Shopsmith, Inc. PRER14A
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
INFORMATION
REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12 |
SHOPSMITH, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ No fee required.
o Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
o Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
o Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and
identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing
by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
PRELIMINARY COPY
SHOPSMITH, INC.
6530 Poe Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45414
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held November , 2005
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF SHOPSMITH, INC.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Shopsmith, Inc., an Ohio
corporation (the Company), will be held at the offices of Company, 6530 Poe Avenue, Dayton, Ohio
at 9:30 a.m., on Wednesday, November , 2005 for the following purposes:
1. To approve an amendment to the Companys Amended Articles of Incorporation to effect a reverse
stock split of the Companys outstanding Common Shares, whereby the Company will effect a 1-for-500
reverse stock split, such that shareholders owning less than 500 Common Shares will have such
shares cancelled and converted into the right to receive $0.27 in cash for each share owned,
immediately followed by a 500-for-1 forward stock split (the Reverse Stock Split);
2. To approve an amendment to the Companys Amended Articles of Incorporation to effect a
reduction in the Companys stated capital from $2,806,482 to $26,052 (the Capital Reduction);
3. To elect two directors of the Company to serve a term of two years;
4. To approve the appointment of Crowe Chizek and Company LLC as the independent public
accountants for the Company for the fiscal year ending April 1, 2006; and
5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment(s)
thereof.
All of the above matters are more fully discussed in the accompanying Proxy Statement. Management
is not aware of any other matters that will come before the meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on September 12, 2005 as the Record Date for
the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and vote at the Annual Meeting and any
adjournment thereof, and only shareholders of record at such time will be so entitled to vote.
It is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting regardless of the number of
shares you hold. Please complete, sign and mail the enclosed proxy in the accompanying envelope
promptly, whether or not you intend to be present at the meeting. If you attend the Annual Meeting
in person, you may revoke the previously submitted proxy and vote in person on all matters
submitted at the Annual Meeting.
THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, AND NEITHER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR
ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
OR UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
By Order of Board of Directors,
J. Michael Herr
Secretary
October , 2005
Dayton, Ohio
SUMMARY TERM SHEET
This summary term sheet highlights selected information from the Proxy Statement and addresses the
material terms of the proposed Reverse Stock Split and Capital Reduction. For a complete
description, you should carefully read the Proxy Statement and all of its Appendices before you
vote.
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Reverse Stock Split and Capital Reduction |
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The Board of Directors of the Company has
authorized a 1-for-500 reverse stock split of our
Common Shares, followed by a forward stock split of
our Common Shares on a 500-for-1 basis, which we
refer to as the Reverse Stock Split. Shareholders
owning less than 500 shares at the effective time
will receive $0.27 for each share. Shareholders who
own 500 or more shares at the effective time of the
transaction will not be entitled to receive any cash
for their fractional share interests resulting from
the reverse split. The forward split that will
immediately follow the reverse split will reconvert
their whole shares and fractional share interests
back into the same number of Common Shares they held
immediately before the effective time of the
transaction. As a result, the total number of shares
held by such a shareholder will not change after
completion of the transaction. |
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The Reverse Stock Split is part of a plan to
make the Company a private company. Our Board has
determined that the Reverse Stock Split is fair to
and in the best interest of all of our unaffiliated
shareholders, including those being redeemed
pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split and those who
will retain an equity interest in our Company
subsequent to the consummation of the Reverse Stock
Split. See also the information under Proposal No.
1 Recommendation of the Board of Directors and
Special Factors Fairness of the Transaction and
Recommendation of the Board. |
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All of our directors and executive officers as
well as the Affiliated Persons, who together own
789,685 Common Shares that represent approximately
30.3% of the voting power of the Company, have
indicated that they intend to vote, or cause to be
voted, all of these shares in favor of the Reverse
Stock Split. Approval of the Reverse Stock Split
requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of our outstanding Common Shares or
1,305,221 Common Shares. Thus, at least 515,536
Common Shares or 28.3% of the Common Shares held by
Unaffiliated Persons must be voted in favor of the
Reverse Stock Split for it to be approved. See
also the information under the captions Proposal
No. 1 Special Interests of Directors, Officers,
and the Affiliated Persons in the Reverse Stock
Split and Special Factors Effect of the Reverse
Stock Split in this Proxy Statement. The
Affiliated Persons are (i) John R. Folkerth who is
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
the Company and (ii) Robert L. Folkerth who is
President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director of
the Company. The Affiliated Persons together
beneficially own 28.3% of the Companys outstanding
Common Shares. |
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Our Board recommends that all shareholders vote
in favor of the Reverse Stock Split. See also the
information under the captions Special Factors -
Purpose of the Reverse Stock Split; Proposal No. 1
-Recommendation of the Board of Directors; and
Special Factors Fairness of the Transaction and
Recommendation of the Board in this Proxy
Statement. |
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The Reverse Stock Split is not expected to
affect our current business plan or operations,
except for the anticipated cost and management time
savings associated with termination of our public
company obligations. See also the information under
the captions Special Factors Effect of the
Reverse Stock Split. |
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If the Reverse Stock Split is approved, we will
be eligible to cease filing periodic reports with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we
refer to as the SEC. See also the information under
the captions Special Factors Purpose of the
Reverse Stock Split; Proposal No. 1 -
Recommendation of the Board of Directors; and
Special Factors Fairness of the Transaction and
Recommendation of the Board in this Proxy
Statement. |
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The Board retained Donnelly Penman & Partners
(Donnelly Penman) to provide an opinion as to the
fairness, from a financial point of view, of the
Reverse Stock Split to the Companys shareholders.
The full text of the written opinion of Donnelly
Penman, which sets forth assumptions made,
procedures followed, matters considered, and
qualifications and limitations of scope of the
review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is
attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A.
Shareholders are urged to, and should, read the
opinion carefully and in its entirety. For a more
detailed discussion of Donnelly Penman opinion, see
the information under the caption Special Factors -
Fairness of the Transaction and Recommendation of
the Board and Special Factors Opinion of
Financial Advisor in this Proxy Statement. |
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You are not entitled to appraisal rights under
Ohio General Corporation Law, even if you dissent
from approval of the Reverse Stock Split. See also
the information under the caption Proposal No. 1 -
Dissenters and Appraisal Rights in this Proxy
Statement. |
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The Board has set the cash consideration to be
paid for fractional shares resulting from the
reverse stock split at $0.27 per share. The Board
approved such price, based upon the factors the
Board deemed relevant, as described in greater
detail in the sections of this Proxy Statement
entitled, Special Factors Fairness of the
Transaction and Recommendation of the Board, and
Proposal No. 1 Recommendation of the Board of
Directors. |
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Section 1701.35(B) of the General Corporation
Law of Ohio provides that a corporation may not
purchase or redeem its own shares, including
fractional shares, if immediately after giving
effect to the purchase the corporations assets
would be less than its liabilities plus its stated
capital. The Board of Directors has proposed the
Capital Reduction in order that the purchase of
fractional shares in the Reverse Stock Split will
not violate such section of Ohio law. See the
information under the caption Proposal No. 2 -
Capital Reduction. |
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Following the Reverse Stock Split, the Company
expects to have approximately 100 shareholders of
record and, as a result, the Company intends to
terminate the registration of the Common Shares
under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, or the Exchange Act. This will mean that
the Companys duty to file periodic reports with the
SEC will be suspended, and the Company will no
longer be classified as a public reporting company.
Please see the section of this Proxy Statement
entitled Special Factors Effect of the Reverse
Stock Split for a more detailed discussion of the
foregoing. |
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PROXY STATEMENT
SHOPSMITH, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
November , 2005
INTRODUCTION
The accompanying proxy is being solicited by the Board of Directors of Shopsmith, Inc., an Ohio
corporation (the Company), on behalf of the Company for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
of Shopsmith, Inc., an Ohio corporation (the Company), to be held at the principal office of the
Company, 6530 Poe Avenue, Dayton, Ohio at 9:30 a.m., on Wednesday,
November , 2005 and at any
adjournment thereof. The approximate date on which this Proxy Statement and the form of proxy are
being sent to shareholders is on or about
October , 2005.
At the Annual Meeting, shareholders will consider and vote on:
1. Approval of an amendment to the Companys Amended Articles of Incorporation to effect a reverse
stock split of the Companys outstanding Common Shares, whereby the Company will effect a 1-for-500
reverse stock split, such that shareholders owning less than 500 Common Shares will have such
shares cancelled and converted into the right to receive $0.27 in cash for each share owned,
immediately followed by a 500-for-1 forward stock split (the Reverse Stock Split);
2. Approval of an amendment to the Companys Amended Articles of Incorporation to effect a
reduction in the Companys stated capital from $2,806,482 to $26,052 (the Capital Reduction);
3. Election of two directors of the Company to serve a term of two years;
4. Approval of the appointment of Crowe Chizek and Company LLC as the independent public
accountants for the Company for the fiscal year ending April 1, 2006; and
5. Transaction such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment(s)
thereof.
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the amendment to the Companys Amended
Articles of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split, FOR the amendment to the Companys
Amended Articles of Incorporation to effect the Capital Reduction, FOR the election as directors of
the nominees named herein, and FOR the approval of the appointment of independent public
accountants for the Company.
The address of the Companys principal office is set forth above and its telephone number at such
office is 937-898-6070. The cost of preparing and mailing the enclosed material is to be borne by
the Company.
THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, AND NEITHER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR
ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
OR UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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Proxies and Election Inspector
Proxies that are properly executed and duly returned to the Company will be voted in accordance
with the instructions contained therein. If no instruction is given with respect to any proposal to
be acted upon, the proxy will be voted in favor of the proposals set forth therein. Each proxy
granted may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise by the subsequent execution and submission
of a revised proxy, by written notice to the Secretary of the Company, or by voting in person at
the Annual Meeting.
Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting will be counted by the person appointed by
the Company to act as election inspector for the meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be
included in the determination of the number of shares represented at the meeting for quorum
purposes. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be disregarded in the election of directors and
will have the effect of votes against approval of the Reverse Stock Split, the Capital Reduction,
and the appointment of independent public accountants.
In connection with the election of directors to the Board of Directors, the candidates receiving
the highest number of affirmative votes of the shares entitled to be voted for them, up to the
number of Directors to be elected by those shares, will be elected and votes cast against a
candidate or votes withheld will have no legal effect.
Voting Securities and Vote Required
The only class of voting securities of the Company is its common shares, without par value, which
we refer to as the Common Shares, each share of which entitles the holder thereof to one vote. As
of September 12, 2005, the Record Date, there were 2,605,233 Common Shares outstanding and entitled
to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. A majority of the outstanding Common
Shares, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum for all matters to be voted on
at the Annual Meeting. Assuming the presence of a quorum, the affirmative vote of a majority of
the outstanding Common Shares is necessary to approve the amendments to the Amended Articles of
Incorporation; the affirmative vote of a majority of the Common Shares present, in person or by
proxy, and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for the adoption of the proposal to
approve the appointment of independent accountants; and in the election of directors, nominees will
be elected by a plurality of the votes cast, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote on the
election of directors.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING AND THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
Q: Why am I receiving these materials?
A: The Board is providing these proxy materials for you in connection with the Annual Meeting,
which will take place on Wednesday, November , 2005. As a shareholder, you are invited to attend
the Annual Meeting and are entitled to and requested to vote on the transaction described in this
Proxy Statement.
Q: What information is contained in these materials?
A: The information included in this Proxy Statement relates to the proposals to be voted on at the
Annual Meeting, the voting process, and other required information. Our Annual Report to
Shareholders for the fiscal year ended April 2, 2005, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for this
fiscal year, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 2005 are
incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement. With this Proxy Statement, we are providing you
copies of our Annual Report to Shareholders and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended July 2, 2005.
Q: What is the time and place of the Annual Meeting?
A: The Annual Meeting will be held at the corporate office of Shopsmith, Inc., in Dayton, Ohio at
9:30 a.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time, on Wednesday, November , 2005.
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Q: Who is soliciting my proxy?
A: The Board of Directors of Shopsmith, Inc.
Q: What proposals will be voted on at the Annual Meeting?
A: You are being asked to vote on the approval of the proposed amendments to our Amended Articles
of Incorporation that (i) will provide for a 1-for-500 reverse stock split followed immediately by
a 500-for-1 forward stock split (the Reverse Stock Split) and (ii) will provide for a reduction
of our stated capital account from $2,806,482 to $26,052 (the Capital Reduction). Shareholders
whose shares are converted into less than one share in the reverse split (meaning they held fewer
than 500 shares at the effective time of the transaction) will receive a cash payment from the
Company for their fractional share interests equal to $0.27 in cash, without interest, for each
Common Share they held immediately before the transaction. The Reverse Stock Split and Capital
Reduction are referred to together as the Transactions. Shareholders who own 500 or more shares
at the effective time of the Transactions will continue to own the same number of shares after the
Transactions. The Company will have fewer than 500 shareholders after the Transaction, and intends
to file a Form 15 with the SEC to deregister the Common Shares. Thereafter, the Company would no
longer be subject to the reporting and related requirements of the Exchange Act. In addition, any
trading in our Common Shares after the transaction will only occur in the pink sheets (a
centralized quotation service that collects and publishes market maker quotes for securities) or in
privately negotiated sales. You are also being asked to elect two directors, to approve the
appointment of independent accountants, and to transact such other business as may properly come
before the meeting.
Q: What is the Boards voting recommendation?
A: Our Board has determined that the Reverse Stock Split and the Capital Reduction are advisable
and in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Our Board has therefore unanimously
approved the Reverse Stock Split and Capital Reduction and recommends that you vote FOR approval
of these Transactions at the Annual Meeting.
The Board also recommends that you vote FOR the election of each director nominee named in this
Proxy Statement and approval of independent accountants.
Q: What shares can I vote?
A: You may vote all Common Shares that you own as of the close of business on the Record Date,
which was September 12, 2005. These shares include (i) shares held directly in your name as the
shareholder of record, and (ii) shares held for you as the beneficial owner either through a
broker or bank.
Q: What is the purpose of the Transactions?
A: If approved, the Transactions will enable the Company to go private and thus terminate its
obligations to file annual and periodic reports and make other filings with the SEC. The purpose
behind the proposal and the benefits of going private include:
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eliminating the costs associated with filing documents under the Exchange Act with the SEC; |
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eliminating the costs of compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related regulations; |
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reducing the direct and indirect costs of administering shareholder accounts and responding to shareholder requests; and |
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affording shareholders holding fewer than 500 shares immediately before the transaction the opportunity to receive cash
for their shares without having to pay brokerage commissions and other transaction costs. |
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Q: What does going private mean?
A: Following the Transactions, the Company will have fewer than 500 shareholders of record, will
be eligible to terminate the registration of its Common Shares under the Exchange Act, and will
become a private company. In this regard, the Company, by going private, will no longer have to
file periodic reports, such as annual, quarterly, and other reports, with the SEC, and its
executive officers, directors, and 10% shareholders will no longer be required to file reports
relating to their transactions in the Common Shares with the SEC. Additionally, any trading in our
Common Shares will occur only in pink sheets or in privately negotiated sales.
Q: What will I receive in the Reverse Stock Split?
A: If you own fewer than 500 Common Shares immediately before the effective time of the Reverse
Stock Split, you will receive $0.27 in cash, without interest, from the Company for each share that
you own. If you own 500 or more Common Shares at the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split,
you will not receive any cash payment for your shares in connection with the Reverse Stock Split
and will continue to hold the same number of Common Shares as you did before the Reverse Stock
Split.
Q: What if I hold shares in street name?
A: The Company intends to treat shareholders holding Common Shares in street name through a
nominee (such as a bank or broker) in the same manner as shareholders whose shares are registered
in their name. However, nominees may have different procedures and shareholders holding Common
Shares in street name should contact their nominees.
Q: How will the Company be operated after the Reverse Stock Split?
A: Assuming that the Company has fewer than 500 shareholders after the transaction, the Company
will file a Form 15 to deregister its Common Shares under federal securities laws. Upon such
filing, the Company would no longer be subject to the reporting and related requirements under the
federal securities laws that are applicable to public companies. The Company expects its business
and operations to continue as they are currently being conducted and, except as disclosed in this
Proxy Statement, the Reverse Stock Split is not anticipated to have any effect upon the conduct of
such business. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, shareholders who receive cash for their
shares in the Reverse Stock Split will no longer have a continuing interest as shareholders of the
Company and will not share in any future earnings and growth of the Company. Also, any trading in
our Common Shares will only occur in the pink sheets or in privately negotiated sales, which will
adversely affect the liquidity of the Common Shares.
Q: What are the federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split to me?
A: The receipt of the cash in the Reverse Stock Split will be taxable for Federal income tax
purposes. Shareholders who do not receive cash in the Reverse Stock Split should not be subject to
taxation as a result of the Transactions. To review the material tax consequences in greater
detail, please read the discussion under Proposal No. 1 Material Federal Income Tax
Consequences.
Q: If I own fewer than 500 shares, is there any way I can continue to be a shareholder of the
Company after the Reverse Stock Split?
A: If you own fewer than 500 shares before the Reverse Stock Split, the only way you can continue
to be a shareholder of the Company after the Transactions is to purchase, prior to the effective
date, sufficient additional shares to cause you to own a minimum of 500 shares on the effective date. However, we
cannot assure you that any shares will be available for purchase.
Q: What happens if I own a total of 500 or more shares beneficially, but I hold fewer than 500
shares of record in my name and fewer than 500 shares with my broker in street name?
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A: An example of this would be that you have 200 shares registered in your own name with our
transfer agent, and you have 300 shares registered with your broker in street name. Accordingly,
you are the beneficial owner of a total of 500 shares, but you do not own 500 shares of record or
beneficially in the same name. If this is the case, as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, you
would receive cash for the 200 shares you hold of record. You will also receive cash for the 300
shares held in street name.
Q: Should I send in my stock certificates now?
A: No. After the Reverse Stock Split is completed, we will send instructions on how to receive any
cash payments you may be entitled to receive.
Q: How can I vote my shares without attending the Annual Meeting?
A: Whether you hold your shares directly as the shareholder of record or beneficially in street
name, you may direct your vote without attending the Annual Meeting. You may vote by signing your
proxy card or, for shares held in street name, by signing the voting instruction card included by
your broker or nominee and mailing it in the enclosed, pre-addressed envelope. If you provide
specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted as you instruct. If you sign but do not
provide instructions, your shares will be voted as described below in How are votes counted?
Q: Can I change my vote?
A: You may change your proxy instructions at any time prior to the vote at the Annual Meeting. For
shares held directly in your name, you may change your vote by signing a new proxy card bearing a
later date (which automatically revokes the earlier dated proxy card) or by attending the Annual
Meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not cause your previously
signed proxy appointment to be revoked unless you specifically so request. For shares held
beneficially by you, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker
or nominee.
