, in the ordinary course of its
business, the Company may from time to time be subject to claims by the United
States Customs Services for duties and other charges. The United States and
foreign governments may from time to time impose new duties, tariffs or other
restrictions, or adversely adjust prevailing duty or tariff levels, which could
adversely affect the Company's operations and its ability to import products at
specified levels. In general, the Company cannot predict the likelihood or
frequency of any such events occurring or what effect such events could have on
its financial condition and results of operations.
The Company's sunglasses are certified to the United States Food and Drug
Administration ("FDA") impact standards. The FDA requires that sunglasses sold
in the United States pass what is commonly referred to as the "drop ball test."
Pursuant to this test, a ball is dropped down a tube approximately four feet
long and allowed to hit the lens. A percentage of a statistical sampling of
lenses must not break or shatter. For the Company to take shipment of its
products from overseas, the Company must first deliver to the United States
Customs Service a certificate indicating that a statistical sampling of the
lenses being shipped to the Company meet FDA requirements. The Company believes
that all of its products comply with existing FDA requirements. To date, the
Company has not experienced any difficulties with regulatory compliance. The
FDA is currently considering proposing new sunglass regulations.
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EMPLOYEES
As of March 31, 1998, the Company employed 89 individuals on a full-time
basis, 68 of whom were employed in executive, sales and administrative positions
and the remainder of whom were warehouse employees. The number of warehouse
employees increases during various time periods in the course of a year due to
the buying patterns of the Company's customers. The Company has regularly
experienced a readily available labor pool to satisfy its increased labor
demands. None of the Company's employees are covered by collective bargaining
agreements, and management believes that the Company's relations with its
employees are good.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY.
The Company's corporate offices, distribution and warehouse facilities
occupy approximately 15,500 square feet of space in Sarasota, Florida. Inventory
is warehoused in this facility and maintained on a computerized perpetual basis.
These facilities are leased by the Company pursuant to a lease agreement
expiring in March of 2000. Rent payments total approximately $6,700 per month.
The lease provides for various escalations based on cost of living and real
estate taxes. The Company also leases on a month-to-month basis satellite sales
offices in various locations and an off site warehouse facility located in
Sarasota.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
On or about August 18, 1997, Argon, Inc. filed an action against the
Company and Corning in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
The complaint alleges breach of contract in which the plaintiff seeks
approximately $250,000 based upon a non-exclusive distributor agreement and a
service agreement. The Company has denied the substantive allegations and has
asserted a counterclaim for $118,000 based upon Argon's breach of the above
mentioned agreements and non-payment of amounts due to the Company.
On or about March 19, 1997, Argent Securities, Inc. ("Argent"), the
underwriter of the Company's initial public offering, filed an action against
the Company in the United States District Court for the Northern District of
Georgia, Atlanta Division. The action has since been transferred to the United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The civil
complaint alleges, among other things, breaches by the Company of its
underwriting agreement with Argent, breach of corporate duties relating to the
issuance of the Preferred Shares (as defined in Item 12 below), and
misstatements in the Company's Proxy Statement relating to the issuance of the
Preferred Shares. The complaint seeks, among other things, monetary relief as
well as a preliminary injunction enjoining the Company from permitting the
conversion of any Preferred Shares, and requiring that the Company secure a seat
on its Board of Directors for an Argent representative. The Company has
reviewed Argent's claims and believes them to be meritless. The Company intends
to vigorously defend the action and has filed a motion to dismiss the complaint.
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On or about January 28, 1998, RBB Bank Aktiengesellschaft ("RBB"), the
entity which purchased $22.5 million of the Company's Preferred Shares, the
proceeds of which were utilized by the Company to purchase the Serengeti
business, filed an action in the United States District Court, Southern District
of New York. In the action, RBB alleges various violations of the securities
laws in connection with the purchase by RBB of the 22,500 shares of the
Company's convertible Preferred Shares. RBB contends that the Company failed to
disclose certain material information and that RBB relied to its detriment on
these omissions in purchasing the Company's convertible Preferred Shares. There
are also common law claims for fraud and negligent misrepresentation. RBB seeks
compensatory damages in the sum of $22.5 million, equal to the purchase price of
the Preferred Shares, and punitive damages in the sum of $25 million. The
Company has reviewed the claims and denies them. The Company has filed a motion
to dismiss the complaint.
On February 25, 1998, Corning filled an action against the Company in the
Supreme Court, State of New York, County of Steuben. In conjunction with the
closing of the Acquisition, $1.5 million of the purchase price was retained in
escrow to secure any claims for indemnity the Company may have against Corning
under the purchase agreement. The escrow was to be released to Corning on
February 13, 1997 subject to claims made. On February 9, 1997, the Company
asserted indemnification claims in the amount of $3,054,395. In the above
action, Corning alleged that the Company owed it approximately $843,000 for post
closing adjustments and transitional services. Corning also disputed the
Company's indemnification claims and sought release of the escrow. The Company
asserted a counterclaim for the indemnification claims. On May 20, 1998, the
Company and Corning entered into a settlement agreement releasing all claims.
In connection therewith, the Company received $405,500, including interest, from
the escrow, Corning received the balance of the escrow, the Company may defer
payment, without interest, until December 31, 1999 for up to 250,000 lens blanks
purchased during the next twelve months pursuant to the three year supply
agreement, and the lawsuit is being dismissed.
There are no other legal proceedings pending to which the Company or any of
its property is subject, and to the knowledge of the Company, there are no such
proceedings threatened.
The Company maintains product liability insurance coverage of $1 million
per occurrence and $2 million in the aggregate and $4 million of excess
liability coverage. The adequacy of the Company's insurance coverage and
reserves to cover known and unknown claims is evaluated at the end of each
fiscal year. The Company believes that its current insurance coverage is
adequate.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY-HOLDERS.
Not Applicable
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The Company's Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market
("Nasdaq") under the symbol SOLR. The following table sets forth for the
periods indicated the range of the high and low sales prices of such Common
Stock, as reported by Nasdaq.
HIGH LOW
Quarter Ended March 31, 1996 5.75 3.06
Quarter Ended June 30, 1996 8.13 4.25
Quarter Ended September 30, 1996 7.13 5.25
Quarter Ended December 31, 1996 8.75 6.00
Quarter Ended March 31, 1997 7.56 2.13
Quarter Ended June 30, 1997 3.44 2.00
Quarter Ended September 30, 1997 3.50 1.88
Quarter Ended December 31, 1997 2.88 1.63
The Company was notified by The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. on April 17, 1998
that the Company would be delisted from the Nasdaq National Market because it
had not timely filed its annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended
December 31, 1997. The delisting action has been stayed pending a hearing
before a panel authorized by the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. Board of Governors on May 28, 1998. The Company filed the subject annual
report on May 22, 1998.
At March 31, 1998, there were approximately 19 shareholders of record of
the Company's Common Stock. Such number does not include beneficial owners
holding shares through nominee names.
DIVIDEND POLICY
The Company has never paid cash or other dividends and does not expect to
pay any cash or other dividends in the foreseeable future with respect to its
Common Stock. Any earnings which the Company may realize in the foreseeable
future will be retained to finance the growth of the Company. Future dividend
policy will depend upon the Company's earnings, capital requirements, financial
condition and other factors considered relevant by the Company's Board of
Directors. The New Credit Facility (as hereinafter defined) restricts the
Company's ability to pay dividends on its Common Stock. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION.
The following should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial
Statements and the Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.
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GENERAL
Prior to the 1980's, the Company manufactured its own sunglasses for sale
to the wholesale trade. As manufacturers in the Far East began playing greater
roles in the sunglass industry in the late 1970's, the Company began importing
its products and in 1980 discontinued its manufacturing operations completely.
From 1978 until the Acquisition, the Company focused primarily on the sale of
sunglasses and sunglass products to mass merchandisers such as large retail
chain stores. In the late 1980's, the Company began developing programs for mass
merchandisers designed to enhance its sale of sunglasses. The Company
continually added new products and developed new marketing programs for its
product lines. In late 1992, the Company introduced its line of Solar*X
sunglasses, which feature a ground and polished lens, comparable to optical
quality sunglasses, at non-premium prices. This product was the predominant line
of the Company from 1994 until the Acquisition, and has contributed
significantly to the sales growth of the Company. The Company expects its
Solar*X line of sunglasses to remain its predominant line in the non-premium
segment of its business. During 1996 and 1997, the ground and polished segment
of the Company's product line accounted for approximately 69% and 36%,
respectively, of the Company's total sales. The Company intends to continue the
marketing of its non-premium sunglasses to the mass merchandise market.
In the latter part of 1995, with the proceeds of its initial public
offering completed in August 1995, the Company launched its H2Optix line, a
premium sunglass line. The Company sought to emphasize sales of H2Optix and
thereby reduce its dependence upon mass merchandisers. The Company experienced
only limited sales of its H2Optix sunglasses in 1995 as it commenced its
marketing efforts to establish H2Optix brand name recognition and broaden the
distribution network for the H2Optix product line. In 1996 and 1997, the
Company experienced more substantial sales of the H2Optix product line.
On February 13, 1997, the Company acquired the assets of the Serengeti
Eyeware division of Corning. Corning's Serengeti Eyewear division entered the
premium sunglass market in 1985 with the introduction of Drivers sunglasses,
which remain the core of the Serengeti product line. Over the years, Serengeti
sunglasses have developed a brand identity which provides appeal to consumers in
the premium market. The Serengeti brand image is based upon superior lens
technology, quality and performance. The Serengeti Drivers line of sunglasses
is principally responsible for this image. The Company intends to increase
Serengeti's market share by introducing new Serengeti signature styles that
exploit the Serengeti brand image. In addition, the Company intends to benefit
its H2Optix line by including it within the Serengeti line, thereby tapping into
Serengeti's well-established distribution network. During 1997, the Serengeti
line accounted for approximately 64% of the Company's total sales.
Historically, the Serengeti line has suffered delays in new product
launches, resulting in depressed orders for those products. In response,
Corning's Serengeti Eyewear division focused on timing the product development
cycle to ensure that new products are introduced in October, which is the
optimal time for selling to the largest Serengeti customers for the spring and
summer seasons. However, the Company experienced inventory shortages of the new
1997 product line during the
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1997 spring and summer seasons due in part to the timing of the Acquisition and
the long lead times necessary to acquire Serengeti product line inventory. The
Company believes that these shortages had a material negative impact on its 1997
operating results.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
COMPARISON OF YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1997
Net sales increased from approximately $13.6 million in 1996 to
approximately $32.5 million in 1997, primarily as a result of sales of the
Serengeti product line which accounted for approximately 64% of the Company's
total sales in 1997. As a result of the distribution of this product line in
addition to the distribution of the Company's non-premium lines, sales to
Wal-Mart decreased to approximately 27% of the Company's total sales in 1997 as
compared to approximately 53% in 1996.
Gross profit increased as a percentage of sales, from 36% in 1996 to 43% in
1997, primarily as a result of the increased gross margins generated by the
Serengeti product line. The 1997 gross margins were negatively impacted by
approximately 6% by allowances and credits aggregating approximately $2.1
million which were issued during the fourth quarter. These credits were issued
by the Company at the request of certain significant customers to allow them to
increase the rate of sale of the Company's products and to allow these customers
to adjust their mix of the Company's products at the retail level. It is the
intention of the Company to seek and obtain price concessions from its vendors
to reduce the cost of products and improve gross margin.
Selling expenses increased by approximately $4.1 million, from
approximately $2.1 million in 1996 to approximately $6.2 million in 1997. This
increase resulted primarily from increased costs after the Acquisition
associated with marketing and selling expenses related to the Serengeti product
line.
General and administrative expenses increased by approximately $7.2
million, from approximately $1.6 million in 1996 to approximately $8.8 million
in 1997 primarily as a result of an increase in executive and administrative
salaries and office expenses as a result of the Acquisition, as well as
additional costs incurred in connection with the distribution of the Serengeti
line of sunglasses. In 1997, general and administrative expenses included
approximately $1.3 million in charges related to the integration of the
Serengeti business.
Interest expense increased by approximately $900,000 from approximately
$400,000 in 1996 to approximately $1.3 million in 1997 primarily as a result of
the interest charges incurred on the Company's new term loan and revolving
credit line described below.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Prior to the Acquisition, the Company financed its operations primarily
through the proceeds of an initial public offering completed in August 1995, its
cash flow, and a $1.5 million revolving line of credit from Sun Bank/Gulf Coast
(the "Old Credit Facility"). Concurrently with the closing of the
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Acquisition, the Company entered into a Revolving Line of Credit and Term Loan
Agreement with SunTrust Bank, Central Florida, National Association,
individually and as agent, and Creditanstalt-Bankverein pursuant to which the
Company refinanced the Old Credit Facility with a new senior credit facility
(the "New Credit Facility") which provides the Company with the ability to
borrow up to $17.5 million in the form of (i) a three year revolving credit
facility in the amount of $7.5 million (the "Revolver Facility") and (ii) a five
year amortizing term loan facility in the amount of $10.0 million (the "Term
Facility").
The Company borrowed the entire $10.0 million of availability under the
Term Facility to finance a portion of the Acquisition purchase price, to repay
in full the outstanding principal indebtedness and accrued interest
(approximately $1.5 million) under the Old Credit Facility and to pay related
fees and expenses. The Company financed the remaining portion of the
Acquisition purchase price with the net proceeds of the sale of Preferred
Shares. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions - To Finance the
Serengeti Acquisition."
The Revolver Facility has a $2 million sublimit for the issuance of
stand-by letters of credit. Pursuant to the Revolver Facility, the Company is
able to borrow up to 85% of eligible accounts receivable and up to 50% of the
value of the Company's eligible inventory. The unused portion of the Revolver
Facility was $1,000,000 at December 31, 1997. During January 1998, the Company
borrowed $250,000 of such unused portion of the Revolver Facility. To date, the
lenders have not allowed the Company the use of any additional amounts available
under the Revolver Facility due to the Company's non-compliance with certain
financial covenants as described below.
Interest under the New Credit Facility is payable at the LIBOR rate or the
"Base Rate." In addition to applicable margins, the Company pays a floating
percentage tied to the Company's ratio of funded debt to "EBITDA"; ranging, in
the case of LIBOR rate loans, from 1.50% based upon a ratio of 1.5:1 or less to
2.75% based upon a ratio of greater than 3:1; and ranging, in the case of Base
Rate loans, from .50% based upon a ratio of 2.25:1 or less to 1.25% based upon a
ratio of greater than 3:1. Pursuant to the New Credit Facility, the Company is
required to enter into exchange agreements and/or other appropriate interest
rate hedging transactions for the purpose of interest rate protection covering
at least 75% of the borrowings under the Term Facility through February 13,
2000.
The New Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain certain financial
ratios. Pursuant to the New Credit Facility, the Company is required to apply
75% of its "Excess Cash Flow" for the preceding completed fiscal year, the net
proceeds from any sale of assets other than in the ordinary course and the net
proceeds of equity issuances, and permitted debt issuances to prepay outstanding
amounts under the Term Facility. The New Credit Facility also contains a number
of customary covenants, including, among others, limitations on liens, affiliate
transactions, mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, dividends and advances. The
New Credit Facility is secured by a first priority lien on all of the assets of
the Company and its subsidiaries.
As of December 31, 1997, the Company was not in compliance with certain
financial covenants with respect to the New Credit Facility. Although the
lenders have not declared a default
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or accelerated payment of the New Credit Facility, there can be no assurance
that the lenders will not do so in the future. As a result, $7,000,000 of the
New Credit Facility has been reclassified as of December 31, 1997 as current
debt. The Company is currently in negotiation with the lenders to restructure
the New Credit Facility including modification of the financial covenants and
obtaining waivers of past non-compliance.
The Company's liquidity decreased from working capital of approximately
$9.7 million at December 31, 1996 to working capital of approximately $0.8
million at December 31, 1997. This decrease results primarily from increases of
approximately $5.2 million in receivables due to increased sales volume in 1997
and approximately $5.6 million in inventory related to additional anticipated
increases in future sales volume, offset by an increase of approximately $8.4
million in accounts payable related principally to the increased inventory
levels and the reclassification of $7.0 million of non-current debt to current
debt for the reasons described above. In addition, the Company's short-term
debt increased by approximately $8.2 million and short-term investments
decreased by approximately $5 million as a result of the Acquisition.
The Company incurred approximately $1.4 million in capital expenditures
during 1997 primarily relating to the expansion of its facility and the
acquisition of equipment, and furniture and fixtures. The Company anticipates
that its level of capital expenditures will decrease significantly during 1998.
The Company anticipates, based on its currently proposed plans, of which
there can be no assurance that they will be accomplished, that the net cash
available from operations will be sufficient to satisfy its anticipated cash
requirements for the 1998 fiscal year. In this regard, the Company will attempt
to (i) restructure the New Credit Facility as described above, (ii) negotiate
with additional lenders to replace its current senior debt, (iii) reduce its
current inventory levels by expanding its distribution and (iv) restructure its
organization to reduce its operating costs.
GOING CONCERN CONSIDERATION
As indicated by the independent certified public accountants in their
report and as shown in the financial statements, the Company has experienced
significant operating losses which have resulted in an accumulated deficit of
$9,945,253 at December 31, 1997. For the year ended December 31, 1997, the
Company reported a loss before preferred dividends of $3,401,881 and was not in
compliance with certain financial covenants under the New Credit Facility.
These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue
as a going concern.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE
The Company presently transacts business internationally in United States
currency. To date, the Company has not been affected significantly by currency
exchange fluctuations. However, future currency fluctuations in countries in
which the Company does business could adversely affect the Company by resulting
in pricing that is not competitive with prices denominated in local currencies.
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YEAR 2000
During November, 1997 the Company began converting its information system
to be year 2000 compliant. At December 31, 1997, the Company had completed the
installation of the new software and was in the process of updating the
applications. The Company incurred charges aggregating approximately $90,000 in
1997 and estimates that additional costs will aggregate approximately $50,000 in
1998.
SEASONALITY
The Company anticipates that the seasonality of its premium sunglass
business generally will follow the selling activity of its largest customer,
Sunglass Hut. Historically, the strongest quarter in terms of Serengeti sales is
the second quarter, followed by the first, fourth and third quarters.
The seasonality of the Company's non-premium sunglass business generally
follows the selling activity of its largest customer for such products,
Wal-Mart. Historically, the Company's strongest quarter in terms of sales is the
fourth quarter, followed by the first, second and third quarters.
RECENT PRONOUNCEMENT
In June 1997, the Financial Account Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," (FAS 130) and No.
131, "Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," (FAS
131). FAS 130 establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive
income, its components and accumulated balances. FAS 131 establishes standards
for the way that public companies report information about operating segments in
annual financial statements and requires reporting of selected information about
operating segments in interim financial statements issued to the public. Both
FAS 130 and FAS 131 are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 1997.
The Company has not determined the impact that FAS 130 and FAS 131 will have on
its future financial statements and disclosures.
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ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
----
Independent Auditor's Reports F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1997 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years
Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 F-5
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the
Two Years Ended December 31, 1997 F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996 F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-9
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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
----------------------------
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
We have audited the consolidated balance sheet of Serengeti Eyewear, Inc. and
subsidiary as of December 31, 1997 and the related consolidated statements of
operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Serengeti Eyewear,
Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 1997 and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 15 to the
financial statements, the Company has experienced significant operating losses,
has an accumulated deficit at December 31, 1997, and is default of certain loan
covenants of its senior debt. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the
Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard
to these matters are also described in Note 15. The financial statements do not
include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
BDO Seidman, LLP
Orlando, Florida
April 7, 1998 (except for Note 9 as
to which the date is May 20, 1998)
F-1
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
----------------------------
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc)
We have audited the consolidated balance sheet of Serengeti Eyewear, Inc. as of
December 31, 1996 and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Serengeti Eyewear, Inc. as of
December 31, 1996 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
year then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Bartnick, P.A.
Certified Public Accountants
Boca Raton, Florida
February 14, 1997
(Except for Note 13 as
to which the date is
January 26, 1998)
F-2
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc,
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Consolidated Balance Sheet
December 31, 1997
ASSETS
------
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 128,188
Accounts receivable - less allowance
for doubtful accounts and discounts
of $238,445 (Notes 5, 7 and 9) 11,259,056
Other receivables 78,730
Income tax refund receivable (Note 10) 388,257
Inventories (Notes 1, 2 and 7) 18,438,581
Prepaid expenses (Note 3) 926,128
------------
Total current assets 31,218,940
Fixed assets - net of accumulated
depreciation (Notes 2 and 4) 2,353,051
Other assets:
Debt issue costs (Note 2) 495,000
Prepaid expenses - non-current (Note 3) 342,738
Patents and trademarks - (Note 2) 10,824,861
Goodwill (Note 2) 7,053,607
Other assets 18,424
------------
$ 52,306,621
------------
------------
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Consolidated Balance Sheet
December 31, 1997
(Continued)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Note payable - bank (Note 5) $ 6,500,000
Current portion of long-term debt - bank
(Note 7) 8,750,000
Current portion of long-term debt - other
(Note 7) 57,818
Due to stockholder (Note 6) 44,575
Accounts payable 12,533,053
Accrued dividends (Note 8) 1,290,000
Customer deposits 900,122
Accrued expenses 389,963
-----------
Total current liabilities 30,465,531
-----------
Long-term debt - other (Note 7) 154,865
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders' equity (Notes 8, 12, and 13):
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, convertible,
1,000,000 shares authorized, 22,618 shares
issued and outstanding 21,043,000
Common stock, $.001 par value, 10,000,000
shares authorized, 2,384,000 shares
issued and outstanding 2,384
Additional paid in capital 10,586,094
Accumulated deficit (9,945,253)
-----------
Total stockholders' equity 21,686,225
-----------
$52,306,621
-----------
-----------
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For The Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
1997 1996
------------ ------------
Net sales $ 32,458,362 $ 13,584,255
Cost of goods sold 18,644,772 8,704,447
------------ ------------
Gross profit 13,813,590 4,879,808
------------ ------------
Operating expenses:
Depreciation 364,753 118,612
Amortization 906,071 7,673
Selling expenses 6,245,338 2,125,757
General and administrative
expenses 8,759,208 1,623,109
------------ ------------
Total operating expenses 16,275,370 3,875,151
------------ ------------
Income (loss) from operations (2,461,780) 1,004,657
------------ ------------
Other expenses (income):
Other income (64,644) (189,632)
Interest 1,334,733 393,112
------------ ------------
1,270,089 203,480
------------ ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes (3,731,869) 801,177
Provision for income taxes
(benefit) (Note 10) (329,988) 232,930
------------ ------------
Net income (loss) (3,401,881) 568,247
Preferred dividends * 5,040,000 2,674,818
------------ ------------
Net loss applicable to
Common stock $ (8,441,881) $ (2,106,571)
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Basic loss per share $ (3.54) $ (.88)
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
* Amounts for 1996 have been restated from those previously reported to
reflect a stock dividend on preferred stock which is convertible at a
discount from market value at the date of issuance (see Note 13).
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity
For the Two Years Ended December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stock Preferred Stock Paid in Accumulated
Shares Amount Shares Amount Capital Deficit
------------------ ------------------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance December 31, 1995 2,384,000 $2,384 - $ - $4,279,276 $ 603,199
Preferred shares issued
for cash pursuant to a
Regulation S offering 7,500 7,500,000
Costs associated with
Regulation S offering (525,000)
Preferred stock dividend -
Accrual * (118,000)
Preferred stock dividend -
Assumed conversion * 2,556,818 (2,556,818)
Net income for the year 568,247
--------- ------ ------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance December 31, 1996 2,384,000 2,384 7,500 6,975,000 6,836,094 (1,503,372)
Preferred stock issued
for cash pursuant to a
Regulation S offering 15,000 15,000,000
Costs associated with
Regulation S offering (1,050,000)
Payment of preferred
stock dividend 118 118,000
Preferred stock dividend -
Accrual (1,290,000)
Preferred stock dividend -
Assumed conversion 3,750,000 (3,750,000)
Net loss for the year (3,401,881)
--------- ------ ------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance December 31, 1997 2,384,000 $2,384 22,618 $21,043,000 $10,586,094 $(9,945,253)
</TABLE>
* Amounts for 1996 have been restated from those previously reported to
reflect a stock dividend on preferred stock which is convertible at a discount
from market on the date of issuance (see Note 13)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For The Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
1997 1996
----------- -----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $(3,401,881) $ 568,247
----------- -----------
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 1,270,824 126,285
Deferred loan fees charged to interest 105,000 -
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in accounts receivable (5,157,787) (2,074,115)
(Increase) in tax refunds receivable (388,257) -
(Increase) in inventory (5,599,344) (1,222,268)
(Increase) decrease in trading securities 4,976,625 (3,629,600)
(Increase) in prepaid expenses (466,504) (29,046)
(Increase) in other assets (2,553) (3,616)
Increase in accounts payable 8,417,744 1,978,040
Increase in customer deposits 900,122 -
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses (290,213) 233,110
(Decrease) in accrued income taxes (232,930) (109,070)
----------- -----------
Total adjustments 3,532,727 (4,730,280)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in)
Operating activities 130,846 (4,162,033)
----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of Corning division assets (26,264,530) (2,091,031)
Acquisitions of patents and trademarks (23,053) (12,462)
Proceeds from disposition of fixed assets 64,841 -
Purchase of fixed assets (1,207,583) (262,501)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in)
investing activities (27,430,325) (2,365,994)
----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Gross proceeds from bank borrowings 16,500,000 -
Principal payments on bank borrowings (2,750,000) -
Principal payments on long-term debt -other (95,858) (17,862)
Principal payments on notes payable and
accounts payable related parties (209,202) (179,065)
Net proceeds from preferred stock sales 13,950,000 6,975,000
Deferred loan costs (600,000) -
S corporation distribution - (96,575)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in)
Financing activities 26,794,940 6,681,498
----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
Cash equivalents (504,539) 153,471
Cash and cash equivalents- beginning of year 632,727 479,256
----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents- end of year $ 128,188 $ 632,727
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-7
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For The Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
(Continued)
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for : Interest $1,053,618 $ 388,578
Income taxes $ 233,166 $ 238,972
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Acquisition of fixed assets with debt $ 164,252 $ 113,269
Commission paid with warrants $ - $ 462,000
Issuance of preferred stock for
payment of dividends $ 118,000 $ -
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-8
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
NOTE 1 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ORGANIZATION
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc. (Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.) (See Note 2) is a
distributor of sunglasses incorporated under the laws of the State of New York.
The Company maintains its office and warehouse operations in Sarasota, Florida.
Suppliers for the Company are primarily located in the United States, Asia and
Europe. The Company's customers operate retail stores located principally
throughout North America, Europe and the Pacific Rim.
CONSOLIDATION POLICY
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Solartechnics (HK) Ltd. Intercompany
transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market on a first in - first out
basis and consist of the following.
Raw materials $ 5,328,247
Work in process 4,625,578
Finished goods 8,484,756
-----------
$18,438,581
-----------
-----------
FIXED ASSETS
Fixed assets are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is
calculated using the straight line method over the expected useful lives of the
assets of five to fifteen years.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly
liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of 3 months or less to be cash
equivalents.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company recognizes revenue upon shipment of goods to its customers.
PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
Patents and trademarks are amortized using the straight line method over periods
of ten to thirteen years for patents and twenty years for trademarks based upon
their estimated useful lives. Patents and trademarks are stated net of
accumulated amortization of $567,252 and $20,882 at December 31, 1997 and 1996
F-9
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
respectively.
GOODWILL
Goodwill resulting from the acquisition of the Serengeti business is amortized
using the straight line method over a period of twenty years and is stated net
of accumulated amortization of $338,820 at December 31, 1997.
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to
be disposed of" (FAS 121) during 1997. FAS 121 requires impairment losses to be
recorded on long-lived assets used in operations and goodwill when indications
of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be
generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying amount. The
adoption of FAS 121 did not materially impact the financial statements of the
Company.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of the Company's financial statements requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial
statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these
estimates.
ADVERTISING COSTS
Advertising costs are charged to operations when incurred. Advertising costs
charged to operations were $3,471,828 and $658,461 in 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
WARRANTY COSTS
The Company offers a one year warranty on its line of products. Warranty costs
are charged to operations as incurred. The Company accrued $100,000 for future
estimated warranty costs at December 31, 1997. Warranty costs were approximately
$357,000 during 1997.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair value estimates discussed herein are based upon certain market assumptions
and pertinent information available to management as of December 31, 1997. The
respective carrying value of certain on-balance-sheet financial instruments
approximated their fair values. These financial instruments include cash, trade
receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses. Fair values were assumed to
approximate carrying values for these financial instruments because they are
short term in nature and their carrying amounts approximate fair values or they
are receivable or payable on demand. The fair value of the Company's long-term
debt is estimated based upon the quoted market prices for the same or similar
issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for
F-10
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
debt of the same remaining maturities.
RECENT PRONOUNCEMENT
In June, 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," (FAS 130) and No.
131, "Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," (FAS
131). FAS 130 establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive
income, its components and accumulated balances. FAS 131 establishes standards
for the way that public companies report information about operating segments in
annual financial statements and requires reporting of selected information about
operating segments in interim financial statements issued to the public. Both
FAS 130 and FAS 131 are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 1997.
The Company has not determined the impact that FAS 130 and FAS 131 will have on
its future financial statements and disclosures.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain amounts in the 1996 financial statements have been reclassified to
conform to the 1997 presentation.
NOTE 2 - ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS INTEREST
On February 13, 1997 the Company changed its name to Serengeti Eyewear, Inc. in
conjunction with the acquisition of certain assets of the Serengeti Eyewear
division of Corning Incorporated used in the design, manufacture and
distribution of Serengeti brand sunglasses. The Company used the purchase method
of accounting to record this transaction and has included these operations in
its statement of operations since the acquisition date. Accordingly, the
purchase price was allocated to the net assets acquired based upon their
estimated fair market values. The Company acquired the Serengeti assets for cash
aggregating $27.5 million. The Company financed the purchase and related
transaction expenses with the net proceeds from the sale of shares of preferred
stock (see Note 8) and the borrowings under the credit facility described below.
In addition, the Company incurred other costs related to the acquisition
aggregating $855,561 which are being amortized as goodwill over a period of 20
years.
Concurrently with the closing of the above acquisition, the Company entered into
a Revolving Line of Credit and Term Loan Agreement with SunTrust Bank (see Notes
5 and 7). Under the agreement the Company has the ability to borrow up to $17.5
million in the form of (a) a three year revolving credit facility in the amount
of $7.5 million and (b) a five year amortizing term loan facility in the amount
of $10 million. Closing costs related to the bank financing aggregating $600,000
are being amortized as interest expense over a period of 5 years.
F-11
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
The Company borrowed the entire $10 million under the term loan to finance a
portion of the acquisition and to repay the $1.5 million of outstanding
indebtedness under an existing line of credit.
The purchase price, including the additional costs described above, was
allocated as follows:
Inventory $ 8,830,856
Furniture and equipment 832,278
Trademarks 9,500,000
Patents 1,800,000
Goodwill 7,392,427
-----------
$28,355,561
-----------
-----------
The following unaudited pro forma summary presents the consolidated results of
operations as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the periods
presented and does not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had
the acquisition been made as of that date or the results which may occur in the
future.
1997 1996
------- -------
(In thousands)
Net sales $35,097 $46,238
Net loss applicable to common stock $(8,460) $(3,346)
Per share $ (3.55) $ (1.40)
NOTE 3 - PREPAID EXPENSES
It is the Company's policy to amortize sunglass displays shipped to customers
over the two year period of the distribution program. At December 31, 1997
unamortized costs related to these displays was $874,874 of which $532,136 is
classified as a current asset. Amortization charged to cost of sales was
$665,548 and $396,456 during 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Other prepaid expenses were $393,992 at December 31, 1997.
NOTE 4 - FIXED ASSETS
Fixed assets consist of the following at December 31, 1997:
Furniture and equipment $2,201,828
Leasehold improvements 530,934
Transportation equipment 209,068
----------
2,941,830
Less: accumulated depreciation 588,779
----------
$2,353,051
----------
----------
Depreciation expense was $364,753 and $118,612 for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996 respectively.
F-12
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
NOTE 5 - NOTE PAYABLE - BANK
During February, 1997 the Company secured a $7,500,000 line of credit with a
bank with interest payable at a LIBOR rate or Base rate plus applicable margins.
At December 31, 1997 the Company had borrowed $6,500,000 on the line at an
average interest rate of 8.6%.
The Company is able to borrow up to 85% of eligible accounts receivable under 91
days old and 50% of eligible inventory under the revolving credit facility for
working capital. The credit facility is secured by a first priority lien on all
of the assets of the Company and its subsidiary. In addition, the Company is
subject to certain financial covenants. Certain information related to this note
for the year ended December 31, 1997 is as follows.
Maximum amount outstanding $6,500,000
Average month end balance $1,742,000
Weighted average interest rate 8.5%
Unused at December 31, 1997 $1,000,000
At December 31, 1997, although the Company was current with its principal and
interest payments to the bank it was in violation of certain of the financial
loan covenants under the revolving loan and the term loan described in Note 7.
The financial loan covenants include ratio and net worth requirements. The
Company is currently attempting to restructure its loan covenants with the bank.
As of the date hereof these covenants had not yet been restructured and the
entire amounts due under the revolving loan and term loan have been classified
as current liabilities.
NOTE 6 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company at January 1, 1994, had an unsecured 9% interest-bearing note
payable to a stockholder due on April 30, 1995, in the amount of $880,522.
During December, 1994 $510,000 of this note was converted to equity with the
balance of $370,522 converted into a term note with interest at 9% per annum
payable interest only of $2,779 per month for 12 months and principal and
interest of $16,927 for 24 months thereafter. The balance of $173,921 at
December 31, 1996 was repaid during 1997.
The Company borrowed $285,000 from a shareholder during November, 1993, for
working capital purposes. Through 1997 $240,425 was repaid. The remaining
balance of $44,575 is due on demand and is recorded as due to Stockholder at
December 31, 1997.
Interest expense related to loans from related parties aggregated approximately
$27,000 and $29,000 in 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Legal fees for services rendered by a firm of which a director is a partner were
approximately $565,000 and $318,000 in 1997
F-13
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
and 1996, respectively.