Q: How are votes counted?
A: You may vote FOR, AGAINST or ABSTAIN on the Reverse Stock Split. If you ABSTAIN, it has
the same effect as a vote AGAINST. If you sign and date your proxy card with no further
instructions, your shares will be voted FOR the approval of the Reverse Stock Split, FOR the
approval of the Capital Reduction, FOR the election of each director nominee named in this Proxy
Statement, and FOR the approval of the appointment of independent public accountants for the
Company, all in accordance with the recommendations of the Board.
Q: What are the voting requirements to approve the Reverse Stock Split, to approve the Capital
Reduction, to elect directors, and to approve the appointment of independent public accountants ?
A: Approval of the Reverse Stock Split and approval of the Capital Reduction, each will require
the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding Common Shares. The election of directors will
be determined by a plurality of the votes of the shares represented in person or by proxy at the
Annual Meeting. Approval of the appointment of independent public accountants requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented at the Annual Meeting.
Q: What happens if shareholders approve the Reverse Stock Split but do not approve the Capital
Reduction?
A: Under Ohio law, a corporation is not permitted to purchase its own shares, including fractional
shares or interests, if after the purchase, the corporations total assets would be less than the
sum of its total liabilities and stated capital account. The Companys assets are currently less
than the sum of its total liabilities and stated capital. If the Capital Reduction is not
approved, the company would not be able under Ohio Law to purchase fractional interests in the
Reverse Stock Split. In such a case, the Reverse Stock Split could not go forward, and it is likely that the Company would abandon the proposed Reverse Stock Split.
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Q: What happens if shareholders approve the Capital Reduction but do not approve the Reverse Stock
Split?
A: If shareholders do not approve the Reverse Stock Split, it will be abandoned. If the Capital
Reduction is approved, the Board intends to file the amendment to the Companys Amended Articles of
Incorporation giving effect to the Capital Reduction because the Board believes that it may be
beneficial to the Company and its shareholders in the future for the Company to be legally
permitted to purchase its shares. The Company has no present intention or plans to purchase any of
its shares in the future other than as part of the Reverse Stock Split.
Q: What happens if I sell shares before the Annual Meeting?
A: If you sell a sufficient number of shares so that you own fewer than 500 shares at the
effective time of the Reverse Stock Split, you will receive $0.27 cash for each share you own
immediately before the effective time of the transaction.
Q: Where can I find the voting results of the Annual Meeting?
A: We will announce preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting and publish final results in
a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC or by amending the Schedule 13E-3 filed in
connection with the Reverse Stock Split.
Q: Am I entitled to dissenters rights?
A: Under Ohio law, shareholders are not entitled to dissenters rights in connection with the
Reverse Stock Split.
Q: What are some of the advantages of the Reverse Stock Split?
A: The Board of Directors believes that the Reverse Stock Split will have, among others, the
following advantages:
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The Company will terminate the registration of its Common Shares
under the Exchange Act, which will eliminate what for the Company
are significant and material costs associated with being a public
company. The estimated costs that will be eliminated or avoided
are the following: (i) $95,000 in annual costs that have
historically been directly associated with being a public company,
(ii) $160,000 in one-time costs that are expected to be incurred
in order to comply initially with Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and (iii) $195,000 in annual costs in the
future if the Company were to continue as a reporting company
subject to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; |
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Management will be able to focus its time on, and the Company will
be able to invest its limited resources in, the operation of the
Companys business; and |
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Shareholders holding fewer than 500 shares will be able to realize
complete liquidity at approximately the market price, and do so
through a Reverse Stock Split that will not include brokerage
commissions and fees. |
Q: What are some of the disadvantages of the Reverse Stock Split?
A: The Board of Directors believes that the Reverse Stock Split will have, among others, the
following disadvantages:
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The Companys working capital assets will be decreased to fund the purchase of fractional shares and the costs of the
Reverse Stock Split. |
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Shareholders owning less than 500 Common Shares will not have an opportunity to liquidate their shares at a time and
for a price of their choosing; instead, they will be cashed out and will no longer be shareholders of the Company and
will not have the opportunity to participate in or benefit from any future potential appreciation in the Companys
value. |
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Shareholders remaining in the Company following the Reverse Stock Split will no longer have available all of the
information regarding the Companys operations and results that is currently available in the Companys filings with
the SEC, the Reverse Stock Split will result in the loss of financial transparency for unaffiliated shareholders that
remain shareholders in the Company after the Reverse Stock Split, the Company will no longer be subject to the
liability provisions of the Exchange Act, the Company will no longer be subject to the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act, and the officers of the Company will no longer be required to certify the accuracy of the Companys financial
statements. |
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Shareholders remaining in the Company following the Reverse Stock Split may experience less liquidity and more price
volatility since the Common Shares will be quoted on the pink sheets rather than on the OTC Bulletin Board. |
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The Company may have less flexibility in attracting and retaining executives and employees because equity-based
incentives (such as stock options) tend not to be as attractive in a non-SEC reporting company. |
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It will be more difficult for the Company to access the public equity markets. |
See Special Factors Effect of the Reverse Stock Split.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Capital Reduction?
A: The Board has recommended that shareholders approve the Capital Reduction because the Capital
Reduction is necessary for the Company to go forward with the Reverse Stock Split. In addition,
the Board believes the Capital Reduction is beneficial to the Company even if the Reverse Stock
Split does not go forward, because the Capital Reduction would permit the Company to purchase its
own shares if and when the Board determined that a purchase of shares was appropriate. The Board
believes there are no disadvantages to the Company or shareholders from passing the Capital
Reduction.
Q: The Company has been publicly held since 1979; what are some of the reasons for going private
now?
A: The Board believes that the Company currently derives no material benefit from its public
company status. In addition to the direct financial burden from being a public company, the thin
trading market in the Common Shares has not provided liquidity to its shareholders, nor does the
Company expect that it will permit the Company to use its stock as currency for acquisitions or
other transactions in the future. Additionally, the limited trading volume results in substantial
spikes in the trading price when actual trades are made in the market.
See Special Factors Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split.
Q: What are some of the factors supporting the Boards determination to recommend approval of the
Reverse Stock Split?
A: The Board based its determination to recommend approval of the Reverse Stock Split proposal on
several factors. Importantly, the Board considered the relative advantages and disadvantages
discussed
9
above and under Special Factors Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split and Special
Factors Fairness of the Transaction and Recommendation of the Board. The Board also considered
certain other factors, including:
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the financial presentations and analyses of management and the
opinion of Donnelly Penman regarding the Reverse Stock Split
proposal and the Boards discussions and conclusions about the
fairness, from a financial point of view, of the proposed per
pre-split share price of $0.27 to be paid for fractional shares to
the Companys shareholders owning less than 500 Common Shares; |
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the projected tangible and intangible cost savings to the Company
by terminating its public company status; and |
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attempts of the Companys shareholders to achieve liquidity in the
existing trading market would be frustrated due to the low average
daily trading volume of the Common Shares, where only a small
number of shares could be purchased or sold without the risk of
significantly increasing or decreasing the trading price. |
See Special Factors Fairness of the Transaction and Recommendation of the Board.
Q: What are the interests of the Companys directors and officers in the Reverse Stock Split?
A: In considering the Boards recommendation to approve the Reverse Stock Split proposal,
shareholders should be aware that, as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the Company estimates
that its directors and officers, collectively, will beneficially own approximately 30.3% of the
Common Shares before the Reverse Stock Split and 32.8% after the Reverse Stock Split because an
estimated 200,000 Common Shares will be eliminated.
Q: What is the total cost of the reverse stock split to the Company?
A: The Company estimates that the total cost of the Reverse Stock Split to the Company will be
approximately $181,500, of which the Company will pay approximately $54,000 to cash out fractional
shares and approximately $127,500 of legal, accounting, and financial advisory fees and other costs
to effect the Reverse Stock Split. This total amount could be larger or smaller if the estimated
number of fractional shares that will be outstanding after the Reverse Stock Split changes as a
result of purchases or sales of Common Shares by unaffiliated shareholders.
10
SPECIAL FACTORS
Purpose of the Reverse Stock Split
The primary purpose of the Reverse Stock Split is to enable the Company to go private and thus
terminate its obligations to file annual and periodic reports and make other filings with the SEC.
The purpose behind the proposal and the benefits of going private include eliminating the costs
associated with filing documents under the Exchange Act with the SEC, eliminating the costs of
compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley and related regulations, reducing the direct and indirect costs of
administering shareholder accounts, and affording shareholders holding fewer than 500 shares
immediately before the Reverse Stock Split the opportunity to receive cash for their shares without
having to pay brokerage commissions and other transaction costs.
By purchasing the shares of the holders of fewer than 500 shares, we will:
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Reduce the number of the Companys shareholders of record to fewer than 500 persons,
which will allow us to terminate the registration of the Common Shares under Section 12(g) of
the Exchange Act and suspend the Companys duty to file periodic reports with the SEC; |
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Eliminate the administrative burden and expense of maintaining small shareholder accounts; |
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Permit these small shareholders to liquidate their Common Shares at a fair price, without
having to pay brokerage commissions, as we will pay all transaction costs in connection with
the Reverse Stock Split; and |
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Cause minimal disruption to shareholders owning 500 or more Common Shares. |
Background to the Reverse Stock Split
The Board first discussed the possibility of the Company going private at a regular meeting of the
Board on February 1, 2005, that was attended by all members of the Board and Mark
A. May, Vice
President of Finance and Treasurer of the Company. The Affiliated Persons had, on
February 20,
2004, met with J. Michael Herr, a director of the Company and a partner of Thompson Hine LLP, our
principal legal counsel, and Joseph M. Rigot, also a Thompson Hine partner, to discuss generally
what was involved if a company determined to go private, but no further discussion of a going
private transaction occurred until the February 1, 2005 Board meeting. At the February 1, 2005
Board meeting, Board members expressed concerns over the continuing costs of being a public
company, especially in view of the Companys limited resources and the reports that were emerging
concerning the significant costs companies were incurring in complying with the internal control
report requirements of Sarbanes Oxley Section 404. Mr. Herr suggested that Mr. Rigot attend the
next regularly scheduled Board meeting to discuss going private transactions.
At a meeting of the Board on March 10, 2005, which was attended all members of the Board and Mr.
May, Mr. Rigot discussed the legal requirements for a going private transaction that would result
in the Company terminating its obligation to file reports under the Exchange Act. He reviewed with
our directors the duties of directors when considering a going private transaction and the
procedures and processes involved in a going private transaction. Our Board was advised that if
the Company chose to go forward with a going private transaction, the Board should review the
various alternative transactions available to effect a going private transaction and be satisfied
that the benefits of the transaction justified the costs to go private, which could be substantial
in view of the Companys limited resources. Mr. Rigot further advised our Board that a going
private transaction involved various conflicts of interests, including those between shareholders
who would cease to be shareholders and those who would continue to be shareholders. In addition,
it was noted that if all of the directors were continuing shareholders, then our directors would
have interests that differed from those of persons who ceased to be shareholders. Our directors
were
11
advised that in connection with any going private transaction, applicable SEC rules would require
the Board to state its conclusions as to whether the price to be paid was fair and whether the
processes followed in the going private transaction were procedurally fair to persons who ceased to
be shareholders and to continuing shareholders. After discussion, it was the sense of the Board
that management of the Company should further investigate the costs and benefits of going private.
The directors requested that they be provided detailed information as to the possible costs of a
going private transaction and the ability of the Company to fund such costs and its ongoing
operating cash requirements.
At the direction of the Board, John R. Folkerth, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and
Robert L. Folkerth, our President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director, who together own 28.3%
of the Common Shares and who are referred to herein as the Affiliated Persons, met with Messrs.
Herr and Rigot of Thompson Hine on March 18, 2005 to discuss going private transaction
alternatives, possible timelines for going private transactions and the costs associated with such
transactions. As a result of that meeting, management determined to propose to the Board that the
Company further investigate a going private transaction structured as a reverse stock split.
At a meeting of the Board held on April 27, 2005 in which all directors and Messrs. May and Rigot
participated by telephone, Thompson Hine reviewed in detail the discussions that it had on March
18, 2005 with management concerning going private alternatives and the costs of such transactions.
Our directors considered the advantages and disadvantages of a going private transaction and
reviewed the possible costs of, and savings resulting from, a going private transaction. The
principal reason our Board determined to proceed at the present time with a going private
transaction was the increased costs that the Company would incur in complying with Sarbanes Oxley
Section 404. Our directors then discussed the importance of hiring a financial advisor to assist
in the valuation of the Common Shares in connection with a going private transaction. Thompson
Hine provided directors a list of financial advisory firms that had rendered advice and opinions in
connection with going private transactions. The Board instructed management to review the
qualifications of independent financial advisors and the likely costs of engaging an independent
financial advisor and to report their findings to the Board. After reviewing the list of financial
advisors and their qualifications, management invited two firms to make presentations concerning
their respective qualifications and experience at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Robert
Folkerth also advised the Board that the Company had completed the sale of its accounts receivable
portfolio for $1,138,000 to Citizens Finance Company of Elmhurst, Illinois and that it was likely
that funds would be available if the Company determined to proceed with a going private
transaction.
On June 7, 2005, at a meeting of the Board at which all directors and Mr. May were present, two
investment advisory firms made separate presentations to our Board concerning their qualifications
to serve as an independent financial advisor in connection with a going private transaction.
Following the meeting, the Board selected Donnelly Penman to act as its financial advisor and to
render a fairness opinion in connection with the going private transaction.
At a meeting of the Board on July 27, 2005 at which all directors and Messrs. May and Rigot were
present, Sean ODonnell and Kirk Haggarty of Donnelly Penman presented to the Board its report on
the valuation of the Common Shares. The Donnelly Penman report concluded that the fair market value
of the Common Shares as of June 30, 2005 was $0.18 per share. As discussed below, at a meeting of
the Board on September 28, 2005, Donnelly Penman supplemented and revised its earlier report and
concluded that the fair market value of the Common Shares as of June 30, 2005 was $0.25 per share.
The Donnelly Penman report and the valuation methodologies applied in arriving at such value are
discussed at Special Factors Opinion of Financial Advisor.
The Board engaged in a discussion with Donnelly Penman concerning its report. Directors questioned
the weighting applied to the prices indicated from the valuation methodologies utilized by Donnelly
Penman. Donnelly Penman commented that due to the Companys lack of current profitability,
including negative earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for its fiscal
year ended April 2, 2005 and the last twelve months ended June 30, 2005, the results of the
comparable company analysis and comparable transaction approach to value were not meaningful. The
Board questioned why Donnelly Penmans per share value was less than the recent 30-day, 90-day,
and one year trading average prices per Common
12
Share. Donnelly Penman noted that market prices received a 30% weighting in its valuation and
commented that trading in the Common Shares was sporadic and volume was limited and indicated that
when larger trades were executed, the price tended to decline. The Board inquired as to the high
cost of capital factor used in the discounted cash flow valuation calculation. Donnelly Penman
responded that it added a risk premium of 5% to the cost of capital factor due to Companys
current lack of profitability, declining sales, and dependence on key customers dictated.
Directors indicated that they were inclined to give more weight to recent average trading prices
and believed they should consider a price in the range of $0.25 to $0.27 per share. The Board
inquired whether a price of, for example, $0.27 per share would raise fairness issues with respect
to Continuing Shareholders. Donnelly indicated that giving additional weight to market prices was
not inconsistent with its approach to value and the resultant financial impact on the Company was
minor, particularly in view of the Boards belief that the going private transaction was necessary
given the Companys limited resources and the anticipated costs of remaining a public
company.
After responding to questions from directors, Donnelly Penman discontinued participation in
the meeting. After considering the valuation report of Donnelly Penman and discussing all prices
arrived at by Donnelly Penman when it applied various valuation methodologies, the directors
concluded that a price of $0.27 per share was appropriate since it was more consistent with recent
trading prices. See Special Factors Fairness of the Transaction and Recommendation of the
Board. After discussion, the Board determined that it should consider at a subsequent meeting a
reverse stock split transaction under which holders of less than 500 Common Shares would be cashed
out at $0.27 per share.
A telephonic meeting of the Board was held on August 3, 2005 to consider the reverse stock split.
All directors, except for Brady L. Skinner, participated as well as Messrs. May and Rigot. The
Board discussed the effects of the reverse stock split on holders of less than 500 Common Shares,
holders of 500 or more Common Shares, and the Company. Our directors also discussed the fairness
of the proposed reverse stock split. See Special Factors Fairness of the Transaction and
Recommendation of the Board. After such consideration and receiving the oral opinion of Donnelly
Penman that the payment of $0.27 per share to cashed out shareholders in a 500-to-1 reverse stock
split transaction was fair, from a financial point of view, to all shareholders, the Board approved
the Reverse Stock Split for the reasons at Special Factors Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split.
A telephonic meeting of the Board was held on September 28, 2005 to review this Proxy Statement.
All directors, Messrs. May and Rigot, and representatives of Donnelly Penman participated. At this
meeting, Donnelly Penman advised the Board that in its estimate of future cash flows for purposes
of arriving at a valuation based on the discounted cash flow method that it had made some
calculations (related to the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards and the impact on
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of certain miscellaneous items of
income and expense) that differed from those contained in the Financial Forecasts of management
that appear at Proposal No. 1: Reverse Stock Split Financial Information: Our
Financial Forecasts. Donnelly Penman stated that it was supplementing its July 27th
Valuation Report so that the estimates of future cash flows would be based squarely on managements
Financial Forecasts. On this basis, the discounted cash flow analysis implied a per share value
of $0.20 rather than $0.03. In its calculation of the fair market value of the Common Shares,
Donnelly Penman had accorded a 40% weighting to the discounted cash flow value. Applying that same
weighting, when the new $0.20 per share discounted cash flow valuation was factored into the
over-all valuation formula, Donnelly Penman concluded that the fair market value of the Common
Shares as of June 30, 2005 was $0.25. The directors inquired of Donnelly Penman as to whether the
new valuation would affect their opinion that the payment of $0.27 per share to cashed out
shareholders in a 500-to-1 reverse stock split transaction was fair, from a financial point of
view, to all shareholders. Donnelly Penman advised that Board that it did not affect their opinion.
The Board reviewed its findings with respect to the fairness of the $0.27 per share price, both to
cashed-out shareholders and Continuing Shareholders, in view of the new information presented by
Donnelly Penman. After satisfying itself that the new information did not affect any of its
determinations, the Board reapproved the Reverse Stock Split for the reasons at Special Factors
Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split.
13
Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split
We incur direct and indirect costs associated with compliance with the Exchange Acts filing and
reporting requirements imposed on public companies. The cost of compliance has increased
significantly with the implementation of the provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley. We also incur
substantial indirect costs as a result of, among other things, the executive time expended to
prepare and review our public filings. As we have relatively few executive personnel, these
indirect costs can be substantial.