NOTE 7 - LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 1997:
Note payable bank - due in quarterly installments
of $312,500 in 1997, $437,500 in 1998 and $583,333
from 1999 to 2001, due December 31, 2001. Interest
is calculated based on LIBOR rate plus applicable
margins (9% at December 31, 1997) (secured by
substantially all of the Company's assets) $8,750,000
Note payable due in monthly installments of $1,127
including interest at 7.5% per annum, due in August,
2002 (secured by transportation equipment) 53,154
Note payable due in monthly installments of $1,168
including interest at 7.2% per annum, due in Nov.,
2000 (secured by transportation equipment) 36,764
Note payable due in monthly installments of $479
including interest at 4.9% per annum, due in Aug.,
2000 (secured by transportation equipment) 14,351
Note payable due in monthly installments of $510
including interest at 9.3% per annum, due in June,
2001 (secured by transportation equipment) 18,229
Note payable due in monthly installments of $385
including interest at 13% per annum, due in December,
1999 (secured by equipment) 8,098
Note payable due in monthly installments of $1,422
including interest at 12.8% per annum, due in April,
2000 (secured by equipment) 32,873
Note payable due in monthly installments of $1,130
including interest at 9.6% per annum, due in June,
2002 (secured by equipment) 49,214
----------
8,962,683
Less current portion 8,807,818
----------
$ 154,865
----------
----------
Maturity of long-term debt is as follows:
1998: $8,807,818 - 1999:$63,547 - 2000: $48,284
2001: $27,603 - 2002: $15,431
F-14
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
NOTE 8 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
STOCK OPTIONS
At December 31, 1997, the Company had one stock option plan. The Company applies
APB 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations
in accounting for the options. Under APB Opinion 25, if options are granted or
extended at exercise prices less than fair market value, compensation expense is
recorded for the difference between the grant price and the fair market value.
Under the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan, (the "Plan") the Company's Board of
Directors has reserved 1,500,000 shares which may be granted at the Board of
Directors' discretion. No option may be granted after January, 2005 and the
maximum term of the options granted under the Plan is ten years.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (FAS 123) "Accounting for
Stock Based Compensation," requires the Company to provide proforma information
regarding net income and earnings per share as if compensation cost for the
Company's stock options had been determined in accordance with the fair value
based method prescribed in FAS 123. The Company estimates the fair value of each
stock option at the grant date by using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model
with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants: no dividend
yield, volatility ranging from 50% to 60%, risk-free interest rates ranging from
6.1% to 6.6% and expected lives of three years.
Under the accounting provisions of FASB 123, the Company's net loss and loss per
share would be as follows:
1997 1996
------------ -----------
Net loss applicable to common stock $(10,302,954) $(3,885,002)
Per share $ (4.32) $ (1.63)
Changes in options outstanding under the plan are summarized as follows:
Weighted Weighted
Average Average
Exercise Fair Value
Shares Price of Options
------ ----- ----------
Balance December 31, 1995 20,000 $4.19 $ -
Granted above market value 800,000 8.38 1.94
Granted equal to market value 80,000 4.72 1.87
Granted below market value 25,000 4.72 3.18
---------------------------
Balance December 31, 1996 925,000 8.08 -
Granted above market value 220,065 3.24 1.25
Granted equal to market value 1,189,935 2.94 1.33
Forfeited (925,000) 8.08 -
---------------------------
Balance December 31, 1997 1,410,000 2.99 -
---------------------------
---------------------------
F-15
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
At December 31, 1997, a total of 714,974 of the outstanding Plan options were
exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $2.97 per share and have a
weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.9 years.
STOCK WARRANTS
The following details the warrants outstanding as of December 31, 1997:
Underlying
Warrant series Shares Exercise price Expiration
-------------- ---------- -------------- ----------
IPO warrants 1,174,000 $6.50 Sep., 2000
Underwriter warrants 96,000 $7.50 Aug., 2000
Class A 150,000 $5.56 Dec., 2002
Class B 300,000 $7.50 Dec., 2002
Class C 300,000 $10.00 Dec., 2002
Class D 200,000 $5.50 Sep., 2001
---------
2,220,000
---------
---------
SHARES RESERVED
At December 31, 1997 the Company has reserved common stock for the following
purposes:
Shares
----------
Convertible preferred stock 11,000,000
Stock options 1,500,000
Stock warrants 2,220,000
----------
14,720,000
----------
----------
PREFERRED STOCK
On October 4, 1996 the Company issued 7,500 shares of its $.001 par value Series
A 6.5% cumulative convertible non-voting preferred stock, to RBB Bank
Aktiengesellschaft (RBB) a banking institution located in Austria, in a private
offshore offering pursuant to Regulation S for cash aggregating $7,500,000 less
commissions aggregating $525,000. Concurrently with the closing of the
acquisition described in Note 2, RBB purchased pursuant to said Regulation S
offering 7,500 shares of the Company's $.001 par value Series B 6% cumulative
convertible non-voting preferred stock and 7,500 shares of the Company's $.001
par value Series C 6% cumulative convertible non-voting preferred stock for cash
aggregating $15,000,000 less commissions aggregating $1,050,000. The dividends
on the preferred shares are payable in cash or additional shares of preferred
stock at the option of the Company. During 1997, 118 shares of preferred stock
valued at $118,000, which represent dividends accrued in 1996 were issued. At
December 31, 1997 dividends aggregating 1,290 shares of preferred stock, valued
at $1,290,000 were due and payable to RBB.
Concurrently with the issuance of the Series A preferred shares, the Company
also issued RBB a Series A warrant to purchase up to 150,000 shares of the
Company's $.001 par value common stock at an
F-16
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
exercise price of $5.56 per share at any time commencing January 1, 1999 through
December 31, 2002. In addition, concurrently with the issuance of the Series B
and C preferred shares, the Company issued to RBB a Series B and a Series C
warrant each of which entitles RBB to purchase up to an aggregate of 300,000
shares of the Company's $.001 par value common stock at a per share exercise
price of $7.50 with respect to the Series B warrant and $10 with respect to the
Series C warrant at any time commencing January 1, 1999 through December 31,
2002. The Company also issued as part of the commission in connection with the
Series A preferred shares a Series D warrant to purchase up to an aggregate of
200,000 shares of $.001 par value common stock at an exercise price of $5.50 per
share through September 30, 2001.
Each of the Series A Preferred Shares may be converted into shares of common
stock at any time. Each Series A share is convertible into such number of common
shares as is determined by dividing its stated value of $1,000 by a conversion
rate equal to the lower of (a) $5.50 or (b) 80% of the average market price for
the common stock for the ten trading days ending three days prior to the giving
by the holder of a notice of conversion.
Each of the Series B Preferred Shares may be converted into shares of common
stock at any time. Each Series B share is convertible into such number of common
shares as is determined by dividing its stated value of $1,000 by a conversion
rate equal to the lower of (a) $6.75 or (b) 80% of the average market price for
the common stock for the ten trading days ending three days prior to the giving
by the holder of a notice of conversion.
Each of the Series C Preferred Shares may be converted into shares of common
stock at any time after July 1, 1997. Each Series C share is convertible into
such number of common shares as is determined by dividing its stated value of
$1,000 by a conversion rate equal to the lower of (a) $8.25 or (b) 80% of the
average market price for the common stock for the ten trading days ending three
days prior to the giving by the holder of a notice of conversion.
The Company recorded preferred dividends of $5,040,000 ($2.11 per share) and
$2,674,818 ($1.12 per share) including $3,750,000 and $2,556,818 of dividends
recorded as an issuance of the beneficial conversion features of the preferred
stock during 1997 and 1996 respectively (see Note 13).
At any time after September 30, 2000 the Company will have the right to force
conversion of the preferred shares into common stock.
F-17
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
NOTE 9 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
During 1997 the Company entered into employment agreements with five officers
and seven sales personnel. These agreements call for aggregate salaries of
$1,131,000 in 1997, $1,467,000 in 1998, $1,539,000 in 1999 and $272,000 in 2000
and auto allowances aggregating $66,000 per year. Also included in the contracts
are certain bonus compensation and options to purchase up to 515,000 shares of
common stock at $2.94 per share through August, 2000 based on sales and profit
targets set by the Company. The sales and profit targets were not met in 1997.
OPERATING LEASES
The Company leases its warehouse and office facilities pursuant to a lease
expiring March 2000. This lease provides for various escalations based on cost
of living, real estate taxes, and other provisions. In addition, the Company
leases sales offices on a month to month basis and certain transportation
equipment pursuant to leases classified as operating leases. Total monthly
lease payments for the warehouse and office facility aggregate approximately
$6,700 per month.
Rent expense was $278,823 and $108,775 for 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Future minimum rentals for leases with remaining terms in excess of one year are
as follows:
1998: $98,763 - 1999: $85,095 - 2000: $13,600
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK/MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS
During the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company made net sales to
customers for amounts exceeding 10% of total net sales as follows:
1996: WalMart $7,200,000 - 53%: Optimax $2,800,000 - 21%
1997: WalMart $9,200,000 - 27%: Sunglass Hut $3,600,000 - 11%
Approximately $4,400,000 of the gross accounts receivable are due from two
customers at December 31, 1997 and are unsecured.
The Company relies on a single source for the supply of lens blanks for its
Serengeti line of products. The loss of the source for lens blanks or a
disruption of the supply from this source could cause, at a minimum, temporary
shortages in needed materials and could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business operations.
F-18
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
During March, 1997, Argent Securities, Inc. ("Argent), the underwriter of the
Company's initial public offering, filed an action against the Company in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta
Division. This action has since been transferred to the United States District
Court for the Southern District of New York. The civil complaint alleges, among
other things, breaches by the Company of its underwriting agreement with Argent,
breach of corporate duties relating to the issuance of the Preferred Shares, and
misstatements in the Company's Proxy Statement relating to the issuance of the
Preferred Shares. The complaint seeks, among other things, monetary relief as
well as a preliminary injunction enjoining the Company from permitting the
conversion of any Preferred Shares, and requiring that the Company secure a seat
on its Board of Directors for an Argent representative. The Company has
reviewed Argent's claims and believes them to be meritless. The Company intends
to vigorously defend the action and is presently considering counterclaims.
During January, 1998 RBB Bank (RBB) the entity which purchased $22.5 million of
the Company's preferred stock, the proceeds of which were utilized by the
Company to purchase the Serengeti business, filed an action in the United States
District Court, Southern District of New York. In the action, RBB alleges
various violations of the securities laws in connection with the purchase by RBB
of the 22,500 shares of the Company's convertible preferred stock. RBB contends
that the Company failed to disclose certain material information and that RBB
relied to its detriment on these omissions in purchasing the Company's
convertible preferred stock. There are also common law claims for fraud and
negligent misrepresentation. RBB seeks compensatory damages in the sum of $22.5
million, equal to the purchase price of the preferred stock, and punitive
damages in the sum of $25 million. The Company has reviewed the claims and
denies them. The Company has filed a motion to dismiss the claims.
During February, 1998 Corning Incorporated (Corning), the entity from whom
the Company purchased the Serengeti business filed an action in the Supreme
Court, State of New York, County of Steuben. In the action Corning alleged
that it was due $843,000 from the Company for services rendered during the
period from February 13, 1997 to May 7, 1997. In addition, in conjunction
with the Company's acquisition of the Serengeti business $1.5 million was
deposited in escrow by the Company. These funds were to be released to
Corning on February 13, 1998 if the Company had not made indemnification
claims against it prior to that date. Corning was demanding that the funds
held in escrow be released to it even though the Company had made
indemnification claims against the fund.
The Company was disputing Corning's claim for the $843,000 as it
F-19
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
was the Company's contention that it has requested from Corning, on several
occasions, documentation for the alleged charges and Corning had not provided
the requested documentation. The Company was also disputing the release of the
escrow funds to Corning as it had filed an indemnification claim against Corning
in the amount of $3,054,000.
On May 20, 1998, the Company and Corning entered into a settlement agreement
releasing all claims. In connection therewith the Company received $405,500,
including interest from the escrow account and Corning received the balance
which was held in escrow. In addition, the Company may defer payment for up to
250,000 lens blanks purchased during the next 12 months from Corning until
December, 1999 and the suit is being dismissed.
NOTE 10 - INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes under Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 109 (FAS 109), "Accounting for Income Taxes", which requires use
of the liability method. FAS 109 provides that deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recorded based on the differences between the tax bases of
assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting
purposes, referred to as temporary differences. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities at the end of each period are determined using the currently enacted
tax rates applied to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax
assets and liabilities are expected to be settled or realized.
The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 1997
consisted of the following:
Deferred tax assets:
Warranty reserve $ 34,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts 81,000
Net operating loss carryforward 546,000
Valuation allowance (616,000)
----------
Deferred tax assets 45,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization (45,000)
----------
Net deferred tax asset $ -
----------
----------
The Company's valuation allowance increased by $616,000 during 1997. The Company
has recorded a valuation allowance to state its deferred tax assets at estimated
net realizable value due to the uncertainty related to realization of these
assets through future taxable income.
The amounts shown for income taxes in the statements of operations differ from
amounts that would be derived from computing income taxes at federal statutory
rates.
F-20
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
The following is a reconciliation of those differences.
1997 1996
---- ----
Tax at federal statutory rate (34)% 34 %
Operating loss with no tax benefit 25
Other (8)
State income tax net of federal
tax benefit 3
-------- --------
(9)% 29 %
-------- --------
-------- --------
During 1997, due to the net operating loss, the Company will be able to file a
claim for federal income tax refunds from 1995 and 1996 aggregating $388,257.
The unused amount of operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1,600,000
expires in 2112.
Income taxes consisted of $188,595 of domestic and $44,335 of foreign income
taxes in 1996.
NOTE 11 - FOREIGN OPERATIONS
During 1997 and 1996 the Company operated in 2 geographic areas: The United
States and Hong Kong. Following is a summary of information by area:
1997 1996
----------- -----------
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
United States $31,341,200 $12,634,908
Hong Kong 1,117,162 949,347
----------- -----------
$32,458,362 $13,584,255
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
Income (loss) from operations:
United States $(2,403,481) 1,139,571
Hong Kong (58,299) (134,914)
----------- -----------
(2,461,780) 1,004,657
Other income 64,644 189,632
Other expenses (1,334,733) (393,112)
----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes $(3,731,869) $ 801,177
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
Identifiable assets:
United States $50,462,001 $18,762,738
Hong Kong 1,844,620 591,849
----------- -----------
$52,306,621 $19,354,587
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes represents net sales, less operating expenses
for each geographic area and other income and expenses of a general corporate
nature. Identifiable assets are those that are identifiable with operations in
each geographic area. All of the sales made by the foreign subsidiary in 1997
were made to a significant customer described in Note 9 and approximately 87% of
the sales made by the foreign subsidiary in 1996 were made to a significant
customer described in Note 9.
F-21
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
Export sales for the year ended December 31, 1997 aggregated approximately
$9,500,000 and were distributed to the following geographic regions.
Canada $2,000,000
Europe 5,000,000
Asia and Australia 2,500,000
----------
$9,500,000
----------
----------
NOTE 12 - LOSS PER SHARE
Loss per share amounts are computed based upon the weighted average number of
shares outstanding of 2,384,000 in 1997 and 1996.
Potential common shares are not considered in the computation as their effect
would be anti-dilutive. Potential common shares include 1,410,000 options,
2,220,000 warrants and 11,000,000 shares underlying the preferred stock.
In February, 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 "Earnings Per Share" (FAS 128). FAS 128
establishes new standards for computing and presenting earnings per share (EPS).
Specifically FAS 128 replaces the presentation of primary EPS with a
presentation of basic EPS, requires dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS
on the face of the income statement for all entities with complex capital
structures and requires a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the
diluted EPS computation. FAS 128 is effective for financial statements issued
for periods ending after December 15, 1997. The adoption of FAS 128 did not have
a material effect on the Company's EPS presentation.
NOTE 13 - RESTATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
In March, 1997 the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced its
position on accounting for preferred stock which is convertible into common
stock at a discount from the market price at the date of issuance. The SEC's
position is that a dividend should be recorded for the difference between the
conversion price and the quoted market price of the common stock on the date of
issuance. To comply with this position and to record an accrual for 1996
preferred stock dividends, the Company restated its financial statements to
reflect a dividend of $2,674,818 ($1.12 per share) at December 31, 1996, related
to the sale of the convertible preferred stock discussed in Note 8.
F-22
<PAGE>
Serengeti Eyewear, Inc.
(Formerly Solar-Mates, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
NOTE 14 - SIGNIFICANT FOURTH QUARTER ADJUSTMENTS
During the fourth quarter of 1997 the company issued credits and markdowns to
several customers which resulted in a charge to operations aggregating
approximately $2,100,000. These credits and markdowns were issued by the Company
at the request of certain significant customers to allow them to increase the
rate of sale of the Company's products and to allow these customers to adjust
their mix of the Company's products at the retail level.
NOTE 15 - GOING CONCERN CONSIDERATION
The Company's financial statements are presented on a going concern basis, which
contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in
the normal course of business. The Company has experienced a net loss before
preferred dividends in 1997 of $3,401,881 which resulted in an accumulated
deficit of $9,945,253 at December 31, 1997. At December 31, 1997 the Company's
current ratio was 1.02 to 1.00. In addition, the Company was in violation of
certain financial covenants at December 31, 1997 (see Note 5). These conditions
raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going
concern.
The Company believes that the following actions and plans will allow it to
continue operations for a reasonable period of time.
The Company is attempting to restructure the loan covenants of its senior
debt.
The Company is attempting to negotiate with additional lenders to replace its
current senior debt.
The Company is attempting to reduce its current inventory levels by expanding
its distribution.
The Company is attempting to restructure its organization to reduce its
operating expenses.
F-23
<PAGE>
8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE.
On February 11, 1997, Winter, Scheifley & Associates, P.C. declined to
stand for re-election as the Company's independent auditors, and on the same
date the Company appointed Bartnick, P.A. as its new independent auditors
commencing with the audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 1996. The Company's financial statements for the
past two fiscal years and any interim period through February 11, 1997 did not
contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they modified as
to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. The decision to change
auditors was approved by the Company's Board of Directors. There were no
disagreements with such former auditors on any matters of accounting principles
or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure
during the past two fiscal years or any interim period through February 11,
1997. The Company did not consult with its new independent auditors regarding
any matters relating to periods prior to their engagement. The Company has
received from its former auditors a letter addressed to the Securities and
Exchange Commission stating their agreement with the foregoing statements by the
Company.
On December 5, 1997, Bartnick, P.A. declined to stand for re-election as
the Company's independent auditors, and on the same date the Company appointed
BDO Seidman LLP as its new independent auditors commencing with the audit of the
Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31,
1997. The Company's financial statements for the past fiscal year and any
interim period through December 5, 1997 did not contain any adverse opinion or
disclaimer of opinion, nor were they modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or
accounting principles. The decision to change auditors was approved by the
Company's Board of Directors. There were no disagreements with such former
auditors on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial
statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure during the past fiscal year
or any interim period through December 5, 1997. The Company did not consult
with its new independent auditors regarding any matters relating to periods
prior to their engagement. The Company has received from its former auditors a
letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating their
agreement with the foregoing statements by the Company.
22
<PAGE>
PART III
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS;
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT.
The names and ages of the directors, executive officers and significant
employees of the Company are set forth below.
NAME AGE POSITIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Nevitt 50 President, Treasurer and Director
Milton Nevitt 76 Vice President, Secretary and
Director
Michael J. Guccione 50 Vice President and Director
David B. Newman 43 Director
William Keener 52 Director
Michael Burke 48 Vice President-Marketing and
Director
Lloyd J. Fuller 52 Vice President-Worldwide Sales
Manager/Premium Division and Director
Lucia Almquist 44 Vice President-Corporate
Development
Edward Borix 48 Vice President of Operations,
Worldwide and Director
Neil Winter 46 Chief Financial Officer
Stephen Nevitt became the President of the Company in 1993. Prior to such
time, he served as Vice President and a director of the Company since its
founding in 1976 by his father, Milton Nevitt. As Vice President, he was
involved in all phases of operations including management and sales. As
President he has been given primary responsibility for management and sales and
has also been responsible for design and development of the Company's products
as well as product procurement. Mr. Nevitt is primarily responsible for the
Company's account with Wal-Mart.
Milton Nevitt founded the Company in 1976 and served as its President and a
director until 1993, and has since served the Company as a Vice President and a
director. As President, Mr. Nevitt was primarily responsible for sales and
administration. As Vice President, Mr. Nevitt focuses on sales and also oversees
the account responsibilities of the Company's independent sales representatives
and coordinates the Company's overall sales with the Company's National Sales
Manager. Mr. Nevitt's career in the sunglass industry began in 1950 as a
manufacturer's representative for Rayex
23
<PAGE>
Corporation, a major domestic supplier of popular priced sunglasses. Mr. Nevitt
worked in that capacity until Rayex ceased its business operations in 1976.
Mr. Nevitt founded the Company shortly thereafter.
Michael J. Guccione became a Vice President and director of the Company in
December 1994. Since joining the Company in 1992, Mr. Guccione's primary
responsibilities have been marketing and product development of the Company's
H2Optix and other product lines. Mr. Guccione became employed by Wal-Mart in
1976 and started and headed its fine jewelry division. Mr. Guccione was also in
charge of the development of the sunglass business at Wal-Mart and travelled
extensively throughout the Far East and Pacific Rim for the purpose of
developing resources for the purchase of sunglasses. After leaving Wal-Mart in
1990, Mr. Guccione independently ran a management consulting firm until joining
the Company.
David B. Newman, a director of the Company since December 1994, has for
over the last nine years been a partner of the law firm Cooperman Levitt
Winikoff Lester & Newman, P.C., which has acted as outside counsel to the
Company since 1987.
William Keener, a director of the Company since July 1996, has served as an
Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of SouthTrust Bank of the
Suncoast, a commercial bank, since May 1994. From March 1990 to May 1994, Mr.
Keener served as a Senior Vice President and Group President for Commercial
Lending and, thereafter, as First Vice-President for Commercial Real Estate for
Sunbank, N.A., a commercial bank.
Michael Burke became Vice President-Marketing of the Company in January
1997 and a director of the Company in May 1997. From January 1995 until
joining the Company, Mr. Burke served as a marketing consultant to the Company.
From November 1992 through June 1994, he was Vice President and general manager
of the sunglass division of Smith Sport Optics, a sunglass distributor. From
June 1985 until November 1992, Mr. Burke served as Vice President-Marketing of
Bausch & Lomb, Inc.'s Ray-Ban sunglasses division.
Lloyd J. Fuller became Vice President-Worldwide Sales Manager/Premium
Division of the Company in February 1997 and a director of the Company in May
1997. From 1992 until joining the Company, Mr. Fuller was a sales manager for
the Serengeti Eyewear division of Corning, which was acquired by the Company in
February 1997. He was responsible for North America sales until December 1995,
when he became responsible for Latin America and Asia Pacific sales as well.
During the 29 years prior to joining the Serengeti Eyewear division, Mr. Fuller
was a sales and merchandising manager for Corning's Consumer Products Company.
Lucia Almquist became Vice President-Corporate Development of the Company
in January 1997. Ms. Almquist was a director of the Company in between May
1997 and May 1998. From 1991 through 1997, Ms. Almquist served as Vice
President - Licensing and Merchandising for the Bon Jour Group, Ltd., a designer
and manufacturer of various fashion products.
24
<PAGE>
Edward Borix became Vice President of Operations, Worldwide of the Company
in March 1997 and a director of the Company in May 1997. From January 1995
until joining the Company, Mr. Borix was a Vice President of Fidelity
Investments, an investment company. From 1979 to 1995, he was a general manager
and director of distribution for various manufacturing plants of Bausch & Lomb,
Inc., a manufacturer of diverse eyeglass, eyewear and other optical products.
Neil Winter became the Chief Financial Officer of the Company in January
1997. Mr. Winter was director of the Company between May 1997 and May 1998.
From 1985 until joining the Company, Mr. Winter was a principal of Winter,
Scheifley & Associates, P.C., a firm of certified public accountants principally
engaged in the auditing of financial statements for companies required to file
reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such firm served as the
Company's independent auditors from January 1994 until December 1996. The
Company's 1996 financial statements have been audited by Bartnick, P.A., and the
Company's 1997 financial statements have been audited by BDO Seidman LLP., both
of which are unrelated firms of certified public accountants.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
directors and executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10%
of the Common Stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of
such Common Stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and to file
copies of such reports with the Company. Based solely upon a review of the
copies of such reports filed with the Company, the Company believes that during
1997 such reporting persons complied with the filing requirements of Section
16(a).
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The following table summarizes the compensation for services rendered to
the Company paid in 1995, 1996 and 1997 to the Chief Executive Officer and the
Company's other four most highly paid executive officers who received total
annual salary and bonus in excess of $100,000 (collectively, the "Named
Executives").
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS
COMPENSATION SECURITIES UNDERLYING
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($) OPTIONS(#)
- --------------------------- ---- ------------ ----------------------
Stephen Nevitt 1997 178,768 750,000
President (CEO) 1996 166,730
1995 143,702
Michael Burke 1997 158,515 105,000
Vice President
Lucia Almquist 1997 144,193 75,000
Vice President
25
<PAGE>
Neil Winter 1997 142,815 65,000
Chief Financial Officer
Lloyd Fuller 1997 135,764 75,000
Vice President
Set forth below is information with respect to grants of stock options
during the year ended December 31, 1997 to the named executive officers in the
Summary Compensation Table.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
Number of
Securities Percent of Total
Underlying Options Granted Exercise or
Options to Employees Base Price
Name Granted(#) In Fiscal Year ($/Sh) Expiration Date
---- --------- -------------- ----------- ---------------
Stephen Nevitt 579,935 41.1% 2.94 4/02/07
20,065 0.1% 3.24 4/02/02
150,000 10.6% 3.24 4/02/02
Michael Burke 105,000 7.4% 2.94 6/30/00
Lucia Almquist 75,000 5.3% 2.94 6/30/00
Neil Winter 65,000 4.6% 2.94 8/13/00
Lloyd Fuller 75,000 5.3% 2.94 8/13/00
Other than those granted to Messrs. Nevitt and Winter, the options listed
above are subject to certain performance criteria during the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999. Such criteria were not met for 1997 and,
accordingly, the following options were forfeited: Michael Burke - 25,000; Lucia
Almquist - 25,000; and Lloyd Fuller - 25,000. See "Employment Agreements"
below.
26
<PAGE>
FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR END (#) AT FISCAL YEAR END($)**
----------------------------- --------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE* EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Stephen Nevitt 613,948 136,052 - -
Michael Burke 0 105,000 - -
Lucia Almquist 0 75,000 - -
Neil Winter 0 65,000 - -
Lloyd Fuller 0 75,000 - -
- ----------------------
* Other than those granted to Messrs. Nevitt and Winter, the options listed
above are subject to certain performance criteria during the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999. Such criteria were not met for 1997 and,
accordingly, the following options were forfeited: Michael Burke - 25,000; Lucia
Almquist - 25,000; and Lloyd Fuller - 25,000. See "Employment Agreements" below
**The last sales price of the Common Stock was approximately $2.06 per share on
December 31, 1997.
REPORT ON OPTION REPRICING
The Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") was established as an
employment incentive to retain persons necessary for the development and
financial success of the Company. In April 1997, as a result of the decrease
in the market price of the Company's Common Stock during the preceding months
and recognizing that previously granted stock options had lost much of their
value in motivating employees (including the Named Executives) to remain with
the Company and share in its overall financial goals, the Company's Stock
Option Committee, pursuant to authority granted under the Plan, approved the
repricing of 1,315,000 options, including 1,070,000 options granted to the
Named Executives (the "Old Options"). Such repricing was effected by
offering to grant new options (the "New Options") at an exercise price of
$2.94 per share (except that 220,065 incentive New Options which were offered
to two persons were offered at an exercise price of $3.24 per share), which
was the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock on April 3, 1997 (or
110% of such fair market value with respect to the incentive New Options
offered to the two persons) in exchange for the Old Options, based on a
replacement ratio of one New Option for one Old Option. All New Options to
the Named Executives expire on the same expiration date of the Old Options
except with respect to Mr. Nevitt whose incentive New Options expire five
years from the date of grant and whose non-incentive New Options expire ten
years from the date of grant. By repricing the Old Options, the Company
intends to reward key employees who held Old Options, including the Named
Executives, for their contributions to the Company.
27
<PAGE>
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In January 1997, the Company entered into a three year employment agreement
with Michael Burke whereby Mr. Burke became employed as Vice President-Marketing
of the Company. The contract provides for an annual base salary of $160,000 in
1997, $175,000 in 1998, and $190,000 in 1999. The contract also provides for
incentive compensation and stock options as follows:
1998: If net sales and pretax profits exceed $60.0 million and $6.2 million,
respectively, then Mr. Burke will receive $15,000 and 15,000 stock
options or
If net sales and pretax profits exceed $63.0 million and $6.5 million,
respectively, then Mr. Burke will receive $35,000 and 35,000 stock
options
1999: If net sales and pretax profits exceed $80.0 million and $6.9 million,
respectively, then Mr. Burke will receive $15,000 and 20,000 stock
options or
If net sales and pretax profits exceed $84.0 million and $7.25
million, respectively, then Mr. Burke will receive $35,000 and 45,000
stock options
In January, 1997, the Company entered into a three year employment
agreement with Lucia Almquist whereby Ms. Almquist became employed as Vice
President-Corporate Development of the Company. The contract provides for annual
base salary of $150,000 in 1997, $165,000 in 1998, and $180,000 in 1999. The
contract also provides for incentive compensation and stock options as follows:
1998: If net sales and pretax profits exceed $60.0 million and $6.2 million,
respectively, then Ms. Almquist will receive $15,000 and 10,000 stock
options or
If net sales and pretax profits exceed $63.0 million and $6.5 million,
respectively, then Ms. Almquist will receive $30,000 and 25,000
stock options
1999: If net sales and pretax profits exceed $80.0 million and $6.9 million,
respectively, then Ms. Almquist will receive $15,000 and 10,000 stock
options or
If net sales and pretax profits exceed $84.0 million and $7.25
million, respectively, then Ms. Almquist will receive $30,000 and
25,000 stock options
In January 1997, the Company entered into a three year employment agreement
with Neil Winter whereby Mr. Winter became employed as the Chief Financial
Officer of the Company. The contract provides for an annual base salary of
$138,000 in 1997, $150,000 in 1998, and $165,000 in 1999. In addition, the
contract provides for additional compensation and stock options of $10,000 and
15,000 stock options in 1997, $15,000 and 25,000 stock options in 1998 and
$15,000 and 25,000 stock options in 1999. The contract also provides for
incentive compensation as follows:
1998: If net sales and pretax profits exceed $63.0 million and $6.5 million,
respectively, then Mr. Winter will receive $10,000
1999: If net sales and pretax profits exceed $84.0 million and $7.25
million, respectively, then Mr. Winter will receive $15,000
In January 1997, the Company entered into a three year employment agreement
with Lloyd Fuller whereby Mr. Fuller became employed as Vice President of Sales
of the Company. The contract
28
<PAGE>
provides for an annual base salary of $155,000 in 1997, $165,000 in 1998, and
$180,000 in 1999. The contract also provides for incentive compensation and
stock options as follows:
1998: If net sales and pretax profits exceed $60.0 million and $6.2 million,
respectively, then Mr. Fuller will receive $15,000 and 10,000 stock
options
If net sales and pretax profits exceed $63.0 million and $6.5 million,
respectively, then Mr. Fuller will receive $30,000 and 25,000 stock
options
1999: If net sales and pretax profits exceed $80.0 million and $6.9 million,
respectively, then Mr. Fuller will receive $15,000 and 10,000 stock
options
If net sales and pretax profits exceed $84.0 million and $7.25
million, respectively, then Mr. Fuller will receive $30,000 and
25,000 stock options
Each of the employment agreements contain a covenant by the employee not to
compete with the Company until the expiration of a one year period after the
expiration or termination of the agreement.
William Keener, a non-employee director of the Company in 1997 received a
fee of $500 per month for his service as a director.
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
The following table sets forth certain information as of March 31, 1998
with respect to the beneficial ownership of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock by (i) any shareholder known by the Company to beneficially own more than
five percent of such outstanding shares, (ii) the Company's directors and
executive officers, and (iii) the directors and executive officers of the
Company as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, the address of each
beneficial owner of five percent or more of such Common Stock is the same as the
Company.
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NAME AND ADDRESS
OF BENEFICIAL AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNERSHIP
OWNER OWNED(1) PERCENTAGE(1)
- ---------------------- ------------------- -------------
Nevitt Family Trust(2) 506,103 21.2%
Milton Nevitt 278,781 11.7%
Stephen Nevitt 1,408,422(3)(4) 46.4%
Michael J. Guccione 200,830(5) 8.2%
David B. Newman 560,103(3)(6) 23.0%
c/o Cooperman Levitt Winikoff
Lester & Newman, P.C.
800 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
William Keener 1,000 *
Neil Winter 15,000(7) *
Michael Burke 2,000 *
Lloyd J. Fuller 0 --
Lucia Almquist 0 --
Edward Borix 3,000 *
John R. Clarke 200,000(8) 7.7%
1725 Lazy River Lane
Dunwoody, Georgia 30350
RBB Bank Aktiengesellschaft (9) (9)
Burging 16
8010 Graz, Austria
Jerome B. Fox 122,700(10) 5.1%
7821 Wilton Crescent Circle
University Park, Florida 34201
Directors and executive officers
as a group (10 persons) 1,963,033(11) 62.0 %
________________
* Less than 1%.
(1) Computation based on the term beneficial ownership as used in the
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission which, for
purposes of the computation of ownership by the named holder, deems
outstanding shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
and convertible securities exercisable or convertible on the date, and
within sixty (60) days following the date, of determination of
beneficial ownership. As of April 1, 1998, 2,384,000 shares of
Common Stock were actually issued and outstanding.
(2) The indicated trust (the "Trust") was created pursuant to a Trust
Agreement, dated as of September 11, 1992, between Milton Nevitt, as
grantor, and Stephen Nevitt and David B. Newman, as trustees. Such
trustees have the sole power to vote the shares held by the Trust. The
children of Milton Nevitt, including Stephen Nevitt, are the
beneficiaries under the Trust.
(3) Includes 506,103 shares held by the Trust, for which such beneficial
owner acts as trustee.
(4) Includes 647,961 shares issuable upon exercise of options granted
pursuant to the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan").