The Board of Directors and the Affiliated Persons believe that by deregistering the Common Shares
and suspending the Companys periodic reporting obligations, the Company will experience an initial
annual cost savings of approximately $255,000 consisting of (i) $95,000 in fees historically
incurred and (ii) $160,000 in fees that would otherwise be expected to be incurred in order to
comply with Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley. In addition, our annual ongoing costs associated with
being a public company in the years following initial compliance with Sarbanes Oxley Section 404
are estimated to be $195,000. Such estimated fees are further described in greater detail below:
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Historical Fees Directly Associated With Being A Public Company: |
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Legal fees |
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$ |
25,000 |
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Printing, mailing, and meeting costs |
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10,000 |
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Audit fees |
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30,000 |
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Internal personnel costs |
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30,000 |
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Total |
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$ |
95,000 |
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One-Time Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Section 404 Fees |
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Third party planning, testing & documentation |
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$ |
100,000 |
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Internal personnel costs |
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60,000 |
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Total |
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$ |
160,000 |
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Annual Ongoing Public Company Costs Following Initial Compliance With
Section 404 Requirements |
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Legal fees |
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$ |
35,000 |
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Audit fees |
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90,000 |
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Internal personnel costs |
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60,000 |
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Printing, mailing, and meeting costs |
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10,000 |
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Total |
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$ |
195,000 |
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The cost savings figures set forth above are only estimates. The actual savings we realize from
going private may be higher or lower than such estimates. Estimates of the annual savings to be
realized if the Reverse Stock Split is consummated are based upon (i) the actual costs to us of the
services and disbursements in each of the categories listed above that were reflected in our recent
financial statements and (ii) the allocation to each category of managements estimates of the
portion of the expenses and disbursements in such category believed to be solely or primarily
attributable to our public reporting company status.
It is important to note that in addition to the above-referenced annual estimated cost savings, the
consummation of the Reverse Stock Split and subsequent deregistration of the Common Shares would
result in a significant one-time cost savings due to the Companys not being subject to the new
internal control audit requirements imposed by Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley. Preparing the Company
to comply with Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley would require significant expenditures, including fees
to third parties for compliance planning, assessment, documentation and testing, and costs related
to internal personnel. Such costs are estimated at $160,000.
In some instances, managements cost saving expectations were based on information provided or upon
reasonable assumptions. For example, our auditors have informed us, informally, that there will be
a reduction in auditing fees if we no longer continue as a public reporting company. In addition,
the costs associated with retaining legal counsel to assist with complying with the Exchange Act
reporting
14
requirements will be eliminated if we no longer file reports with the SEC and are otherwise not
required to comply with the disclosure requirements that apply to public reporting companies.
Inability to Realize Benefits Normally Associated with Public Reporting Company Status
An additional reason for the Reverse Stock Split relates to the inability of the Company to realize
many of the benefits normally presumed to result from being a public reporting company, such as the
following:
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A typical advantage from being a public company comes
from the ability to use company stock, as opposed to cash or
other consideration, to effect acquisitions. The Company has
not had the opportunity to acquire other businesses using
stock as consideration and does not presently intend to do so. |
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Public companies can also obtain financing by issuing
securities in a public offering. The Company has not accessed
the capital markets in such a manner in recent years and does
not presently intend to do so. |
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Public companies often endeavor to use company stock to
attract, retain and motivate employees. In recent years, due
to the relatively limited liquidity of the Common Shares, the
Company has found limited success in using the Common Shares
in such a manner. |
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An enhanced company image often accompanies public
company status. The Company has determined that due to its
size and other factors, the Company has not enjoyed an
appreciable enhancement in company image as a result of its
public company status. |
In light of the foregoing, the Board of Directors believes the benefits associated with maintaining
our status as a public reporting company and maintaining our small shareholder accounts are
substantially outweighed by the costs, both financial and operational, associated therewith. The
Board of Directors believes that it is in the best interests of the Company to eliminate the
administrative burden and costs associated with maintaining its status as a public reporting
company and its small shareholder accounts. The Board of Directors has determined that the Reverse
Stock Split is the most expeditious and economical way of liquidating the holdings of small
shareholders and changing our status from that of a public reporting company to that of a more
closely-held, non-reporting company. The Board of Directors has determined that the reverse stock
split ratio should be 1-for-500 and that the forward stock split ratio should be 500-for-1.
Numerous factors were considered in reaching its determination. See Recommendation of the Board
of Directors and Special Factors Fairness of the Transaction and Recommendation of the Board.
Reasons for the Forward Stock Split
The forward stock split, which is scheduled to occur immediately after the reverse stock split, is
intended primarily to restore continuing shareholders to their original position and eliminate the
need to replace stock certificates held by continuing shareholders and to avoid the need to adjust
the exercise price of any awards previously granted under the Companys stock option plans.
Effect of the Reverse Stock Split
If the Reverse Stock Split is consummated, we intend to apply for termination of registration of
the Common Shares under the Exchange Act as soon as practicable after completion of the Reverse
Stock Split. The Reverse Stock Split is expected to reduce the number of shareholders of record of
the Company from approximately 1,125 to approximately 100. Upon the termination of our reporting
obligations under the Exchange Act, the Common Shares may be eligible for listing and trading in
the pink sheets, as described below. However, the completion of the Reverse Stock Split and the
deregistration of the Common Shares under the Exchange Act will likely cause the trading market for
shares of the Common Shares to be eliminated or substantially reduced and as result, adversely
affect the liquidity of the Common Shares.
15
Effects on Shareholders with Fewer Than 500 Shares of Common Shares
If the Reverse Stock Split is implemented, shareholders, which we refer to as Cashed Out
Shareholders, holding fewer than 500 Common Shares immediately before the Reverse Stock Split:
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will not receive a fractional Common Share as a result of the Reverse Stock Split; |
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will instead receive cash equal to $0.27 per share for each Common Share held immediately before the Reverse
Stock Split in accordance with the procedures described in this Proxy Statement; |
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will have no further ownership interest in the Company with respect to cashed out shares, and will no longer
be entitled to vote as shareholders; |
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will not be required to pay any service charges or brokerage commissions in connection with the Reverse Stock
Split; and |
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will not receive any interest on the cash payments made as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. |
Cash payments to Cashed Out Shareholders as a result of the Reverse Stock Split will be subject to
income taxation. For a discussion of the federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock
Split, please see the section of this Proxy Statement entitled Proposal No. 1 Material Federal
Income Tax Consequences.
If you would otherwise be a Cashed Out Shareholder as a result of your owning less than 500 Common
Shares, but you would rather continue to hold Common Shares after the Reverse Stock Split and not
be cashed out, you may do so by taking either of the following actions:
(1) Purchase a sufficient number of additional Common Shares on the open market and have them
registered in your name and consolidated with your current record account, if you are a record
holder, or have them entered in your account with a nominee (such as your broker or bank) in which
you hold your current shares so that you hold at least 500 Common Shares in your record account
immediately before the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split; or
(2) If applicable, consolidate your accounts so that together you hold at least 500 Common Shares
in one record account immediately before the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split.
You will have to act far enough in advance so that the purchase of any Common Shares and/or
consolidation of your accounts containing Common Shares is completed by the close of business prior
to the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split.
Effects on Shareholders with 500 or More Common Shares
If the Reverse Stock Split is implemented, shareholders, which we refer to as Continuing
Shareholders, holding 500 or more Common Shares immediately before the Reverse Stock Split:
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will not be affected in terms of the number of Common Shares held before and after the Reverse Stock Split; |
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will be the only persons entitled to vote as shareholders after the consummation of the Reverse Stock Split; |
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will not receive cash for any portion of their shares (and will not receive any other consideration, including
options); |
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may experience a reduction in liquidity with respect to the Common Shares; and |
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16
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assuming that 200,000 Common Shares are cashed-out as a result of the Reverse Stock Split at a cost of
$181,500 and that the Transaction had occurred as of April 2, 2005, the Continuing Shareholders percentage
interest in the book value and earnings (loss) of the Company would have increased by a total of 7.7%; the
aggregate interest on a pro forma basis of the Continuing Shareholders in the book value of the Company would have
decreased approximately $77,000 (approximately $0.03 per share) because the estimated cost of the Transaction will
exceed 7.7% of the Companys actual book value on April 2, 2005; and the Continuing Shareholders aggregate
interest in the Companys actual loss for the fiscal year ended April 2, 2005 would have increased by $59, 353
(approximately $(0.025) per share) , without giving effect to the cost of the Transaction. |
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In the event that we terminate the registration of the Common Shares under the Exchange Act,
we will no longer be required to file public reports of our financial condition and other aspects
of our business with the SEC. We will continue to send annual financial statements to our
shareholders, but do not currently intend to distribute any additional financial or other Company
information to shareholders. As a result, shareholders and brokers will have less access to
information about the Companys business and results of operations than they had prior to the
Reverse Stock Split. Nevertheless, we may decide in our sole discretion to provide certain
financial and other information on our website at some time in the future.
In addition, in the event that we terminate the registration of the Common Shares under the
Exchange Act, the Common Shares will cease to be eligible for trading on any securities market
except the pink sheets, which may not be available as a source of liquidity. In order for the
Common Shares to be quoted on the pink sheets (a centralized quotation service that collects and
publishes market maker quotes for securities), one or more broker-dealers must act as a market
maker and sponsor the Common Shares on the pink sheets. Following consummation of the Reverse
Stock Split and the absence of current information about the Company being filed under the Exchange
Act, there can be no assurance that any broker-dealer will be willing to act as a market maker in
the Common Shares. There is also no assurance that Common Shares will be available for purchase or
sale after the Reverse Stock Split has been consummated.
Effects on the Company
If consummated, the Reverse Stock Split will affect the registration of the Common Shares under the
Exchange Act, as we intend to apply for termination of such registration as soon as practicable
after the Reverse Stock Split.
The Reverse Stock Split is intended to reduce the number of shareholders of the Company to less
than 500. The completion of the Reverse Stock Split and the deregistration of the Common Shares
under the Exchange Act will render the Common Shares ineligible for listing or quotation on any
stock exchange or other automated quotation system. After the Reverse Stock Split, we may be able
to list the Common Shares in the pink sheets and intend to pursue that option. Consequently,
Continuing Shareholders should expect the public market for Common Shares to be eliminated or
substantially reduced.
We have no current plans to issue Common Shares after the Reverse Stock Split other than pursuant
to our existing stock option plans, but we reserve the right to do so at any time and from time to
time at such prices and on such terms as the Board of Directors determines to be in the best
interests of the Company. Continuing Shareholders will not have any preemptive or other
preferential rights to purchase any of our stock that we may issue in the future, unless such
rights are specifically granted to the shareholders.
While the Company has no present plan to do so, after the Reverse Stock Split has been consummated,
the Company may, from time to time, repurchase Common Shares pursuant to an odd-lot repurchase
program, private negotiated sale or other transaction. Whether or not the Company seeks to purchase
shares in the future will depend on a number of factors, including the Companys financial
condition, operating results and available capital at the time.
17
We expect that upon the completion of the Reverse Stock Split, the shares beneficially owned by our
directors and executive officers will comprise approximately 32.8% of the then issued and
outstanding Common Shares, compared to 30.3% owned prior to the Reverse Stock Split.
Failure to Effect Reverse Stock Split
Although the Board of Directors believes that the Reverse Stock Split will be consummated and that
the Company will go private, we cannot guarantee that the Reverse Stock Split will result in the
Company going private. Even if shareholder approval of the Reverse Stock Split is obtained, the
Board of Directors will not implement the Reverse Stock Split if it determines that the Reverse
Stock Split would result in the number of shareholders of record remaining 500 or more or if the
cost of completing the Transactions exceeds an amount (as yet undetermined but dependent upon the
then current financial condition and prospects of the Company) considered acceptable by the Board
of Directors (as could be the case if the number of fractional shares to be purchased in the
Reverse Stock Split substantially exceeds the Companys estimate of 200,000). The Companys stock
would continue to be publicly traded and the Company would continue to file annual and quarterly
reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q if the reverse Stock Split is not implemented. The Board of
Directors considered the possibility that the Reverse Stock Split may not be implemented.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The decision to engage in a going private transaction through a Reverse Stock Split at this time is
not the result of any tax consequences of the transaction. We believe that the Reverse Stock Split
will not result in material federal income tax consequences to the Company. For example, we
anticipate that the Companys ability to utilize its current net operating loss carry forwards of
$2.4 million at April 2, 2005 will remain unaffected after the Reverse Stock Split. In addition,
Continuing Shareholders who do not receive any cash as a result of the Reverse Stock Split should
not recognize any gain or loss as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. A Continuing Shareholders
tax basis and holding period in the Common Shares should remain unchanged after the Reverse Stock
Split. On the other hand, Cashed Out Shareholders generally will recognize capital gain or loss for
federal income tax purposes as a result of the Reverse/Stock Split. Such gain or loss will be
measured by the difference between the cash received by such Cashed Out Shareholder and the
aggregate adjusted tax basis in such Cashed Out Shareholders shares. For a more detailed
discussion of the federal tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split, see Proposal No. 1 -
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences below.
Alternatives to the Reverse Stock Split
In making the determination to proceed with the Reverse Stock Split, the Board of Directors
considered the feasibility of certain other alternative transactions, as described below:
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Issuer Tender Offer. The Board of Directors did not
believe that a tender offer would necessarily result in the
purchase of a sufficient number of shares to reduce the number
of record holders to fewer than 500 because many shareholders
with a small number of shares might not make the effort to
tender their shares and the cost of completing the tender
offer could be significant in relation to the value of the shares that are sought to be purchased. Alternatively, if most
of the holders of our Common Shares tendered their shares, we
would be required to purchase shares from all tendering
shareholders, which would result in a substantially greater
cash amount necessary to complete the transaction. Regardless,
a tender offer would provide no guarantee that the number of
record holders would ultimately be reduced to fewer than 500.
In addition, the Company would still have to seek approval of
the Capital Reduction in order to purchase its own shares in
accordance with Ohio law. |
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Traditional Stock Repurchase Program. The Board also
rejected this alternative because it concluded it was unlikely
that we could acquire shares from a sufficient number of
record holders to accomplish the Boards objectives in large
part because we would not be able to dictate that open share
purchases only be from record holders selling all of their shares. In addition, the Company would still have to seek
approval of the Capital Reduction in order to purchase its own shares in accordance with Ohio law. |
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Odd-Lot Repurchase Program. The Board also considered
the feasibility of a transaction in which the Company would
announce to its shareholders that it would repurchase, at a
designated price per share, the Common Shares held by any
shareholder who holds less than a specified number of shares
and who offers such shares for sale pursuant to the terms of
the program. A principal disadvantage of such an approach,
however, results from the voluntary nature of the program.
Because shareholders would not be required to participate in
the program, the Company could not be certain at the outset
whether a sufficient number of odd-lot shareholders would
participate and thereby result in the number of shareholders
being reduced to below 500. In addition, the Company would
still have to seek approval of the Capital Reduction in order
to purchase its own shares in accordance with Ohio law. |
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Sale of the Company. The Board discussed the possible
sale of the Company but rejected the idea of pursuing such a
transaction at the present time given the uncertainty of any
possible outcome, the Companys current limited resources, and
the compelling nature of accomplishing the going private
transaction in a prompt timeframe in order to avoid the
significant and material costs the Company would incur if it
continued as a public company. |
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Maintaining the Status Quo. The Board also considered
maintaining the status quo. In that case, the Company would
continue to incur the expenses of being a public reporting
company without enjoying the benefits traditionally associated
with public company status. Given the significant and
material costs of being a public company in relation to the
Companys financial resources, the Board believes that
maintaining the status quo is not in the best interests of the
Company and rejected this alternative. |
Fairness of the Transaction and Recommendation of the Board
The Board has fully reviewed and considered the terms, purpose, alternatives and effects of the
Reverse Stock Split and has determined that the Reverse Stock Split is in the best interests of the
Company and is substantively and procedurally fair to each group of affiliated and unaffiliated
shareholders of the Company, including the unaffiliated Cashed Out Shareholders, individually, who
will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares less than one whole share and the unaffiliated
Continuing Shareholders, individually, who will remain shareholders of the Company after the
Reverse Stock Split. After studying the Reverse Stock Split and its anticipated effects on our
shareholders, the Board unanimously approved the Reverse Stock Split and deemed it fair, both
procedurally and substantively, to all of the Companys affiliated and unaffiliated shareholders,
including the unaffiliated Cashed Out Shareholders, individually, and the unaffiliated Continuing
Shareholders, individually, and to the Company.
The Board of Directors has a fiduciary responsibility to all shareholders including the Cashed Out
Shareholders as well as the Continuing Shareholders. Paying excessive cash consideration to
shareholders with less than 500 Common Shares would not be fair to the Continuing Shareholders
remaining after the Reverse Stock Split while paying inadequate cash consideration would not be
fair to our Cashed Out Shareholders receiving such consideration in exchange for their shares. The
Board reviewed and considered the terms, alternatives and effects of the Reverse Stock Split on
each of the Cashed Out Shareholders, the Continuing Shareholders and the Company. Additionally,
the Board adopted the conclusions and analyses of Donnelly Penman, as outlined in its fairness
opinion, which is discussed in greater detail in the section below entitled Special Factors -
Opinion of Financial Advisor. See also Special Factors Our Position as to the Substantive
Fairness of the Reverse Stock Split Advantages of the Reverse Stock Split.
The Board set the cash consideration to be paid to Cashed Out Shareholders at $0.27 per share. The
Board determined this value after it evaluated the valuation report of Donnelly Penman that the
fair market value of the Common Shares as of June 30, 2005 was $0.25 per share and discussed all
prices arrived at by Donnelly Penman when it applied various valuation methodologies. The Board
believes that $0.27 per share, which is above fair market value of the Common Shares as determined
by Donnelly Penman, is a fair price to all the affiliated and unaffiliated shareholders of the
Company, including the unaffiliated Cashed Out Shareholders and unaffiliated Continuing
Shareholders.
19
Our Position as to Procedural Fairness of the Reverse Stock Split
The Board believes the Reverse Stock Split is procedurally fair for the following reasons:
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The sole reason the Board considered a going private transaction was its concern that
the Company had limited financial resources and would be adversely impacted by the
significant and material costs that it would incur if it continued as a public company.