Stephen Nevitt, pursuant to exercise of a power granted in the
subscription agreement covering the issuance of the Company's
Preferred Shares (as described in Footnote (9) below), has the power
to direct the voting of shares of Common Stock issuable upon
conversion thereof for the election of a majority of the directors of
the Company through October
30
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2000. The table does not include shares of Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of such Preferred Shares.
(5) Includes 68,026 shares issuable upon exercise of options granted
pursuant to the Plan.
(6) Includes 50,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options granted
pursuant to the Plan.
(7) Represents shares issuable upon exercise of options granted pursuant
to the Plan.
(8) Represents shares issuable upon exercise of the Series D Warrant which
entitles the holder to purchase such number of shares at an exercise
price of $5.50 per share at any time prior to September 30, 2001.
(9) RBB is the registered owner of 7,500 shares of Series A 6.5%
Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series A Stock"), 7,500 shares of Series
B 6% Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series B Stock") and 7,500 shares
of Series C 6% Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series C Stock";
collectively with the Series A Stock and the Series B Stock, the
"Preferred Shares") of the Company. Such Preferred Shares is
presently convertible into shares of Common Stock of the Company at a
price determined by dividing the stated value of the series
($7,500,000 for each) by a price equal to the lower of (i) $5.50 in
the case of the Series A Stock, $6.75 in the case of the Series B
Stock and 8.25 in the case of the Series C Stock, and (ii) 80% of the
average market price (as defined) for the ten consecutive trading days
ending three days prior to the notice of conversion. As of April 1,
1998, the average market price for the ten previous consecutive
trading days was approximately $1.64 per share. The above computation
of beneficial ownership excludes shares of Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of the Preferred Shares. See "Legal Proceedings" and
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions - To Finance the
Serengeti Acquisition."
(10) Such information was set forth in a Schedule 13D, dated October 24,
1997. Such Schedule 13D also stated that the spouse of Mr. Fox owns
an additional 600 shares of Common Stock and that Mr. Fox disclaims
beneficial ownership with respect to those shares.
(11) Includes 780,987 shares issuable upon exercise of options granted to
pursuant to the Plan.
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
PRIOR TO THE SERENGETI ACQUISITION
On November 1, 1991, Joseph Feldman, the brother-in-law of Milton Nevitt, a
Vice President of the Company, made a loan in the principal amount of $880,522
to the Company. The loan was to become due in April 1995 with interest at the
rate of 9% per annum. On December 30, 1994, Mr. Feldman converted a portion of
such loan in the principal amount of $510,000 into equity of the Company in
exchange for the issuance by the Company of 99,724 shares of Common Stock. The
then remaining outstanding principal amount of the loan ($370,522) became
payable, with interest of 9% per annum, over a three-year period ending January
31, 1998, with monthly payments of interest in the amount of $2,779 during the
first year and monthly payments of principal and interest in the amount of
$16,927 during the remaining two years. The loan was repaid during 1998.
Between January and October 1993, Milton Nevitt loaned an aggregate amount
of $281,450 to the Company. The loans were to become due in April 1995 with
interest at the rate of 9% per annum. On December 30, 1994, the remaining
principal balance of such loans, in the amount of $270,128, was contributed by
Mr. Nevitt to the capital of the Company without the issuance of any additional
shares of capital stock. During November 1993, Milton Nevitt loaned an
additional amount of $285,000 to the Company. The remaining balance of such loan
at December 31, 1997 in the amount of $44,575 is payable upon demand.
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The Company's former credit facility (which was repaid on February 13,
1997) was guaranteed, jointly and severally, by each of Stephen and Milton
Nevitt and their wives, by Michael Guccione, and by the Nevitt Family Trust.
TO FINANCE THE SERENGETI ACQUISITION
On October 4, 1996, the Company issued 7,500 shares of its Series A 6.5%
Convertible Preferred Stock, $.001 par value (the "Series A Shares"), to RBB, a
banking institution whose principal offices are located in Austria, in a private
offshore offering pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"). RBB purchased the Series A Shares for a
purchase price equal to their aggregate stated value of $7.5 million as set
forth in a Regulation S Offshore Subscription Agreement dated September 29,
1996, which also contemplated the purchase of the Series B Shares and Series C
Shares referred to below. The purpose of such investment was to fund, in part,
the Acquisition.
Pursuant to an Agreement of Purchase and Sale, dated as of October 29,
1996, between the Company and Corning, the Company agreed to purchase the
Serengeti assets for a purchase price of $27.5 million, which was effected on
February 13, 1997. RBB purchased, concurrently with the closing of the
Acquisition, 7,500 shares of the Company's Series B 6% Convertible Preferred
Stock, $.001 par value (the "Series B Shares"), and 7,500 shares of the
Company's Series C 6% Convertible Preferred Stock, $.001 par value (the "Series
C Shares"; together with the Series A Shares and the Series B Shares, the
"Preferred Shares"), for a purchase price equal to their aggregate stated value
of $15.0 million. The proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Preferred
Shares were approximately $20.9 million (net of commissions and the estimated
expenses of such sale). The Company applied such net proceeds to the
Acquisition purchase price. The Company financed the remainder of such purchase
price and related costs and expenses with borrowings under the New Credit
Facility.
Concurrently with the issuance of the Series A Shares, the Company also
issued to RBB a Series A Warrant of the Company (the "Series A Warrant") to
purchase up to an aggregate of 150,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $5.5625 per share. The Series A Warrant is exercisable at any time
commencing January 1, 1999 and on or prior to December 31, 2002. In addition,
the Company issued to RBB, concurrently with the issuance of the Series B Shares
and the Series C Shares, a Series B Warrant of the Company (the "Series B
Warrant") and a Series C Warrant of the Company (the "Series C Warrant"), each
of which entitles RBB to purchase up to an aggregate of 300,000 shares of Common
Stock at a per share exercise price of (i) $7.50 with respect to the Series B
Warrant and (ii) $10.00 with respect to the Series C Warrant. Each of the
Series B Warrant and the Series C Warrant is exercisable at any time commencing
January 1, 1999 and on or prior to December 31, 2002.
The Company has also issued, as part of the commission payable to a third
party in connection with the sale of the Series A Shares, a Series D Warrant of
the Company (the "Series D Warrant") to purchase up to an aggregate of 200,000
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.50 per share. The Series D
Warrant is immediately exercisable and expires on or prior to September 30,
2001.
32
<PAGE>
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS, LISTS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) EXHIBITS.
EXHIBIT
NUMBER EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
3(i).1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company(1)
3(i).2 Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company relating to the designation of the Preferred Shares(2)
3(ii).1 Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company ("By-laws")(1)
3(ii).2 Amendment No. 1 to By-laws(1)
10.1 Agreement dated December 30, 1994 between the Company and Joseph
Feldman(1)
10.2 Agreement dated January 17, 1994 between the Company and Michael J.
Guccione, Inc.(1)
10.3 Agreement dated December 7, 1994 between the Company and Michael J.
Guccione(1)
10.4 Revolving Line of Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of February
13, 1997 by and among the Company, SunTrust Bank, Central Florida,
National Association, individually and as agent, and Creditanstalt-
Bankverein (Exhibits omitted; the Company agrees to furnish
supplementally a copy of any exhibits to the Commission upon
request)(3)
10.5 Lease Agreement dated March 3, 1993 between DRI II Partnership and
the Company(1)
10.6 1995 Stock Option Plan of the Company(1)
10.7* Employment Agreement between the Company and Michael Burke
10.8* Employment Agreement between the Company and Lucia Almquist
10.9* Employment Agreement between the Company and Lloyd Fuller
10.10* Employment Agreement between the Company and Neil Winter
10.11 Form of Consulting Agreement between the Company and Argent
Securities, Inc.(1)
10.12 Agreement of Purchase and Sale, dated as of October 29, 1996, between
the Company and Corning(4)
10.13 Subscription Agreement, dated September 26, 1996, between the Company
and RBB(4)
10.14 Lens Blank Supply Agreement, dated as of February 13, 1997, between
the Company and Corning (confidential treatment has been granted with
respect to certain information contained in this Agreement)(2)
10.15 License Agreement, dated as of February 13, 1997, between the Company
and Corning(2)
16.1 Letter on change in certifying accountant(3)
16.2 Letter on change in certifying accountant(5)
21 Subsidiaries of the Company(6)
27 Financial Data Schedule
- ---------------
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
33
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(1) Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2,
Registration No. 33-89752-A, under the Securities Act of 1933 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(2) Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the
year ended December 31, 1996.
(3) Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated
February 11, 1997.
(4) Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for
the quarterly period ended September 30, 1996.
(5) Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated
December 10, 1997.
(6) Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the
year ended December 31, 1995.
(b) The Company filed the following report on Form 8-K during the fourth
quarter of the year ended December 31, 1997:
Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 10, 1997.
34
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SERENGETI EYEWEAR, INC.
Date: May 22 , 1998 By /s/ Stephen Nevitt
-------------------------------
Stephen Nevitt
President
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
SIGNATURES TITLE DATE
/s/ Stephen Nevitt
- -------------------------- President, Treasurer and Director May 22, 1998
Stephen Nevitt (principal executive officer)
/s/ Milton Nevitt
- -------------------------- Vice President, Secretary May 22, 1998
Milton Nevitt and Director
/s/ Michael J. Guccione
- -------------------------- Vice President and May 22, 1998
Michael J. Guccione Director
/s/ Neil Winter
- -------------------------- Chief Financial Officer May 22, 1998
Neil Winter (principal financial and
accounting officer)
/s/ Michael Burke
- -------------------------- Vice President and May 22, 1998
Michael Burke Director
- -------------------------- Vice President and Director
Lloyd Fuller
- -------------------------- Vice President and Director
Ed Borix
/s/ David B. Newman
- -------------------------- Director May 22, 1998
David B. Newman
/s/ William Keener
- -------------------------- Director May 22, 1998
William Keener
35
<PAGE>
SOLAR-MATES, INC.
8125 25th COURT STREET EAST
SARASOTA, FLORIDA 34243
January 1, 1997
Mr. Michael Burke
3615 Roundtree Court
Boulder, Colorado 80304
Dear Mr. Burke:
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth below, this letter
shall constitute the agreement pursuant to which Solar-Mates, Inc.
("Solar-Mates") agrees to employ you as Vice President- Marketing.
1. Term of Employment.
1.1 Term. Solar-Mates hereby employs you, and you hereby accept
employment with Solar-Mates, for a period to commence on the date hereof and to
terminate on the third anniversary of such date unless sooner terminated in
accordance with the provisions of Section 7 hereof ("Initial Term").
1.2 Definition. As used herein, "Employment Term" means the entire
period of your employment by Solar-Mates hereunder, whether for the period
provided above, or whether extended, or sooner terminated in accordance with the
provisions of Section 7 hereof.
2. Duties.
2.1 Description of Duties. In your capacity as Vice President -
Marketing, you shall perform such duties and exercise such authority, consistent
with your position, as may from time to time be given to you by the President
and Chief Executive Officer. You shall have the responsibility for overall
supervision of marketing for Solar-Mates.
2.2 Devotion of Entire Time. During the Employment Term, you agree that
you will loyally and conscientiously devote your entire productive time,
efforts, ability and attention to the duties of your office and to promotion of
the interests of Solar-Mates, and that you will not engage in any other business
duties or pursuits whatsoever. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, you will
not be prohibited from making passive personal investments or
<PAGE>
being involved in the private business affairs of your immediate family to the
extent that such activities do not interfere with the performance of your duties
hereunder and are not in any way competitive with the business of Solar-Mates.
3. Compensation.
3.1 Annual Salary. During the Initial Term, you will be compensated at
the rate of $160,000 per annum for the period January 1, 1997 through December
31, 1997; $175,000 per annum for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31,
1998; and $190,000 per annum for the period January 1, 1999 through December 31,
1999, payable in accordance with the customary payroll policies of Solar-Mates
provided, however, that if, pursuant to Section 7 hereof, your employment is
terminated, you will receive the appropriate pro rata portion of your annual
base salary for the period during which you were actually employed by
Solar-Mates.
3.2 Incentive Compensation. In the event both net sales and net pre-tax
profits of Solar-Mates exceed $53.6 million and $5.6 million respectively, for
the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997, but are less than $56.3 million and
$5.9 million respectively, you will be entitled to a bonus of $15,000 for 1997.
In the event both net sales and net pre-tax profits of Solar-Mates exceed $56.3
million and $5.9 million respectively, for the fiscal year ending December 31,
1997, you will be entitled to an additional bonus of $20,000 for 1997. In the
event both net sales and net pre-tax profits of Solar-Mates exceed $60 million
and $6.2 million respectively, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1998, but
are less than $63 million and $6.5 million respectively, you will be entitled to
a bonus of $15,000 for 1998. In the event both net sales and net pre-tax profits
of Solar-Mates exceed $63 million and $6.5 million respectively, for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 1998, you will be entitled to an additional bonus of
$20,000 for 1998. In the event both net sales and net pre-tax profits of
Solar-Mates exceed $80 million and $6.9 million respectively, for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 1999, but are less than $84 million and $7.25 million
respectively, you will be entitled to a bonus of $15,000 for 1999. In the event
both net sales and net pre-tax profits of Solar-Mates exceed $84 million and
$7.25 million respectively, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999, you
will be entitled to an additional bonus of $20,000 for 1999. Such incentive
compensation shall only be available upon your completion of each full year's
employment hereunder.
3.3 Stock Options. You will be granted, as of the commencement of your
employ, a stock option to purchase up to 105,000 shares of Solar-Mates' common
stock in accordance with the Stock Option Agreement annexed hereto. In the event
of a change of control of Solar-Mates during the Initial Term only, you will be
entitled to exercise all incentive option shares based upon sales and/or profit
benchmarks granted but not yet vested during the
2
<PAGE>
Initial Term, to the extent permitted under the Stock Option Agreement and Stock
Option Plan. For purposes hereof, the term "change of control" shall mean any
merger, consolidation or reorganization of Solar-Mates with or into another
person or entity, any sale of the assets of Solar-Mates or any acquisition of
Solar-Mates' voting securities, with the result, in each instance, that less
than 51% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities
of Solar-Mates or the surviving entity immediately after each such transaction
is held in the aggregate by persons or entities who were holders of voting
securities of Solar-Mates immediately prior to any such transaction.
3.4 Reimbursement for Business Expenses. Solar-Mates will reimburse
you, upon presentation of proper expense statements or such other supporting
information as Solar-Mates may reasonably require, for your reasonable and
necessary business expenses (including, without limitation, telephone, travel
and entertainment expenses) incurred or paid by you in connection with the
performance of your duties hereunder.
3.5 Miscellaneous. You will be provided with a relocation and housing
allowance of up to $25,000 for actual and reasonable expenses incurred by you in
connection with your relocation from Colorado to Florida. For payment under this
allowance you will present proper expense statements or such other supporting
information as Solar-Mates may reasonably require. You will also be provided
with a total car allowance of $500 per month payable monthly.
4. Fringe Benefits. You shall be entitled to participate on the same basis
and subject to the same qualifications as all other regular full time employees
of Solar-Mates in any fringe benefit plans Solar-Mates makes available from time
to time for all its employees, including those benefits available, if any, under
any vacation, retirement, disability, medical insurance and life insurance plans
as the same may be placed into effect from time to time. In addition, you shall
be entitled to participate in such other benefit plans, if any, as Solar-Mates
makes generally available from time to time to members of its executive staff.
5. Confidentiality.
5.1 Trade Secrets. You and Solar-Mates acknowledge and agree that
during the Employment Term and in the course of the discharge of your duties
hereunder, you will have access to and become acquainted with information
concerning the operation of Solar-Mates, including, without limitation, the
names and addresses of and other information pertaining to Solar-Mates'
customers, clients, suppliers and employees and other business associates, and
other valuable information regularly used in Solar-Mates' business and not
generally known to others, giving Solar-Mates' a
3
<PAGE>
competitive advantage in the sunglass business. You acknowledge and agree that
it is Solar-Mates' policy to maintain such information as secret and
confidential, whether relating to Solar-Mates' business as heretofore or
hereafter conducted, or relating to Solar-Mates' customers, clients, suppliers,
employees and other business associates (all such information being referred to
hereinafter as "Confidential Information"). You acknowledge and agree that all
Confidential Information is owned by Solar-Mates and constitutes Solar-Mates'
trade secrets.
5.2 Non-Disclosure. You specifically agree that you shall not use,
publish, disseminate, misappropriate or otherwise disclose any Confidential
Information, whether directly or indirectly, either during the term of this
Agreement or at any other time thereafter, except as is required by law or in
the course of your employment hereunder. This provision shall not apply to
Confidential Information which becomes generally known to the public by means
other than your breach of this Section.
5.3 Unfair Competition. You acknowledge and agree that the sale,
unauthorized use or disclosure of any Confidential Information obtained by you
during the course of your employment under this Agreement, including but not
limited to (a) information concerning Solar-Mates' current, future or proposed
work, services, or products, (b) the facts that any such work, services or
products are planned, under consideration, or in production, as well as, (c) any
descriptions thereof, constitute unfair competition. You promise and agree not
to engage in any unfair competition with Solar-Mates, either during the term of
this Agreement or at any other time thereafter.