The Board focused on how to go private only after it determined that a going private
transaction was of compelling financial benefit to the Company and its shareholders. |
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The Board hired Donnelly Penman, an independent financial advisor, to assist it in
valuing the Common Shares. The Board fixed the price to be paid in the going private
transaction only after it had received the advice of its independent financial advisor. |
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The Board considered various structures for going private and determined that the going
private transaction should be structured as a reverse stock split because it provided a
relatively prompt and efficient means to accomplish its objectives. At the same time, if
any potentially Cashed Out Shareholder wanted to be a Continuing Shareholder it could do
so at minimal cost. |
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The Transactions require the approval of a majority of the outstanding Common Shares,
and the directors and executive officers of the Company, including the Affiliated Persons
own only 30.3% of the outstanding Common Shares. Thus, at least 28.3% of the Common
Shares held by Unaffiliated Persons must be voted in favor of the Transactions. |
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The Transactions would not involve a change of control of the Company or any meaningful
increase in the percentage ownership of directors and executive officers, including the
Affiliated Persons, since such groups ownership before the Transactions is 30.3% and is
estimated to be 32.8% after the Transactions. |
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The Board considered a number of alternative transactions to the Reverse Stock Split
and determined that the Reverse Stock Split was the only means for timely achieving the
benefits of going private in an acceptable timeframe and in a cost effective manner. |
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The Board received an opinion from Donnelly Penman, its independent financial advisor,
that, as of the date the Board approved the Reverse Stock Split, the $0.27 payable for
fractional interests in the Reverse Stock Split was fair, from a financial point of view,
to the Cashed Out Shareholders and the Continuing Shareholders. |
The Board did not appoint an independent Committee to represent unaffiliated shareholders in the
Reverse Stock Split. The Reverse Stock Split is also not structured in such a way so as to require
the approval of at least a majority of the unaffiliated shareholders of the Company. In addition,
an unaffiliated representative has not been retained to act solely on behalf of unaffiliated
shareholders for the purposes of negotiating the terms of the Reverse Stock Split and/or preparing
a report concerning the fairness of the Reverse Stock Split. In assessing the Reverse Stock Split,
the Board recognized that no appraisal or dissenters rights are available under the Ohio General
Corporation Law to shareholders of the Company who dissent from the Reverse Stock Split. Despite
the foregoing, the Board believes that the Reverse Stock Split is procedurally fair to the
unaffiliated shareholders including unaffiliated Cashed Out Shareholders and unaffiliated
Continuing Shareholders of the Company.
In evaluating the procedural fairness of the Reverse Stock Split with respect to unaffiliated
shareholders in particular, the Board noted that the Reverse Stock Split would not differentiate
between affiliated shareholders and unaffiliated shareholders on the basis of affiliate status. The
sole determining factor in whether a shareholder will become a Cashed Out Shareholder or a
Continuing Shareholder as a result of the Reverse Stock Split is the number of Common Shares held
by such shareholder as of the effective time of the Transactions. The Board also noted, as
described in greater detail in the section below entitled Advantages of the Reverse Stock SplitNo material change in percentage ownership of Continuing
Shareholders, that the percentage ownership of Continuing Shareholders, whether affiliated or
20
unaffiliated, will be approximately the same as it was prior to the Reverse Stock Split. Further
the Board recognized that the market value of 499 Common Shares was less than $135 and at that
level of investment, it did not make economic sense for a Cashed Out Shareholder to assert
appraisal rights, which can involve significant legal and other costs.
Our Position as to the Substantive Fairness of the Reverse Stock Split
In addition to the procedural fairness concerns analyzed by the Board (as discussed above under the
section Our Position as to Procedural Fairness of the Reverse Stock Split), the Board considered
the advantages of the Reverse Stock Split, as discussed below, in reaching its conclusion as to the
substantive fairness of the Reverse Stock Split to our unaffiliated Cashed Out Shareholders and the
Continuing Shareholders, as well as the factors identified in the section below entitled Proposal
No. 1 Disadvantages of the Reverse Stock Split. The Board collectively reached its decision as
to the substantive fairness of the Reverse Stock Split and the price to be paid to Cashed Out
Shareholders in light of the factors discussed below and other factors each member of the Board
believed important. In view of the wide variety of factors considered, our Board found it
impractical, and did not attempt, to quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weights to the
specific factors it considered. Rather, the Board viewed its determinations as to substantive
fairness as being based upon its judgment, in light of the totality of the information presented
and considered. In considering the factors discussed below, individual directors may have given
different weights to different factors, but the Board as a whole did place special importance on
the opportunity for Cashed Out Shareholders to sell their holdings at approximately the market
price as well as (i) the compelling nature of the transaction in view of the anticipated costs
savings to be realized from the Reverse Stock Split, (ii) the importance of such cost savings given
the Companys limited financial resources, and (iii) the belief that funds required to fund
payments to Cashed Out Shareholders (estimated at $54,000) were reasonable to incur given the
anticipated costs savings.
I. Advantages of the Reverse Stock Split:
(1) Opportunity for unaffiliated shareholders holding less than 500 Common Shares to sell their
holdings at approximately the market price.
(a) Historical Market Prices
Donnelly Penman reviewed with the Board a detailed analysis of trading activity in the Common
Shares. As more fully set forth at Opinion of Financial Advisor-Recent Trading Analysis, the
trading analysis showed that as of July 18, 2005, the one year, 90 day, and 30 day average trading
price for the Common Shares was $0.27, $0.26, and $0.25 per share, respectively; and the one year,
90 day, and 30 day trading volume for the Common Shares during such periods was 206,101 shares,
51,161 shares, and 15,919 shares, respectively. In reviewing the trading analysis, the Board noted
the sporadic nature of the trading and the limited volume and believed that any significant
increase in trading volume would substantially depress the trading price of the Common Shares. In
view of the foregoing, the Board believed that the price of $0.27 per share to be paid Cashed-Out
Shareholders was fair to such shareholders and also fair to Continuing Shareholders. The Board in
reaching its conclusion as to fairness afforded more weight to the average trading prices than did
its financial advisor. See Special Factors Background to the Reverse Stock Split.
(b) Liquidation Value, Net Book Value, Discounted Cash Flows Value, and Going Concern Value
In its presentation and report to the Board, Donnelly Penman discussed its analysis, as of July 1,
2005, of its conclusions with the respect to the potential liquidation value $0.13 per share,
the net book value $0.41 per share, and discounted cash flows value $0.20 per share. The
liquidation value and discounted cash flow analysis were reviewed, discussed in detail, and refined
with managements input. The Board considered, discussed, and questioned Donnelly Penman as to
each of their valuation conclusions and each of the analyzes presented by them in support of their
particular valuation conclusions. The Board agreed with the analysis that Donnelly Penman used in each of its valuation methodologies and the
conclusions reached as to value. The Board considered the discounted cash flow analysis that is
based
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primarily on future cash flows as the primary indicator of going concern value since, as
noted above, other going concern indices of value (e.g. those based on multiples of earnings or
earnings before interest and taxes) were not meaningful given that Company operated at a loss in
its last fiscal year and for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2005. In arriving at its final
conclusion as to value, Donnelly Penman weighted discounted cash flow at 40% and both liquidation
value and net book value at 10% each. As noted above, the Board gave more weight to recent average
trading prices than its financial advisor. For further discussion of the valuation methodologies
and analyzes, see the section below entitled Opinion of Financial Advisor.
(c) Ability to control decision to remain a holder of Common Shares or liquidate Common
Shares.
Another factor considered by the Board in determining the fairness of the transaction to all
unaffiliated shareholders, individually, is that current holders of fewer than 500 Common Shares
may elect to remain shareholders of the Company following the Reverse Stock Split by acquiring
additional shares so that they own at least 500 shares of the Common Shares immediately before the
Reverse Stock Split. Conversely, shareholders that own 500 or more Common Shares who desire to
liquidate their shares in connection with the Reverse Stock Split may reduce their holdings to less
than 500 shares by selling shares prior to the Reverse Stock Split. The Board considers the
structure of the going private transaction to be fair to unaffiliated shareholders, individually,
because it allows them a measure of control over the decision of whether to remain shareholders
after the Reverse Stock Split or to receive the cash consideration offered in connection with the
Reverse Stock Split.
(2) No material change in percentage ownership of Continuing Shareholders.
Because only an estimated 200,000 out of 2,605,233 Common Shares will be eliminated as a result of
the Reverse Stock Split, the percentage ownership of Continuing Shareholders will be approximately
the same as it was prior to the Reverse Stock Split. For example, our directors and officers,
including the Affiliated Persons, currently beneficially own approximately 30.3% of the outstanding
Common Shares and will beneficially own approximately 32.8% of the Common Shares following
completion of the Reverse Stock Split. We believe that structuring the Transactions in a manner
that preserves the approximate percentage ownership of the Continuing Shareholders, whether
affiliated or unaffiliated, supports the fairness of the transaction to the unaffiliated
shareholders.
II. Disadvantages of the Reverse Stock Split:
(1) Substantial or complete reduction of public sale opportunities.
Following the Reverse Stock Split, the deregistration of the Common Shares under the Exchange Act,
we anticipate that the public market for Common Shares will be substantially reduced or eliminated
altogether. Shareholders of the Company will likely no longer have the option of selling their
Common Shares in a public market. While shares may be listed in the pink sheets, any current
public market for the Common Shares will likely be highly illiquid after the suspension of our
periodic reporting obligations.
(2) Termination of publicly available information.
Upon terminating the registration of the Common Shares under the Exchange Act, our duty to file
periodic reports with the SEC will be suspended. Information regarding our operations and financial
results that is currently available to the general public and our investors will not be available
after we have terminated the registration of the Common Shares. Upon our suspension of filing
reports with the SEC, investors seeking information about us will have to contact us directly to
receive such information. We cannot assure you that we will provide the requested information to an
investor. While the Board of Directors acknowledges the circumstances in which such termination of
publicly available information may be disadvantageous to our shareholders, they believe that the
overall benefits to the Company of no longer being a public reporting company substantially outweigh the disadvantages thereof, and, accordingly, the Board believes that
the
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disadvantages of termination of publicly available information do not outweigh the advantages
of going private, which is in the best interests of the Companys shareholders.
(3) Termination of public company obligations.
Once the Common Shares cease to be registered under the Exchange Act, the Company will no longer be
subject to public company obligations, such as the provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley. Although we will
no longer be required to file financial statements with the SEC or to provide such information to
shareholders, any financial statements we choose to provide will no longer be required to be
certified by the officers of the Company.
(4) Possible significant decline in the value of the Common Shares.
Because the limited liquidity for the Common Shares (as described in paragraph (1) above), the
termination of the Companys obligation to make public financial and other information expected to
result following the Reverse Stock Split and the deregistration of the Common Shares under the
Exchange Act (as described in paragraph (2) above), and the diminished opportunity for shareholders
of the Company to monitor the management of the Company due to the lack of public information,
Continuing Shareholders may experience a significant decrease in the value of their Common Shares.
(5) Inability to participate in any future increases in value of Common Shares.
Cashed Out Shareholders will have no further financial interest in the Company with respect to
their cashed out shares and thus will not have the opportunity to participate in the potential
appreciation in the value of such shares. However, those unaffiliated shareholders who wish to
remain shareholders after the Reverse Stock Split can do so by acquiring additional shares so that
they own at least 500 Common Shares immediately before the Reverse Stock Split.
Fairness Determination of the Board
The Board believes that the factors mentioned above, when viewed together, support a conclusion
that the Reverse Stock Split is fair to the Companys unaffiliated Cashed Out Shareholders,
individually, and the Companys unaffiliated Continuing Shareholders, individually, because under
the proposed Reverse Stock Split, Cashed Out Shareholders will receive an amount per share that is
consistent with current and historical market prices and represents a fair price within the range
of prices determined by a discounted cash flow analysis, which includes going concern and net book
values. In addition, the Board determined the Reverse Stock Split is fair to the unaffiliated
shareholders, in part because it provides them an opportunity to liquidate their holdings at a fair
price without brokerage commissions at a price that does not prejudice the Continuing Shareholders.
It should be noted that during the past two years (i) the Company has not purchased any Company
Common Shares and (ii) there have been no firm offers (A) to merge the Company with another
company, (B) for the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or (C) for the
purchase of the Common Shares that would enable the holder to exercise control of the Company.
Accordingly, in determining the price to be paid to Cashed Out Shareholders, the Board did not
consider the factors in (i) and (ii) of the prior sentence.
The Board also acknowledges that the unaffiliated shareholders will have some control over whether
they remain shareholders after the Reverse Stock Split by acquiring additional shares so that they
own at least 500 Common Shares immediately before the Reverse Stock Split. Those unaffiliated
shareholders who continue as shareholders following the Reverse Stock Split will maintain
approximately the same percentage ownership that they had prior to the Reverse Stock Split. The
potential loss of liquidity in Common Shares does not appear to be a significant loss given the
relatively low trading volume of the Common Shares. Furthermore, the Board believes that any
disadvantages associated with the reduction in public information available regarding our
operations and financial results will be offset by the savings in costs and management time
expected to be realized from termination of our public reporting obligations.
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As previously stated, the Board believes that the proposed Reverse Stock Split, including the cash
out consideration of $0.27 per share, is fair, both procedurally and substantively, to all the
unaffiliated shareholders, including the unaffiliated Cashed Out Shareholders, individually, and
the unaffiliated Continuing Shareholders, individually. The Board of Directors unanimously approved
the proposed Reverse Stock Split and reasonably believes it is procedurally and substantively fair
to each group of the Companys affiliated and unaffiliated shareholders, including the unaffiliated
Cashed Out Shareholders, individually, and the unaffiliated Continuing Shareholders, individually.
Opinion of Financial Advisor
The Company engaged Donnelly Penman to render its valuation report with respect to the fair market
value per share of the Common Shares for purposes of evaluating the proposed Transaction and the
fairness, from a financial point of view, of the $0.27 to be paid to the Cashed Out Shareholders in
the Reverse Stock Split. At the July 27, 2005 meeting of the Board of Directors, Donnelly Penman
presented its valuation report that reflected the fair value per share of the Common Shares as of
June 30, 2005 (the July 27th Valuation Report). Additionally on July 27, 2005, Donnelly Penman
was informed that the Board had made a preliminary determination to set a price for the Reverse
Stock Split at $0.27 per share and subsequently at a special meeting of the Board of Directors on
August 3, 2005, Donnelly Penman rendered an oral opinion to the Board of Directors on the fairness
of the proposed $0.27 per share price to be paid in the Reverse Stock Split. Pursuant to
the Companys request, Donnelly Penman confirmed its verbal opinion with a written opinion dated
August 4, 2005 in which it stated that the $0.27 per share price offered in the
Transaction was fair from a financial point of view to the Companys shareholders. On September
28, 2005, Donnelly Penman supplemented its July 27th Valuation Report (the July 27th Valuation
Report as supplemented is referred to herein as the Valuation Report). In addition, on September
28, 2005, Donnelly Penmen confirmed its fairness opinion letter of August 4, 2005 by reissuing such
fairness opinion letter under date of September 28, 2005. This fairness opinion is attached to
this Proxy Statement as Appendix A.
Donnelly Penman is a regional investment banking firm of recognized standing. As part of its
investment banking services, it is regularly engaged in the valuation of corporate entities on a
stand-alone basis or in connection with capital raising, going private and merger and acquisition
transactions. No limitations were imposed by the Company upon Donnelly Penman with respect to the
investigations made or procedures followed by Donnelly Penman in rendering its valuation conclusion
or its fairness opinion.
Donnelly Penman was selected by the Companys Board of Directors to act as the Companys financial
advisor with respect to the Reverse Stock Split. Donnelly Penman was selected based on the firms
reputation, experience (including particularly the firms general experience with middle market
companies and going private transactions) and price. No material relationship has existed during
the past two years or is mutually understood to be contemplated, or compensation received or to be
received, as a result of the relationship between Donnelly Penman and its affiliates and the
Company and its affiliates except for the engagement described in this Proxy Statement. Donnelly
Penman has been paid a fee of $25,000 to date, plus reimbursement of its expenses, for
performing the valuation and providing its fairness opinion. In addition, for acting as financial
advisor in regard to the Reverse Stock Split, Donnelly Penmans engagement letter called for
additional payments of $5,000 on August 17, 2005 and $5,000 on September 17, 2005.
In conducting the analysis to form the valuation conclusion, the principal sources of information
used by Donnelly Penman included, but were not limited to:
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Company SEC filings including, but not limited to the Form 10-K for the
years ended April 5, 2003, April 3, 2004 and April 2, 2005; |
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Internal financial statements for fiscal years 2001 through 2005 and
interim financial results for the months of April, May, and June, 2005; |
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On-site interviews with senior Company management to discuss the business,
industry, historical results and future prospects of the Company; |
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Tour of the Companys facility in Dayton, Ohio; |
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Analyses of historical capital expenditure requirements and working
capital cycle information for historical periods; |
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The Companys financial budget for the 2006 fiscal year (ending April 1,
2006) and evaluation of year-to-date performance relative to the budget; |
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The Companys five year projections for the fiscal years ending April 1,
2006 through April 3, 2010; |
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Various detailed internal financial schedules provided by management to
support historical financial information; and |
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Publicly-held company information on competitors and the industry from SEC
filings, Capital IQ, and other databases and public sources. |
In addition, Donnelly Penman reviewed such other data, including financial and industry data,
performed such other analyses and took into account such other matters as Donnelly Penman deemed
necessary or appropriate.
In connection with rendering its valuation conclusion to the Company, Donnelly Penman performed a
variety of financial analyses, which are summarized below. Donnelly Penman believes that its
analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and the factors
considered by it, without consideration of all factors and analyses, could create a misleading view
of the analyses and the processes underlying Donnelly Penmans valuation conclusion and fairness
opinion. Donnelly Penman arrived at its valuation conclusion and fairness opinion based on the
results of all the analyses it undertook, assessed as a whole, and it did not draw conclusions from
or with regard to any one method of analysis. The preparation of a valuation conclusion and
fairness opinion is a complex process involving subjective judgments and is not necessarily
susceptible to partial analysis or summary description.
With respect to the comparable company analysis and comparable acquisition transaction analysis
summarized below, no public company utilized as a comparison is identical to the Company, and such
analyses necessarily involve complex considerations and judgments concerning the differences in
financial and operating characteristics of the financial institutions and other factors that could
affect the acquisition or public trading values of the financial institutions concerned. The
forecasted financial information furnished by the Companys management contained in or underlying
Donnelly Penmans analyses is not necessarily indicative of future results or values, which may be
significantly more or less favorable than such forecasts and estimates. The forecasts and estimates
were based on numerous variables and assumptions that are inherently uncertain, including without
limitation factors related to general economic and competitive conditions. In that regard, Donnelly
Penman assumed, with the Companys consent, that the financial forecasts and other financial
information prepared by the Company had been reasonably prepared by management on a basis
reflecting the best currently available judgments of management, and that such forecasts will be
realized in the amounts and at the times contemplated thereby.
Estimates of values do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which the
Company or the Common Shares actually may be sold. Accordingly, actual results could vary
significantly from those assumed in the financial forecasts and related analyses. The analyses
performed by Donnelly Penman were assigned a weighting based on Donnelly Penmans opinion of their
relative comparability and significance with regard to the specific characteristics of the Company.