5.4 Precautions; Return of Materials. You agree to take all reasonable
precautions to protect the integrity of all Confidential Information, including
all documents and other material entrusted to you containing or embodying
Confidential Information. You further agree that all files, records, documents,
drawings, lists, specifications, products and similar items relating to
Solar-Mates' business, whether prepared by you or by others, are and shall
remain exclusively the property of Solar-Mates, and that upon the expiration or
termination of your employment hereunder you shall return to Solar-Mates all
such material and all copies thereof in your possession or control.
5.5 Copyrightable and Patentable Materials. You agree that during the
Employment Term you will take any and all business developments, opportunities
and potentially profitable situations relating to Solar-Mates' business to the
Directors for exploitation by Solar-Mates. You agree promptly to disclose to
Solar-Mates (and only to Solar-Mates) any and all knowledge possessed or
acquired by you by any means whatsoever during the Employment Term which relates
in any way to any materials, inventions, discoveries, developments, concepts,
ideas or innovations, whether copyrightable
4
<PAGE>
or patentable or not, relating to the business of Solar-mates. For the
compensation and benefits received hereunder, you hereby assign and agree to
assign to Solar-Mates your entire right, title and interest in and to any of the
aforedescribed materials, inventions, discoveries, developments, concepts, ideas
or innovations. All such materials, inventions, discoveries, developments,
concepts, ideas and innovations shall be the property of Solar-Mates, and you
shall, without further compensation, do all things necessary to enable
Solar-Mates to perfect title in such materials, inventions, discoveries,
concepts, ideas and innovations and to obtain and maintain effective patent or
copyright protection in the United States and foreign countries thereon,
including, without limitation, rendering assistance and executing necessary
documents.
6. Competitive Activities.
6.1 Non-Competition. During the Employment Term and for a period of one
(1) year after the expiration or earlier termination thereof for whatever
reason, you shall not within the United States:
(a) Consult with, be employed by, render services to, or engage in
any business activity with (whether as owner, controller, employee, employer,
consultant, partner, officer, director, agent or otherwise) any business or
business entity competing in any way with the business of Solar-Mates;
(b) Without the prior written consent of the President and Chief
Executive Officer personally solicit or cause to be solicited or authorize,
directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of yourself or any third party, any
business competitive with Solar-Mates, which employs you hereunder, from others
who are or were at any time within 12 months prior to the expiration or
termination of your employment hereunder customers, clients, or other business
associates of Solar-Mates.
6.2 Solicitation of Employees and Others. You acknowledge and agree
that Solar-Mates' directors, officers and employees possess special knowledge of
Solar-Mates' operations and are vitally important to the continued success of
Solar-Mates' business. You shall not, without the prior written consent of the
President and Chief Executive Officer, directly or indirectly seek to persuade
any director, officer or employee of Solar-Mates either to discontinue his or
her position with Solar-Mates or to become employed or engaged in any activity
competitive with the activities of Solar-Mates to which your services under this
Agreement are related.
6.3 Injunctive Relief. You acknowledge and agree that your services to
be provided hereunder are special and unique and that were you to breach any
provision of Sections 5 or 6 of this Agreement, the damages to Solar-Mates would
be irreparable and,
5
<PAGE>
therefore, in addition to damages, reasonable attorneys' fees and any other
rights or remedies which Solar-Mates may possess or to which it may be entitled,
Solar-Mates shall be entitled to enjoin any such breach in any court of
competent jurisdiction.
6.4 Scope. If any court determines that any of the covenants set forth
herein, or any part or parts thereof, is unenforceable because of the duration
or geographic scope of such provision, such court shall have the power to reduce
the duration or scope of such provision, as the case may be, and, in its reduced
form, such provision shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced.
7. Termination.
7.1 By Agreement or Death. Prior to the end of the Initial Term and
during the Employment Term, your employment hereunder may be terminated: (a) by
either party upon written notice; (b) by written agreement between you and
Solar-Mates; and (c) in the event of your death.
7.2 Termination for Cause. Solar-Mates reserves the right to terminate
this Agreement for "cause" as defined below. As used in this Agreement, the term
"cause" shall mean (i) the commission by you of any act which would constitute a
felony under state or federal law, or the equivalent under foreign law, if
prosecuted; (ii) the commission by you of any act of moral turpitude which, in
the sole opinion of Solar-Mates, negatively impacts on your ability to perform
your duties hereunder; (iii) the material breach by you of the provisions of
this Agreement; provided, however, that Solar-Mates shall have given you written
notice specifying such breach and permitted you to cure such breach within a
period of 10 days after receipt of such notice; (iv) your failure or refusal to
perform your obligations under this Agreement, or other acts or omissions
constituting neglect or dereliction of duties hereunder; (v) fraud, dishonesty
or other acts or omissions by you that amount to a willful breach of your
fiduciary duty to Solar-Mates; or (vi) the happening of any other event which,
under the provisions of any laws applicable to Solar-Mates or its activities,
disqualifies you from acting in any or all capacities provided for herein.
Solar-Mates may, at its option, terminate this Agreement for the reasons stated
in this Section 7 by giving written notice of termination to you without
prejudice to any other remedy to which Solar-Mates may be entitled either by
law, in equity, or under this Agreement.
7.3 Upon such termination under this Section 7, you shall resign from
all positions you may then hold with Solar-Mates or any of its affiliates and
deliver to Solar-Mates all documents or copies thereof in your possession
relating to Solar-Mates and its business.
6
<PAGE>
7.4 Severance Pay. Whether and to what extent you are entitled to
severance pay upon termination of your employment with Solar-Mates will be
determined according to Solar-Mates' severance policies, if any, at the time of
such termination. The foregoing notwithstanding, in the event Solar-Mates
terminates your employment pursuant to Section 7.1(a) during the Initial Term
only, you will be entitled to: (a) six month's salary based solely upon the
annual salary set forth in Section 3.1 hereof in the event termination is during
the first year of the Initial Term; (b) nine month's salary based solely upon
the annual salary set forth in Section 3.1 hereof in the event termination is
during the second year of the Initial Term; and (c) nine month's salary based
solely upon the annual salary set forth in Section 3.1 hereof in the event
termination is during the third year of the Initial Term.
8. Miscellaneous.
8.1 Notices. Notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
delivered by hand or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, if to you, at the address set forth above, and if to Solar-Mates,
Inc. 8125 25th Court Street East, Sarasota, Florida 34243, or at such other
address as to which notice has been given in the manner herein provided.
8.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth your and Solar-Mates'
complete understanding with respect to the matters set forth herein and
supercedes any and all prior agreements between you and Solar-Mates. This
Agreement may be modified or amended only by an agreement in writing signed by
the parties hereto and may be assigned by Solar-Mates only in connection with
the transfer of all or substantially all of the business and assets of
Solar-Mates.
8.3 Severability. If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of
this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person, place or circumstance,
shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unenforceable,
or void, the remainder of this Agreement and such term, provision, covenant, or
condition as applied to other persons, places and circumstances shall remain in
full force and effect.
8.4 Headings. The headings and captions of this Agreement are provided
for convenience only and are intended to have no effect in construing or
interpreting this Agreement.
8.5 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida without giving effect to the
conflict of laws principles thereunder.
7
<PAGE>
If the foregoing accurately reflects your understanding of our agreement and
is acceptable to you, please sign the enclosed copy of this letter and return it
to the undersigned.
Very truly yours,
SOLAR-MATES, INC.
By:
---------------------------
Stephen Nevitt, President
Accepted and Agreed:
By:
------------------
Michael Burke
8
<PAGE>
SOLAR-MATES, INC.
8125 25th COURT STREET EAST
SARASOTA, FLORIDA 34243
January 1, 1997
Ms. Lucia Almquist
150 East 69th Street, Apt. 4T
New York, New York 10021
Dear Ms. Almquist:
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth below, this letter
shall constitute the agreement pursuant to which Solar-Mates, Inc.
("Solar-Mates") agrees to employ you as Vice President- Corporate Development.
1. Term of Employment.
1.1 Term. Solar-Mates hereby employs you, and you hereby accept
employment with Solar-Mates, for a period to commence on the date hereof and to
terminate on the third anniversary of such date unless sooner terminated in
accordance with the provisions of Section 7 hereof ("Initial Term").
1.2 Definition. As used herein, "Employment Term" means the entire
period of your employment by Solar-Mates hereunder, whether for the period
provided above, or whether extended, or sooner terminated in accordance with the
provisions of Section 7 hereof.
2. Duties.
2.1 Description of Duties. In your capacity as Vice President Corporate
Development, you shall perform such duties and exercise such authority,
consistent with your position, as may from time to time be given to you by the
President and Chief Executive Officer. You shall have the responsibility for
brand management, licensing, public relations and marketing support.
2.2 Devotion of Entire Time. During the Employment Term, you agree that
you will loyally and conscientiously devote your entire productive time,
efforts, ability and attention to the duties of your office and to promotion of
the interests of Solar-Mates, and that you will not engage in any other business
duties or pursuits whatsoever. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, you will
not be prohibited from making passive personal investments or being involved in
the private business affairs of your immediate
<PAGE>
family to the extent that such activities do not interfere with the performance
of your duties hereunder and are not in any way competitive with the business of
Solar-Mates.
3. Compensation.
3.1 Annual Salary. During the Initial Term, you will be compensated at
the rate of $150,000 per annum for the period January 1, 1997 through December
31, 1997; $165,000 per annum for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31,
1998; and $180,000 per annum for the period January 1, 1999 through December 31,
1999, payable in accordance with the customary payroll policies of Solar-Mates
provided, however, that if, pursuant to Section 7 hereof, your employment is
terminated, you will receive the appropriate pro rata portion of your annual
base salary for the period during which you were actually employed by
Solar-Mates.
3.2 Incentive Compensation. In the event both net sales and net pre-tax
profits of Solar-Mates exceed $53.6 million and $5.6 million respectively, for
the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997, but are less than $56.3 million and
$5.9 million respectively, you will be entitled to a bonus of $10,000 for 1997.
In the event both net sales and net pre-tax profits of Solar-Mates exceed $56.3
million and $5.9 million respectively, for the fiscal year ending December 31,
1997, you will be entitled to an additional bonus of $15,000 for 1997. In the
event both net sales and net pre-tax profits of Solar-Mates exceed $60 million
and $6.2 million respectively, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1998, but
are less than $63 million and $6.5 million respectively, you will be entitled to
a bonus of $15,000 for 1998. In the event both net sales and net pre-tax profits
of Solar-Mates exceed $63 million and $6.5 million respectively, for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 1998, you will be entitled to an additional bonus of
$15,000 for 1998. In the event both net sales and net pre-tax profits of
Solar-Mates exceed $80 million and $6.9 million respectively, for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 1999, but are less than $84 million and $7.25 million
respectively, you will be entitled to a bonus of $15,000 for 1999. In the event
both net sales and net pre-tax profits of Solar-Mates exceed $84 million and
$7.25 million respectively, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999, you
will be entitled to an additional bonus of $15,000 for 1999. Such incentive
compensation shall only be available upon your completion of each full year's
employment hereunder.
3.3 Stock Options. You will be granted, as of the commencement of your
employ, a stock option to purchase up to 75,000 shares of Solar-Mates' common
stock in accordance with the Stock Option Agreement annexed hereto. In the event
of a change of control of Solar-Mates during the Initial Term only, you will be
entitled to exercise all incentive option shares based upon sales and/or profit
benchmarks granted but not yet vested during the Initial Term, to the extent
permitted under the Stock Option
2
<PAGE>
Agreement and Stock Option Plan. For purposes hereof, the term "change of
control" shall mean any merger, consolidation or reorganization of Solar-Mates
with or into another person or entity, any sale of the assets of Solar-Mates or
any acquisition of Solar-Mates' voting securities, with the result, in each
instance, that less than 51% of the combined voting power of the then
outstanding voting securities of Solar-Mates or the surviving entity immediately
after each such transaction is held in the aggregate by persons or entities who
were holders of voting securities of Solar-Mates immediately prior to any such
transaction.
3.4 Reimbursement for Business Expenses. Solar-Mates will reimburse
you, upon presentation of proper expense statements or such other supporting
information as Solar-Mates may reasonably require, for your reasonable and
necessary business expenses (including, without limitation, telephone, travel
and entertainment expenses) incurred or paid by you in connection with the
performance of your duties hereunder.
3.5 Miscellaneous. You will be provided with a relocation and housing
allowance of up to $25,000 for actual and reasonable expenses incurred by you in
connection with your relocation from New York to Florida. For payment under this
allowance you will present proper expense statements or such other supporting
information as Solar-Mates may reasonably require. You will also be provided
with a total car allowance of $500 per month payable monthly.
4. Fringe Benefits. You shall be entitled to participate on the same basis
and subject to the same qualifications as all other regular full time employees
of Solar-Mates in any fringe benefit plans Solar-Mates makes available from time
to time for all its employees, including those benefits available, if any, under
any vacation, retirement, disability, medical insurance and life insurance plans
as the same may be placed into effect from time to time. In addition, you shall
be entitled to participate in such other benefit plans, if any, as Solar-Mates
makes generally available from time to time to members of its executive staff.
5. Confidentiality.
5.1 Trade Secrets. You and Solar-Mates acknowledge and agree that
during the Employment Term and in the course of the discharge of your duties
hereunder, you will have access to and become acquainted with information
concerning the operation of Solar-Mates, including, without limitation, the
names and addresses of and other information pertaining to Solar-Mates'
customers, clients, suppliers and employees and other business associates, and
other valuable information regularly used in Solar-Mates' business and not
generally known to others, giving Solar-Mates' a competitive advantage in the
sunglass business. You acknowledge
3
<PAGE>
and agree that it is Solar-Mates' policy to maintain such information as secret
and confidential, whether relating to Solar-Mates' business as heretofore or
hereafter conducted, or relating to Solar-Mates' customers, clients, suppliers,
employees and other business associates (all such information being referred to
hereinafter as "Confidential Information"). You acknowledge and agree that all
Confidential Information is owned by Solar-Mates and constitutes Solar-Mates'
trade secrets.
5.2 Non-Disclosure. You specifically agree that you shall not use,
publish, disseminate, misappropriate or otherwise disclose any Confidential
Information, whether directly or indirectly, either during the term of this
Agreement or at any other time thereafter, except as is required by law or in
the course of your employment hereunder. This provision shall not apply to
Confidential Information which becomes generally known to the public by means
other than your breach of this Section.
5.3 Unfair Competition. You acknowledge and agree that the sale,
unauthorized use or disclosure of any Confidential Information obtained by you
during the course of your employment under this Agreement, including but not
limited to (a) information concerning Solar-Mates' current, future or proposed
work, services, or products, (b) the facts that any such work, services or
products are planned, under consideration, or in production, as well as, (c) any
descriptions thereof, constitute unfair competition. You promise and agree not
to engage in any unfair competition with Solar-Mates, either during the term of
this Agreement or at any other time thereafter.
5.4 Precautions; Return of Materials. You agree to take all reasonable
precautions to protect the integrity of all Confidential Information, including
all documents and other material entrusted to you containing or embodying
Confidential Information. You further agree that all files, records, documents,
drawings, lists, specifications, products and similar items relating to
Solar-Mates' business, whether prepared by you or by others, are and shall
remain exclusively the property of Solar-Mates, and that upon the expiration or
termination of your employment hereunder you shall return to Solar-Mates all
such material and all copies thereof in your possession or control.
5.5 Copyrightable and Patentable Materials. You agree that during the
Employment Term you will take any and all business developments, opportunities
and potentially profitable situations relating to Solar-Mates' business to the
Directors for exploitation by Solar-Mates. You agree promptly to disclose to
Solar-Mates (and only to Solar-Mates) any and all knowledge possessed or
acquired by you by any means whatsoever during the Employment Term which relates
in any way to any materials, inventions, discoveries, developments, concepts,
ideas or innovations, whether copyrightable or patentable or not, relating to
the business of Solar-mates. For
4
<PAGE>
the compensation and benefits received hereunder, you hereby assign and agree to
assign to Solar-Mates your entire right, title and interest in and to any of the
aforedescribed materials, inventions, discoveries, developments, concepts, ideas
or innovations. All such materials, inventions, discoveries, developments,
concepts, ideas and innovations shall be the property of Solar-Mates, and you
shall, without further compensation, do all things necessary to enable
Solar-Mates to perfect title in such materials, inventions, discoveries,
concepts, ideas and innovations and to obtain and maintain effective patent or
copyright protection in the United States and foreign countries thereon,
including, without limitation, rendering assistance and executing necessary
documents.
6. Competitive Activities.
6.1 Non-Competition. During the Employment Term and for a period of one
(1) year after the expiration or earlier termination thereof for whatever
reason, you shall not within the United States:
(a) Consult with, be employed by, render services to, or engage in
any business activity with (whether as owner, controller, employee, employer,
consultant, partner, officer, director, agent or otherwise) any business or
business entity competing in any way with the business of Solar-Mates;
(b) Without the prior written consent of the President and Chief
Executive Officer personally solicit or cause to be solicited or authorize,
directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of yourself or any third party, any
business competitive with Solar-Mates, which employs you hereunder, from others
who are or were at any time within 12 months prior to the expiration or
termination of your employment hereunder customers, clients, or other business
associates of Solar-Mates.
6.2 Solicitation of Employees and Others. You acknowledge and agree
that Solar-Mates' directors, officers and employees possess special knowledge of
Solar-Mates' operations and are vitally important to the continued success of
Solar-Mates' business. You shall not, without the prior written consent of the
President and Chief Executive Officer, directly or indirectly seek to persuade
any director, officer or employee of Solar-Mates either to discontinue his or
her position with Solar-Mates or to become employed or engaged in any activity
competitive with the activities of Solar-Mates to which your services under this
Agreement are related.