In its analyses, Donnelly Penman made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance,
business and economic conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of the
Company. These assumptions include: the expectation that no material adverse changes will occur
relating to the Companys management, customers or relationship with suppliers and marketing
partners; the
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expectation that general economic conditions will neither deteriorate nor improve significantly
relative to their current state; the expectation that no significant industry regulations or events
that would impair the Companys ability to earn income at projected levels will occur; and the
expectation that industry trading and transaction multiples will not change significantly from
current values.
The following is a brief summary of the analyses performed by Donnelly Penman in connection with
its valuation conclusion and fairness opinion:
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Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Donnelly Penman has prepared an
estimate of projected future cash flows for the Company for the
fiscal years ending April 1, 2006 through April 3, 2010. These
estimates of cash flows were based upon the Companys Financial
Forecasts which are presented at Proposal No. 1: Reverse Stock
Split Financial Information: Our Financial Forecasts. In
preparing this analysis, Donnelly Penman analyzed historical
financial results and held discussions with the Companys management
regarding the Companys business strategy, customers and markets,
operating structure, cost structure, and capital requirements. |
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The resulting cash flows were then discounted to a present value
using a discount rate of 18.0%, based on Ibbotson
Associates1 cost of equity build up method plus a
micro-cap company size premium2 of 9.90% and a Company
specific risk premium of 5.0% as determined by Donnelly Penman.
Donnelly Penman utilized a 9.9% size premium based on data from
Ibbotson Associates, which calculates a 9.9% size premium for
companies with a market capitalization between $0.5 million and
$64.8 million. The market capitalization of the Company was $0.7
million as of July 25, 2005. Donnelly Penman believed that a
company specific risk premium was warranted beyond the size premium
due to specific characteristics of the Company believed to increase
the risk profile such as (i) dependence upon a single marketing
relationship and (ii) significant product concentration. In
estimating the appropriate debt and equity weightings, Donnelly
Penman has utilized a capital structure that is consistent with
companies comparable to the Company and Donnelly Penman believes is
reasonable for the Company. Donnelly Penman also estimated the
residual value for the Common Shares using an earning multiple of
7.81 times [which is an approximation derived from the median EBITDA
multiple of comparable transactions (see Analysis of Comparable
Transaction Approach)] and applied to the Companys projected 2010
fiscal year EBITDA of $469 thousand. The discounted cash flow
analysis implied a value of $.20 per share for the Common Shares on
a marketable basis. This analysis does not purport to be indicative
of actual values or actual future results and does not purport to
reflect the prices at which any securities may trade at the present
or at any time in the future. Donnelly Penman included this analysis
because it is a widely used valuation methodology, but noted that
the results of such methodology are highly dependent upon the
numerous assumptions that must be made, including earnings growth
rates, future capital expenditures, terminal values and discount
rates. |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Book Value. The net book value or net equity method
implies that a company is worth its accumulated retained earnings,
or deficit, plus its original capitalization. Net book value is
primarily an amount arrived at over a companys existence which
reflects accounting history expressed in unadjusted dollars. Net
book value is an accounting concept that generally reflects the
assets of the business at historical costs (less accumulated
depreciation or amortization) and liabilities at amounts owed. Used
as a valuation methodology, the net book value does not give
consideration to the future cash flows that will be generated by the
business. |
|
|
|
|
Donnelly Penman has reviewed the net book value of the Companys
assets in limited detail and found net book value to be $1,069,901
or $.41 per share as of July 1, 2005. |
|
|
|
|
Liquidation Analysis. The liquidation value of a company
is the
collective value of its individual |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Ibbotson Associates, Stocks, Bonds,
Bills, and Inflation, Valuation Edition 2005 Yearbook |
|
2 |
|
Micro-cap company as defined by Ibbotson
Associates (market capitalization of $0.5 million to $64.8 million) |
26
|
|
|
assets, valued as if the Company
will not continue to carry on business. Donnelly Penman cannot
reasonably estimate the value of certain assets on the Companys
balance sheet such as land and equipment, the former of which could
carry a market value which significantly exceeds its book value.
Thus Donnelly Penman has relied upon the most recent appraisals and
estimates prepared by third party appraisal firms to determine the
value of the real estate and machinery and equipment. Real estate
and machinery appraisals commissioned by the Company are dated April
12, 2004 and August 28, 2001, respectively. Donnelly Penman
acknowledges that the value of the appraised assets may have changed
since the time of appraisal. Specifically with regard to machinery
and equipment, the time since the appraisal is important and there
is no guarantee that the equipment appraised has not already been
disposed or that such equipment is in good operating condition.
Donnelly Penman has made additional assumptions regarding the value
and liquidation rates of certain assets. While these assumptions
are believed to be reasonable, Donnelly Penman makes no
representation regarding the actual value that could be achievable
in the event of a liquidation. Liquidation value assumptions have
been discussed with and deemed reasonable by the Companys
management. Donnelly Penman can also not accurately forecast the
cost of liquidation or the time frame necessary for liquidation.
Donnelly Penman does not consider the liquidation of the Company to
be a likely scenario in the immediate future, however, Donnelly
Penman has undertaken an analysis due to the relatively low value of
the Companys assets and future cash flows in relation to the
Companys debt. |
|
|
|
|
Given the assumptions described above and the balance sheet as of
July 1, 2005, Donnelly Penman has calculated that proceeds available
to common shareholders post-liquidation would be $.13 per share. |
|
|
|
|
Recent Trading Analysis. Donnelly Penman analyzed the quoted
trades listed on the OTC Bulletin Board for Shopsmith, Inc. (OTCBB:
SHPS) for varying historical periods. Donnelly Penman used a simple
average of the closing stock price quoted for a period of 30 and 90
trading days and one calendar year. Only days in which the security
actually traded were counted in the simple average. The closing
price as of July 18, 2005 was $0.25, with no volume for the day.
For the past 30 trading days, as of July 18, 2005, the historical
average price was $0.25 with a cumulative period volume of 15,919
compiled over 7 distinct trading days only. For the past 90 trading
days, as of July 18, 2005, the historical average price was $0.26
with a cumulative period volume of 51,161 compiled over 22 distinct
trading days only. For the past calendar year, as of July 18, 2005,
the historical average price was $0.27 with a cumulative period
volume of 206,101 compiled over 66 distinct trading days only. It
should be noted that volume may reflect double counting due to
both the buy and sell side of a transaction being counted. In
addition, the prices and volumes displayed are from the trading
information provided by Capital IQ, a third party data provider, and
may not reflect all transactions that occurred over the
aforementioned time period. |
|
|
|
|
Utilizing the calculations discussed above, Donnelly Penman noted
that the relevant average trading values for the Company range from
$0.25 to $0.27 per share. |
|
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|
|
Analysis of Selected Comparable Companies. Donnelly Penman
compared selected operating results of the Company to a select group
of publicly traded companies. Donnelly Penman views a companys
public valuation as a function of Business Enterprise Value as a
ratio to EBITDA, EBIT and Revenues provides improved comparability.
Donnelly Penman believes that the public market provides objective
evidence as to value. |
|
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|
|
In this analysis, Donnelly Penman selected and reviewed the
following companies: Black & Decker Corporation (NYSE: BDK), Cooper
Industries Ltd. (NYSE: CBE), Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), Makita
Corporation (NasdaqNM: MKTA.Y), Richelieu Hardware, Ltd. (TSX: RCH),
Ryobi Ltd. (TSE: 5851), Snap-on Inc. (NYSE: SNA), Stanley Works
(NYSE: SWK), and WMH Walter Meier Holdings AG (SWX: WMHN). |
|
|
|
|
|
Due to the fact that the Companys primary product is a niche wood
working product and is a one-of-a-kind product among public
companies, no publicly traded company is directly comparable with
the Company. Donnelly Penman selected the above-listed companies
because they have a similar customer base, product type and sales
channels to those of the Company. The comparable group contains
publicly traded companies specializing in producing hand tools
and/or power tools designed |
|
27
|
|
|
|
for the do-it-yourself or hobby user.
In general these tools are either sold through big box retailers or
direct sources, such as the internet or catalogs, which is similar
to Companys sales and distribution model. |
|
|
|
|
|
As of July 18, 2005, the comparable company group was trading at
median value of approximately 1.41x last twelve months (LTM)
Revenue, 9.90x LTM EBITDA and 12.76x LTM EBIT. Typically, these
median values can be applied to the subject companys LTM financial
figures to derive an implied value. In the case of the Company, the
only multiple that would generate a positive value is the Revenue
multiple due to negative LTM EBIT and LTM EBITDA results for the
Company. Donnelly Penman believes that the implied value for the
Company as derived from the Revenue multiple is not meaningful due
to the current negative LTM EBIT and LTM EBITDA margins and
therefore has not given this value any weighting in the overall
valuation conclusion. Stated differently, the Revenue multiple is
only believed to derive a reasonable value if the profitability
measures of the subject company align closely with those of the
target companies selected, which is not the case with the Company. |
|
|
|
|
Given the methodology discussed above, the implied value per share
for the Company was $6.32 based on the median revenue multiple from
the comparable company group. For the reasons indicated above,
Donnelly Penman has not given this implied valuation any weighting
in the Companys overall valuation conclusion or fairness opinion. |
|
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|
No company used in the above analyses as a comparison is identical
to the Company. Accordingly, an analysis of the results of the
foregoing necessarily involves complex considerations and judgments
concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of
the companies and other factors that could affect the trading values
of the Company and the companies to which it is being compared. |
|
|
|
|
Comparable Acquisition Analysis. The comparable acquisition
approach seeks to estimate the price at which a company would trade
in the market for corporate control. From a comparability
standpoint, Donnelly Penman looked at the following aspects of a
company: industry, size and business model. Due to the lack of any
transactions reporting valuation multiples in industries directly
comparable with the Company, Donnelly Penman utilized a broader
approach to identify transactions in similar industries and of
similar size. Donnelly Penman identified 65 transactions which
reported transaction multiples through Mergerstat, a third party
data provider utilized by Donnelly Penman. These transactions
represented announced or closed deals which have been announced
since January 1, 2000 in which the target participated in the
consumer household durables, capital goods or leisure equipment and
products industries and enterprise value implied by the transaction
was less than $25 million. |
|
|
|
|
Similar to the comparable company approach, Donnelly Penman
evaluated the total consideration (business value) in relation to
its last twelve months Revenue, EBIT and EBITDA. On this basis, the
comparable acquisition group had announced transaction multiples at
a median value of approximately 0.82x LTM Revenue, 7.81x LTM EBITDA
and 10.37x LTM EBIT. Typically, these median values can be applied
to the subject companys LTM financial figures to derive an implied
value. In the case of the Company, the only multiple that would
generate a positive value is the Revenue multiple due to negative
LTM EBIT and LTM EBITDA results. Donnelly Penman believes that the
implied value for the Company as derived from the Revenue multiple
is not meaningful due to the current negative LTM EBIT and LTM
EBITDA margins and therefore has not given this value any weighting
in the overall valuation conclusion. Stated differently, the
Revenue multiple is only believed to derive a reasonable value if
the profitability measures of the subject company align closely with
those of the target companies in the transactions selected, which is
not the case with the Company. |
|
|
|
|
Given the methodology discussed above, the implied value per share
for the Company was $3.30 based on the median Revenue multiple from
the group of comparable acquisitions. For the reasons indicated
above, Donnelly Penman has not given this implied valuation any
weighting in Donnelly Penmans overall valuation conclusion and
fairness opinion. |
28
|
|
|
Donnelly Penman examined, within the group of 65 transactions
previously defined, the 1-day acquisition premium paid for publicly
traded targets. Donnelly Penman found the median 1-day premium to
be 30.08% above the trading price of the target company 1 day prior
to the announcement of the acquisition. Donnelly Penman applied
this multiple to the Companys trading value of $.25 per share as of
July 18, 2005 to calculate an implied value of $.33 per share. |
|
|
|
|
Donnelly Penman notes that no selling company reviewed was identical
to the Company and that, accordingly, any analysis of comparable
transactions necessarily involves complex considerations and
judgments concerning differences in financial and operating
characteristics of the parties to the transactions being compared. |
Using each of the values determined above, Donnelly Penman then utilized a weighting system
applying a different weight to each valuation methodology to yield its resulting valuation.
Donnelly Penman utilized the following weightings to arrive at its valuation conclusion of $0.25
per share for the Common Shares and its subsequent opinion that the consideration to be received by
shareholders in the Reverse Stock Split was fair, from a financial point of view, to the
shareholders of the Company.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Implied Per |
|
|
Valuation Technique |
|
Share Value |
|
Weighting |
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis |
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
|
|
40.0 |
% |
Net Book Value |
|
$ |
0.41 |
|
|
|
10.0 |
% |
Liquidation Analysis |
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
|
|
10.0 |
% |
Recent Trading 30 Day Trading Average |
|
$ |
0.25 |
|
|
|
10.0 |
% |
Recent Trading 90 Day Trading Average |
|
$ |
0.26 |
|
|
|
10.0 |
% |
Recent Trading 1 Year Trading Average |
|
$ |
0.27 |
|
|
|
10.0 |
% |
Comparable Company Revenue Multiple |
|
$ |
6.32 |
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Comparable Company EBITDA Multiple |
|
|
n.a. |
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Comparable Company EBIT Multiple |
|
|
n.a. |
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Comparable Acquisition Revenue Multiple |
|
$ |
3.30 |
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Comparable Acquisition EBITDA Multiple |
|
|
n.a. |
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Comparable Acquisition EBIT Multiple |
|
|
n.a. |
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Comparable Acquisition 1 Day Premium |
|
$ |
0.33 |
|
|
|
10.0 |
% |
Donnelly Penmans valuation conclusion and fairness opinion were directed to the Companys
Board of Directors and did not constitute a recommendation to the Companys Board of Directors or
the existing holders of Common Shares. Its valuation conclusion and fairness opinion are limited
solely to the value of the Common Shares as of June 30, 2005, given the relevant market and Company
specific information available at the present time, and the fairness of the Transaction from a
financial point of view.
On the basis of, and subject to the foregoing, Donnelly Penman has concluded that, as of June 30,
2005, the fair market value of the Common Shares was $0.25 per share. After Donnelly
Penmans telephonic meeting with the Board of Directors of the Company on September 28, 2005, at
which time Donnelly Penman provided its valuation conclusion, the Companys Board of Directors
reconfirmed its July 27, 2005 determination to pay $0.27 for each Common Share that will
be cashed out as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. This amount represents an 8.0%
premium to the fair value of the Common Shares as of June 30, 2005 as determined by Donnelly
Penman on September 28, 2005. At meetings of the Board on August 3, 2005 and September
28, 2005,
Donnelly Penman rendered oral opinions to the Board on the fairness of the proposed $0.27 per
share price to be paid in the Reverse Stock Split. Additionally, Donnelly Penman issued written
fairness opinions that the cash consideration to be received by shareholders as a result of the
Reverse Stock Split was fair from a financial point of view on August 4, 2005 and September 28,
2005.
The Company will make the Valuation Report available at its principal office in Dayton, Ohio,
during regular business hours until the date of the Annual Meeting for inspection and copying by
any interested shareholder or representative who has been so designated in writing. Additionally,
the Valuation Report is an exhibit to the Companys Schedule 13E-3 filed with the SEC in connection
with the Transaction. See
29
Where You Can Obtain Additional Information. Donnelly Penman has given its consent to such
inspection and copying by Company shareholders. Donnelly Penman has consented to the reproduction
of its fairness opinion in this Proxy Statement. Donnelly Penmans report and fairness opinion do
not constitute a recommendation by Donnelly Penman as to how a shareholder should vote with respect
to the proposed Reverse Stock Split proposal.
The Affiliated Persons Position as to the Fairness of, and Reasons for, the Reverse Stock Split
Mr. John R. Folkerth, who is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and
Mr. Robert L. Folkerth, who is President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director of the Company,
together own 28.3% of the Companys outstanding Common Shares and are referred to in this Proxy
Statement as the Affiliated Persons. Assuming 200,000 Common Shares (as is currently estimated) are
converted to cash in the Reverse Stock Split, the Affiliated Persons ownership percentage of
Common Shares and interest in the book value and earnings of the Company would increase by 2.4% to
30.7% as a result of the Transaction. In addition, as directors and executive officers of the
Company, the Affiliated Persons have additional interests in the Reverse Stock Split that are
different from those of shareholders generally. See Special Factors Special Interests of
Directors, Officers, and the Affiliated Persons in the Reverse Stock Split.
The Affiliated Persons believe that the Reverse Stock Split is substantively and procedurally fair
to all Company shareholders, including both the Cashed Out Shareholders and the Continuing
Shareholders. The Affiliated Persons as directors of the Company participated in all of the
proceedings taken by the Board in considering, approving and recommending approval of the Reverse
Stock Split to shareholders. The Affiliated Persons purpose and reasons for recommending the
Reverse Stock Split at the present time and their belief that the Reverse Stock Split is fair to
all shareholders are based on the same considerations, factors and reasons that they concluded as
directors that the Reverse Stock Split should be proposed at the present time and is fair to all
shareholders. See Special Factors Fairness of the Transaction and Recommendation of the Board.
PROPOSAL NO. 1
REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
The Board of Directors has approved the Reverse Stock Split and recommends the transaction for your
approval. The Reverse Stock Split consists of a 1-for-500 reverse stock split, such that
shareholders owning less than 500 Common Shares will have such shares cancelled and converted into
the right to receive $0.27 in cash for each Common Share they owned prior to the effective date of
the Reverse Stock Split, followed immediately by a 500-for-1 forward stock split. The Reverse Stock
Split is intended to take effect on the date we file an Amendment to our Amended Articles of
Incorporation (the Reverse Stock Split Amendment) with the Secretary of State of the State of
Ohio, or on any later date that we may specify in such Certificate of Amendment, which we will
refer to as the Effective Date. At 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the Effective Date, the Company will
effect a 1-for-500 reverse stock split of the Common Shares, pursuant to which a holder of 500
shares of the Common Shares immediately before the reverse stock split will hold one Common Share
immediately after the reverse stock split. Any shareholder owning less than 500 shares of the
Common Shares immediately before the reverse stock split will receive the right to receive cash in
exchange for the resulting fractional shares and will no longer be a shareholder of the Company. At
6:01 p.m., Eastern Time, on the Effective Date, the Company will effect a 500-for-1 forward stock
split of the Common Shares, pursuant to which a holder of one Common Share immediately after the
reverse stock split and immediately prior to the forward stock split will hold 500 Common Shares
immediately after the forward stock split. In other words, a shareholder holding 500 or more Common
Shares immediately before the Reverse Stock Split will continue to hold the same number of shares
after the completion of the Reverse Stock Split and will not receive any cash payment.
As of July 31, 2005, there were 2,605,233 Common Shares outstanding and 1,175 holders of record. As
of such date, approximately 1,080 holders of record held less than 500 Common Shares. As a result,
we believe that the Reverse Stock Split will reduce the number of holders of record of the Company to
approximately 100.
30
The Board has set the cash consideration to be paid to Cashed Out Shareholders at $0.27 per share.
The Board determined this value after it evaluated the opinion provided by Donnelly Penman
establishing a fairness range and discussed all prices within the range, including the high and low
prices. The Company currently estimates that Cashed Out Shareholders will receive cash
consideration for their cancelled shares within approximately three weeks after the Effective Date.
In order to complete the Reverse Stock Split, a majority of the shares of the Common Shares
outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting must approve the Reverse Stock Split
Amendment to our Amended Articles of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split. Directors and
executive officers of the Company, including the Affiliated Persons, own 30.3% of the outstanding
Common Shares and have indicated that they will vote in favor of the Reverse Stock Split Amendment
at the Annual Meeting. The Board has retained for itself the absolute authority to reject (and not
implement) the Reverse Stock Split (even after approved by the shareholders) if it subsequently
determines that the Reverse Stock Split for any reason is not then in the best interests of the
Company. Such reasons include any change in the nature of the shareholdings of the Company prior to
the Effective Date which results in the failure of the Reverse Stock Split to effect a reduction in
the number of shareholders of record of the Company to below 500.
The Reverse Stock Split is considered a going private transaction as defined in Rule 13e-3
promulgated under the Exchange Act because it is intended to and, if completed, will likely
terminate the registration of the Common Shares under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act and suspend
the Companys duty to file periodic reports with the SEC. In connection with the Reverse Stock
Split, we have filed a Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement on Schedule 13E-3 with the SEC.
Special Interests of Directors, Officers, and the Affiliated Persons in the Reverse Stock Split
In considering the recommendation of the Board with respect to the proposed Reverse Stock Split,
shareholders should be aware that the Companys executive officers and directors have interests in
the Reverse Stock Split that are in addition to, or different from, the shareholders generally.
These interests may create potential conflicts of interest and include the following:
|
|
each executive officer and each member of the Board of
Directors holds shares or vested options in excess of 500
shares and will, therefore, retain Common Shares or options to
purchase Common Shares after the Reverse Stock Split; |
|
|
|
after the Reverse Stock Split, the directors and
executive officers of the Company will continue to hold the
offices and positions they held immediately prior to the
Reverse Stock Split. Accordingly, any compensation
arrangements in effect prior to the Reverse Stock Split will
remain in effect after the Reverse Stock Split; |
|
|
|
as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the shareholders
who own more than 500 Common Shares on the Effective Date of
the Reverse Stock Split, including the Companys executive
officers and directors, will slightly increase their
percentage ownership interest in the Company because only an
estimated 200,000 Common Shares will be eliminated as a result
of the Reverse Stock Split. For example, assuming the Reverse
Stock Split is implemented and based on information and
estimates of record ownership and shares outstanding and other
ownership information and assumptions as of July 31, 2005, the
beneficial ownership percentage of the Companys executive
officers and directors, including the Affiliated Persons, will
increase from 30.3% to 32.8%; and |
|
|
|
the legal exposure for board members of public companies
has increased significantly, especially in the aftermath of
recent legislation and related regulations. While there are
still significant controls, regulations and liabilities for directors and executive officers of private companies, the
legal exposure for the Companys directors and executive officers will be reduced after the
Reverse Stock Split. |
31
Source of Funds and Expenses
Based on estimates of record ownership of Common Shares, the number of shares outstanding and other
information as of July 31, 2005 and assuming that 200,000 fractional shares are cashed out, we
estimate that the total funds required to consummate the Reverse Stock Split will be approximately
$181,500, of which $54,000 will be used to pay the consideration to shareholders entitled to
receive cash for their shares, and $117,500 will be used to pay the costs of the Reverse Stock
Split, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Repurchase of 200,000 fractional interests |
|
$ |
54,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Legal fees and expenses |
|
|
75,000 |
|
Financial advisor fees and expenses |
|
|
35,000 |
|
Accounting fees and expenses |
|
|
2,500 |
|
Printing, mailing, and other costs |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
117,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
181,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
We intend to fund these costs using cash on hand and cash available as a result of factoring our
accounts receivable.
Dissenters and Appraisal Rights
Under the Ohio General Corporation Law and our Amended Articles of Incorporation, our shareholders
are not entitled to appraisal or dissenters rights.
Relationship to Capital Reduction Amendment to Amended Articles of Incorporation
As explained at Proposal II Capital Reduction Amendment, the Reverse Stock Spit will become
effective only if shareholders approve the Capital Reduction Amendment. If the Capital Reduction
Amendment is not approved, the Reverse Stock Split will be abandoned.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors believes and unanimously determined that the Reverse Stock Split is fair to,
and in the best interests of, the Company and its shareholders.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE
REVERSE STOCK SPLIT AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANYS AMENDED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO EFFECT THE
REVERSE STOCK SPLIT.
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences
We summarize below the material federal income tax consequences to the Company and to shareholders
resulting from the Reverse Stock Split. This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, the Treasury Regulations (the Regulations), issued
pursuant thereto, and published rulings and court decisions in effect as of the date hereof, all of which
are subject to change. This summary does not take into account possible changes in such laws or
interpretations, including amendments to the Code, applicable statutes, Regulations and proposed
Regulations or changes in judicial or administrative rulings; some of which may have retroactive
effect. No assurance can be given that any such changes will not adversely affect the federal
income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split.
32
This summary does not address all aspects of the possible federal income tax consequences of the
Reverse Stock Split and is not intended as tax advice to any person or entity. In particular, and
without limiting the foregoing, this summary does not consider the federal income tax consequences
to shareholders of the Company in light of their individual investment circumstances nor to
shareholders subject to special treatment under the federal income tax laws (for example, tax
exempt entities, life insurance companies, regulated investment companies and foreign taxpayers),
or who hold, have held, or will hold, stock as part of a straddle, hedging, or conversion
transaction for federal income tax purposes. In addition, this summary does not address any
consequences of the Reverse Stock Split under any state, local or foreign tax laws.
We will not obtain a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or an opinion of counsel regarding
the federal income tax consequences to the shareholders of the Company as a result of the Reverse
Stock Split. Accordingly, you are encouraged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the specific
tax consequences of the proposed transaction, including the application and effect of state, local
and foreign income and other tax laws.
This summary assumes that you are one of the following: (i) a citizen or resident of the United
States, (ii) a domestic corporation, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to United
States federal income tax regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if a United States court can
exercise primary supervision over the trusts administration and one or more United States persons
are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust. This summary also assumes that
you have held and will continue to hold your shares as capital assets for federal income tax
purposes.
You should consult your tax advisor as to the particular federal, state, local, foreign, and other
tax consequences, applicable to your specific circumstances.
We believe that the Reverse Stock Split will be treated as a tax-free recapitalization for
federal income tax purposes. This should result in no material federal income tax consequences to
the Company or to the shareholders who do not receive cash in the transaction. However, if you are
receiving cash in the transaction, you may not qualify for tax free recapitalization treatment
for federal income tax purposes.
Federal Income Tax Consequences to Shareholders Who Do Not Receive Cash in Connection with the
Reverse Stock Split
If you (1) continue to hold stock directly immediately after the Reverse Stock Split, and (2) you
receive no cash as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, you should not recognize any gain or loss
in the Reverse Stock Split for federal income tax purposes. Your aggregate adjusted tax basis in
your shares of stock held immediately after the Reverse Stock Split will be equal to your aggregate
adjusted tax basis in your shares of stock held immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split and
you will have the same holding period in your stock as you had in such stock immediately prior to
the Reverse Stock Split. Because the Affiliated Persons will receive no cash in connection with
the Reverse Stock Split, their federal income tax consequences in connection with the Reverse Stock
will be determined in the manner set forth in this paragraph.
Federal Income Tax Consequences to Shareholders Who Receive Cash in Connection with the Reverse
Stock Split
If you (1) receive cash in exchange for fractional shares as a result of the Reverse Stock Split,
(2) you do not continue to hold any stock directly immediately after the Reverse Stock Split, and
(3) you are not related to any person or entity that holds stock immediately after the Reverse Stock Split, you
will recognize capital gain or loss on the Reverse Stock Split for federal income tax purposes,
with such gain measured by the difference between the cash you receive for your cashed out stock
and your aggregate adjusted tax basis in such stock.
If you receive cash in exchange for fractional shares as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, but
either continue to directly own stock immediately after the Reverse Stock Split, or are related to
a person or entity
33
who continues to hold stock immediately after the Reverse Stock Split, you will
recognize capital gain or loss in the same manner as set forth in the previous paragraph, provided
that your receipt of cash either (1) is not essentially equivalent to a dividend, or (2)
constitutes a substantially disproportionate redemption of stock, as described below.
(1) Not Essentially Equivalent to a Dividend. You will satisfy the not essentially equivalent to
a dividend test if the reduction in your proportionate interest in the Company resulting from the
Reverse Stock Split (taking into account for this purpose the stock owned by persons related to
you) is considered a meaningful reduction given your particular facts and circumstances. The
Internal Revenue Service has ruled that a small reduction by a minority shareholder whose relative
stock interest is minimal and who exercises no control over the affairs of the corporation will
satisfy this test.
(2) Substantially Disproportionate Redemption of Stock. The receipt of cash in the Reverse Stock
Split will be a substantially disproportionate redemption of stock for you if the percentage of
the outstanding shares of stock of the Company owned by you (and by persons related to you)
immediately after the Reverse Stock Split is (a) less than 50% of all outstanding shares and (b)
less than 80% of the percentage of shares of stock owned by you immediately before the Reverse
Stock Split.
In applying these tests, you will be treated as owning shares of stock actually or constructively
owned by certain individuals and entities related to you. If your receipt of cash in exchange for
stock is not treated as capital gain or loss under any of the tests, it will be treated as a tax
free return of capital since the Company does not have any current or accumulated earnings and
profits, then to the extent your basis exceeds the cash received, you may realize a capital loss
(or, to the extent the cash received exceeds your basis, you may realize a capital gain). See
Capital Gain and Loss, below.
Capital Gain and Loss
For individuals, net capital gain (defined generally as your total capital gains in excess of
capital losses for the year) recognized upon the sale of capital assets that have been held for
more than 12 months generally will be subject to tax at a rate not to exceed 15%. Net capital gain
recognized from the sale of capital assets that have been held for 12 months or less will continue
to be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates. Capital gain recognized by a corporate taxpayer
will continue to be subject to tax at the ordinary income tax rates applicable to corporations.
There are limitations on the deductibility of capital losses.
Backup Withholding
Shareholders will be required to provide their social security or other taxpayer identification
numbers (or, in some instances, additional information) to the Transfer Agent in connection with
the Reverse Stock Split to avoid backup withholding requirements that might otherwise apply. The
letter of transmittal will require each shareholder to deliver such information when the Common
Share certificates are surrendered following the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split. Failure
to provide such information may result in backup withholding at a rate of 28%.
As explained above, the amounts paid to you as a result of the Reverse Stock Split may result in
capital gain or loss to you depending on your individual circumstances. You should consult your tax
advisor as to the particular federal, state, local, foreign, and other tax consequences of the
transaction, in light of your specific circumstances.
THE PRECEDING DISCUSSION OF THE MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK
SPLIT IS GENERAL AND DOES NOT INCLUDE ALL CONSEQUENCES TO EVERY SHAREHOLDER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE,
LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS. ACCORDINGLY, EACH SHAREHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO
THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO IT OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND
EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS, AND OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGES IN APPLICABLE LAW.
34
Market for Common Shares
The Common Shares are traded on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol SHPS in the
over-the-counter market. The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices for the Common
Shares for the periods indicated. The limited and sporadic trading in the Common Shares does not
constitute, nor should it be considered, an established public trading market for the Common
Shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period |
|
High |
|
Low |
Fiscal Year Ended April 3, 2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
st Quarter |
|
$ |
0.34 |
|
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
2 nd Quarter |
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
0.24 |
|
3 rd Quarter |
|
|
0.51 |
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
4 th Quarter |
|
|
0.52 |
|
|
|
0.26 |
|
Fiscal Year Ended April 2, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 st Quarter |
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
|
$ |
0.26 |
|
2 nd Quarter |
|
|
0.28 |
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
3 rd Quarter |
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
4 th Quarter |
|
|
0.34 |
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
Fiscal Year Ending April 1, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 st Quarter |
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
2 nd Quarter (through August 31, 2005) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend Policy
The Company has not paid cash dividends on its Common Shares in recent years and does not
anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.
Financial Information
Summary Financial Information
The following summary of historical consolidated financial data was derived from the Companys
audited financial statements as of and for each of the fiscal years ended April 2, 2005, April 3,
2004, April 5, 2003, March 30, 2002 and March 31, 2001, and from the Companys unaudited interim
condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for each quarter ended July 2, 2005 and July
3, 2004. This financial information is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements of the Company and related notes contained in the Companys
Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended April 2, 2005 and the financial information
contained in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 2005, which accompany
this Proxy Statement and are incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement. See Where You Can
Find Additional Information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months |
|
|
Fiscal Years Ended |
|
Ended |
(in thousands except |
|
April 2, |
|
April 3, |
|
April 5, |
|
March 30, |
|
March 31, |
|
July 2, |
|
July 3, |
per share data) |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
Income Statement Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales |
|
$ |
13,359 |
|
|
$ |
13,793 |
|
|
$ |
15,336 |
|
|
$ |
16,275 |
|
|
$ |
17,505 |
|
|
$ |
2,603 |
|
|
$ |
2,787 |
|
Interest income |
|
|
193 |
|
|
|
192 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
(169 |
) |
|
|
(239 |
) |
|
|
(328 |
) |
|
|
(285 |
) |
|
|
(216 |
) |
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
(54 |
) |
Income (loss)
before income taxes |
|
|
(771 |
) |
|
|
134 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
(510 |
) |
|
|
(116 |
) |
|
|
(282 |
) |
|
|
(457 |
) |
Income tax expense |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(771 |
) |
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
(1,790 |
) |
|
|
(116 |
) |
|
|
(282 |
) |
|
|
(457 |
) |
Income (loss) per
share-basic |
|
|
(0.30 |
) |
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
(0.69 |
) |
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
|
|
(0.18 |
) |
Income (loss) per
share-diluted |
|
|
(0.30 |
) |
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
(0.69 |
) |
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
|
|
(0.18 |
) |
35
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 2, |
|
April 3, |
|
April 5, |
|
March 30, |
|
March 31, |
|
July 2, |
|
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
2005 |
Balance Sheet: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Working capital
(deficiency) |
|
$ |
(2,232 |
) |
|
$ |
1,098 |
|
|
$ |
1,131 |
|
|
$ |
1,328 |
|
|
$ |
2,296 |
|
|
|
(1,475 |
) |
Property-net |
|
|
2,517 |
|
|
|
2,593 |
|
|
|
2,658 |
|
|
|
2,830 |
|
|
|
3,007 |
|
|
|
2,485 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
6,941 |
|
|
|
6,705 |
|
|
|
7,049 |
|
|
|
7,440 |
|
|
|
8,577 |
|
|
|
5,477 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,267 |
|
|
|
2,374 |
|
|
|
2,479 |
|
|
|
2,568 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders
equity |
|
|
1,354 |
|
|
|
2,125 |
|
|
|
1,996 |
|
|
|
1,896 |
|
|
|
3,686 |
|
|
|
1,072 |
|
Book value per
share |
|
|
0.52 |
|
|
|
0.82 |
|
|
|
0.77 |
|
|
|
0.73 |
|
|
|
1.41 |
|
|
|
0.41 |
|
Our Financial Forecasts
We do not ordinarily make public forecasts or projections of future performance or earnings.
However, our management prepared the financial forecasts for the fiscal years ended April 1, 2006
through April 3, 2010 (the Financial Forecasts) set forth below for use by Donnelly Penman in
connection with the preparation of its Valuation Report and Fairness Opinion. The Financial
Forecasts were not prepared with a view towards public disclosure or compliance with published
guidelines of the SEC, the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants for Prospective Financial Information or generally accepted accounting principles. Our
certified public accountants have not examined or compiled the Financial Forecasts or expressed any
conclusion or provided any form of assurance with respect to the Financial Forecasts and,
accordingly, assume no responsibility for them. They are included below solely for the purpose of
giving our shareholders access to the same information that was not publicly available that we
provided to Donnelly Penman.
The Financial Forecasts are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those statements and should be read with
caution. They are subjective in many respects and thus susceptible to interpretations and periodic
revisions based on actual experience. While presented with numerical specificity, the Financial
Forecasts are based upon a variety of estimates and assumptions made by our management including
those described below. Some or all of the assumptions may not be realized, and they are inherently
subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, all of
which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. In addition the Financial
Forecasts do not take into account the Reverse Stock Split transaction. For these reasons, the
inclusion of the Financial Forecasts in this Proxy Statement should not be regarded as an
indication that the Financial Forecasts will be an accurate prediction of future events, and they
should not be relied on as such. No one has made, or makes, any representation to any shareholder
regarding the information contained in the Financial Forecasts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Years Ending: |
|
Projected Income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statement |
|
April 1, 2006 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
April 5, 2008 |
|
|
April 4, 2009 |
|
|
April 3, 2010 |
|
Net Sales |
|
$ |
11,922,368 |
|
|
$ |
13,036,399 |
|
|
$ |
13,613,614 |
|
|
$ |
14,277,411 |
|
|
$ |
14,630,668 |
|
Cost of Products
Sold |
|
$ |
5,940,040 |
|
|
$ |
6,437,320 |
|
|
$ |
6,694,977 |
|
|
$ |
6,991,283 |
|
|
$ |
7,148,969 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Margin |
|
$ |
5,982,328 |
|
|
$ |
6,599,079 |
|
|
$ |
6,918,637 |
|
|
$ |
7,286,128 |
|
|
$ |
7,481,699 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling Expenses |
|
$ |
4,632,147 |
|
|
$ |
4,990,761 |
|
|
$ |
5,138,402 |
|
|
$ |
5,307,069 |
|
|
$ |
5,380,931 |
|
Admin Expenses |
|
$ |
1,457,632 |
|
|
$ |
1,486,785 |
|
|
$ |
1,566,520 |
|
|
$ |
1,677,851 |
|
|
$ |
1,791,408 |
|
Interest Expense |
|
$ |
157,153 |
|
|
$ |
149,295 |
|
|
$ |
141,831 |
|
|
$ |
134,739 |
|
|
$ |
128,002 |
|
Other (Income) |
|
$ |
(135,800 |
) |
|
$ |
(85,800 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,800 |
) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income (Loss)
before Income
Taxes |
|
$ |
(128,804 |
) |
|
$ |
58,038 |
|
|
$ |
107,684 |
|
|
$ |
166,469 |
|
|
$ |
181,358 |
|
Income Taxes |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income Profit
(Loss) |
|
$ |
(128,804 |
) |
|
$ |
58,038 |
|
|
$ |
107,684 |
|
|
$ |
166,469 |
|
|
$ |
181,358 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
Assumptions: |
|
|
(1) |
|
Estimated results for fiscal year 2006 was used as baseline; it is assumed that no new
products are introduced in an effort to increase sales; and it is also assumed sales will
increase 9.3%, 4.4%, 4.9% and 2.5% in fiscal years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively, when
compared with the immediately preceding year based primarily on an improved business climate for
woodworking products and more focused marketing efforts. |
|
|
(2) |
|
Cost of sales kept flat due to belief that increase in units will result in decrease in cost
of materials, overhead and labor efficiency. |
|
(3) |
|
Sales, cost of sales, and selling expense are adjusted for anticipated effect of certain
selling programs. |
|
(4) |
|
Other Income represents savings from layoffs and assumed positions replaced over three years. |
|
(5) |
|
No tax provision due to net operating loss carryovers is provided. |
PROPOSAL NO. 2
CAPITAL REDUCTION AMENDMENT
The Board of Directors has approved the Capital Reduction and recommends that shareholders vote in
favor of the Capital Reduction. The Capital Reduction will take effect on the date we file an
Amendment to our Amended Articles of Incorporation (the Capital Reduction Amendment) with the
Secretary of State of the State of Ohio. If shareholders approve the Capital Reduction Amendment,
the Company will promptly file the Capital Reduction Amendment with the Secretary of State of Ohio
and upon the filing of such amendment, the Companys Stated Capital would be reduced from
$2,806,482 to $26,052. As explained immediately below at Reasons for the Capital Reduction, the
Reverse Stock Split cannot occur unless the Capital Reduction Amendment is approved by shareholders
and filed with the Secretary of State of Ohio.