6.3 Injunctive Relief. You acknowledge and agree that your services to
be provided hereunder are special and unique and that were you to breach any
provision of Sections 5 or 6 of this Agreement, the damages to Solar-Mates would
be irreparable and, therefore, in addition to damages, reasonable attorneys'
fees and
5
<PAGE>
any other rights or remedies which Solar-Mates may possess or to which it may be
entitled, Solar-Mates shall be entitled to enjoin any such breach in any court
of competent jurisdiction.
6.4 Scope. If any court determines that any of the covenants set forth
herein, or any part or parts thereof, is unenforceable because of the duration
or geographic scope of such provision, such court shall have the power to reduce
the duration or scope of such provision, as the case may be, and, in its reduced
form, such provision shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced.
7. Termination.
7.1 By Agreement or Death. Prior to the end of the Initial Term and
during the Employment Term, your employment hereunder may be terminated: (a) by
either party upon written notice; (b) by written agreement between you and
Solar-Mates; and (c) in the event of your death.
7.2 Termination for Cause. Solar-Mates reserves the right to terminate
this Agreement for "cause" as defined below. As used in this Agreement, the term
"cause" shall mean (i) the commission by you of any act which would constitute a
felony under state or federal law, or the equivalent under foreign law, if
prosecuted; (ii) the commission by you of any act of moral turpitude which, in
the sole opinion of Solar-Mates, negatively impacts on your ability to perform
your duties hereunder; (iii) the material breach by you of the provisions of
this Agreement; provided, however, that Solar-Mates shall have given you written
notice specifying such breach and permitted you to cure such breach within a
period of 10 days after receipt of such notice; (iv) your failure or refusal to
perform your obligations under this Agreement, or other acts or omissions
constituting neglect or dereliction of duties hereunder; (v) fraud, dishonesty
or other acts or omissions by you that amount to a willful breach of your
fiduciary duty to Solar-Mates; or (vi) the happening of any other event which,
under the provisions of any laws applicable to Solar-Mates or its activities,
disqualifies you from acting in any or all capacities provided for herein.
Solar-Mates may, at its option, terminate this Agreement for the reasons stated
in this Section 7 by giving written notice of termination to you without
prejudice to any other remedy to which Solar-Mates may be entitled either by
law, in equity, or under this Agreement.
7.3 Upon such termination under this Section 7, you shall resign from
all positions you may then hold with Solar-Mates or any of its affiliates and
deliver to Solar-Mates all documents or copies thereof in your possession
relating to Solar-Mates and its business.
6
<PAGE>
7.4 Severance Pay. Whether and to what extent you are entitled to
severance pay upon termination of your employment with Solar-Mates will be
determined according to Solar-Mates' severance policies, if any, at the time of
such termination. The foregoing notwithstanding, in the event Solar-Mates
terminates your employment pursuant to Section 7.1(a) during the Initial Term
only, you will be entitled to: (a) three month's salary based solely upon the
annual salary set forth in Section 3.1 hereof in the event termination is during
the first year of the Initial Term; (b) four month's salary based solely upon
the annual salary set forth in Section 3.1 hereof in the event termination is
during the second year of the Initial Term.
8. Miscellaneous.
8.1 Notices. Notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
delivered by hand or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, if to you, at the address set forth above, and if to Solar-Mates,
Inc. 8125 25th Court Street East, Sarasota, Florida 34243, or at such other
address as to which notice has been given in the manner herein provided.
8.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth your and Solar-Mates'
complete understanding with respect to the matters set forth herein. This
Agreement may be modified or amended only by an agreement in writing signed by
the parties hereto and may be assigned by Solar-Mates only in connection with
the transfer of all or substantially all of the business and assets of
Solar-Mates.
8.3 Severability. If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of
this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person, place or circumstance,
shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unenforceable,
or void, the remainder of this Agreement and such term, provision, covenant, or
condition as applied to other persons, places and circumstances shall remain in
full force and effect.
8.4 Headings. The headings and captions of this Agreement are provided
for convenience only and are intended to have no effect in construing or
interpreting this Agreement.
8.5 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida without giving effect to the
conflict of laws principles thereunder.
7
<PAGE>
If the foregoing accurately reflects your understanding of our agreement and
is acceptable to you, please sign the enclosed copy of this letter and return it
to the undersigned.
Very truly yours,
SOLAR-MATES, INC.
By:
--------------------------
Stephen Nevitt, President
Accepted and Agreed:
By:
----------------------
Lucia Almquist
8
<PAGE>
SOLAR-MATES, INC.
8125 25th COURT STREET EAST
SARASOTA, FLORIDA 34243
January 1, 1997
Ms. Lucia Almquist
150 East 69th Street, Apt. 4T
New York, New York 10021
Dear Ms. Almquist:
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth below, this letter
shall constitute the agreement pursuant to which Solar-Mates, Inc.
("Solar-Mates") agrees to employ you as Vice President- Corporate Development.
1. Term of Employment.
1.1 Term. Solar-Mates hereby employs you, and you hereby accept
employment with Solar-Mates, for a period to commence on the date hereof and to
terminate on the third anniversary of such date unless sooner terminated in
accordance with the provisions of Section 7 hereof ("Initial Term").
1.2 Definition. As used herein, "Employment Term" means the entire
period of your employment by Solar-Mates hereunder, whether for the period
provided above, or whether extended, or sooner terminated in accordance with the
provisions of Section 7 hereof.
2. Duties.
2.1 Description of Duties. In your capacity as Vice President Corporate
Development, you shall perform such duties and exercise such authority,
consistent with your position, as may from time to time be given to you by the
President and Chief Executive Officer. You shall have the responsibility for
brand management, licensing, public relations and marketing support.
2.2 Devotion of Entire Time. During the Employment Term, you agree that
you will loyally and conscientiously devote your entire productive time,
efforts, ability and attention to the duties of your office and to promotion of
the interests of Solar-Mates, and that you will not engage in any other business
duties or pursuits whatsoever. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, you will
not be prohibited from making passive personal investments or being involved in
the private business affairs of your immediate
<PAGE>
family to the extent that such activities do not interfere with the performance
of your duties hereunder and are not in any way competitive with the business of
Solar-Mates.
3. Compensation.
3.1 Annual Salary. During the Initial Term, you will be compensated at
the rate of $150,000 per annum for the period January 1, 1997 through December
31, 1997; $165,000 per annum for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31,
1998; and $180,000 per annum for the period January 1, 1999 through December 31,
1999, payable in accordance with the customary payroll policies of Solar-Mates
provided, however, that if, pursuant to Section 7 hereof, your employment is
terminated, you will receive the appropriate pro rata portion of your annual
base salary for the period during which you were actually employed by
Solar-Mates.
3.2 Incentive Compensation. In the event both net sales and net pre-tax
profits of Solar-Mates exceed $53.6 million and $5.6 million respectively, for
the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997, but are less than $56.3 million and
$5.9 million respectively, you will be entitled to a bonus of $10,000 for 1997.
In the event both net sales and net pre-tax profits of Solar-Mates exceed $56.3
million and $5.9 million respectively, for the fiscal year ending December 31,
1997, you will be entitled to an additional bonus of $15,000 for 1997. In the
event both net sales and net pre-tax profits of Solar-Mates exceed $60 million
and $6.2 million respectively, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1998, but
are less than $63 million and $6.5 million respectively, you will be entitled to
a bonus of $15,000 for 1998. In the event both net sales and net pre-tax profits
of Solar-Mates exceed $63 million and $6.5 million respectively, for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 1998, you will be entitled to an additional bonus of
$15,000 for 1998. In the event both net sales and net pre-tax profits of
Solar-Mates exceed $80 million and $6.9 million respectively, for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 1999, but are less than $84 million and $7.25 million
respectively, you will be entitled to a bonus of $15,000 for 1999. In the event
both net sales and net pre-tax profits of Solar-Mates exceed $84 million and
$7.25 million respectively, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999, you
will be entitled to an additional bonus of $15,000 for 1999. Such incentive
compensation shall only be available upon your completion of each full year's
employment hereunder.
3.3 Stock Options. You will be granted, as of the commencement of your
employ, a stock option to purchase up to 75,000 shares of Solar-Mates' common
stock in accordance with the Stock Option Agreement annexed hereto. In the event
of a change of control of Solar-Mates during the Initial Term only, you will be
entitled to exercise all incentive option shares based upon sales and/or profit
benchmarks granted but not yet vested during the Initial Term, to the extent
permitted under the Stock Option
2
<PAGE>
Agreement and Stock Option Plan. For purposes hereof, the term "change of
control" shall mean any merger, consolidation or reorganization of Solar-Mates
with or into another person or entity, any sale of the assets of Solar-Mates or
any acquisition of Solar-Mates' voting securities, with the result, in each
instance, that less than 51% of the combined voting power of the then
outstanding voting securities of Solar-Mates or the surviving entity immediately
after each such transaction is held in the aggregate by persons or entities who
were holders of voting securities of Solar-Mates immediately prior to any such
transaction.
3.4 Reimbursement for Business Expenses. Solar-Mates will reimburse
you, upon presentation of proper expense statements or such other supporting
information as Solar-Mates may reasonably require, for your reasonable and
necessary business expenses (including, without limitation, telephone, travel
and entertainment expenses) incurred or paid by you in connection with the
performance of your duties hereunder.
3.5 Miscellaneous. You will be provided with a relocation and housing
allowance of up to $25,000 for actual and reasonable expenses incurred by you in
connection with your relocation from New York to Florida. For payment under this
allowance you will present proper expense statements or such other supporting
information as Solar-Mates may reasonably require. You will also be provided
with a total car allowance of $500 per month payable monthly.
4. Fringe Benefits. You shall be entitled to participate on the same basis
and subject to the same qualifications as all other regular full time employees
of Solar-Mates in any fringe benefit plans Solar-Mates makes available from time
to time for all its employees, including those benefits available, if any, under
any vacation, retirement, disability, medical insurance and life insurance plans
as the same may be placed into effect from time to time. In addition, you shall
be entitled to participate in such other benefit plans, if any, as Solar-Mates
makes generally available from time to time to members of its executive staff.
5. Confidentiality.
5.1 Trade Secrets. You and Solar-Mates acknowledge and agree that
during the Employment Term and in the course of the discharge of your duties
hereunder, you will have access to and become acquainted with information
concerning the operation of Solar-Mates, including, without limitation, the
names and addresses of and other information pertaining to Solar-Mates'
customers, clients, suppliers and employees and other business associates, and
other valuable information regularly used in Solar-Mates' business and not
generally known to others, giving Solar-Mates' a competitive advantage in the
sunglass business. You acknowledge
3
<PAGE>
and agree that it is Solar-Mates' policy to maintain such information as secret
and confidential, whether relating to Solar-Mates' business as heretofore or
hereafter conducted, or relating to Solar-Mates' customers, clients, suppliers,
employees and other business associates (all such information being referred to
hereinafter as "Confidential Information"). You acknowledge and agree that all
Confidential Information is owned by Solar-Mates and constitutes Solar-Mates'
trade secrets.
5.2 Non-Disclosure. You specifically agree that you shall not use,
publish, disseminate, misappropriate or otherwise disclose any Confidential
Information, whether directly or indirectly, either during the term of this
Agreement or at any other time thereafter, except as is required by law or in
the course of your employment hereunder. This provision shall not apply to
Confidential Information which becomes generally known to the public by means
other than your breach of this Section.
5.3 Unfair Competition. You acknowledge and agree that the sale,
unauthorized use or disclosure of any Confidential Information obtained by you
during the course of your employment under this Agreement, including but not
limited to (a) information concerning Solar-Mates' current, future or proposed
work, services, or products, (b) the facts that any such work, services or
products are planned, under consideration, or in production, as well as, (c) any
descriptions thereof, constitute unfair competition. You promise and agree not
to engage in any unfair competition with Solar-Mates, either during the term of
this Agreement or at any other time thereafter.
5.4 Precautions; Return of Materials. You agree to take all reasonable
precautions to protect the integrity of all Confidential Information, including
all documents and other material entrusted to you containing or embodying
Confidential Information. You further agree that all files, records, documents,
drawings, lists, specifications, products and similar items relating to
Solar-Mates' business, whether prepared by you or by others, are and shall
remain exclusively the property of Solar-Mates, and that upon the expiration or
termination of your employment hereunder you shall return to Solar-Mates all
such material and all copies thereof in your possession or control.
5.5 Copyrightable and Patentable Materials. You agree that during the
Employment Term you will take any and all business developments, opportunities
and potentially profitable situations relating to Solar-Mates' business to the
Directors for exploitation by Solar-Mates. You agree promptly to disclose to
Solar-Mates (and only to Solar-Mates) any and all knowledge possessed or
acquired by you by any means whatsoever during the Employment Term which relates
in any way to any materials, inventions, discoveries, developments, concepts,
ideas or innovations, whether copyrightable or patentable or not, relating to
the business of Solar-mates. For
4
<PAGE>
the compensation and benefits received hereunder, you hereby assign and agree to
assign to Solar-Mates your entire right, title and interest in and to any of the
aforedescribed materials, inventions, discoveries, developments, concepts, ideas
or innovations. All such materials, inventions, discoveries, developments,
concepts, ideas and innovations shall be the property of Solar-Mates, and you
shall, without further compensation, do all things necessary to enable
Solar-Mates to perfect title in such materials, inventions, discoveries,
concepts, ideas and innovations and to obtain and maintain effective patent or
copyright protection in the United States and foreign countries thereon,
including, without limitation, rendering assistance and executing necessary
documents.
6. Competitive Activities.
6.1 Non-Competition. During the Employment Term and for a period of one
(1) year after the expiration or earlier termination thereof for whatever
reason, you shall not within the United States:
(a) Consult with, be employed by, render services to, or engage in
any business activity with (whether as owner, controller, employee, employer,
consultant, partner, officer, director, agent or otherwise) any business or
business entity competing in any way with the business of Solar-Mates;
(b) Without the prior written consent of the President and Chief
Executive Officer personally solicit or cause to be solicited or authorize,
directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of yourself or any third party, any
business competitive with Solar-Mates, which employs you hereunder, from others
who are or were at any time within 12 months prior to the expiration or
termination of your employment hereunder customers, clients, or other business
associates of Solar-Mates.
6.2 Solicitation of Employees and Others. You acknowledge and agree
that Solar-Mates' directors, officers and employees possess special knowledge of
Solar-Mates' operations and are vitally important to the continued success of
Solar-Mates' business. You shall not, without the prior written consent of the
President and Chief Executive Officer, directly or indirectly seek to persuade
any director, officer or employee of Solar-Mates either to discontinue his or
her position with Solar-Mates or to become employed or engaged in any activity
competitive with the activities of Solar-Mates to which your services under this
Agreement are related.
6.3 Injunctive Relief. You acknowledge and agree that your services to
be provided hereunder are special and unique and that were you to breach any
provision of Sections 5 or 6 of this Agreement, the damages to Solar-Mates would
be irreparable and, therefore, in addition to damages, reasonable attorneys'
fees and
5
<PAGE>
any other rights or remedies which Solar-Mates may possess or to which it may be
entitled, Solar-Mates shall be entitled to enjoin any such breach in any court
of competent jurisdiction.
6.4 Scope. If any court determines that any of the covenants set forth
herein, or any part or parts thereof, is unenforceable because of the duration
or geographic scope of such provision, such court shall have the power to reduce
the duration or scope of such provision, as the case may be, and, in its reduced
form, such provision shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced.
7. Termination.
7.1 By Agreement or Death. Prior to the end of the Initial Term and
during the Employment Term, your employment hereunder may be terminated: (a) by
either party upon written notice; (b) by written agreement between you and
Solar-Mates; and (c) in the event of your death.
7.2 Termination for Cause. Solar-Mates reserves the right to terminate
this Agreement for "cause" as defined below. As used in this Agreement, the term
"cause" shall mean (i) the commission by you of any act which would constitute a
felony under state or federal law, or the equivalent under foreign law, if
prosecuted; (ii) the commission by you of any act of moral turpitude which, in
the sole opinion of Solar-Mates, negatively impacts on your ability to perform
your duties hereunder; (iii) the material breach by you of the provisions of
this Agreement; provided, however, that Solar-Mates shall have given you written
notice specifying such breach and permitted you to cure such breach within a
period of 10 days after receipt of such notice; (iv) your failure or refusal to
perform your obligations under this Agreement, or other acts or omissions
constituting neglect or dereliction of duties hereunder; (v) fraud, dishonesty
or other acts or omissions by you that amount to a willful breach of your
fiduciary duty to Solar-Mates; or (vi) the happening of any other event which,
under the provisions of any laws applicable to Solar-Mates or its activities,
disqualifies you from acting in any or all capacities provided for herein.
Solar-Mates may, at its option, terminate this Agreement for the reasons stated
in this Section 7 by giving written notice of termination to you without
prejudice to any other remedy to which Solar-Mates may be entitled either by
law, in equity, or under this Agreement.
7.3 Upon such termination under this Section 7, you shall resign from
all positions you may then hold with Solar-Mates or any of its affiliates and
deliver to Solar-Mates all documents or copies thereof in your possession
relating to Solar-Mates and its business.