In order to effect the Capital Reduction, a majority of the outstanding Common Shares must
approve the Capital Reduction Amendment. Directors and executive officers of the Company,
including the Affiliated Persons, own 30.3% of the outstanding Common Shares and have indicated
that they will vote in favor of the Capital Reduction Amendment at the Annual Meeting. The Board
intends to go forward with the Capital Reduction even if the Reverse Stock Split is not approved.
Reasons for the Capital Reduction
Under Ohio law, a corporation is not permitted to purchase its own shares, including fractional
shares or interests, if after the purchase, the corporations total assets would be less than the
sum of its total liabilities and stated capital account. The Companys assets are currently less
than the sum of its total liabilities and stated capital. If the Capital Reduction is not
approved, the Company would not be able under Ohio Law to purchase fractional interests in the
Reverse Stock Split. In such a case, the Reverse Stock Split could not go forward, and it is
likely that the Company would abandon the proposed Reverse Stock Split.
If the Capital Reduction is approved, the Board intends to file the Capital Reduction Amendment
because the Board believes that it may be beneficial to the Company and its shareholders in the
future for the Company to be legally permitted to purchase its shares. The Company has no present
intention or plans to purchase any of its shares in the future other than as part of the Reverse
Stock Split.
The following table sets forth our shareholders equity as of April 2, 2005 and as adjusted to give
effect to the Capital Reduction before giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
|
|
April 2, 2005 |
|
|
|
Actual |
|
|
Adjusted |
|
Shareholders equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred shares-without par value, 500,000 authorized; none issued |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Common shares without par value, 5,000,000 authorized; issued and
outstanding, 2,605,233 Stated Capital |
|
|
2,806,482 |
|
|
|
26,052 |
|
Capital surplus |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,780,430 |
|
Deficit |
|
|
(1,451,990 |
) |
|
|
(1,451,990 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Shareholders Equity |
|
$ |
1,354,492 |
|
|
$ |
1,354,492 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors believes and unanimously determined that the Capital Reduction is in the
best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE
CAPITAL REDUCTION AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANYS AMENDED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO EFFECT THE
CAPITAL REDUCTION.
PROPOSAL NO. 3
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our Board of Directors is divided into two classes of three directors. The term of office of each
class is two years, and one class is elected at each Annual Meeting. Of the six Board positions,
three make up the Class of 2005 (whose term of office expires at this Annual Meeting) and three
make up the Class of 2006. Currently, there is a vacancy in the Class of 2005. At the 2005 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders, two directors will be elected to the Class of 2007 and will hold office
until the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Since there are only two members to be elected to
the Class of 2007, a vacancy will exist in that class.
Should any of the nominees for election as members of the Class of 2007 become unavailable for
election, the proxies solicited hereby will be voted for a substitute nominee designated by the
Board of Directors. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the nominees
named in this Proxy Statement.
Set forth below is information with respect to each nominee for election as a director and each
director whose term of office continues after the 2005 Annual Meeting.
Class of 2007
Nominees to be Elected for a Term Expiring in 2007:
ROBERT L. FOLKERTH, 48, has been a director of the Company since 1994 and its
President and Chief Operating Officer since July 2001. He was Vice President of Sales and
Marketing from 1996 to July 2001. Mr. Folkerth was a Corporate Vice President, Finance,
and Secretary of Digitron, Inc. from 1991 until 1996. Robert L. Folkerth is the son of
John R. Folkerth.
BRADY L. SKINNER, 54, has been a director of the Company since 1995. Since January 1997,
Mr. Skinner has been associated with the Dayton, Ohio-based accounting firm of Brady, Ware
& Schoenfeld, Inc. Mr. Skinner was self-employed as an accountant from June 1996 through
December 1996. From 1994 to June 1996, Mr. Skinner was an Audit Partner with the Dayton,
Ohio-based accounting firm of Flagel, Huber, Flagel & Co. He was an Audit Partner in the
accounting firm of Coopers and Lybrand L.L.P. from 1983 to 1994. He is also President of
Phoenix Beverage Co.
Class of 2006
Directors Continuing in Office until 2006:
38
JOHN R. FOLKERTH, 72, is the founder of the Company and has been a director and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company since 1972 and Chairman of the Board since 1986.
J. MICHAEL HERR, 61, has been a director of the Company since 1975 and Secretary since
1985. Mr. Herr has been a member of the law firm of Thompson Hine LLP, Dayton, Ohio since
1989. Thompson Hine LLP serves as counsel to the Company.
EDWARD A. NICHOLSON, 65, has been a director of the Company since 1984. Dr. Nicholson is
President Emeritus and Professor of Management at Robert Morris University, Coraopolis,
Pennsylvania. He was President of Robert Morris University from 1989 until his retirement
in July 2005. Dr. Nicholson is also an independent management consultant. He serves as a
director of Blackbox Corporation, Lawrence, Pennsylvania, and Brentwood Bank, Bethel Park,
Pennsylvania.
Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast. Under the statutes of Ohio, if any
shareholder gives notice in writing to the President, a Vice President or the Secretary of the
Company, not less than 48 hours before the time fixed for holding the Annual Meeting, that such
shareholder desires the voting at the election of directors to be cumulative, an announcement of
the giving of such notice will be made upon the convening of the meeting and thereupon each
shareholder will have the right to cumulate his/her voting power in the election of directors.
Under cumulative voting, each shareholder is entitled to give one candidate as many votes as the
number of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of his/her shares, or to distribute
his/her votes on the same principle among two or more candidates, as he/she sees fit. In the event
that directors are elected by cumulative voting and cumulated votes represented by proxies
solicited hereby are insufficient to elect all the nominees named herein, the holders of the
proxies will vote such proxies cumulatively for the election of as many of such nominees as
possible and in such order as the holders of the proxies may determine.
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY AND BOARD MATTERS
Committees
There are two committees of the Board, an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee. Messrs.
Herr, Nicholson and Skinner serve as members of the Compensation Committee, of which Mr. Skinner is
Chairman. Messrs. Nicholson and Skinner also serve as members of the Audit Committee, of which Mr.
Nicholson is Chairman. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Skinner is an audit
committee financial expert as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Audit Committee has sole and direct authority to engage, appoint, evaluate, compensate and
replace the independent public accountants and reviews the scope of and the results of the annual
audit. The Committee also reviews and investigates such other matters relative to financial and
accounting matters as the Committee deems appropriate. See Report of Audit Committee for
additional information. The Audit Committee Charter is included as Appendix A to the Companys Proxy Statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on June 24, 2004.
The Compensation Committee has the broad responsibility of recommending to the Board a compensation
program designed to effectively compensate the officers and key management personnel of the Company
in a manner that is internally equitable and externally competitive. The Committee also
administers the Companys employee stock option plans and consults with the Chief Executive Officer
concerning management succession planning.
Meetings
During the fiscal year ended April 2, 2005, there were five meetings of the Board of Directors and
four meetings of the Audit Committee. No meetings of the Compensation Committee were held separate
and apart from meetings of the full Board. Each director attended at least 75% of the meetings of
the Board and
39
of the committees, if any, on which he served. Until July 2005, non-employee
directors received a fee of $700 per month for services as a director. Effective as of July 2005,
the fee payable to non-employee directors was reduced to $350 per month. In addition, under the
Companys Director Stock Option Plan, non-employee directors receive annually an option to purchase
2,000 Common Shares of the Company at an exercise price equal to market value on the date of grant
of the option.
Code of Ethics
The Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to the Companys Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Accounting Officer. The Code
of Ethics is intended to comply with Item 406 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended. A copy of the Code of Ethics was filed as Exhibit 14.1 to the Companys Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 3, 2004.
Nominations Process
The Board of Directors does not have a nominating committee or committee performing a similar
function and does not have a formal written charter addressing the nominations process. The Board
of Directors believes it is appropriate not to have a nominating committee because all of its
directors participate in the identification and evaluation of director nominee candidates.
The Board of Directors will consider director candidates who have relevant business experience, are
accomplished in their respective fields, and who possess the skills and expertise necessary to make
a significant contribution to the Board of Directors, the Company and its shareholders. Director
nominees should have high-leadership business experience, knowledge about issues affecting the
Company, and the ability and willingness to apply sound and business judgment. The Board will
consider nominees for election to the Board of Directors that are recommended by shareholders,
provided that a complete description of the nominees qualifications, experience and background,
together with a statement signed by each nominee in which he or she consents to act as such,
accompany the recommendations. Such recommendations should be submitted in writing to the
attention of the Board of Directors, c/o Shopsmith, Inc., 6530 Poe Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45414.
Attendance at Annual Meetings
All members of the Board of Directors are strongly encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders of the Company. All of the Directors attended the Annual Meeting in 2004.
Contacting the Board of Directors
Any shareholder who desires to contact the Board of Directors, an individual director or any group
or committee of the Board of Directors, may do so by addressing the correspondence to any of the
foregoing and sending it to: Chief Financial Officer, Shopsmith, Inc., 6530 Poe Avenue, Dayton,
Ohio 45414.
All correspondence received as set forth in the preceding paragraph will be opened by the Companys
Chief Financial Officer for the sole purpose of determining whether the contents represent a
message to the Board, an individual director, or a group or a committee of the Board. Any contents
that are not deemed inappropriate for the specified addressee (Director Correspondence) will be
forwarded promptly to the addressee. In the case of Director Correspondence addressed to the Board
or any group or committee of the Board, the Chief Financial Officer will make sufficient copies of
the contents to send to each director who is a member of the group or committee to which the
envelope is addressed.
The Chief Financial Officer will keep a log of all Director Correspondence received by the Board,
individual directors, or any group or committee of the Board. Directors may at any time review the
log and request copies of all Director Correspondence received by the Company that is addressed to
the Board or non-management directors as a group.
40
PROPOSAL NO. 4
APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Subject to approval by the shareholders, the Audit Committee of the Board has appointed Crowe
Chizek and Company LLC as independent public accountants for the Company for the fiscal year ending
April 1, 2006.
Crowe Chizek rendered professional services required for the audit of the Companys financial
statements for the fiscal year ended April 2, 2005 and reviewed interim consolidated financial
statements included in the Companys Forms 10-Q for that year. The Company expects that
representatives of Crowe Chizek will be present at the Annual Meeting, with the opportunity to make
a statement if they so desire, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
For the last two fiscal years, the Company was billed fees in the following amounts for services
rendered by Crowe Chizek:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended |
|
Fiscal Year Ended |
|
|
April 2, 2005 |
|
April 3, 2004 |
Audit fees |
|
$ |
54,900 |
|
|
$ |
55,775 |
|
Audit-related fees |
|
$ |
7,250 |
|
|
$ |
6,750 |
|
Tax fees |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
All other fees |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Audit fees related to Crowe Chizeks audit of the Companys annual financial statements and
their review of financial statements included in the Companys quarterly reports on SEC Form 10-Q.
Audit-related fees were incurred in connection with the audit of the Companys 401(k) plan. All
audit and non-audit services performed for the Company by its independent public accountants are
subject to pre-approval by the Companys Audit Committee.
In appointing Crowe Chizek to serve as the Companys independent public accountants for the fiscal
year ending April 1, 2006, the Audit Committee reviewed services performed during fiscal 2005 and
proposed to be performed during fiscal 2006. The Audit Committee also considered the independence
of Crowe Chizek.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the proposal to approve such appointment. In the event
shareholders do not approve the selection of Crowe Chizek, the Board will seek to determine from
shareholders the principal reasons Crowe Chizek was not approved, evaluate such reasons, and
consider whether, in view of the circumstances, a different firm of independent public accountants
should be selected for fiscal 2006.
REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of Brady L. Skinner, Chairman, and
Edward A. Nicholson. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent as independence is
defined in the listing standards of the National Association of Securities Dealers.
The responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set forth in the Audit Committee Charter, a copy of
which was attached to the this Proxy Statement. The Charter was initially adopted by the Board of
Directors in 1979 and has been amended by the Board several times thereafter, most recently in June
2004.
In connection with the fulfillment of its responsibilities, the Audit Committee has:
41
|
|
Reviewed and discussed the Companys audited financial statements for the
fiscal year ended April 2, 2005 with management and with Crowe Chizek, the Companys
independent auditors. |
|
|
|
Discussed with Crowe Chizek the matters required to be discussed by Statement
on Auditing Standards No. 61 relating to the conduct of the audit. |
|
|
|
Received the written disclosures and the letter from Crowe Chizek regarding
their independence as required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1. The
Committee also discussed with Crowe Chizek their independence. |
Based upon the foregoing and other discussions with management and Crowe Chizek, the Committee
recommended to the full Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Companys
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 2, 2005 for filing with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
The Committee has also appointed Crowe Chizek as independent auditors for the Company for the
fiscal year ending April 1, 2006, subject to shareholder approval.
|
|
|
|
|
AUDIT COMMITTEE MEMBERS |
|
|
|
|
|
Brady L. Skinner, Chairman |
|
|
Edward A. Nicholson |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Set forth in the table below is information as of July 31, 2005 with respect to the number of
Common Shares of the Company beneficially owned by each director and executive officer of the
Company and by all directors and executive officers as a group.
For purposes of this table, an individual is considered to beneficially own any Common Shares (i)
over which he exercises sole or shared voting or investment power, or (ii) of which he has the
right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days after July 31, 2005. Unless
otherwise indicated, voting power and investment power is exercised solely by the named individual
or individuals in the group or is shared by such individual and his spouse or children.
42
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
Total as a |
Individual or |
|
Beneficially Owned |
|
Percentage of the |
Group |
|
as of July 31, 2005 |
|
Class (a) |
John R. Folkerth (b) |
|
|
605,690 |
(c)(d) |
|
|
23.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert L. Folkerth (b) |
|
|
253,093 |
(c)(d) |
|
|
9.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Michael Herr |
|
|
13,200 |
(e) |
|
|
(f |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lawrence R. Jones (b) |
|
|
117,446 |
(d) |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Edward A. Nicholson |
|
|
12,100 |
(e) |
|
|
(f |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark A. May (b) |
|
|
82,156 |
(c)(d) |
|
|
3.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brady L. Skinner |
|
|
17,000 |
(e) |
|
|
(f |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directors and
Executive Officers
as a Group
(7 persons) |
|
|
1,100,685 |
(c)(g) |
|
|
37.7 |
% |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
The percentages are calculated on the basis of the number of Common Shares outstanding as
of July 31, 2005 plus the number of Common Shares subject to outstanding options exercisable within
60 days thereafter that are held by the individual or group, as the case may be. |
|
(b) |
|
The business address of John R. Folkerth, Robert L. Folkerth, Lawrence R. Jones and Mark
A. May is 6530 Poe Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45414. |
|
(c) |
|
The table includes 26,971, 3,496, 10,156 and 46,444 shares held in the Companys Savings
Plan for the benefit of John R. Folkerth, Robert L. Folkerth, Mark A. May and all directors and
executive officers as a group, respectively. The Savings Plans participants have the right to
vote shares held for their accounts, but disposition of the shares is restricted and may be made
only in accordance with the terms of the Plan. Information with respect to shares held in the
Savings Plan is as of July 31, 2005. |
|
(d) |
|
Includes 30,000, 90,000, 85,000 and 70,000 shares that may be acquired at any time within
60 days after July 31, 2005 by John R. Folkerth, Robert L. Folkerth, Lawrence R. Jones and Mark A.
May, respectively, upon the exercise of options granted under the Companys Stock Option Plans. |
|
(e) |
|
Includes 12,000 shares that may be acquired at any time within 60 days after July 31,
2005, upon the exercise of options granted under the Companys Director Stock Option Plan for
non-employee directors. |
|
(f) |
|
Less than 1.0%. |
|
(g) |
|
Includes 311,000 shares that may be acquired at any time within 60 days after July 31,
2005, upon the exercise of options granted under the Companys Director Stock Option Plan, 1995
Stock Option Plan and 1997 Stock Option Plan by all directors and executive officers as a group. |
43
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Federal securities laws require our directors and officers and persons who own more than 10%
of the outstanding Common Shares of the Company to file reports of ownership and changes in
ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission and to furnish the Company with copies of all
such reports. Based solely upon our review of the copies of these reports received by us and
written representations that no other reports were required to be filed, we believe that, during
the fiscal year ended April 2, 2005, all filing requirements applicable to our directors, officers
and greater than 10% shareholders were met.
COMPANY STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The graph that follows compares the Companys cumulative total return to shareholders for the
five-year period ended April 2, 2005 with the Total Return Index for The NASDAQ Stock Market (US
Companies) and the Total Return Index for Nasdaq Retail Trade Stocks for such five-year period.
The graph assumes that $100 was invested on April 2, 2000 in the Companys Common Shares and in
each of the two indexes and that dividends were reinvested.
SHOPSMITH,
INC.
Company stock
Performance Graph
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth certain summary information, for the fiscal years indicated,
concerning the compensation of John R. Folkerth, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Robert L.
Folkerth, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Lawrence R. Jones, Vice President -
Operations.
44
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long Term |
|
|
|
|
Annual Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
All Other |
|
|
Fiscal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
Compensation |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary($) |
|
Bonus($) |
|
Options (#) |
|
($)(1)(2)(3) |
John R. Folkerth, Chairman |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
150,000 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
5,500 |
|
and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
10,539 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
5,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
136,154 |
|
|
|
10,653 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert L. Folkerth, President |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
117,624 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
1,684 |
|
and Chief Operating Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
117,624 |
|
|
|
9,904 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
1,684 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
106,766 |
|
|
|
8,354 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
1,684 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lawrence R. Jones, |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
104,041 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
2,421 |
|
Vice President Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
100,510 |
|
|
|
9,493 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
2,421 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
89,255 |
|
|
|
6,983 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
2,421 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes $5,500 for each of 2005, 2004 and 2003 representing whole life insurance
premiums paid by the Company for insurance benefiting Mr. John Folkerth. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes $1,684 for each of 2005, 2004 and 2003 representing whole life insurance
premiums paid by the Company for insurance benefiting Mr. Robert Folkerth. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes $2,421 for each of 2005, 2004 and 2003 representing whole life insurance
premiums paid by the Company for insurance benefiting Mr. Jones. |
Stock Options
The following table sets forth information concerning options granted to, and unexercised options
held by, certain executive officers of the Company. No options were granted to or exercised by any
named executive officer during fiscal year 2005.
45
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION TABLE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities Underlying |
|
|
Value of Unexercised In-the- |
|
|
|
Unexercised Options at April 2, 2005 |
|
|
Money Options at April 2, 2005 |
|
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
|
Unexercisable |
|
|
Exercisable |
|
|
Unexercisable |
|
John R. Folkerth |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
600 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert L. Folkerth |
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
600 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lawrence R. Jones |
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
1,800 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
REPORT OF COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
CONCERNING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of Edward A. Nicholson, Chairman,
J. Michael Herr and Brady L. Skinner. The duties of the Compensation Committee include fixing (or
making recommendations to the full Board with respect to) the salaries of executive officers,
administering the Companys option plans, and establishing (or making recommendations to the full
Board with respect to) annual incentive compensation programs.
The approach of the Compensation Committee to executive compensation during the last several years
has generally been to keep base salary levels relatively steady with selective adjustments, and to
provide performance-related incentives through cash incentive compensation opportunities and stock
options. However, no incentive compensation plan was implemented in fiscal year 2005, and no stock
options have been granted to executive officers since fiscal year 2003.
Salaries of executive officers are reviewed annually. Effective as of April 1995, Mr. John R.
Folkerths salary was fixed at $150,000. At its subsequent annual reviews of executive officers
to and including fiscal 2005, the Compensation Committee continued Mr. Folkerths salary at the
$150,000 level. Annual salary adjustments for other officers have not exceeded 3.5% during any of
the last three years. Salaries of executive officers, including Mr. Folkerth, have, however, been
impacted by salary reduction plans, as discussed below.
Although there has been no specific relationship between the salaries of executive officers and the
Companys performance, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors do consider that
performance in setting executive salaries. With specific reference to Mr. John R. Folkerths
salary, the primary factor in fixing his salary has been his historical salary level.
In May 2002 the Company implemented an employee salary reduction plan under which the salaries of
officers were reduced by 15% and the salaries of other employees by 10%. Reductions under the plan
continued through December 2002. As part of the plan, fiscal 2003 pre-tax income above $100,000
was to be used to return the amount of the reduction to the officers and employees and to pay an
additional incentive equal to the amount of the reduction. Fiscal 2003 income levels permitted
approximately 76% of the reduction to be returned, with no additional incentive being paid.
With respect to fiscal 2004, the Committee adopted an incentive compensation plan under which (i)
the first $22,100 of earnings in excess of $100,000 would be applied to make whole participants in
the fiscal 2003 salary reduction plan, and (ii) a portion of any additional earnings would be used
for the payment of cash bonuses to executive officers. Under the plan, cash bonuses of $7,400 were
paid to each of Messrs. John R. Folkerth, Robert L. Folkerth, Jones and May, in addition to having
their salary reductions restored.
46
The Compensation Committee has in some years exercised discretionary authority over the payment of
bonuses to Mr. John R. Folkerth. No discretionary bonus award was made to Mr. John R. Folkerth for
fiscal 2005.
Effective as of April 3, 2005, salaries of executive officers were reduced 15%, and salaries of
other salaried employees were reduced 10%. In the event that earnings during the current fiscal
year (fiscal 2006) exceed $100,000, the excess will be applied to return the amount of the
reduction to the participating individuals.
|
|
|
|
|
MEMBERS OF COMPENSATION COMMITTEE |
|
|
|
|
|
Edward A. Nicholson, Chairman |
|
|
J. Michael Herr |
|
|
Brady L. Skinner |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS
AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Companys Secretary, J. Michael Herr, is a member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors.
TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT
In July 2003, the Company established a credit facility with a bank lender and repaid borrowings
from John Folkerth. Mr. Folkerth personally guaranteed $200,000 of the borrowings under the credit
facility. In consideration of Mr. Folkerths agreement to provide the guaranty, the Company paid
to Mr. Folkerth a guaranty fee of 1.5%. Guaranty fees of $3,000 were paid to Mr. Folkerth during
the fiscal year ended April 2, 2005. The bank credit facility has been terminated.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors does not know of any other matters or business that may be brought before
the meeting. If any such other matter or business should properly come before the meeting and any
adjournment thereof, it is intended that the persons acting under the accompanying proxy will vote
the shares represented thereby at their discretion.
The cost of preparing, assembling and mailing this Proxy Statement and the accompanying Proxy is to
be borne by the Company. The Company may, upon request, reimburse banks, brokerage houses and
other institutions for their expenses in forwarding proxy materials to their principals. Proxies
may be solicited personally or by telephone by directors, officers and employees of the Company,
none of whom will receive additional compensation therefor.
SHAREHOLDERS PROPOSALS
A proposal by a shareholder that is intended for inclusion in the Companys Proxy Statement and
form of Proxy for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received by the Company at 6530
Poe Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45414, Attention: Secretary, on or before March 1, 2006 in order to be
eligible for inclusion. If any shareholder who intends to propose any other matter (not included
in the Proxy Statement) to be acted on at the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders does not inform
the Company of such matter by May 14, 2006, the persons named as proxies for the 2006 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders will be permitted to exercise discretionary authority to vote on such
matter even if the matter is not discussed in the Proxy Statement for that meeting.
47
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.
Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SECs website located at
http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document that we file with the SEC at the SECs
Public Reference Room located at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain
additional information on the SECs Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our
file number under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is 0-9318.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with, or furnish, to them,
which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents.
The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this Proxy Statement, except
for any information superseded by information in this Proxy Statement. This Proxy Statement
incorporates by reference the documents set forth below that have previously been filed by us with
the SEC (or in case of our Annual Report to Shareholders, furnished to the SEC):
- our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended April 2, 2005;
- our Annual Report to Shareholders for our fiscal year ended April 2, 2005, a copy of which
accompanies this Proxy Statement; and
-our Report on Form 10-Q for our first quarter ended July 2, 2005, a copy of which accompanies this
Proxy Statement.
We will provide copies of these filings to you, without charge, if you write or call us at the
following address and telephone number: 6530 Poe Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45414, Attn: Mark A. May,
Telephone: (937) 898-6070. If you would like to request copies of these filings before the Annual
Meeting, please do so at least 10 days before the date of the Annual Meeting so that you will
receive them before the Annual Meeting. We will send requested documents by first class mail within
one business day of the receipt of the request. We will send copies of these filings to you
exclusive of the exhibits to such filings, unless an exhibit is specifically incorporated by
reference into the requested filing.
We have filed a Schedule 13E-3 with the SEC with respect to the proposed Reverse Stock Split. As
permitted by the SEC, this Proxy Statement omits certain information contained in the Schedule
13E-3. The Schedule 13E-3, including any amendments and exhibits filed with or incorporated by
reference in the Schedule 13E-3, is available for inspection or copying as set forth above.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement shall be
deemed to be modified or superseded for all purposes to the extent that a statement contained in
this Proxy Statement modifies or replaces the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded
shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute part of this Proxy
Statement.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
J. Michael Herr
Secretary
October , 2005
Dayton, Ohio
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APPENDIX A
September 28, 2005
The Board of Directors
Shopsmith Inc.
6530 Poe Avenue
Dayton, OH 45414
Members of the Board of Directors:
Shopsmith, Inc. (Shopsmith or the Company) has engaged Donnelly Penman (DP&P) to render an
opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, for the transaction whereby the Company
will effect a 1-for-500 reverse stock split, with the result that shareholders owning less than 500
Common Shares of the Company (the Cashed-Out Shareholders) will have such shares cancelled and
converted into the right to receive $0.27 in cash for each share owned (the Cash Consideration)
immediately followed by a 500-for-1 forward stock split in which all shareholders owning 500 or
more Common Shares (the Continuing Shareholders) will continue to own the same number of Common
Shares as they owned prior to the transaction (the Transaction).
You have requested our opinion as to whether the Cash Consideration to be paid to the Cashed-Out
Shareholders in connection with the Transaction is fair to all shareholders of the Company,
including both the Cash-Out Shareholders and the Continuing Shareholders (collectively referred to
as the Common Shareholders) from a financial point of view.
DP&P, as part of its investment banking business, is continually engaged in the valuation of
businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, underwritings of
securities, private placements and valuations for estate tax, succession planning, corporate and
other purposes. We are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a Broker-Dealer
and are a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers.
In connection with our review of the proposed Transaction and the preparation of the Materials
Prepared for Discussion, distributed on July 27th, 2005 to the Board of Directors, and
of our opinion herein, we have, among other things:
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Reviewed Shopsmiths Audited Financial Statements for the years ended April
5th, 2003, April 3rd, 2004 and April 2nd, 2005; |
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Reviewed Shopsmiths Annual Reports on Form 10-K and related financial
information for the years ended April 5th, 2003, April 3rd,
2004 and April 2nd, 2005; |
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Reviewed certain publicly available information with respect to historical
market prices and trading activities for Shopsmiths Common Shares and for certain
publicly traded companies which DP&P deemed relevant; |
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Reviewed the ownership structure of Shopsmith; |
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Reviewed certain non-public, internally-generated information and historical and
financial forecasts relating to the general business, earnings, cash flow, assets and
prospects for Shopsmith furnished to us by the management of Shopsmith for the 5
years ending April 2, 2010; |
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Discussed the past and current operations and financial condition and the
prospects and projected financial performance of Shopsmith with members of senior
management; |
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Visited Shopsmiths Dayton facilities; |
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Reviewed with management a potential liquidation analysis of the Company; |
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Reviewed a draft copy of the perspective Proxy Statement; |
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Discussed with senior management of Shopsmith the financial terms of certain
other transactions which we believe are generally comparable to the Transaction; |
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Discussed with Shopsmiths management and advisors the legal, financial and
practical ramifications of the Transaction; |
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Created various valuation models including discounted cash flow analysis,
comparable companies transaction comparisons and other comparisons; |
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Compared certain financial characteristics of Shopsmith to other publicly-held
companies that we deemed to be relevant; and |
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Reviewed such other financial and industry data and performed such other
analysis and took into account such other matters as we deemed necessary. |
In preparing our opinion, we have relied on and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all
financial and other information supplied or otherwise made available to DP&P by Shopsmith. We do
not assume any responsibility for independent verification of such information or any independent
appraisal of Shopsmiths assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise). With respect to the
financial forecasts, estimates, projections or other information furnished to us by Shopsmith, we
have assumed, without any further independent investigations and analysis, that they have been
reasonably prepared and reflect the best currently available estimates and judgment of Shopsmiths
management as to the expected future financial performance of Shopsmith, and we have relied upon
Shopsmith to advise us promptly if any information previously provided became inaccurate or was
required to be updated during the period of our review. In addition, we have assumed the
Transaction will be consummated substantially in accordance with the terms set forth in the
proposed Transaction documents and that each party will perform all of the covenants and agreements
required to be performed by it within the Transaction.
In our analyses, we have made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, business
and economic conditions, and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Shopsmith. Any
estimates contained in our analyses are not necessarily indicative of future results or value,
which may be
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significantly more or less favorable than such estimates. Estimates of values of companies do not
purport to be appraisals or to necessarily reflect the prices at which companies or their
securities actually may be sold. No company or transaction utilized in our analyses was identical
to Shopsmith or the Transaction. Accordingly, such analyses are not based solely on arithmetic
calculations; rather, they involve complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in
financial and operating characteristics of the relevant companies, the timing of the relevant
transactions and prospective buyer interests, as well as other factors that could affect the public
trading markets of Shopsmith or companies to which it is being compared. None of the analyses
performed by us was assigned a greater significance than any other.
It should be noted that this opinion is based on economic and market conditions and other
circumstances existing on, and information made available as of, the date hereof. In addition, our
opinion is, in any event, limited to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Cash
Consideration and does not address Shopsmiths underlying business decision to effect the
Transaction or the structure, tax or accounting consequences of the Transaction, other terms of the
Transaction, or the availability or advisability of any alternatives to the Transaction. Our
opinion also does not in any manner address the prices at which the Common Shares will trade at any
time, the value of the Companys shares after the Transaction or following the announcement of the
Transaction.
DP&P has been engaged to render financial advisory services to Shopsmith in connection with the
proposed Transaction and will receive a fee for such services, a portion of which fee shall be paid
upon delivery of this Fairness Opinion. In addition, Shopsmith has agreed to indemnify us against
certain liabilities arising out of our engagement. As of the date of this Opinion, neither DP&P,
nor any of its shareholders hold any direct position in Shopsmith Common Shares.
Our opinion is directed to the Board of Directors of Shopsmith and does not constitute a
recommendation to the related party shareholders of Shopsmith regarding the proposed Transaction.
Furthermore, this letter should not be construed as creating any fiduciary duty on the part of DP&P
to any such party. This opinion is not to be quoted or referred to, in whole or in part, without
our prior written consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld, except that there will be
disclosure as required under Federal Securities Laws or other applicable law.
On the basis of, and subject to, the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, as of the date hereof,
the Cash Consideration to be paid by Shopsmith under the Transaction is fair, from a financial
point of view, to the Common Shareholders.
Respectfully submitted,
Donnelly Penman & Partners
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APPENDIX B
PROPOSAL I REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
It is proposed that Article Fourth of the Amended Articles of Incorporation of the corporation be
amended by adding the following new section to Article Fourth that will be numbered Section 4:
Section 4. Reverse Stock Split and Forward Stock Split.
I. At 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time on* ___, 2005 (the Reverse Effective Time), each five
hundred (500) issued and outstanding Common Shares shall automatically, without further action on
the part of the corporation or any holder of the Common Shares, be reclassified and converted into
one (1) Common Share (the Reverse Stock Split). In connection with the Reverse Stock Split, the
corporation shall not issue fractional shares to holders of less than 500 Common Shares. As a
result of the Reverse Stock Split, each shareholder of the corporation holding less than five
hundred (500) Common Shares immediately prior to the Reverse Effective Time shall only have the
right to receive cash equal to $0.27 multiplied by the number of Common Shares owned by such holder
immediately prior to the Reverse Effective Time, and such shareholder shall no longer have any
further right as a holder of Common Shares. Each shareholder of record holding more than five
hundred (500) Common Shares shall continue as a shareholder with respect to all Common Shares,
including full shares and fractional shares resulting from the Reverse Stock Split.
II. At 6:01 p.m., Eastern Time, on*___, 2005 (the Forward Effective Time), each Common
Share then issued and outstanding, including fractional Common Shares, shall, without any further
action on the part of the corporation or any holder of Common Shares, be re-classified as and
converted into Common Shares at a rate of five hundred (500) Common Shares, such that each holder
of at least one full share at the Reverse Effective Time shall hold at the Forward Effective Time
the same number of Common Shares as the holder held immediately prior to the Reverse Effective Time
(the Forward Stock Split).
III. For purposes of Section 4, shareholder of the corporation holding less than five hundred
(500) Common Shares immediately prior to the Reverse Effective Time includes any person that a
nominee shareholder of record has identified to the corporation within 20 days after the Reverse
Effective Time as beneficially owning less than 500 Common Shares as of the Reverse Effective Time.
PROPOSAL II CAPITAL REDUCTION
It is proposed that Article Fourth of the Amended Articles of Incorporation of the corporation be
amended by adding the following new section to Article Fourth that will be numbered Section 3:
Section 3. At 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time on* , 2005, the Stated Capital of the
issued Common Shares of the corporation carried upon the books of the corporation shall be reduced
from the amount then existing to $26,052, and the amount by which Stated Capital is reduced shall
be credited to Capital Surplus on the books of the corporation.
* The date inserted will be the date following the Annual Meeting that the Board determines will
be the Effective Date of the Transactions.
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PRELIMINARY PROXY MATERIALS
CARD OF SHOPSMITH, INC.
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x PLEASE MARK VOTES
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REVOCABLE |
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PROXY |
AS IN THIS EXAMPLE
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SHOPSMITH, INC. |
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SHOPSMITH, INC.
The undersigned hereby appoints John R. Folkerth and Edward A. Nicholson, and each or either
of them, attorneys and proxies, with power of substitution and with all the powers the undersigned
would possess if personally present, to vote all of the Common Shares of Shopsmith, Inc. that the
undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the offices of
the Company, 6530 Poe Avenue, Dayton, Ohio at 9:30 a.m. on
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November _____, 2005, and any
adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on September 12, 2005 as the record
date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting
and at any adjournment thereof.
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Please be sure to sign and date
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this Proxy in the box below. |
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Shareholder sign above Co-holder (if any) sign above |
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For All |
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To elect two directors to serve for a term of two years.
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Robert L. Folkerth Brady L. Skinner |
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INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any
individual nominee, mark For All Except and write that
nominees name in the space provided below. |
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For
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Abstain |
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To approve the Reverse Stock Split as described in the
Proxy Statement for the meeting.
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To approve the Capital Reduction as described in the
Proxy Statement for the meeting.
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4.
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To approve Crowe, Chizek and Company as the independent
public accountants for the Company.
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To transact such other business as may properly come
before the meeting and any adjournment thereof. |
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The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR proposals
1 and 2, 3 and 4. When properly executed, this proxy will be
voted in the manner directed by the undersigned shareholder.
If no direction is specified, this proxy will be voted FOR
Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 4. |
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PLEASE CHECK BOX IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING.
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Please sign as name(s) appear at left. Executors, administrators, trustees should indicate the capacity in which they sign.
Detach above card, sign, date and mail in postage paid envelope provided.
SHOPSMITH, INC.
c/o Registrar and Transfer Company
10 Commerce Drive
Cranford, NJ 07016
PLEASE ACT PROMPTLY SIGN, DATE & MAIL YOUR PROXY CARD TODAY
IF YOUR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED, PLEASE CORRECT THE ADDRESS IN THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW AND RETURN THIS
PORTION WITH THE PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
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