6
<PAGE>
7.4 Severance Pay. Whether and to what extent you are entitled to
severance pay upon termination of your employment with Solar-Mates will be
determined according to Solar-Mates' severance policies, if any, at the time of
such termination. The foregoing notwithstanding, in the event Solar-Mates
terminates your employment pursuant to Section 7.1(a) during the Initial Term
only, you will be entitled to: (a) three month's salary based solely upon the
annual salary set forth in Section 3.1 hereof in the event termination is during
the first year of the Initial Term; (b) four month's salary based solely upon
the annual salary set forth in Section 3.1 hereof in the event termination is
during the second year of the Initial Term.
8. Miscellaneous.
8.1 Notices. Notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
delivered by hand or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, if to you, at the address set forth above, and if to Solar-Mates,
Inc. 8125 25th Court Street East, Sarasota, Florida 34243, or at such other
address as to which notice has been given in the manner herein provided.
8.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth your and Solar-Mates'
complete understanding with respect to the matters set forth herein. This
Agreement may be modified or amended only by an agreement in writing signed by
the parties hereto and may be assigned by Solar-Mates only in connection with
the transfer of all or substantially all of the business and assets of
Solar-Mates.
8.3 Severability. If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of
this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person, place or circumstance,
shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unenforceable,
or void, the remainder of this Agreement and such term, provision, covenant, or
condition as applied to other persons, places and circumstances shall remain in
full force and effect.
8.4 Headings. The headings and captions of this Agreement are provided
for convenience only and are intended to have no effect in construing or
interpreting this Agreement.
8.5 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida without giving effect to the
conflict of laws principles thereunder.
7
<PAGE>
If the foregoing accurately reflects your understanding of our agreement and
is acceptable to you, please sign the enclosed copy of this letter and return it
to the undersigned.
Very truly yours,
SOLAR-MATES, INC.
By:
--------------------------
Stephen Nevitt, President
Accepted and Agreed:
By:
----------------------
Lucia Almquist
8
<PAGE>
SOLAR-MATES, INC.
8125 25th COURT STREET EAST
SARASOTA, FLORIDA 34243
January 28, 1997
Mr. Neil Winter
5299 DTC Boulevard, Suite 300
Englewood, Colorado 80111
Dear Mr. Winter:
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth below, this letter
shall constitute the agreement pursuant to which Solar-Mates, Inc.
("Solar-Mates") agrees to employ you as Chief Financial Officer.
1. Term of Employment.
1.1 Term. Solar-Mates hereby employs you, and you hereby accept
employment with Solar-Mates, for a period to commence on the closing of the
transaction contemplated by and pursuant to the Agreement of Purchase and Sale
by and between Corning Incorporated and Solar-Mates, Inc. dated as of October
29, 1996 (the "Closing") and to terminate on the third anniversary of such date
unless sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 hereof
("Initial Term").
1.2 Definition. As used herein, "Employment Term" means the entire
period of your employment by Solar-Mates hereunder, whether for the period
provided above, or whether extended, or sooner terminated in accordance with the
provisions of Section 7 hereof.
2. Duties.
2.1 Description of Duties. In your capacity as Chief Financial Officer,
you shall perform such duties and exercise such authority, consistent with your
position, as may from time to time be given to you by the President and Chief
Executive Officer. You shall have the responsibility for the financial affairs
of Solar-Mates.
1
<PAGE>
2.2 Devotion of Entire Time. During the Employment Term, you agree that
you will loyally and conscientiously devote your entire productive time,
efforts, ability and attention to the duties of your office and to promotion of
the interests of Solar-Mates, and that you will not engage in any other business
duties or pursuits whatsoever. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, you will
not be prohibited from making passive personal investments or being involved in
the private business affairs of your immediate family to the extent that such
activities do not interfere with the performance of your duties hereunder and
are not in any way competitive with the business of Solar-Mates.
3. Compensation.
3.1 Annual Salary. During the Initial Term, you will be compensated
at the rate of $138,000 per annum for the period from the date of Closing to
the date one year from the date of Closing; $150,000 per annum for the period
from one year from the date of Closing to the date two years from the date of
Closing; and $165,000 per annum for the period from two years from the date
of Closing to the date three years from the date of Closing, payable in
accordance with the customary payroll policies of Solar-Mates provided,
however, that if, pursuant to Section 7 hereof, your employment is
terminated, you will receive the appropriate pro rata portion of your annual
base salary for the period during which you were actually employed by
Solar-Mates.
3.2 Incentive Compensation. For the fiscal year ending December 31,
1997, you will be entitled to a bonus of $10,000 payable on or before
December 31, 1997. In the event both net sales and net
pre-tax profits of Solar-Mates exceed $56.3 million and $5.9 million
respectively, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997, you will be
entitled to an additional bonus of $5,000 for 1997. For the fiscal year
ending December 31, 1998, you will be entitled to a bonus of $15,000 payable
on or before December 31, 1998. In the event both net sales and net pre-tax
profits of Solar-Mates exceed $63 million and $6.5 million respectively, for
the fiscal year ending December 31, 1998, you will be entitled to an
additional bonus of $10,000 for 1998. For the fiscal year ending December 31,
1999, you will be entitled to a bonus of $15,000 payable on or before
December 31, 1999. In the event both net sales and net pre-tax profits of
Solar-Mates exceed $84 million and $7.25 million respectively, for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 1999, you will be entitled to an additional bonus of
$15,000 for 1999. Such incentive compensation shall only be available upon
your completion of each full year's employment hereunder.
2
<PAGE>
3.3 Stock Options. You will be granted, as of the commencement of your
employ, a stock option to purchase up to 65,000 shares of Solar-Mates' common
stock in accordance with the Stock Option Agreement annexed hereto. In the event
of a change of control of Solar-Mates during the Initial Term only, you will be
entitled to exercise all incentive option shares based upon sales and/or profit
benchmarks granted but not yet vested during the Initial Term, to the extent
permitted under the Stock Option Agreement and Stock Option Plan. For purposes
hereof, the term "change of control" shall mean any merger, consolidation or
reorganization of Solar-Mates with or into another person or entity, any sale of
the assets of Solar-Mates or any acquisition of Solar-Mates' voting securities,
with the result, in each instance, that less than 51% of the combined voting
power of the then outstanding voting securities of Solar-Mates or the surviving
entity immediately after each such transaction is held in the aggregate by
persons or entities who were holders of voting securities of Solar-Mates
immediately prior to any such transaction.
3.4 Reimbursement for Business Expenses. Solar-Mates will reimburse
you, upon presentation of proper expense statements or such other supporting
information as Solar-Mates may reasonably require, for your reasonable and
necessary business expenses (including, without limitation, telephone, travel
and entertainment expenses) incurred or paid by you in connection with the
performance of your duties hereunder.
3.5 Miscellaneous. You will be provided with a relocation and housing
allowance of up to $25,000 for actual and reasonable expenses incurred by you in
connection with your relocation from Colorado to Florida. For payment under this
allowance you will present proper expense statements or such other supporting
information as Solar-Mates may reasonably require. You will also be provided
with a total car allowance of $500 per month payable monthly.
4. Fringe Benefits. You shall be entitled to participate on the same basis
and subject to the same qualifications as all other regular full time employees
of Solar-Mates in any fringe benefit plans Solar-Mates makes available from time
to time for all its employees, including those benefits available, if any, under
any vacation, retirement, disability, medical insurance
3
<PAGE>
and life insurance plans as the same may be placed into effect from time to
time. In addition, you shall be entitled to participate in such other benefit
plans, if any, as Solar-Mates makes generally available from time to time to
members of its executive staff.
5. Confidentiality.
5.1 Trade Secrets. You and Solar-Mates acknowledge and agree that
during the Employment Term and in the course of the discharge of your duties
hereunder, you will have access to and become acquainted with information
concerning the operation of Solar-Mates, including, without limitation, the
names and addresses of and other information pertaining to Solar-Mates'
customers, clients, suppliers and employees and other business associates, and
other valuable information regularly used in Solar-Mates' business and not
generally known to others, giving Solar-Mates' a competitive advantage in the
sunglass business. You acknowledge and agree that it is Solar-Mates' policy to
maintain such information as secret and confidential, whether relating to
Solar-Mates' business as heretofore or hereafter conducted, or relating to
Solar-Mates' customers, clients, suppliers, employees and other business
associates (all such information being referred to hereinafter as "Confidential
Information"). You acknowledge and agree that all Confidential Information is
owned by Solar-Mates and constitutes Solar-Mates' trade secrets.
5.2 Non-Disclosure. You specifically agree that you shall not use,
publish, disseminate, misappropriate or otherwise disclose any Confidential
Information, whether directly or indirectly, either during the term of this
Agreement or at any other time thereafter, except as is required by law or in
the course of your employment hereunder. This provision shall not apply to
Confidential Information which becomes generally known to the public by means
other than your breach of this Section.
5.3 Unfair Competition. You acknowledge and agree that the sale,
unauthorized use or disclosure of any Confidential Information obtained by you
during the course of your employment under this Agreement, including but not
limited to (a) information concerning Solar-Mates' current, future or proposed
work, services, or products, (b) the facts that any such work, services or
products are planned, under consideration, or in production, as well as, (c) any
descriptions thereof, constitute unfair competition. You promise and agree not
to engage in any unfair competition with
4
<PAGE>
Solar-Mates, either during the term of this Agreement or at any other time
thereafter.
5.4 Precautions; Return of Materials. You agree to take all reasonable
precautions to protect the integrity of all Confidential Information, including
all documents and other material entrusted to you containing or embodying
Confidential Information. You further agree that all files, records, documents,
drawings, lists, specifications, products and similar items relating to
Solar-Mates' business, whether prepared by you or by others, are and shall
remain exclusively the property of Solar-Mates, and that upon the expiration or
termination of your employment hereunder you shall return to Solar-Mates all
such material and all copies thereof in your possession or control.
5.5 Copyrightable and Patentable Materials. You agree that during the
Employment Term you will take any and all business developments, opportunities
and potentially profitable situations relating to Solar-Mates' business to the
Directors for exploitation by Solar-Mates. You agree promptly to disclose to
Solar-Mates (and only to Solar-Mates) any and all knowledge possessed or
acquired by you by any means whatsoever during the Employment Term which relates
in any way to any materials, inventions, discoveries, developments, concepts,
ideas or innovations, whether copyrightable or patentable or not, relating to
the business of Solar-mates. For the compensation and benefits received
hereunder, you hereby assign and agree to assign to Solar-Mates your entire
right, title and interest in and to any of the afore described materials,
inventions, discoveries, developments, concepts, ideas or innovations. All such
materials, inventions, discoveries, developments, concepts, ideas and
innovations shall be the property of Solar-Mates, and you shall, without further
compensation, do all things necessary to enable Solar-Mates to perfect title in
such materials, inventions, discoveries, concepts, ideas and innovations and to
obtain and maintain effective patent or copyright protection in the United
States and foreign countries thereon, including, without limitation, rendering
assistance and executing necessary documents.
6. Competitive Activities.
6.1 Non-Competition. During the Employment Term and for a period of
one (1) year after the expiration or earlier termination thereof for whatever
reason, you shall not within the United States unless agreed upon in writing:
5
<PAGE>
(a) Consult with, be employed by, render services to, or engage in
any business activity with (whether as owner, controller, employee, employer,
consultant, partner, officer, director, agent or otherwise) any business or
business entity competing in any way with the business of Solar-Mates;
(b) Without the prior written consent of the President and Chief
Executive Officer personally solicit or cause to be solicited or authorize,
directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of yourself or any third party, any
business competitive with Solar-Mates, which employs you hereunder, from others
who are or were at any time within 12 months prior to the expiration or
termination of your employment hereunder customers, clients, or other business
associates of Solar-Mates.
6.2 Solicitation of Employees and Others. You acknowledge and agree
that Solar-Mates' directors, officers and employees possess special knowledge of
Solar-Mates' operations and are vitally important to the continued success of
Solar-Mates' business. You shall not, without the prior written consent of the
President and Chief Executive Officer, directly or indirectly seek to persuade
any director, officer or employee of Solar-Mates either to discontinue his or
her position with Solar-Mates or to become employed or engaged in any activity
competitive with the activities of Solar-Mates to which your services under this
Agreement are related.
6.3 Injunctive Relief. You acknowledge and agree that your services to
be provided hereunder are special and unique and that were you to breach any
provision of Sections 5 or 6 of this Agreement, the damages to Solar-Mates would
be irreparable and, therefore, in addition to damages, reasonable attorneys'
fees and any other rights or remedies which Solar-Mates may possess or to which
it may be entitled, Solar-Mates shall be entitled to enjoin any such breach in
any court of competent jurisdiction.
6.4 Scope. If any court determines that any of the covenants set forth
herein, or any part or parts thereof, is unenforceable because of the duration
or geographic scope of such provision, such court shall have the power to reduce
the duration or scope of such provision, as the case may be, and, in its reduced
form, such provision shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced.
6
<PAGE>
7. Termination.
7.1 By Agreement or Death. Prior to the end of the Initial Term and
during the Employment Term, your employment hereunder may be terminated: (a) by
either party upon written notice; (b) by written agreement between you and
Solar-Mates; and (c) in the event of your death.
7.2 Termination for Cause. Solar-Mates reserves the right to terminate
this Agreement for "cause" as defined below. As used in this Agreement, the term
"cause" shall mean (i) the commission by you of any act which would constitute a
felony under state or federal law, or the equivalent under foreign law, if
prosecuted; (ii) the commission by you of any act of moral turpitude which, in
the sole opinion of Solar-Mates, negatively impacts on your ability to perform
your duties hereunder; (iii) the material breach by you of the provisions of
this Agreement; provided, however, that Solar-Mates shall have given you written
notice specifying such breach and permitted you to cure such breach within a
period of 10 days after receipt of such notice; (iv) your failure or refusal to
perform your obligations under this Agreement, or other acts or omissions
constituting neglect or dereliction of duties hereunder; (v) fraud, dishonesty
or other acts or omissions by you that amount to a willful breach of your
fiduciary duty to Solar-Mates; or (vi) the happening of any other event which,
under the provisions of any laws applicable to Solar-Mates or its activities,
disqualifies you from acting in any or all capacities provided for herein.
Solar-Mates may, at its option, terminate this Agreement for the reasons stated
in this Section 7 by giving written notice of termination to you without
prejudice to any other remedy to which Solar-Mates may be entitled either by
law, in equity, or under this Agreement.
7.3 Upon such termination under this Section 7, you shall resign from
all positions you may then hold with Solar-Mates or any of its affiliates and
deliver to Solar-Mates all documents or copies thereof in your possession
relating to Solar-Mates and its business.
7.4 Severance Pay. Whether and to what extent you are entitled to
severance pay upon termination of your employment with Solar-Mates will be
determined according to Solar-Mates' severance policies, if any, at the time of
such termination. The foregoing notwithstanding, in the event Solar-Mates
terminates your employment pursuant to Section 7.1(a) during the Initial Term
only, you will be entitled to: (a) four month's salary based solely upon the
annual salary set forth in Section 3.1 hereof in the event termination is during
the first year of the Initial Term; and (b) six
7
<PAGE>
month's salary based solely upon the annual salary set forth in Section 3.1
hereof in the event termination is during the second year of the Initial Term.
8. Miscellaneous.
8.1 Notices. Notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
delivered by hand or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, if to you, at the address set forth above, and if to Solar-Mates,
Inc. 8125 25th Court Street East, Sarasota, Florida 34243, or at such other
address as to which notice has been given in the manner herein provided.
8.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth your and Solar-Mates'
complete understanding with respect to the matters set forth herein. This
Agreement may be modified or amended only by an agreement in writing signed by
the parties hereto and may be assigned by Solar-Mates only in connection with
the transfer of all or substantially all of the business and assets of
Solar-Mates.
8.3 Severability. If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of
this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person, place or circumstance,
shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unenforceable,
or void, the remainder of this Agreement and such term, provision, covenant, or
condition as applied to other persons, places and circumstances shall remain in
full force and effect.
8.4 Headings. The headings and captions of this Agreement are provided
for convenience only and are intended to have no effect in construing or
interpreting this Agreement.
8.5 Vacation. You shall be entitled to three weeks vacation per fiscal
year during the initial term.
8.6 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida without giving effect to the
conflict of laws principles thereunder.
8
<PAGE>
If the foregoing accurately reflects your understanding of our agreement and
is acceptable to you, please sign the enclosed copy of this letter and return it
to the undersigned.
Very truly yours,
SOLAR-MATES, INC.
By:
-------------------------
Stephen Nevitt, President
Accepted and Agreed:
By:
----------------
Neil Winter
9
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<CASH> 128,188
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 11,497,501
<ALLOWANCES> (238,445)
<INVENTORY> 18,438,581
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 31,218,940
<PP&E> 2,941,830
<DEPRECIATION> 588,779
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 52,306,621
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 30,465,531
<BONDS> 154,865
0
21,043,000
<COMMON> 2,384
<OTHER-SE> 640,841
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 52,306,621
<SALES> 32,458,362
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 32,523,006
<CGS> 18,644,772
<TOTAL-COSTS> 18,644,772
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 16,275,370
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 1,334,733
<INCOME-PRETAX> (3,731,869)
<INCOME-TAX> (329,988)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (3,401,881)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (3,401,881)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (3.54)
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
